August in Nashville is many things - it's eternal sunshine, cocktails by the pool and backyard barbeques, but it's also hotter than Hades on a good day. Just because the temperature is out of control, that doesn't mean it is okay for your wardrobe to be. If there's one thing that I've learned about a southern fashionista, it's that she knows how to coordinate the perfect outfit for every occasion.
Admittedly, I am not a morning person (think Oscar the Grouch meets Medusa and I’ve painted a very generous portrait of myself) and while it's summertime and the livin' is easy, finding my way to work on time in the mornings isn't always that. So, in between hitting the snooze button and making my morning brew, you can usually find me in my closet, under a heap of clothes, searching for that effortless ensemble that will help me transition seamlessly from Working Girl to Girl's Night Out.
An obvious versatile option for work to play occasions is the timeless sundress. It’s a staple in most of our wardrobes and works well when paired with a cardigan or tailored blazer during office hours. 2009 is all about 80’s redux, with a little bit of ethnic flavor meets country western folk mixed in. Try a stylized black and white print tribal tunic dress or tuck in a puffed sleeved top with high-waist dress pants. You can also transform any ordinary office outfit like slacks and a blouse by adding a feminine flourish with romantic flowers, ruffles or rosettes in the form of a hair clip, pin or necklace (both Anthropologie and J. Crew in Green Hills have some enticing flora options).
Contrary to public opinion, you don't have to break the bank to don a stylish look, just channel your inner recessionista! Splurge on one or two key accessories that will make a statement and help breathe new life into an older outfit. Whether it’s a pair of dynamite high heels, a headband adorned with flashy feathers, vintage-inspired jewelry, or a cinch belt, you can add gusto to any ordinary garment with the right accessory. A splash of color can also add a whole new dimension to any garb. In the warmer months, vibrant hues like bold blues and sunny yellows can be artfully balanced with neutral tones to create a brilliant look. Take one quick trip to Posh Boutique’s color coordinated clothing racks and you’ll discover more shades than at your local Sherwin-Williams store.
My latest fashion fixation is my Loeffler Randall ankle bootie sandals - they’re an ankle bootie and a sandal wrapped into one little, dynamo package (not to mention this shoe type is flexible enough to slip on during the summer and fall months). If your style is more of a “southern, traditional chic” and the ankle bootie sandal is a tad too spicy for your taste, then make an entrance with peep-toe heels, a perennial favorite that not only makes a statement, but also wears well from sunrise to sundown.
If you're not in the habit of toting around a handbag the size of a feed sack, then you may want to think about multi-tasking beauty products that are both space and time-savers. I’m big on dual purpose products, and if it can facilitate the transition from cubicle to cocktails, then you’ll probably find it in my bag of tricks. Unless the makeup you apply in the morning contains bionic properties, you’ll want to touch up your face before leaving the office at night. In addition to the obligatory lipstick/gloss re-application, pay close attention to your T-zone area (yes, blotting papers are indeed a precious gift from God) and camouflage those tired-looking under eye circles with a dual concealer/highlighter. This summer, I’ve discovered some new multi-taskers to add to my burgeoning repertoire of must-haves, including a Sunlight Holding Spray from www.ecrunewyork.com Ecru, which helps tame your tresses, while providing UV protecting at the same time, and Trish McEvoy’s Mineral Powder Foundation with SPF 15.
While self-tanner might seem like the panacea to pale skin, we all too often stand witness (or fall victim) to a case of self-tanner gone terribly wrong. To achieve a natural, clean and even faux-glow (i.e., one that doesn’t make you look like you’re on your way to an Oompa Loompa casting call in the latest remake of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory), you may want to steer clear from those messy (and often questionable-smelling) self-tanning creams and opt for a subtle bronzing powder or a tinted body lotion.
This time of year, it’s easy to start feeling nostalgic for sandy shores and beachside bungalows. And while there’s no sea in sight in the landlocked state of Tennessee, that doesn’t mean you can’t transport your senses to your favorite exotic locale. Complete your look with a fragrance that captures the essence of an island getaway and envelopes your senses. Because you’re supposed to smell different in the warmer months - in a good way - stick with lighter perfumes with fruity, floral and fresh undertones. One of my summer to fall favorites is www.tocca.com/store/catalog/tocca-beauty/fine-fragrances/amalfi-aqua-profumata Tocca’s Amalfi Aqua Profumata Mist. With a medley of notes including cool cucumber, refreshing mint, apple, jasmine and violet, this lilting scent takes you on an ethereal journey to southern Italy’s picturesque coastline where you can almost see yourself amid the majestic mountains and seaside splendor of the Mediterranean. The best part is that you don’t need to trek to Italy to get a whiff of the fresh sea air, just pick up a bottle of Tocca’s Amalfi fragrance at www.wooskincareandcosmetics.com Woo Skincare & Cosmetics on Bandywood Drive.
And after a long work week (and countless nights spent traipsing on the town in those striking peep-toe heels), there is nothing more satisfying than a stop at the www.venetiansalon.com/index2.html Venetian Nail Spa in Green Hills for a well-deserved mani-pedi. Tickle your toes with a classic color like OPI’s Cajun Shrimp, which will add a dash of spice to any outfit. After one visit, I promise you’ll be “well-heeled” in more ways than one.
Did you like this post? Click to subscribe for FREE article updates and style news, we only send twice a month as not to bombard our readers. 
