Sundress Challenge

It is officially summer in Phoenix -- this week's temperatures have been in the triple digits with no cool down in sight. I'm a native, but the initial shock of 100+ degree weather has always took me by surprise. Eh gads!

But I guess I need to just admit my defeat to the sun and look forward to the next four months of my summer wardrobe. And, let me tell you, this summer I'm planning on embracing as much as possible the lovely and oh-so-effortless sundress.

Yep, I'm making it official -- the challenge is on! Sundresses will be my friend this summer. In fact, I'll take this a step further and challenge YOU, my fellow Bargain Chic-ers, to join me in shedding your shorts and casting-off your capris for the cute, comfy and oh, so chic sundress!

Hip, Hip, Hooray!!!

And for inspiration, here are some great sundresses that can hopefully entice you to take on this chic challenge. Good luck and good -- summer -- night!

Sundress Inspirations

Linen-Blend Ruffle Dress, Old Navy, $29.50

Bohemian Rhapsody Maxi Dress, LuLu's, $53

Twist Strap Tiki Print Dress, Ann Taylor LOFT, $69
I just bought this one -- it has pockets (so cute)!


Silk Twist-Back dress, Banana Republic, $69.99


Etty Dress, Anthropologie, $79.95

Both Sides, Now

I recently got my hair cut and decided to get bangs. I've had bangs in the past -- actually for most my life -- but this time I wanted the whole look to be sleek and sophisticated. I got that and more. Not only is it sleek, but the cut can take me from beatnik to boho chic to sexy modern in mere minutes. All I have to do is make a quick wardrobe change, and I'm sporting a new look and feel!

The inspiration for my new found style is someone I was told I now resemble.

Joni Mitchell's style, especially in this photo, is kind of reminiscent of the beatnik look. Yet, her other look was often very bohemian. Here are two looks that match these styles and another one that bridges the two together in a more modern and sexy way.

Beatnik look


Back-zip sweater dress, Banana Republic, $44.99; Cable Crewneck Dress, Ralph Lauren Rugby, $89.99

Boho Look


Pandora Cocktail Dress, LuLu's, $43; Lotus Pond Dress, Free People Clothing, $128

Modern, Sexy Look

Classic Cocktail Party Dress, Mod Cloth, $74.99

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is tomorrow, and although I think it is a bit of an obnoxious holiday, it is still a day to love and be loved by those you hold close to your heart. So if you're planning an evening out with your man or your best girlfriends, have a little fun, look a little sexy, and remember "all you need is love."

Designer Look
Dolce & Gabbana Strapless Bustier Dress, $3450

Sigerson Morrison Knotted Sandal, $695

Bargain Look
Vogue Dress, LuLu's, $49

Carlos by Carlos Santana Cage Ankle Sandal, $80.60

My name is Teekay, and I'm an Accessory-phobe.

I'm a minimalist when it comes to fashion and decor. I don't like to adorn my house or myself with anything that doesn't have some functionality. It is the same with my fashion sense. I guess when it comes to accessorizing, I lack any sense. I have a hard time finding the right jewelry to go with the right outfit. I'll put on a necklace, take it off, put another one on, and take it off. I keep this routine going until I finally succumb to my indecision and conclude the outfit never needed it anyways.

So, to help myself with my accessory phobia, I've started to pay more attention to jewelry -- necklaces, earrings and bracelets -- and forcing myself to view these pieces as compliments to my clothes. Here are a few inspirations to get myself and anyone else who shares this "condition" to see the potential in the possibilities of jewelery.

Necklaces

Left: Banana Republic Mixed Media Necklace, $55.30. Right: LuLu's So Charming Necklace.

Earrings

Left: Liz Claiborne Post Earrings, $22. Right: Elsewares Demeter Earrings, $28.

Bracelets

Left: Banana Republic Elegant Stone-hinged Bangle, $27.30. Right: Liz Claiborne "Wonderland" Flex Bracelet, $22.

Jewelery Set

World Market Shell & Wood Necklace and Earrings, $9.99.

Wedges: Not Just For Sand Traps

As you probably guessed, I'm not talking about a type of golf club or an unfortunate occurrence when your pants are too tight. No, in fact, I am talking about the quirky and comfortable shoe style called the wedge. And the wedge comes in all shapes and sizes -- some are dressy, some are sporty and some transform into the summery sandal called an espadrille. Whichever style you desire, there is always a wedge that can compliment it. And, here are just a few to tickle your wedge fancy.

Bamboo Nawty Beige Strip Satin Peep Toe Wedge, LuLu's, $24.50


Aerosoles Amusement Park, $39.99


Classified Crazy Green Printed Linen Shiny Cork Platform (whew, that's a mouth-full), LuLu's $25


Tommy Hilfiger Women's Sabrina Espadrille, Endless.com, $59.95

Maximize Your Potential

The maxi dress is back. But this time around, it is light, flirty and effortless. It's the ultimate summer dress. Wear it to the beach (or pool), slip it off, go for a little dip, get a little sun (remember the spf 30, though), slip it back on, and then head off to a lovely dinner with your girlfriends. Multi-purpose and multi-fabulous -- what a dress!

Mossimo Supply Co. Triangle Top Dress, Target, $15


Nala Palm Print Maxi Dress, LuLu's, $56.50


Soft Geometry Halter Dress, Anthropologie, $79.95