Summer Essentials: A to Z, the letter P

P is for Painted Denim

Denim is the best canvas for designers: it can be ripped, torn, bleached, and transformed into virtually any article of clothing. Proenza Schouler debuted their graffiti-inspired skinny jeans on the runway this season and it is without a doubt the look every girl needs to sport. The best way to beat the heat while rocking the look is choosing a dress or mini that has gotten its fair share of paint and bleach work done.

Shop:
Rojas The Denim Sweetheart Dress in Bleach Tie Dye, $39.95 (US)

BlogLUV: JAK & JIL

As much as I love to read, the appeal of a magazine is that its like a picture book from our youth except now the pictures are printed on glossy paper and feature shots of things we want to wear, places we want to go, and people we want to meet.

Whenever I need some inspiration or just want to look at pretty things I turn to JAK & JIL blog. The site features shots from photographer Tommy Ton, one man who covers every major fashion event. The most alluring are the candid shots that he takes of people all over the world going about in their day-to-day life, Tommy just happens to see everyone from Anna Dello Rosso (Fashion editor, Vogue Nippon) to Abbey Lee Kershaw (Australian model).

Recently Tommy took to the streets in search of daily style icons hanging around the fashion shows in London, New York, Milan, and Paris for Style.com and shot stylish Euro boys during Fashion Week for GQ.com.

Tommy constantly updates his blog so there is always a surplus of fashion photography waiting to inspire you.

Photo: Courtesy of Style.com

Fashion Quote of the Week: Tim Gunn on Anna Wintour's Methods of Transportation

In his new book Gunn's Golden Rules, Project Runway's Tim Gunn shares an anecdote about the famous Vogue editor-in-chief and how she left a 2006 Peter Som show, being carried by bodyguards of course:

"I was with a colleague from Parsons, and we had been discussing the will-she-or-won't-she-take-the-elevator question, so we ran over to the elevator bay to see if Anna would deign to get on. She wasn't there. Then we looked over the stairway railing. And what did we see but Anna being carried down the stairs. The bodyguards had made a fireman's lock and were racing her from landing to landing. She was sitting on their crossed arms.. I ran to the window to see if they would put her down on the sidewalk or carry her to the car like that. They carried her to the car. And I thought: I will never forget this."

And neither will we. Luckily after The September Issue let us in to the heart of Vogue the world saw a different side of Anna (The Devil Wears Prada painted an interesting image of the editor) and to be frank, it's going to take a lot more than this to shock fashion devotees or make us love her any less.

Love it or Leave it: Clogs

If you're not a Dutch milkmaid and you don't work in a factory I think we should leave the clogs where they belong: without heels and in Sweden.

I always have an open mind when it comes to fashion and remember that although something may not be right for me there are a million other girls who appreciate the piece and wear it well; unfortunately I will never understand the appeal of a clog. I'd like to point out that clogs and wooden wedges are two very different things, I'm a huge fan of the latter.

Wooden shoes people bring back as souvenirs really don't have a place on the runways of MiuMiu, Marc Jacobs, and Chanel but, like everything with fashion: if its out there some designer will pick it up, make it new, and push it for their latest collection.

If clogs are a staple in your wardrobe I congratulate you because I simply cannot make these shoes work with anything I own.

However, now that its summer I suggest you to show off your pedicures and leave the clogs in the closet until fall. Maybe they look cute with knee socks? You know, if you're going for the whole Cher a la Clueless look.

Shop:
Steve Madden Daynty, $89.95

Summer Essentials: A to Z, the letter N

N is for Neon

Neon has been popping up on all of the red carpets this season and although you may not want to commit to a full day-glo gown, you should consider bringing the bright hues into some outfit choices. By mixing brights with neutrals you'll be able to pull the trend off without looking like a 80s aerobic instructor.

Shop:
Pleasure Doing Business 5 Band Miniskirt, $88

Fashion Quote of the Week: The Cut on Rachel Zoe

The Fashion Quote of the Week is brought to you by: Amy Odell from The Cut, New York Magazine's fashion blog

In case you haven't already heard, Rachel Zoe has announced that she will be launching a clothing line and Amy has a few suggestions for what they could name the brand:

"Though she hasn't announced the name of the line, I DIE wouldn't be a bad one. Just think: "What a great faux-fur muumuu you have on — who is that by?" "I Die." "Are you okay?" "Duh, I am! I said, I Die." [Slowly backs away] You'll sound totally crazy telling people that's what you're wearing, which is so batty-old-lady now."

Inspiration: True Blood

It hurts so good...

HBO's original True Blood, based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries series by Charlaine Harris, has been a huge success since its first episode and to celebrate the return of the show for its third season I've found a few items that lets you show your love for fangs.

Shop:
1. Wildfox Couture My Boyfriend's a Vampire V-Neck Tee, $64
2. Jules Smith Vampire Fang Necklace, $70
3. Wildfox Couture Fantastic Fangs Racer Back Dress, $84
4. Wildfox Couture The Lady is a Vamp Cutoff Tank, $59
5. Wildfox Couture Vampire Love Baggy Beach Jumper, $108
6. Wildfox Couture Vampire Love Racer Back Dress, $84
7. Wildfox Couture Bite Me Crew Neck Tee, $69