Wadda Ya Have to Say About That?

The message tee: they're fun, they're witty, and some are just plain ridiculous. Whatever idea, mood or attitude you'd like to convey, there is a message tee for that. If they weren't frowned upon at work, I'd wear one everyday. It would be a succinct way to let people know how I'm feeling that day. This may shock some people, but sometime I like to think that I'm a woman of few words. Yes, I have a tendency to yap on and on about politics, the Real Housewives of NYC or the rude driver that cut me off on my way to work, but sometimes I'd rather not talk... or be bothered to communicate with anyone, for that matter. So, I think a daily rotation of message tees would be awesome!

Monday: Don't Talk to Me Because It's Monday, and I Wish it Were Still the Weekend.

Tuesday: Smile and Nod, and Then Move Along. I've Got Work to Do.

Wednesday: It's Ladies' Night. I'll Be Leaving Early and Don't Try to Stop Me!

Thursday: Don't Kill My Friday Eve Buzz with Talk of a Late Afternoon Meeting.

Friday: It's Five O'clock Somewhere, So That Must Mean Closing Time!!!

Okay, so maybe in my dreams I could actually wear these to work, but in the real world, I'm sure I'd be handed a pink slip at my first attempt. But... that doesn't mean you I can't take a cue from the message tees and adapt their quirky uniqueness to more suitable attire. Many message tees have become less literal and more visual -- that is, they display graphics that covey certain messages. And, even better, those graphic tees have also gone the way of conveying a certain look through embellishments.  Below are examples of the quintessential message tee, the graphic tee and the embellished tee. And the next time I'm feeling a little tight lipped, I'll let my fashionable tees do the talking...

Keep Calm V-Neck Tee, Little Paper Planes, Urban Outfitter, $24; Owl Always Love you Tank, Mod Cloth, $22.99 (currently out of stock); Tree Love, Loyal Army, $26; Crystal Flower Corsage T-shirt (not available anymore, but link is to a comparable shirt), LOFT, $39.50.

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