Dot, Dot, Dot...

Emma Watson in Gucci Fall 2011 polka-dot dress - Photo by Mariano Vivanco, courtesy UNi magazine 

When it comes to fall trend-spotting, it's pretty hard to miss the upcoming season's print of choice.  Polka-dots are the new stripes and are playfully popping up on everything from silky pants to dresses to sweet jackets.  And, like the post-Hermione Emma Watson, polka-dots suddenly look all grown up.  Now all you have to do is spot your perfect dotted piece and rock it right now with bare legs and this fall with opaque tights and a clean-cut blazer.  RLR Tip:  Avoid looking too Minnie Mouse by giving your dots a downtown vibe.  Stick to black & white (or navy & white) dots and mix in edgy accessories - think bold cuffs, a sculptural choker or a killer pair of ankle-booties.  If you want to add some colour, a great red tote or classic red lips will do the trick.   

Meeeoww

It's a jungle out there, my little urban kittens, and when the pavement gets cooking, so should you.  Look to the safari (read:  YSL and Elie Tahari) for inspiration and breeze through the heat in an airy white shirt, linen-blend shorts and strappy flats.  A python-print clutch and cat-eye sunnies (meeeowww!) add just enough jungle boogie to your bounce. Bare your beautiful feline features with a touch of tinted moisturizer, a hint of gloss and a coat of waterproof mascara and you'll be ready to explore - from the bustling city streets to the sandswept shore.  Anyone want to lend me a Jeep?

Ice, Ice, Baby

Photo courtesy zara.com (Blazer, $49.99; Tank, $19.99; Shorts, $19.99; all Zara)

On a day like today, I wish I could dive into a pool full of icy cold water and spend all day splashing around in it. This week, I'm going to avoid heavy blacks, hot reds and rich oranges and instead, turn to my cool hues and bright blues for a sartorial respite from the heat.  This look from Zara isn't new but it's refreshing just the same.  Ideally, I'll be wearing white all week but I love the idea of adding a pop of cool Pippa blue over top when I head indoors for another drink.  Silver sandals and a great metallic silver cuff will keep you looking totally chilled out.  Ahhh...

Found: A Foulard to Love

Nomad Silk Scarf Bag, Anthropologie, $88

My internet and land line have been down all week so out of desperation, I made my way to a Wi-Fi friendly McCafe to write this post.  Ahhh, the glamorous life of a style reporter.  I'm totally McLoving this silk scarf bag from Anthropologie.  A beautiful scarf always lends a certain sophistication to the wearer and right now, scarf prints are all the rage;  whether on dresses, blouses, flowy pants or totes.  Though I don't plan on splurging on a Hermes version anytime soon (can anyone else hear James' sigh of relief?), I would snap up this pretty and practical scarf satchel in a heartbeat.  Wear it now and all the way through fall for the perfect pop of print and colour for any of your more subdued looks.  Gorge!

Must go.  The Big Macs are calling my name but I'm pretending I don't hear them.  Thanks for your patience, my P.Y.T's -  should be back to regular blogging again next week.  I have SO many fun things to share with you.  xoxo

The Cherry on Top

Originally posted in The CLOSET 

1. Prada Sunglasses, Sunglass Hut, $290; 2. Cat-eye Sunglasses, ALDO Accessories, $12; 3. Plastic Sunglasses, Garage, $7.90; 4. Metal Sunglasses, ALDO Accessories, $12; 5. Pink Wayfarer-Style Sunglasses, ALDO Accessories, $12; 6. Vogue Tortoiseshell Cat-Eyes, Sunglass Hut, $69.95 

1. Star-Studded Clutch, Spring, $7.98; 2. Jeanne Lottie Leather Clutch, Joneve; 3. Orange Leather Clutch, Roots, $69.99; 4. Metallic Leather Clutch, Coach, $188; 5. Python Print Clutch, ALDO Accessories, $16.79 

1. ELLE Industrial Cuff, Peoples Jewellers, $243; 2. Signature Sterling Silver Cuff, Metalsmiths Sterling; 3. Cut-Out Cuff, Smart Set, $12; 4. Sterling Silver Cuff, Metalsmiths Sterling; 5. Flower Cluster Cuff, Claire's, $10.50  

When it comes right down to it, my summer style mantra is always 'less is more'.  The warmer temperatures and laid-back vibe of the season make fussy dressing seem far too serious;  a pretty dress and a cute pair of sandals are really all you need to get by on most days, allowing you to simply have fun with your accessories.  Ignore that voice in your head telling you to get a practical pair of peeper-protectors - after all, they'll do the important job whether they look boring or not.  Throw caution to the summer wind and pick out a pair of fun, happy shades like this season's hot cat-eyes, bright plastics or whimsical shapes. 

Cross-body bags and oversized purses have been all but replaced by small, cute clutches, forcing you to travel light, wherever the seat of your pants decides to fly.  Can't handle the idea of such an impractical choice?  A little clutch will fit inside your larger tote, allowing you to pull it out at a moment's notice for impromptu drinks on the patio or strolls through the park.

Oh, and off-the-cuff, this season (and next), a shiny piece of metal will be your new go-to piece.  Wear a wide cuff in silver or gold or, even better, wear a matching cheap and cheerful cuff on each wrist ; style icons like Chanel and Diana Vreeland did it, so why can't you?  Now back to work (or better yet, play) my breezy, beautiful style-mavens.  Hope your summer is turning out to be the best one yet.