Totally...

At this time of year, I'm all about being laid-back and savouring every sweet moment of summer.  Though the temperature's steadily climbing and the layers are finally coming off (Hallelujah!) sometimes a little dress or shorts just don't feel appropriate throughout the week.  A light-as-air open-knit sweater in a cool shade of white (worn over a white tank) and easy linen-blend pants are effortlessly chic and perfect for everything from a lunch date to a day at your air-conditioned office (assuming your workplace's summer dress code isn't super strict).  Throw a few cognac accents and some fun zebra-print wedges into the mix and you've got a look that's carefree yet totally put-together.  Voilà! 

Perfectly Preppy

Dear Todd,

Grab me my tennis racket and cable-knit sweater, and meet me at the club at 10.  I'll be at the bar with my vermouth.  Oh, and after my massage, let's go shopping.  They have high-heeled loafers at Zara that are TO-DIE.  I must, I MUST! 

Kiss kiss,

Margo

Another Win for the White Blazer

Isabeli Fontana for Mango Spring/Summer 2011 - photo by Terry Richardson courtesy mango.com

When it comes to style, simple is quite often better.  I can't count the number of times I've seen a perfectly gorgeous girl drowning in piles of makeup, fake-and-baked to the hilt with jewels dripping all over her body to get attention, only to get completely lost in all of it.  Sure, I love sparkly things, too, but there's a reason the 'everything in moderation' expression exists.  If you're one of those women who just can't help herself when it comes to accessories, make like Coco Chanel and try taking one thing off before you leave the house -  if you've got on a statement necklace, let your lobes take a breather or if you're wearing an amazing cocktail ring, leave the bracelets at home.  Go easy on the icing, cupcakes, and you'll be one step closer to being a style supernova.  

This look from Balmain is rocker-chic at its best.  The simple white blazer, black shoes and belt could not possibly be more basic.  Throw a pair of metallic jeans and a pretty white tank into the mix (I've shown a beaded one but plain white works,too) and you've got a look that's undeniably fierce.  And for girls like me who love to shine, this look simply smoulders - no accessories required! 

Like most women, I'm a study in contrasts.  I waste two hours every week watching Brad Womack make out with his harem of 30 women and I secretly idolize Snoop, then turn around and tell my sweet, loyal husband that he should be more romantic.  I tell my daughter to eat all her carrots but dive right into our club pack of Mini Eggs the second she leaves the room.  I sometimes get jealous of my 8 month-old because he gets to wear a onesie all day, but I write a fashion blog.  The shame!

No matter how rumpled and dishevelled you are on weekends, you can easily morph, Superwoman-like, into your executive alter-ego on Monday mornings.   I'm feeling totally inspired by this look from the DKNY Spring runway because you can take pieces you already own (a good white shirt and tailored pants) and amp them up with a few slammin' accessories.  Real Life Runway Tip:  These patent pointy-toed pumps from Spring and cute canvas bow belt from Gap will instantly give your work outfits polish and ladylike appeal.  Try swapping the tan trousers for a black pencil skirt or pants or layer up with a black blazer.  If you're not fond of red, have fun with electric blue or pink pumps (at Zara and Spring, respectively).  Oh, and be sure to push your sleeves up to your elbows - it's a small detail but will automatically make you look more confident;  don't ask why, just do it!  (That must be my inner CEO talking.  Now, back to work!  Hee)