YTML Thursday: Turn That Burn from Ouch to Aahhhh

Don't worry Kimmy K, we've all been there (although we try to refrain from taking selfies of the sunburn and then posted them to twitter).

It's an inevitable part of summer - going from happily roasting to pailfully toasting. And the worst part? All the "Oooh you're burrnnnneedd" comments that follow. I'm red and radiating heat, I get it.

Here are some great home remedies to soothe and moisturize the burn, using just about whatever you could possibly have in your kitchen, ranging from dairy products, to cucumber, to baking soda to honey. I personally am eager to try the oatmeal bath, which has always proven to have helaing powers for your skin (remember those chicken pox days?)

link to your magical skin soothing potions here: http://tipnut.com/sunburn-relief-home-remedies-over-50-soothing-treatments/

So get back in the sun girlfriends. And when the "Oooh you're burrnnneedd" police come around, just brush them off - you know you got a solution at home to turn that toast to TAN.

Source of Inspiration Slash Uncontrollable Jelaousy?

.... These pictures of Blake Lively shooting Gossip Girl in Paris. Eric Daman (the show's insanely genius stylist) has really out done himself here. Yes Blake has a rockin bod, and yes, her golden locks resemble that of a grecian sun goddess, but I really think these looks can be acheived in by us common folk. (And what's that you say? 2 of the 4 looks have HATS? iiinteresting...) Blake, I would kill to have your life. That's not a threat. I'm just saying.

from L to R:

I absolutely love the bright green of her maxi dress, and how the ruffles make it more soft and feminine, less hippie dippie. The brightly colored sandals and classic hat complete the look.

Where to start on the second outfit? The silk, blush, high waisted, wide leg trousers? That incredible grey bag? The chunky green necklace and peekaboo bra/bathing suit top? Gimme them all. This look is pretty grown up for Serena, she looks elegant and sexy, and she's for once not in a skin tight mini dress!!

The third outfit is going to be a huge inspiration on how I'd like to stretch my summer clothes to fall. I love a good flirty mini dress, and paired with a blazer it's a little more coverage, and some more structure (the key for fit: try and find a longer blazer that just grazes the hemline of your dress, it makes the look less corporate, and more pulled together). I am working on finding my perfect fedora, and although i do not have the legs of a slender baby fawn, I am into those nude colored oxfords.

Once you get past the insane color of those cropped blue tuxedo pants, check out the shoes. Who would think bejewled pumps could actually enhance a gold sequined jacket? Not I. Something Serena's obviously picked up from the French? That chic chignon, that lets us focus less on her golden waves, and more on her incredible designer ensemble.

I dont mean to gush, but you have to admit there is a certain art to the way some people can pull together different pieces. And when you are a style hero like Eric Daman and have access to all the most amazing designer's colelctions in the world? Game over. I have so much to learn.

Happy 4th!!

Inspiration for a festive red, white, & blue ensemble for your holiday festivities. So many options...Wish I had enough parties to wear them all!

Have a wonderful, (and stylish) long weekend!

Damn this Big Head: Hats are Back.

This post is dedicated to my dear friend Emi-chan. Ever the fashion enthusiast, always two trends ahead of me, I am not lying when I tell you that my friends and I have fought as to who gets first dibs when Emily cleans out her closet.

She emailed me last week to suggest a new topic for a post: hats. They are undoubtedly a huge trend this summer, and with my abnormally large head (thanks Dad) this is an accessory that I have shy-ed (shied? who cares. it's friday!) away from. But not from lack of interest...

There are a wide range of hats to choose from, and to be frank, the summer is the best time to experiement as most of them are practical - shades your face, keeps you cool, and gives you a way to cover up your locks when it's way too hot to blow dry.

Rachel Bilson throws one on with a basic jersey dress. The result when paired with a black fringed bag and skinny studded belt? Instant cool.

Here is super trendy, high fashion muse Agyness Deyn, who wears hers to sass up a plaid dress (I also love the socks and oxfords, this girl can pull off just about anything).

Here are some of my favorite hats this summer. In every shape and color, you would be missing out not to give one a try!

We'll start it off with my absolute favorite. The fedora is by far the trendiest hat right now, and can be worn with anything from a bikini to a LBD, to anyplace from the beach to a trendy restaurant. Taken from the classic menswear piece, I LOVE the bow on this hat as it adds a small, but distinctly feminine touch. The combination is quirky and irresistable.

Urban Outfitters, $48.,

Well Done Nordstrom, they are ALL OVER this trend. Here is the perfect fedora for summer. Only $28, and it comes in 7 colors!! Go for Mocha if your scared, but for the summer? I would try the kelly green or raspberry. Packs the perfect punch of color, and all you need to pair it with are some jean cut-offs and a tank top! Nordstrom, $28.

If this is not your first forray with headwear, I would definitely go for this striped fedora. It classic yet eyecatching with a white button down, but would also be PERFECT with a tan trenchcoat this fall...sigh. Urban Outfitters, $28

A little flatter and more circular than the fedora, another great look for summer is the "boating hat". Taken literally and worn with stripes here, I would pair it with a floaty floral derss or romper. Shopruche, $19.

So maybe this isn't as practical, but there is something so glamorous about a wide-brimmed sun-hat. Pair it with any solid color bikini and a white cover up?

I'd die. Plus you'd have something amazing for the Kentucky Derby next year...

Eugenia Kim, $298

Somewhere between the broadbrimmed bucket hat, the red piping on this number is both sweet and sharp. Without it this girl would just be "Meh" in a polka dotted dress.

Eugenia Kim, Shopbop.

LOVE the geometric cut-outs, this hat is a great solution for your fair skinned girls. and SO chic -it could go from the pool, to an outside cocktail party, to a graduation. Also comes in a neutral shade. Arden B, $29.One of my favorite looks that I picked up when abroad in Paris. These "knit berets" are a downtown, updated version of the French hat. Wear pushed back a little bit on your head (to avoid the muffin top), these are a casual, effortless way to add some punch to your outfit. This one comes in a bunch of color options too! Urban Outfitters, $24

The trend gets a preppy twist in brightly knit colors. Kangol, $40.

A slouchy hat with a cheeky print! And in beige, you could get some wear out of this before winter. TopShop.

Hopefully you find my research satisfactory Em, and that one of these toppers catches your eye. and I call dibs when it gets discarded... that is if it can fit over this damn big head.

You'll Thank Me Later: Greasy Hair Edition

Don't think I fogot what day it was.... You'll Thank Me Later Thursday!!

I love sleep. Can't get enough of it. Sleep can actually morph me into a different person, depending on how many hours I log. Over the years I have done just about whatever necessary to grab an extra minute or two -- lay out clothing, eat breakfast in the car, and of course, shower the night before. I know, i know, you don't look your best, but the choice between an extra 15 minutes of sleep, and whether or not somone at work thinks my hair is a little limp, is really a no-brainer.

A trick I've picked up along the way? If you get up and look at yourself in the mirror and think that your mane is flirting with slighty-greasy-and-might-need-a-shower line here is a great solution: baby powder. Sprinkle some in your hand, turn your head upside down, and then run the powder into your roots (where the oil starts). Keep repeating till your hair looks and feels lighter - the powder magically freshens your locks!

Even if you are an early bird, hair experts do say that you're not supposed to wash your hair daily, as it strips your strands of natural oils. This trick can help tide you over! Now if word could only get back to poor J Simp...

THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. I NEED YOUR HELP.

Fine, EMERGENCY is a little dramatic, but whatevs, I never said I wasn't...

It's as if the fashion gods have noted my boredom at work today and decided to make me squirm by all of the ridiculous sales that are going on right now. Why is this a bad thing?? Because some of these sales end within the day, I NEED YOUR HELP DECIDING BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING ITEMS BEFORE THEY FLY OFF THE SHELVES AND I'M FORCED TO SEE SOME OTHER LUCKY GIRL WALK DOWN THE STREET WEARING A DRESS/NECKLACE/SHOES THAT SLIPPED THROUGH MY INDECISIVE FINGERTIPS.

I've done the pro&con list, and I'm afraid I'm in too deep. I need help with the decision making, sorry I'm not sorry. Comment with advice. I will love you forever.

You know my obsession with one shouldered numbers and navy is the new black... this staple would last me FOREVER. Max & Cleo - $49

Love the water color print, would be perfect with a gold belt for a summer party, and perfect for work with a navy blazer - Max & Cleo, $39

AMAZING necklace from Urban... get this.... $9.99. THIS IS NOT A JOKE PEOPLE.

lace up booties that I'm DYING for, in a practical color that will last me till fall: Aldo, $49

If Summer were an Alcoholic Beverage...

... It would have to be a Tom Collins. A vintage cocktail, (my grandmother is a huge fan), I say it's time we brought the delightful drink back into the spotlight.

Why? This seasonal throw-back is exactly what you want to throw back (it was too easy) after a long day in the sun. Subtly sweet, there is still enough lemon zing to quench your thirst, and keep you from feeling like your teeth are rotting from a sugar overdose (not the same can be said for some of those blended cocktails).

Recipe:

- add shot (or however much you want, really) of Gin to tall glass
- squeeze quarter of fresh lemon
- fill up 3/4 way with pineapple juice
- add splash of sprite (or 7-up if you need a jolt)
- add maraschino cherry, and a couple drops of cherry juice from the jar -- don't let it get too pink
- add ice
- stir
- try not to gulp down as you watch the sun set, and enjoy the sea breeze in your hair.

(summer sunset at Outer Banks, NC)