Recently in Summer 2009 Category

Women's Sailing Jacket $49.00, Men's Ferrari Jacket $33.00, Women's Hi Traveler $140.00, Men's Vedano GT $91.00. *Prices reflect sale prices prior to any other discounts.

PUMA is following up their back-to-school sale with one better! Their End-of-Summer sale offers footwear, apparel and accessories of up to 60% OFF and on top of that you take an additional 25% OFF by using code: BTS0908 upon checkout. I make it a point that every sale event or promotion that I talk about on thesmartstylist.com is shop-worthy. I actually test the discount codes myself and see if they work. In this case, the code do work for sale and regular priced items. Sale ends August 31st. Happy Shopping!

From top left: Prada Dress $316.00, Gucci Dress $690.00, Jean Paul Gaultier Dress $142.00 Stella McCartney Pump $128.00, Miss Sixty Handbag $35.00. All available at YOOX.
YOOX probably has the largest and most extensive collection of apparel, shoes and accessories for both men and women in the planet. They offer virtually any designer and brand I know. YOOX is currently running their last installment of their spring/summer collection sale where you can save up to 60% OFF! A lot of items on sale but sizes are limited most of the apparel have one or two sizes available. So, if you find one that's in your size the fashion gods have blesses you! I suggest check it out and see what fabulous treasures awaits you. Happy shopping!

When in doubt go solid. Wear a solid dress that is. You can't go wrong with a solid colored dress. There's a dress out there for every occasion. With the right accessories and shoes transform a solid dress to a fabulous chic summer look!

Some 'smart' styling tips for summer: Styles: wrap, shift, tank, sheath, virtually any dress style is hot this summer. Color is the key. Vibrant colors for day or evening. Opt for shades of gray over black. I'm not oppose to wearing black for summer. Black colored clothing tend to attract heat. And with the intense heat we are having lately, you'll be melting wearing a black outfit. Ruffle details are very feminine and adds elegant flair. Just don't overdo it. You don't want to look like a wedding cake exploded on your dress. Belted dresses are chic. They have a finished and refined look that you can wear for work. Short to sleeveless dress of course are highly recommended. 3/4 sleeve are appropriate for evening functions and swanky soirees. No need to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress. If you have the money then go splurge. As seen with these dresses I found, you can look like a million dollars without spending the big bucks.

Looking for chic affordable apparel and accessories for summer? Head-over to Esprit's extra 20% OFF Summer Sale event. Cute tops and dresses are key items of the sale. Faux leather handbags are great buys. Use code: SUQ3B9US for the extra discount. And free shipping is offered with purchases of $30 or more. Promo runs from June 21 - 29. Happy Shopping!

(from left) Quiksilver Patterned Board Shorts $49.50 Nordstrom, Old Navy Side-Stripe Board Shorts $9.75 SALE Old Navy, GAP Plaid Board Shorts $29.62 SALE GAP.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, us guys have it easy this summer... so we think. We don't have to worry much about having the 'in' shoe, apparel or swimwear. It is not that there are no new trends for men. Its the fact that there are not a lot of options in comparison to women's. But comes the pressure of getting everything right from head to toe.

Guys can easily be hot to not by simply wearing the 'inappropriate' swim trunk. This summer, board shorts and square cut style trunks are the way to go. Here are some points to consider this summer and men's swimwear.

• Fit - find one the is not to tight and not to loose as well. Most trunks have drawstrings for an adjustable waistline. The most common mistake guys make is wearing really tight trunks. I know some guys might think wearing a tight suit 'accentuates' their asset but in fact it looks like trying to hard.
• Colors and Patterns - Dark colors are best. No neon colors when it comes to trunks, board shorts maybe. Plaid, stripe and summer prints are not bad for shorts and keep it simple when it comes to trunks.

And if you just can't bask under the sun or swim without your speedo, just make sure you cover up whether you have a Greek god's body or not. Do it for the children.

Casual / Day Tube Dress 
Maxi dress is to spring, as tube dresses is to summer. As tempting it is to wear a tube top this summer, I suggest to step up the chicness a little bit by opting for a tube dress. Ditch the denim jeans, shorts and tube top look. To be honest, it looks a tad hoochy for this summer season that it. With the ever-changing and evolving fashion world, it may become the hottest trend next year.

Tube dresses are suitable for day and evening. You can find casual everyday sassy styles and elegant chic designs perfect for any summer engagements. The important thing to remember when shopping for a tube is the fit. Get on true to size. Or else, a wardrobe malfunction may occur.

Evening / Special Occasion Tube Dress

Marilena Glass Marine Bracelet $109.00, Benny Geometry Necklace $190.00, Kora Coral Earrings $57.00, Joy Flower Bracelet $73.00, Adventurine Quartz Square Ring $54.00.

Making a statement with jewelry this summer doesn't have to be big and bold. You can get the same effect with subtle yet elegant, chic jewelry. Glass jewelry is the fabulous way to go. Advancement in technology allowed jewelry designers and manufactures to experiment on various colors, styles and designs.

A few summer styling tips on glass jewelry:

• Style and design - wear summer inspired shapes, patterns and pendants. Think flowers, corals and sea shells. But don't go overboard. As important are accessories are in every look, they are to enhance not ruin it.
  
• Colors - bright, summer colors are best during the day and deep colors for evening. Opt for glass jewelry mixed with metals for a more elegant look.
• Price - try to keep your budget under $100 if possible. But don't sacrifice quality to save a buck or two. Consider every purchase an investment that will yield longevity.
  
• Lastly... have fun!
  

Cover-ups are a summer necessity for every woman who owns a swimsuit. For one, cover-ups are more fashionable than wrapping a towel around you. Cover-ups functions as instant looks as well. Great transition pieces from the beach to an early evening luau or a seaside soiree. A few points to consider when shopping for a cover up:

• Mix it up. Try not to match your cover-up with your swimsuit. Pattern or print suit, opt for plain, solid cover-up and vice-versa. By doing so, your look becomes visually pleasing. Not to busy and not to blah.
• Flattering. Don't take cover-ups literally. Choose one that accentuates your body. Look for a sexy yet chic silhouette. Avoid mumus!
• Priced just right. If it is priced over $200.00, that's a bit to much. Try to stay under a $100.00. Juicy Couture offers fabulous cover-ups under $100.00 But if you have the budget for a designer cover-up, there are Marc by Marc Jacobs pieces that are priced under $200.00!
• Comfort. Look for lightweight fabrics that breath.
• Style. Wear one that makes you feel and look good. Because at the end of the day that is what counts!
  

Along with hi-top sneakers, multicolor and bright colored sneakers are the trend for men this summer. When we went to see X-Men Origins: Wolverine a couple of nights ago, I noticed that most guys were wearing either black or white sneakers. Nothing wrong with that, it is quite boring though. I know I can't really blame men for being 'safe' on choosing to look like everybody else, but come on guys live a little. Better yet, live on the edge and add some color in your wardrobe. Express yourself through fashion.