It's almost July, and you know what that means!  Patriotism is going to hit a sky high in the good old' "you ess of aye". And while the flag is going to be flown from every window, and find it's way onto every item from beer cozies to bikini tops... this is definitely a time to put your fashionista self to the test! Sure, you could dress in your everyday look and tote around a miniature American flag, but why drop the opportunity to get away with pure Americana fashion?!  I, personally, am not one for repping the brightly coloured flag in my wardrobe, but I've found many ways to represent the country, reguardless of my foreign status. Bleached denim shorts with the flag's pattern, and a 50s Americana inspired look will convey just enough patriotism for the 4th of July, and definitely enough style. Coming from London, I definitely see a charming draw to the holiday that I can't really refuse. Any excuse to rock my bright red Litas, red lips, and a 50s curled hairdo is a holiday I want to be a part of! So put down your euro-vamp accessories and clothing, and break out your creative skills! 

This summer has taken a different and exciting turn for me, as I enter the world of internships and research opportunities.  Working in a genetics research lab this summer has allowed me to get a taste of the professional world in terms of fashion.  Of course, as a college student, most of my ensembles have been free to reach any corner of the fashion world, from rocker chic to boho princess.  But when the 9 to 5 world becomes a reality (if even for the just the summer) the wardrobe must take a step down from the chain of command.  Working around equipment and finely tuned devices reduces my outfits to the more practical side of the spectrum.  Although I still rock the platform heels and wedges at work, no dangling, layers necklaces for me!  Instead, I try to keep my accessories simple and practical.  Watches and designer specs keep my look put together, while serving a purpose!  And while I may be tempted to pull out a maxi skirt and throw on a few bangles, running up and down the staircase all day and performing accurate tasks just isn't suitable.

My life motto is that fashion should never waiver just because you're in a new or unconventional situation.  Just a last week, I went hiking up steep shale barons, avoiding rattle snakes and bears.  I fishtail braided my hair to keep it looking cute, but away from my face (and rogue spider webs!) and rocked flatter black shorts, a distressed white tank, and black keds.  I also wore an adorable schoolgirl backpack from South Korea!  While my safety was my number one concern, I still kept my style ready for the trip pictures!

A blazer can take any casual outfit from lounge-worthy to office appropriate, without weighing you down, or getting in the way.  This summer, why not pair your favourite pastel chinos and wedged sandals with a v-neck, loose t-shirt and a blazer? Paired with a statement watch and a scarf, and no one will ever doubt that you can tell the difference between a Steve Madden and Jeffery Campbell from miles away.

I’m definitely one for florals, and lace, and ivory, and pretty details.  But I’m also one for spikes and hardware and black leather.  So this summer I’m all about keeping my edgy looks up to date.  I recently bought a pair of black wedges with spikes along the back heels and this has served as the kindling for my summer image.  My number one goal is to embrace the trends and styles of this season without having to hop from style-to-style.  It’s easy to feel inspired by a trend and embrace it for a day, or even a week, but it takes real skill and commitment to take your own style into the surge on inspiration.  Want to try a new risky colour or pattern? Well what better way to try something new than while embracing it along with your own style and things you are already comfortable in?  So if you’ve been pondering over the idea of trying out a new interesting trend, why not take your favourite little black dress and cardigan and rock those risky and attention-getting wedges!  Take risks!

Spikes are everywhere this season, and the biggest mistake you can make it to think you can't pull them off!  Whether your style is bright and clean, girly and frilly, boho and 70s, or rock and roll... you can work this unique embellishment into your wardrobe!  From shoes to accessories, you can go as loud as you want, or test the waters with a more understated use of the spiked embellishment.  Jeffery Campbell and Christian Louboutin have been sporting spiked heels for many seasons, and now it's time to pull those looks off of the runway and onto your feet.  A daring Lita adorned with spikes allows you to add edge to any outfit, with a pair of Louboutins with spike-adorned heels was add the right amount of "bad-ass" to an already sultry look.  And this trend doesn't just stop in the shoe department, spikes can be added to practically any part of your ensemble, which is what makes it a truly fantastic trend!

If you're still weary about this statement-making idea, try out a piece with spike additions of the same colour as the fabric!  This same-tone look will let you get you started on this trend which is absolutely wonderful! Try out jewelry pieces and accessories if clothing with spike detail is something you still thinks is reserved only for bikers and hardcore punks.  If you're lost for inspiration, click here for Nasty Gal's spiky collection, and dare to be different!

the ocean isn't a new idea for spring and summer fashions, but it's all about execution of a trend that enables it to make headlines.  While fashion has made a strong effort to span a plethora of decades this year, the key goal is to successfully pull-off looks that combine the best of each (as we discussed last week!).  Two trends that have hit our radars as of late are the broderie anglaise fabrics and the aquatic themes supported on many runways.  Valentino's aquatic looks have managed to pull in the sugar-sweet pastels of other designers, while reaching for the trendy graphic prints.  Other designers have taken a more subtle approach to the watery theme, such as the wavy peplums in the spring dressed of our beloved Alexander McQueen, oceanic blue shades in Georgio Armani's skirts, and Stella McCartney's shocking ultramarine and scalloped edges.  These wavy details and spring colours add a feminine touch to the season while still maintaining the appeal of edgy, angular colour blocking, and grungy spunk.  

Broderie anglaise has also managed to pull this spring and summer season into the 60s further and even into the 20s!  With such a charming and feminine print, designers such as Valentino, Louis Vuitton and Giambattista Valli have grasped this trend in the most classic ways.  Other designers like Miu Miu, Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, D&G and Gucci, have manipulated this look in ways that maintain the angular and partially-androgynous looks of this season.  By the end of the season, we're going to need a timeline of trends to account for the decades of fashion that have popped up over the months!  Mix-and-match the aquatic details and lacy embellishments to the seasonal looks your wardrobe is already harbouring and build up a style that is truly yours, and truly on-trend!