Cool it down

Summer is all about Beaches, Barbecues and Cookouts!! To participate in all these activities effectively and with style you will need the perfect tote. Tommy Hilfiger's blue Cheers tote ($98), will be your lifesaver. This will be appropriately ideal for the upcoming July 4th weekend. Not to mention it has an absolute cool feature ( no pun intended). It can also be used as a portable cooler! You can chill out because all your goodies including your "happy" drinks and fruit slices will remain fresh and cold. And thats more than enough to inspire endless firecrackers!

Watch this And Chain that

Achieving the "hip chick" status can now be possible if you rock any or both of these pieces. The Ceramic watch from Rado ($1900), is HOT, HOT, HOT. Its definitely a scene stealer and the cool shade makes it easy to pair with just about anything. The Bike Necklace chain ($700) from Michael Kors is another classic piece with an edge. The clunky texture and translucent quality makes it a must have for any fashionista looking to make a statement.  

Say Her Name

Stella McCartney like her famed father Paul McCartney, has the midas touch. Not to mention the "wow" factor. A talented designer with admiration from celebs worldwide, Stella McCartney's newest collection of accessories are sure to burn a hole in any eager fashionista's pocket. Check out the Zebra Stripe Bootie ($675). This is probably more geared towards fall, but it would work perfectly well now if you pair it with some Wetlook leggings. The Pimlico Grommeted Clutch ($725) is certain to make any night on the town a real treat. And the fabulous Shiny Nylon Bowler tote ($645) is deep and wide enough to store all your  necessities comfortably and stylishly. The prices are steep but thats the cost of being a chic gal! So click over to stellamccartney.com and treat yourself to these and more goodies.  

Belt It Your Way

Belts have always been the one accessory that you can depend on to add texture and flair to a modest attire. Can't you just picture the Zig-Zag elastic multicolored belt from Top Shop ($36) wrapped around your favorite white or navy frock. For some Rock n' Roll chic effect go for the Leather belt with the studded details ($70) also courtesy of Top Shop. That would be a great asset to pair with your favorite slim jeans or ruffled skirt. Forever 21 has a cheaper version of the studded belt (15.80). The added antique buckle detail is pretty cool and even though its faux leather, its still fun enough to incorporate into your wardrobe. You can also feel runway worthy by taking on the black faux leather wide suedette basketweave belt ($7.80) that also sports the antique belt buckle. This gem also from Forever 21 would make any fashionista smile! So start now to belt your way through a sizzling summer.  

Trendy Designer Spotlight - Monica Botkier

Designer Monica Botkier is a native New Yorker who began her career in the fashion industry as a photographer. She has managed to successfully combined her eye for everything chic and her acute sense of style into a thriving business. She is now a five year veteran in the designing world and has made a name for herself both here and abroad. Her line of accessories include, handbags and now footwear. She is edgy and modern with a twist. From the convertible hobo bag made from Italian lambskin ($595) to the Italian cowhide and lambskin clutch with metallic strips detail ($177) and finally my favorite, the roomy botkier tote that boasts an embroidered logo stitched on the bag and a botkier coin charm attached to it ($198). This one comes in a variety of colors including the gold one pictured here. Visit botkier.com for more information.

Check out these cuties

Gone are the days when shopping for really cute clothes for kids became a major project. God knows when I was a tiny tot the only hip options available came in the form of overalls! Now with cool designers on the horizon, it is no longer a challenge to transform your little ones into full blown hipsters. Lola and James a kids clothing line based in Los Angeles, CA is owned by Montreal born and New York's Fashion Institute of Technology graduate Paula Scolaro-Sikking. It was started in 2007 and evolved from the former Claude label. She offers eco-friendly one-of-a-kind designs for both boys and girls and the sizes range from 0/6mths-10 years old. An interesting element to her line is her use of recycled fabrics and materials including cashmere blankets this helps to add a distinctiveness to the clothing she produces. Her use of classic rocker tees meshed  with a frilly top or cashmere sweater makes it hard for celebrity parents like Brad Pitt, David Duchovny and Travis Barker among others to resist. For more about this creative gem, visit lolaandjames.com

Trendy "Hot" Finds

Looking hot just got hotter with this super-duper collection that is guaranteed to spice up your summer nights in the city. Check out those Rock Hard Balenciaga heels that are all the rage from London to NYC. Beyonce, Rihanna and a host of other celebs have been sporting them. Pair with the fringy See-by-Chloe skirt and you have made a perfect match. And nothing is complete without a little arm candy, and the futuristic and mod-perfect crystal encrusted bracelet from Max and Chloe will surely make this ensemble sparkle. A cool sequined top of any color will be all you need to finish up your look. Studio 54, here you come!