Clogs are clearly the “it” shoe right now.  Better yet, there is no better shoe to take you effortlessly from summer into the fall and winter months.  Taylor of Sterling Style shows us 3 Ways to Wear Clogs with funky, relaxed, and romantic stylings:

1. Funky
“Since clogs are quirky and fun, why not style your outfit that way, too?  Play with the fabrics and patterns and don’t be afraid to mix and match.  Try wearing a layered skirt, socks, and funky accessories like floral sunglasses.”

Taylor is wearing a Queen’s Wardrobe top and Zara skirt.  Sunglasses from Nasty Gal, necklace from Urban Outfitters.  H&M handbag,  J. Crew socks and Jeffrey Campbell clogs.

2. Relaxed
“Even if you like to dress comfortably, you shouldn’t be afraid of clogs.  They go great with a pair of skinny jeans and a t-shirt — or try them peeking out of bell bottoms.”

Taylor sports a Gap tshirt and Gap jean leggings, Uniqlo hat, H&M bangles, Nasty Gal sunglasses, Betseyville handbag, and Jeffrey Campbell clogs.

3. Romantic
“If you want to wear your clogs out on a date, then try them with a pretty mini floral dress that shows a little skin.  Add feminine touches like a long pendant necklace and a flower pin that you can wear either on your dress or in your hair.”

Taylor styled this look with a Blu Moon dress from Planet Blue (worn inside out), H&M flower pin, House of Harlow 1960 necklace, Juicy Couture sunglasses, and Jeffrey Campbell clogs.

The popular denim cut-offs of the 1980s are making a rampant comeback.  I am glad to see the versatile bottoms hitting the streets of Los Angeles with a fresh twist.  They are a great go-to item for a casual summer outfit and can be worn so many ways.  

Bohemian Chic: Ashley Tisdale is working the look around town.  Try your cut-offs with a light cotton tank with ethereal details, like this Free People Sleeveless Button Down Ruffle Top.  Balance the feminine top with some rugged Frye Boots and a fringed cross-body bag like this Warehouse Fringed Flap Bag.    

Ashley Tisdale in Denim Cut-Offs

Free People Sleeveless Button Down Ruffle Top

Smart & Casual: Victoria Beckham nails this style with the perfect tailored cut of her womens tuxedo jacket.  To create a similar look, pair this Juicy Couture tuxedo jacket, a comfy burnout tee shirt, and a pair of platform stilettos.  

Victoria Beckham in a Tuxedo Jacket and Cut-offs

Edgy: This model backstage at Alexander Wang demonstrates how cut-offs can be worn in cooler weather.  Pairing your summer cut-offs with opaque black tights is a great wear to make the piece more versatile. Worn with some combat boots or Chooka Lace-Up Rain Boots and layering a zip-up hoodie with a leather bomber jacket, this look is sure to bring out your inner rock star. 

Backstage at Alexander Wang

Chooka Lace-Up Rain Boot

It’s no secret that I’m a makeup fanatic and need to try just about every new product that hits the market with a little buzz.  It’s also no secret that I’ve worked as a professional makeup artist for nearly 10 years — creating looks for debutantes, blushing brides, and celebrities alike.  Perhaps the question I’m asked most is: What’s the best mascara on the market?

While I’ve extolled the virtues of boosting your lashes, and almost fainted in shock over the price, even I am often stumped by this question.  There are so many different types of lashes and face shapes out there, it’s hard to pick just one.  However, there are some basic guidelines to finding the right mascara for you:

Here are a few questions to ask yourself: 
1. Do you still think there’s something else out there that you’d like better?
2. Does the mascara flake or bleed onto your skin?
3. Is it hard to remove and/or does it pull out the lashes when you wash it off?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, then honey, it’s time to find a new mascara!

Some of my all-time favorite mascaras that work on virtually everyone are Laura Mercier’s Thickening Mascara, great for “normal” lashes, and Clinique’s Naturally Glossy Mascara, great for more sparse lashes.  Both formulas apply smoothly with a buildable formula — so you control how much product you apply.  However, I may have found a new favorite.

Enter DiorShow Iconic Mascara.  Now, I wasn’t one to jump on the bandwagon when a slew of brands released formulas with “new” plastic bristles a few years ago – in fact, I thought the bristles looked like medieval weapons and was in no rush to try them.  However, a recent purchase at Neiman’s left me with a tester that I couldn’t resist trying out.

Initial Reaction: When I first started to apply DiorShow Iconic, I was hesitant.  I could feel the plastic bristles as I pushed the product into my lashline and shimmied it at the roots, unlike traditional soft bristles.  However, once finished with the application, the overall effect was absolutely stunning!  Dark, thick, separated lashes — yes!  One of my pet peeves as a makeup artist is mascara that looks clumpy or “fuzzy.”  This happens when a formula is too thick or when mascara is old.

Final Review: The DiorShow lasted all day with fabulous effects.  I’ve even cried since I’ve started wearing it, and it really stays put.  My only complaint comes when it’s time to take it off.  It takes both face wash and eye makeup remover.  However, the way my face is shaped I am constantly at risk for undereye smudging — so the fact that this mascara doesn’t smudge at all was an easy trade-off for the extra removal step.

Budget Bonus: That same weekend, coincidentally, I had a girlfriend come visit with a new tube of CoverGirl Lash Blast.  She generously let me try it — and it really did have the same effect as the DiorShow!  Bonus: CoverGirl’s product is about 4x less expensive.  While my next purchase will most likely be the DiorShow Iconic, I can easily see myself purchasing the LashBlast toward the end of the month when money’s a little tighter.

Tell me, have you tried any mascaras with the plastic/silicon bristles?  What are some of your favorites?

How one can live without a pair of lace up oxford flats in her repertoire of style must-haves, I do not know!  I absolutely adore this look.  Oxfords are a toned down kind of sexy that can be worn with a variety of looks.  Sure, this shoe trend has been floating around for what seems like forever, but that just proves how the look has crossed over into the timeless and classic category.  If you’re just starting to break in yours, here are some style tips:

1. Flowers and Lace(ups): A flirty, short floral dress is a lovely contrast to the menswear-inspired trend.    We like the Ralph Lauren Collection Elsie Printed Shirtdress.  Tip: try wearing yours with a pair of dress socks for a look that’s incredibly au courant.

2. It’s a Wo(man)’s World: Take the men’s look to the next level by pairing your oxfords with a structured blazer, vest, or fedora for a look that’s legitimately cool.  We’re obsessed with the J. Crew Panama Hat.  Wear with rolled boyfriend jeans or cut-offs.

3. Leave an Im(print): Wild printed tops or bottoms matched with a pair of lace ups emanates a look that is balanced and über-fab.  Try printed stockings for a look that’s extra wild.  The Clothes Horse just posted a fab look with oxford heels and leopard tights!

- Yvonne for beso

I’m quite traditional when it comes to my wardrobe, and I always believe in wearing outfits that are seasonally appropriate.  Velvet should be saved for late fall and winter, no white jeans after Labor Day — however, there are exceptions to every rule. 

Since moving to Los Angeles 4 years ago, I’ve found myself relaxing a bit and trying to experiment more.  But one thing that I have been struggling with lately is wearing red.  Every time I reach for that red top or gorgeous little red dress in the back of my closet, I find myself putting it back after a few minutes because it just screams Christmas to me.

Megan Fox, Kim Kardashian, and Eva Longoria

After doing some research and coming across these photos, however, I’ve become inspired by these highly wearable looks to give it another try.  Here are my tips for wearing a little red dress this summer:

1. Keep it neutral. 
Pair your little red dress with nude pumps for a sleek, summery look that is fresh and polished.  Of course, Louboutins always work, but I’ve got my eye on these much more affordable ones from Nine West.  Don’t forget the self tanner.

2. Keep it simple.
Don’t go overboard with accessories.  Try a statement necklace like Megan’s, or a large pair of dangly earrings like Eva’s.  Or, take a cue from Kim and let the dress speak for itself.

3. Keep it young.
Long locks that are slightly tousled out are what makes this look work.  I say, the beach-ier the better.  Save the fancy up-dos for the holiday parties.  Here’s an awesome tutorial on beachy waves from our Style Director’s blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere.