GO SUNS!!!

I'm not a huge sports fan, and I don't really follow any one particular sport.  But I do support all my hometown teams, and right now my all-time favorite sports team, the Phoenix Suns, are in the finals and my inner sports nut is going crazy.  And what puts the cherry on top is that they are playing the Lakers -- my nemesis, the thorn in my side, the Cain to my Abel... I think you get the picture. 

Anyway, I love my Suns, and after last night's game, where they almost (yes, I know, "almost") clinched an unbelievable win, I feel like its time to really rally around the team and show my orange and purple spirit!!!

So, to show my support, here are some very cute Suns' inspired looks.

Anthropologie, Salitre Blouse, $39.95; dELiAs, Morgan Low-Rise Skinny Jeans, $14.99

Dillard's, Korto Momolu North-South Satchel, $139; Endless.com, Tommy Hilfiger Ameila Thong Sandal, $59

Jones New York, Mayan Cube Print Dress, $128

Summer Standards Revisited

For me, summertime fashion is all about comfort and relaxation. Flip-flops, t-shirts, tank tops and a pair of worn-in shorts usually completes my summer wardrobe. Throw in  pony-tailed hair, minimal make-up and a wishfully realistic (but very fake) tan, and I'm ready for a three month hiatus from reality!

Sometimes, though, that "comfortable" look can come across as a little... hmm... lazy. Sure, it's called the dog days of summer for a reason, but that doesn't always mean you have to look the part.  So, my remedy is to punch up those summer standards with a splash of brightly colored shorts and a crisp, white shirt. Add some cute sandals and maybe a flirty piece of jewelry, and your look is ready for a sizzling summer ahead.

White shirts (clockwise): J.Crew, $48; Old Navy, $24.50; Martin+Osa, $34.95

Shorts (clockwise): Martin+Osa, $39.50; Gap, $34.50; Old Navy, $22.99

Define: Art

If you've ever taken an art class, visited a museum or been given a finger painting by a five year old, you've probably heard that little voice in your head whisper that well-known phrase, "art is subjective." You try to appreciate what you can, yet sometimes you still look at a Pollock painting and think it looks just like that tarp you used to catch all your painting mishaps. Or perhaps that extraordinarily expensive gallery piece looks a lot like the decoupage vase your niece gave you for your birthday.  In any case, art is -- or, at least, should be -- about emotion and connection.  Whatever interests you, moves you, inspires you, is what makes art art to you. So, here is some art that does all of the above for me, and more.

(Most of these are prints of original artwork, but this is a great ways to purchase art at an affordable price.)

C'est La Vie, Dazey Chic, $20; Play that Old Six String, den10studio, $18; My Place in the City, Jen Kennedy Designs, $19; May Blue Highway Yellow Cornhusk, Dolan Geiman, $55; City of Stars, Lisa Chow, $24.

Vintage Inspiration - Part 2

Keeping with my vintage theme, I wanted to share a few great and inexpensive vintage-inspired dress I came across while perusing the web. There are a handful of online stores that catering to this look. ModCloth is a great place to start, and of course there is always the quirky and clever Anthropologie.  Some other fringe stores include Fred Flare, Plasticland, and a few more unknown stores like Red Dress Shoppe and Shabby Apple.

Corsage Twirl Dress, $69.95, Anthropologie; Mary Queen of Spots Dress, $49.99, ModCloth; The Occitania Dress, $58, Red Dress Shoppe

If you are lucky enough to live in an area that has some cool vintage clothing stores, those are great place to find the building blocks for a vintage look.  I just recently found a cool vintage shop called Hollywood Regency Vintage that carries vintage clothes for men and women from the 40s through the 80s.  They have a great collection of dresses, hats and shoes, and the prices aren't bad if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind outfit. 

My only caveat with buying vintage is to find a way to modernize the look.  Whether it be adding a current trendy accessory or keeping your hair and makeup modern, doing so will make your look more fashion-forward than costume-inspired.