Summer leisure calls for some fun, free-flowing fashion

Tag : Leisure Blouses
Seeing as how this is my first column and all, I figured I'dintroduce my own fashion sensibilities with a top 5 fashion listI've collected for this hot, hot summer. When searching forinspiration for my own clothing choices, I like to look in quitepolar places. First, I read (almost religiously, almostpathetically) as many fashion magazines as the shrapnel in my backpocket can afford. Then, after quenching my thirst for highfashion, which could never be pulled off here in our lovelyLexington, I hit the Internet to check out what stores have highfashion-inspired pieces that are more accessible to the normal gal(oh yes, I should mention this column is mostly geared toward theladyfolk⬦sorry fellas). Then, I hit the streets and check outGoodwills, vintage stores, boutiques and (gasp!) even the mall totake what I saw on those glossy pages and tweak them at 325 degreesfor 45 minutes until I've found a unique outfit that fits my ownstyle. All that said, here's the list of my favorite summer trendsthus far:

1. Hats. Give me a good fedora and I'll show you a classic stylethat can always be reinvented. Hats in general are my favorite wayto show off a bold personality. Whether it is a fedora, a newsboycap, a beanie or even a printed headscarf, accessories on yercranium add an edge to any outfit and give an air of confidence(which is the most fashionable thing one can sport).

2. Gladiator sandals. Yes, yes, I know we all thought they werefinished after last summer, but no! The gladiator sandal has beentaken to new heights with straps reaching all the way up the calfthat would give Kirk Douglas (or Russell Crowe, whichever referencepoint you prefer) a run for his money. This style is not foreveryone because it is quite severe, but if you can pull it offthen more power to you! I like to pair mine with a summer dress orcut-off jean shorts and a white t-shirt.

3. One-piece bathing suits. A style that in 8th grade would haveshamed me forever, is back with a vengeance. Though I don't havethe body to pull off the one-pieces that have a multitude ofcutouts and are basically bikinis with one connector fabric, I lovethe innate sexiness of them. I also really like the 50s' retrobathing suits that offer complete coverage with ruching to concealeven the worst case of love handles.

4. Easy, breezy hair. Though I currently do not have long locks, Ilove the trend of the naturalist hairstyle. Short or long, thissummer should be about kicking back and just hanging out on porchesand drinking some brew while your hair is effortlessly fabulous. Nomuss, no fuss. Wake up in the morning, gasp at the state of yourhair after sleeping in an un-air-conditioned home and then throw itup in a ponytail or leave it be because frankly, Scarlett, thissummer we don't give a hoot.

5. Blouses. Though this style has just recently garnered attentionfrom fashionistas around the globe, 60s- and 70s-inspired blouseshave always been a favorite of mine because I can never get awaywith skin-tight tank tops (but kudos to those who can). Whetherpaired with an old pair of cut-offs or tucked into a skirt, blousesare feminine, easy to throw on, breathe well in the heat and are tres, tres belle.