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Summer Fashion TRENDS

13 Jul
It’s been BLAZING hot here in Chicago, the weather is finally cooling down, yet we are still Knee Deep in Summer…And, even though I posted about Summer Fashions and trends a few weeks back, I’ve been “inundated” with requests for more Summer fashion info and photos (and in my world, inundate equals 5 requests :) …And here you have it!
Women’s Summer Fashion TRENDS…compliments of Etcetera
Nautical as we know it. Pure Americana. Summers on the Cape. Red, white & blue. Done in one-shoulder stripes, gold-buttoned denim, linen cardi’s, cropped pants, washed jeans, breezy t’s.
How to wear it:
  • Red washed denim jean jacket & ankle-length jean
  • Red jersey deep-V’d dolman-sleeved cardi
  • Red/white cotton voile Florentine print tunic
  • Red/white embroidered washed denim skirt
  • Navy ultralight linen blend tie-belted cardi
  • Navy/marina/white striped one-shoulder tee
  • Cobalt denim slim-leg ankle-length jean
  • Linen white lightweight jersey open cardi
  • White stretch cotton twill cropped pant
We’re crushing on blue. The new go-to hue. Loving it in all its variations. Inky, vivid, classic; striped, printed, mixed. Done in scads of impossibly cool pieces to slip on, over & into.
How to wear it:
  • Ikat print jersey trapeze dress
  • Stretch cotton print sleeveless shift
  • Ultralight linen blend tie-belted cardi
  • Striped jersey one-shoulder tee
  • Curve-trimmed jersey tee
  • Scroll-print tunic-length shirt
  • Draped-neck jersey tee
  • Side-draped animal print skirt
  • Rope-trimmed slubbed pencil skirt
  • Denim slim-leg ankle-length jean
Bare legs. Bronzed shoulders. Sultry. Strappy. South Beach hip. Done with the dancing-in-the-streets vibe of sexy dresses, hot tops, billowy silos, ankle-grazing skirts, gala prints.
How to wear it:
  • Hot house floral strappy wedge dress
  • Crinkled gold metallic sleeveless sheath
  • Abstract silk print strappy patio dress
  • Ikat print jersey pleated trapeze dress
  • Neo-classical print jersey A-line dress
  • Patchwork print jersey strappy tee
  • Zip-trimmed animal jacquard sweater
  • Wood/bone/amber trimmed linen tunic
  • Abstract tile silk print full circle skirt
  • Abstract print long skirt-to-strapless dress
Playful pieces. Icy. Spicy. Girly as all get-out. Find barely-there halters & short-shorts. Pieces riffed with sparkles, ruffles, ruching, tassels; pintucks, gathers, peplums & lace.
How to wear it:
  • Crinkled gold metallic sleeveless sheath
  • Crochet-edged pointelle sweater dress
  • Shimmer jersey halter-styled tee
  • Sequin-striped stretch jersey tee
  • Lace-backed stretch jersey tee
  • Pinstriped jabot-ruffled sleeveless shirt
  • Ruffled voile print drawstring blouse
  • Patterned cotton lace tunic-over-tank
  • Tassel-hemmed full gathered skirt
  • Cuffed slubbled cotton short-short
Behind the seams. It’s a wrap. We’re sculpting simple silos into something fabulous. Pleating, twisting, ruching, gathering & manipulating fabrics to fit like a dream, flatter like mad.
How to wear it:
  • Pleated linen sleeveless dress
  • Gathered cotton voile print shift
  • Seam-detailed cotton twill sheath
  • Ruched crinkled gold metallic sheath
  • Gold-ring-gathered halter-styled tee
  • Ruched one-shoulder striped tee
  • Twist-detailed jersey U-neck sweater
  • Pleated drape-necked jersey tee
  • Pleat-detailed scoopneck sweater
  • Seam-shaped belted fit-and-flare shirt
Men’s Summer Fashion Trends
* Big and Bold – colors, patterns, the look…Big colors Orange, Mustard and Greens
* A Boxy New Suit – you don’t have to spend a fortune on a suit, but make sure it fits well
* A Double-Breasted Blazer – a great staple in your wardrobe
* Fifty Shades of White – bone, off-white, white, pale Grey, taupe,
* Bye Bye Skinny…and skinny jeans really didn’t look good on any man, in my opinion
* Mix it up…colors, fabrics, patterns…but, please do so with style and caution
* Go with the Flow…wear clothes that are loose, yet not baggy
More Men’s Looks I happen to Love!!
And yes these Toms, are indeed, for the Men…but I’d totally wear these with a white blouse or t-shirt and rolled up jeans, and pop it with a red sweater when it got cool!
Dressed to a T is going to be enjoying some time off, so will be posting either more or less often…haven’t decided yet. Guess it depends how the family is behaving. :)
Enjoy your summer as well!  And no worries, my iPad is 3G-enabled, so no Wi-Fi is No Problem…and Best Summer Ever is still in full swing!!
xoxo,
T.
And no, this is NOT me, but it does get me in the VACA mood!
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Summer Fashion Trends

22 Jun

Summer Fashion Lovin…

Summer is here, weather (pun intended, and I’ve indeed used this before) we are ready or not…Blazing Hot weather in Chicago.  Blue Skies.  Sunny Days.  Best Summer Ever!

So, what are the Summer 2012 Trends?  Inside track. Rules of cool. Prep’s back in nautical. Blue’s the go-to hue.  The hot vibe is bare-legged, bronze-shouldered, sultry & strappy. Playful  pieces are riffed with pretty. Fabrics are sculpted to flatter like mad.  (Source:  Etcetera)

Summer fashion is all about bright colors and bold prints. So, it’s right time to ditch the dark and heavy Winter clothes, look for something other than Black (note to file) and go for something colorful and trendy, and must-have pieces of the season.

The top Summer 2012 fashion trends for women includes bright neons, vivid lip colors, statement-making necklaces, dip dye hair looks, sheer pieces and much more. These fashion trends are chic, bold and extremely wearable. So, check out what’s hot in Summer fashions trends 2012 that you can add to your look.

Color Blocking

The trend that is popping out everywhere this season is color block fashion trends. Fun and playful dresses in striking combinations are “in”. Hollywood divas are rocking a mix of hot pink, emerald-green, tangerine, lemon yellow, turquoise and many more vibrant shades on red carpet and the street. Try out a color blocking effect on clothes, shoes, handbags and other fashion accessories for a fun and edgy look.

Floral and Colored Jeans

This season it’s all about floral prints. The floral print trend has dominated most Spring/Summer 2012 runways and now the floral jeans trend has become one of the season’s biggest trends.

Add twist to your wardrobe, with these floral jeans. These jeans are available in soft pastels as well loud hues with Spring floral images. Wear this style of denim with jackets, cardigans and tops.

Bright and pastel skinny jeans are all the rage for as well. So, bring a burst of sunshine to your wardrobe with some fun, playful and super trendy colored jeans.  Spice up your look by pairing them with tops, blouses, jackets and blazers. Stores have a wide selection of colored denim hues including hot red, neon pink, aqua, green, yellow, soft lavender, milky green etc.

Neon Color 

Embrace the Summer spirit in a loud neon colored dress. From dresses to shoes, handbags to hair or nails; everything is going neon. Get ready to bring a pop of electric neon color to your wardrobe.

The key is to stay true to a trend is never wear too many neon pieces at the same time. Don’t forget to feather the neon-trend in colored shoes, bags, jewelry, etc for a fresh and fun look.

Maxi Dress

Be the center of attention with a feminine and elegant maxi dress. A Summery maxi dress is an essential piece of every woman’s wardrobe. These long flowing dresses are flattering, comfy and very smart.

There are an array of styles you can choose from. Wear them with flats and chunky jewelry pieces for a gorgeous look. Get ready for a sizzling hot summer!

Bright Printed Dress

The weather is warm and summer is upon us, so it’s right to add some color and lots of fun to the wardrobe. You’ll be Dressed to a T and sure to impress in vibrant and printed Summery dresses. Cool, comfy and chic styles of these feminine dresses are sure to blow you away. So,,,make a splash in bold and bright dress and enjoy season to the fullest.

Colorful Blazer

The next hottest trend is a colorful blazer  that adds interest to any outfit. Be different and rock a bold colored blazer with your favorite denim for maximum impact.

Nothing makes a colorful blazer more eye-catching than pairing it with simple pieces. If you are bold enough, you can also mix and match it with other colorful pieces. You can wear this eye-popping piece with jeans, short dresses, capris and even shorts.  Rock the blazer with shorts and high heeled sandals, for a look you will love!

Poppy Lip Color

Stand out from the others with a fun pop of bright lip shade with your favorite dresses. Juicy and “yummy” vivid shades look divine and help to get noticed.

The top lip colors for Summer are electric tangerine, hot red, neon pink and bright coral. An eye-popping lipstick is sure to put all eyes on you, so don’t be afraid to play up with your look by painting your lips with loud hues.

Statement Necklace

A Chic and chunky statement necklace is the best way to add some punch to your look. From huge gold necklaces to multi-colored gemstone necklaces, edgy metallic chokers to giant pearl pieces; there are lots of styles available.  You can find these fabulous accessories at Nordstrom, Neiman’s, or Target…Meredith found a great turquoise statement necklace on eBay!

This beautiful jewelry is a perfect complementary accessory that adds instant glamour to your look. The main key is to keep the rest of your outfit simple.

(Source:  Fashionfame.com)

Etcetera did a great Summer Fashion Newsletter…Put on your reading glasses, as this is the largest I could get it. :)

Hot Summer Colors - A palette with punch.  Hot, sexy, fabulous & new. With hats off to the red, white & blue.

Standouts:

Nantucket prep Red
Gold summer shimmer
Cobalt royal family
Navy think ink
Marina bright golden-Yellow
Shrimp the perfect Taupe
Kelp comfy, cozy, classic

Great Summer Looks

And here’s hoping you all have (or continue to have) the Best Summer Ever!

xoxo,

T.

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Men’s Summer Fashion Faux Pas

1 Aug

Finally mother nature has realized it is indeed summer (and too much so in my opinion, for the last 3 weeks we’ve had of “summer”)…and it is  time to see some fairly tragic fashion mistakes roaming the parks and beaches.  These are general tips, and Not aimed at anyone in particular.  And let’s face it, my only male followers are Bruce, Mark, Jason and Chris.  I mean, my son Patrick won’t even read this, and Kevin O’Brien actually said “you have a blog?” (which is why he’s always featured here :) )…so Bruce, Mark, Jason and Chris…this is Not meant for you.  But this can give you the necessary material to poke fun at others out there who are less fortunate than yourselves and happen to make these summer fashion errors.  “Maybe we feel like the slowness of the season gives us permission to take a vacation from discriminating taste”?

The selection of colors can either make or ruin an outfit. Combine colors and shades carefully. Some colors go well together while mixing others will produce disaster. Your outfits should have no more than two, three colors at most. Experiment to see which shades go well together.

For the record, the above is a Fashion DON’T! :)

These are the seven + deadly style sins of men’s summer fashion (thank you askmen.com), and lucky for you, their seasonal solutions.  Disclaimer…these are only guidelines, if you life what you wear, it fits properly, and you feel good in it, then all the power to you.  And I truly mean that.  And there are more than 7, so LAP, no need to count.

Socks and shoes

If you are going to wear sandals, leave those socks at home.  If you’ve sensed a trend, that I’ve mentioned this in probably 4 previous blogs…then you have a good idea of how strongly I feel about this.   End of story.

Cargo shorts

You remember cargo shorts — the circa ‘97 type that you could use to store everything from lunch leftovers to a small child. Yeah, well, those are so last decade, and this brings us to the next men’s summer fashion mistake.  The huge pockets bow out at the sides and force the shorts to sag. It’s time to try a silhouette from this century. Cuts are slimmer (like your favorite pair of jeans) and  patterns range from bold plaids to seersucker; even everyday khaki is a fine choice. The secret to a great pair of men’s shorts is finding ones that don’t stray away from a straight line running from hip to hem. And speaking of hems, yours should always end an inch or two above the knee.  For the record, I think cargo shorts are a-okay, if they fit properly…and that goes for basically everything here (except those “wife-beater” t-shirts).  A well-fitting pair of cargo shorts can look great, but askmen.com was referring to the pair that hangs below a man’s hips, and is 3 sizes too large.   Patrick was rocking the cargo shorts this summer in California, and I thought he looked great…and with Mer Mer as his fashion accessory, how can he not be?  But he is, after all, 14-years old, and the world is his oyster.

Not sure who this is, but I would not be at all surprised to find out it’s Kevin Federline.

Board shorts/Swimming Trunks

 Men’s swimwear should look and fit like a great pair of everyday shorts. Slim ones that sit just under the waist (not unlike a lower-rise jean) and finish somewhere between mid-thigh and an inch or two above the knee work best for every beach-going guy. And do NOT even think about wearing a Speedo…that is just a joke waiting to happen!  Wear swimming trunks that fit…and do NOT wear your board shorts out and about, as if they are actual shorts.  And, for Pete’s sakes, do NOT wear them paired with a Hawaiian shirt, to the Doctor’s office.  And yes, I know someone who did this.

Strong fragrances

Easy on the cologne, Rico Suave!    Lighter is better…and this is a great rule for year-round.  A lighter after shave is perfect for the summer.  Ever since college, and even today, Grey Flannel, by Geoffrey Beane, makes my knees week.  And, you can buy it at the drug store!    I just got Kevin,  Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue, and have to say, Love it!  That…you have to get at Nordstrom. :)

Flip-flops

Summer’s official footwear is undoubtedly the between-the-toe flip-flop, which leads us into our next men’s summer fashion mistake. It’s the barely there cover for your feet,  ideal for a backyard barbecue or a beachside jaunt. And that’s about as far as a flip-flop should go.   Any other outing should get the sandal treatment — not the “Kumbayah-kind” with fabric straps  or a thin-strapped European mandal. We’re talking about a simple leather criss-cross that hugs the foot while still allowing it to breathe. As the saying goes, X marks the spot.  Oh, and while I’m at it, Flip Flops are Not acceptable office attire. 

Tank tops

The tank is meant to be worn as an undershirt.  So, what’s a guy to do in the heat of the summer? Try a light-colored V-neck T-shirt or polo shirt instead.   I think the term for the sleeveless t-shirt look is “wife beater”…which I find actually more offensive than the look, and I really find the look offensive.

Hawaiian Shirts

Unless you are going to Hawaii or a luau (Thanks Julie), no need to wear one of these.  I’ve already dissed these in my last blog on “How not to look old…for Men”.  I’m not beating a dead horse, but truly, there are Much better options out there.

Wraparound shades/and just plain ole bad sunglasses

Apart from being a trendy and fashionable accessory, sunglasses will protect your eyes from the harmful sunrays. Pick sunglasses that have UV protection and that suit you. That being said, it doesn’t mean you have to reach for Terminator-type wrap-arounds to protect your eyes. Sure, sport-inspired sunglasses are perfect for a round of golf or a game of tennis — everything in context. But, outside of an athletic activity, everything else requires an aviator, Wayfarer or other such style-savvy shapes.   And while you may be thinking that fashion-friendly frames don’t look good on you, remember this piece of lifelong advice : “Finding the right pair of sunglasses takes time. Try on 100 if necessary. Then, sit back, relax and enjoy the show”.   Oh, and let me touch upon Blublockers!  We were at a Bears game with my brother-in-law Bruce and his lovely bride Beth, and Bruce was poking fun at a gentleman behind us wearing Blublockers…so I asked the man if I could try them on, and he said, “Sure”…so I was sporting some Blublockers at a Bears game…Bruce accused me of “showing off”.  Perhaps, but I thought it was really funny.  And I looked really foolish.   So…Don’t wear blublockers either!   Refer to my previous blog on Men’s Summer Fashion Tips for great sunglass looks for men!

SUMMER STYLE

With one more month of summer weather ahead,  let’s ensure they’re bright (but shielded by a classic set of shades) tank-top and speedo- free.  These are Great summer looks:

Regardless of what I (or the nation) feels about him at this point, Mr. Obama, does seem to nail the look of the Board Short (because it Fits properly):

Other looks I enjoy…They are a spin on the Fashion Don’ts of above, and turned into Fashion Do’s.  The biggest difference is the clothes are pressed, fit properly, and they are worn with confidence.  And I cannot help myself from posting a George Clooney picture whenever I can!

I am a sucker for a man in a pink shirt or a pink tie.

Enjoy the rest of Summer!  Go Bears!!

xoxo,

T.

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Men’s Summer Fashion Tips

6 Jun

Follow these 5 men’s summer fashion tips and save yourself from being accosted by the” fashion police”, or worse yet, your wife!  You will most likely have to wear your standard “work wear” during business hours, but hopefully that does not necessarily mean suit and tie. (Oh, and the price of wool is expected to rise 10%, so the price of suits is expected to rise as well).    Nice, pressed khaki’s and a polo or  open button-down shirt always looks great.  As for the weekends or “off-work” hours,  unfortunately the carefree days of summer are not responsibility- free like they were when you were five.    This is where the fashion problems begin!  “This  means you need to stop dressing like you are 11 in cut off shorts and filthy T-shirts, even if they are your favorites, or somehow lucky”…and consider yourself lucky you no longer have to wear cut-offs and t-shirts with silly slogans on them!  

1.  Go for colors this season. Polo shirts, dress shirts and T-shirts chosen in light colorful fabrics look fresh and cool. White is always a good, solid choice.  You can’t go wrong stocking up on plain white T-shirts, but venture out and find a color that suits your skin tone.  Blue and yellow always work.  You can stick to the solids,  but if you are prone to sweating, try a pattern that will mask any “marks” you don’t want seen.   Pink and Purple are my favorite solid polo and dress shirt colors for men.  Hands down.  And, please, leave the slogan T’s to the grade schoolers… if you are really with “stupid” everyone will eventually know.  (Not sure who said that, but it is indeed, True).

2.  Wear a decent pair of shorts. If you heed none of the other men’s summer fashion tips, please comply with this one category. Cut-offs are simply not attractive. If you really love them and refuse to part with these fringed articles of clothing, at least give them a job, designate them as “grass cutting shorts.” Bike shorts are obscene and should only be worn when physically on a long distance bike trip. Even if you look fabulous in them, which is highly suspect, leave something to the imagination, please.  And if you haven’t seen the episode of Modern Family where Cam is wearing biks shorts, you owe it to yourself to go to Hulu and watch it.  A true Classic!

Disclaimer…first photo is Cam from Modern Family.   Do Not try and emulate this look.  :)

3.  Purchase a good pair of sunglasses. Stylish sunglasses do more than just look nice perched on your nose, they protect your eyes and skin. This is a long term men’s summer fashion tip. Protecting the sensitive skin around your eyes will allow you to look younger longer.  Aviator glasses are in right now and look fantastic on most men.   Admittedly, anything will look good on this gentleman, but he also rocks these Aviators.

4.  Take off your socks. This is a men’s summer fashion tip that is well known, but often not followed. Do not think that you are an exception. Do not attempt to appear quirky or off beat by wearing white socks with your sandals. Give your toes some fresh air, but this fashion tip also comes with an order. If you are going to wear sandals, take time to care for your toes and feet. Not just for metrosexuals, even a home pedicure is simply good grooming and consideration for all those around you. :)  And, those who know me, know I am NOT a fan, of men in sandals…but I do realize in the hot summer months, sometimes it cannot be avoided.   Just please don’t wear them with socks…or with suits!

 

5.  Change your belt. An easy men’s summer fashion tip is to change from your leather belt to a more casual canvas belt. This lightens up the look of your jeans or khaki pants or shorts.  Changing to a lighter weight jean and dress pant will help the transition and your level of perspiration too.

Clothes make the man.  Naked people have little or no influence on society. ~ Mark Twain

Happy Summer!

xoxo,

T.

When you know better…You do better.  Oprah

Summer Fashion Trends

27 May

“I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet. “
– Carrie from Sex and the City

SUMMER 2011

Postcards from Summer. Wish you were Here.  The Weather is Here…Wish you were Beautiful.  Everything’s trendier, tastier, brighter. We’re all set to take-off, go barefoot, don fresh prints, dip into fruit-punchy colors, glitter by day and do balmy nights right.

1.   GLAM-TO-GO

Time to take off. Travel light. Pack a lot of style into one small suitcase (See, I’m learning)!  With go-to looks that couldn’t be trendier, tastier, brighter.  Tweedy suiting, downtown denim, easy shifts, breezy shirtwaists, pretty skirts and the sexiest floral sheath on the planet.

2.   NEARLY BAREFOOT

Drifts of fabric. Delicate prints. Drapey cardis, mini sarongs, white shirtwaists, ruffle-necked shifts, ankle-grazing columns of baby-fine mesh and flowered cotton toile. Everything you love about summer. Light, airy, like running barefoot on the beach.

3.   FRUIT PUNCH

Drink deep from delicious summer coolers. Colors of sunshine over crushed ice. Sweet cantaloupe, ripened pomegranate, splashes of hot pink, hot shots of chrome yellow, the bright icy green of a melon martini. Done singly or in zesty combo.

4.   HOT FLASH

Glitter by day is an absolute must. Sequins on animal print netting, the shine of barely there satin. Gold threading through knits, jacquards, basketweaves; the guilty pleasure of a gold lamé motocross jacket, metallic twins, skinny ankle pants.

5.   FRESH PRINTS

Tie-dyes, washes and watercolors. To live in and love. Pick up the must-have maxi dress in bare-backed cotton toile; skirts gathered, smocked, faux-saronged, nailhead-trimmed; and a tie-dyed cardi to toss on anytime, anywhere, over anything.

Now, I do find the above shorts, Quite short…but I do love the top, and paired with a pair of vintage jeans, or white shorts, would be a fabulous summer look!

Color:

Delicious summer coolers, hot flashes of bright, some guilty pleasures and lots of black and white.

Standouts:

spa blue côte basque aqua

café au lait sweet milk chocolate

pomegranate hot reddish-pink

black everyday, everywhere

white city, witty, sexy, wow

Source:  Etcetera

And, in keeping with my equal opportunity blog, Here is what Nordstrom forecasts as the 2011 Summer Fashion Trends:

1.  Make it Maxi – talking about longer skirts, ladies.   Pair it with a simple white t-shirt, tank top, or white blouse with the sleeves rolled up to your elbows.

2.  Colorful Carryalls – Bring a Pop of color to your look, with a colorful handbag.  I love this Red Patent Leather Handbag.  And the yellow wicker handbag is a must-have!

3.  Embellished Sandals!  Love these – bring bling to your feet.   In my case, hopefully this will detract from my unfortunate-looking feet, while focusing on the jeweled sandals.

4.  70′s tops – the 70′s trend is not going away.  I just choose to keep it away from me, however.  ;)

5.  Bold Bangles – I’ve been talking about these for months.    And my friend “D” gave me a set of these bangles 2 years ago…always leaps and bounds ahead of the trend.

6.   Vintage denim – comfortable, worn out jeans.  Never leave home without ‘em.  No need to post a pic, as we all know what these are. ;)

7.  The On-Edge Wedge - The Wedge shoe really does help distribute your weight, and helps save your feet.  And with Any summer sandal, break them in around the house, on carpeting for a few days before venturing out.  When your feet sweat, this can cause blisters.  Remember my tip about putting Gel deodorant where the straps on your sandals hit your feet.   For trendy sandals, check out Target or TJ Maxx.  The Nordstrom Women and Children’s sale is going on now…I buy most of my shoes, On Sale, from Nordstrom.  No need to break the bank in order to wear stylish, trendy shoes!

8.  Aviators – These sunglasses, reminiscent of Tom Cruise in Top Gun have made a Huge Comeback.  They look good on everyone.  And look especially great on Meredith!  (I apologize now to her, as I’ll hear about it when she wakes up at noon and reads my blog).

9.  Beach to Bar Cover-ups.  Been doing this for years.  Wear a casual, cotton dress to the pool or beach, then head out for apres-sun cocktails.  And my friend Carol suggested,  wearing a Men’s White Dress shirt, works perfect as well!  Pair them with a great pair or wedges or blinged-out sandals!  Leave the pumps at home!!

10.  Sun-Kissed Skin.  My personal favorite powder is Benefit Dallas Pressed Powder.   This Rose-Bronze powder is $24. 

Summer is Almost here, weather (pun intended) or not Mother Nature is aware of it.

Thank you Bulls for a Great Season!  Go Mavs!!

Have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day!

xoxo,

T.

We don’t need to be like her…we have lots of options to dress stylishly and comfortably this summer!

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