GAP'S GOT BOOTIE

Pierre Hardy has done it again, so mark your calendars (mid September) and be sure to get a pair of this Fall's creations. Suede booties in several different shades and heights. If you see them before I do can you pick up a pair for me? Size 7. Khaki, please.

www.gap.com

NOT AN OPTION

Why do people put "black tie optional" on wedding invitations? If you want people to dress up then say so. If you don't, then skip the mention of dress code and let them decide for themselves. It's completely passive aggressive. You know the bride really wants you to wear black tie, she just wants you to WANT to wear it. It's like when a girlfriend says it's fine for her boyfriend to go out and then gets mad at him for actually going out. If you're a bride,, say it straight. If you're a guest, know that "black tie optional" isn't really an option.

BLABBER MOUTH

I'm sure you've gotten a bra or two from Victoria's Secret and maybe even a bathing suit but have you ever bought any of their clothes? I actually purchased a truck load of back-to-school clothes when they first started offering them back in the early 80's but had to send them all back because the quality was so poor. Times have changed. Victoria Secret has some really cute stuff at very affordable prices. This is one secret I'll be blabbing all over town.

www.victoriassecret.com

HAPPY CLOWN

Most of you know how I feel about chemical sunscreens....avoid them at all costs. Never mind that I put tar on my eyelashes (yes, that's what's in mascara),,, one natural step at a time. But the thing is, natural sunscreens (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) really work and they don't harm you or your kids in the process. Yes, they make you look like a clown but you'll be laughing like one when you're 50 and your skin still looks gorgeous.

www.californiababy.com

SOLED

You've collected and you've hoarded. You've followed the trends and abandoned them too. You have enough shoes for a village. Maybe it's time to start thinking of that village and donate some shoes. Soles 4 soles can help. You know your closet will thank you and so will that young girl wearing your old Doc Martens.

www.soles4soles.com

MEOW

Accessories in animal prints are big but I'm also on board with going more bold. A leopard coat,, especially a vintage one, gives you an instant fashion boost with absolutely no effort. LBD underneath or even a pair of jeans will instantly get you ready and ROARing to go.

www.poshgirlvintage.com

INDOOR PICNIC

Need a rug but don't want to spend a fortune? How does $16.99 sound? If you're just needing a little color or you want something easy to wipe up for the kitchen or a kids' room, a picnic mat can do just the trick. It's prettier than most cheap rugs out there anyway, which sell for 20 times more. Pass the wine and cheese please.

www.worldmarket.com

CUFFED AGAIN

I was about to post about my favorite pair of earrings, that I pretty much wear with anything and everything from Isabel Harvey, when I got sidetracked by their gorgeous cuff. If you didn't get one this Spring, get one now. Summer's not over yet.

www.isabelharvey.com

BABY SLINGING

It could be worth having another baby just to carry one of these around. Colorful and happy. What baby wouldn't want to be held in this? Serena and Lily have always outdone themselves when it comes to bedding but they really hit the mark with these babies.

www.serenaandlily.com

INHERITANCE

Ok, so your Great Aunt Margaret gave you a chest. A dark brown, very worn (not in a good way), big brassed hardware, chest. You are contemplating taking it to the dump. But don't. If you don't have the patience to paint it then mirror it (inspiration shown here). Then replace the old knobs with vintage looking ones, add some colorful plates, a few perfumes. That decrepit chest will look like the most valuable treasure ever,, although Aunt Margaret may not agree.

www.anthropologie.com

dresser knobs by sparkleinc featuring Dorothy Perkins accessories

OUT OF OFFICE

If anyone went to work in the mid 90's, chances are you went there wearing a suit. If you did, and you kept the jacket, you're in luck this season. If you were just born in the 90's, a shopping trip is in order. Blazers are back, even with shoulder pads. Wear it with that short jumpsuit, or a mini skirt and flowy top or your jeans and a tank. High heels are a must and so is rolling up the sleeves a bit to give it a fresh take. Luckily this time, you don't have to go to work to wear it.

www.nordstrom.com

JUMP IN

No matter how you wear 'em, regular shorts and a t-shirt just never feel chic. You have to seriously amp it up with heels or a jacket or pile on the jewelry, but when it's really hot or it's during the day, you don't have the inclination to do any of that. Practicality sometimes rules over fashion but luckily this summer you can have both. The shorts jumpsuit. It'll keep you cool and comfortable during the day with some flip flops or roman sandals, and at night you can throw a blazer over it and some heels and you're perfect for a balmy night in the city. And if you're playing at the park with your kids, sitting indian style playing duck duck goose won't be a problem.

www.topshop.com

BABY MAMA 20 WEEKS

They say you are what you eat. When you're pregnant, your baby is what you eat. While you might be thinking this is the perfect time to go hog wild on donuts and fries, remember the saying above. Good nutrition will probably serve you both a whole lot better.

Better to have an Egghead than a Ding Dong.