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Nothing says summer like a whole lot of leg! When the temperature in the thermometer rises, so do the skirts and for good reason. Though the mini skirt can be worn in various ways (some a little less elegant then others), a good micro skirt is essential in any girls’ summer wardrobe. When done right, the mini skirt can be both edgy and chic. Here are my top picks for this season’s must-have minis, all under $100 and all equally fabulous!

The Linen Tweed Mica Mini from J. Crew has a simple elegance. Its silhouette form, foldover waistband, and linen material are minimal touches that create a perfect basic skirt. The mini comes in three color choices, with bright rhubarb screaming summer the loudest. Pair the Mica Mini with flats and a solid tee for a beautiful summer look.

A leather skirt for under $100? That’s impossible – wrong! The Urban Renewal Vintage Leather Mini Skirt from Urban Outfitters costs only $58 but will have you looking like a million bucks. This line of leather minis is pure vintage and pure sexy. Urban Renewal scoured the country for the best vintage leather skirts then cut them short for a modern day edge that will have you looking stylish and summery, no matter the occasion.

For a floral print, the Cayla Skirt from Urban Outfitters is your best choice. This patterned mini is high waisted and flared, creating great lines for your midsection and legs. I love the lilac and pink flower colors on top of the crisp white base color. With a summer tan, these shades will really pop. Pair the Cayla Skirt with a solid tee, a dainty necklace, and simple sandals for a strikingly feminine look.

I am not usually the kindest girl to my skin. I wash my face every night and every morning and that is the extent of my facial pampering. In the summer months I am prone to dry skin, especially on my face. I blame the sun, mass amounts of chlorine, and my lack of effort for this. However, I am changing my ways thanks to Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer.

This moisturizer feels great on my often-dehydrated skin. It is lightweight, non-sticky, fast drying, and unscented. I took it with me to the beach and it doubled as sunscreen thanks to its SPF 15. After a full weekend in the sun, my skin looked more hydrated than it ever had and it really brought out my natural glow; plus, I had no obnoxious sunburn or peeling. Normally, I toss facial moisturizers to the side, shrug them off as time consuming and unnecessary, but after using Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer, I can see what I have been missing. It’s a pick-me-up in a portable bottle with some serious positive skin benefits.

I often find myself throwing on a black dress or dark jeans and a tank when I just can’t figure out what to wear. However, these outfits always feel too dull and I am left staring into my closet, wondering how to spice up my look. Recently I have grown tired of my overworn statement jewelry and have begun searching for the best compliment to my more grayscale outfits.

I finally found the perfect touch! I am absolutely in love with the Coach Madison Mini Bag. This adorable little purse comes in three metallic shade combinations, my personal favorite being sliver/geranium. The across the body chain strap makes this purse easy to wear for an on the go girl and adds yet another hint of sparkle to your look. The signature quilted leather is very retro classic but the fun color combos give this bag a bit of modern day edge. The purse would be perfect for cocktail parties, dinner dates, or long days of running all over town. I can just picture myself grabbing for the Madison Mini Bag at any chance I got. What better way to get into the summer groove than with any one of these gorgeous purses, sure to become a staple in your wadrobe.

Best part? It’s just under $200, which is a steal for a leather bag! Order at Coach.com.

New York City:  bright lights, yellow taxis, tall buildings, fantastic shopping, and fancy dining. In Manhattan, yes.  However, New York has more to offer in one of the other less visited boroughs. Though off the beaten path to many, Astoria, Queens offers great eating and great relaxing for less money and with less noise. This historically Greek neighborhood is now home to many diverse ethnicities and therefore, many different cuisines. Only 10 minutes from Lexington Ave on the N or W trains, Astoria is hardly a commute. My boyfriend lives in this peaceful neighborhood and I often find myself looking forward to a break from the habitually noisy and fast paced Manhattan life. Astoria has homey allure and its relatively under-the-radar reputation grants solace to the busy, stressed Manhattanite. Over the last year I have had the opportunity to get to know this kitschy neighborhood and I have fallen in love. Here is my ideal day in Astoria (note: it involves a lot of eating!).  (more…)

Summer is a season of outdoor parties, vacations to far away places, and poolside afternoons. Despite the agenda full of exciting activities, all too often, summer becomes an excuse to take a break from everything. Because of the feeling of freedom associated with summer, I often find myself shuddering at any form of responsibility, even dressing myself! I have literally spent an entire summer in swimsuits and flip-flops. Now as a New Yorker with real jobs to do, and people to see, I feel more inclined to look my best but I still want the effortless and casual look that summer should provide.

This season I have found the perfect dress to satisfy both my desire for low key dressing and my need to look cute. The American Apparel Drawstring Tank Dress, available in a wide variety of colors, from fun hues like deep pink, to classic black, cinches at the waist to show off your feminine charms, but billows out in all those less desirable places. Following the Greek inspired trends seen on the runway, this dress puts you in the fashion know. The Drawstring Tank Dress can be paired with gladiator sandals for a causal day look, or with pumps for a night out on the town. Chunky statement jewelry can also be added for a bold, yet easy, summer look. I recently tried on this dress in one of the million American Apparel stores in NYC and fell in love. The material is lightweight and really moves with you. The cut is flattering, and shows off those sun-kissed arms and legs. Because of the simple lines and form, the possibilities for amping up the dress with accessories are endless.

Summer should be a time to unwind. Of course that doesn’t mean you have to let everything go. Simple and easy summer style can be achieved. You can spend 10 minutes getting ready and still turn heads as you walk down those city streets. If only I could have figured this out a little sooner!

As a native Nashvillian, I am always looking for opportunities to plug for my city. Sadly, I have found that many people have pretty negative stereotypes of Nashville, and the South in general. Since moving to NYC, I have prided myself on shattering these preconceived notions whenever possible.

One of the most common pigeonholes of the South is that there is no apparent style below the Mason Dixon line – aside from the stereotypical denim shirt with Levi Wranglers, cowboy boots, and a straw hat. And while this image does persist, I am here to tell you that you can find some amazing shopping and style, for great prices, in the good ole’ South. In fact, my friends and I have had a good many laughs over the great steals I have found while visiting home. I often come back to the city with a full suitcase of new items courtesy of Nashville shopping escapades (and we all thought New York City was the only place for shopping). (more…)

Editor’s Note: We are SO excited to introduce our first intern, Sarah, to TDO.  Sarah is a sweet and spunky recent New Yorker by way of the South.  We’ll be having Sarah take some fun new projects, so keep an eye out for her posts her on the site!  Today, she checks out another new mascara!

We have all seen the incessant ads for the next big mascara. This mascara is different from the rest. It will enhance you lashes more than you ever imagined. You will have a movie star look in your everyday life. Of course, with a bombardment of advertisements like this, somewhere along the way, we stop listening.

Ladies, Max Factor’s new Extreme 2000 Calorie Lash Plumper is a definite wake up call! I recently tested this mascara out and have nothing but positive things to say. I have naturally long lashes, so my biggest issue with mascaras is that they  make my lashes thick and clumpy. Extreme Lash Plumper does just the opposite. It actually separates the lashes while thickening them – so no scary spider lashes! The mascara is hypoallergenic and did not bother my normally sensitive eyes one bit. Also, it definitely stayed on all day; in fact, I even had trouble washing it off!  Make sure to have a really good remover – but, seriously, what’s a few extra scrubs in the evening when you can have amazing lashes during the day?  A girlfriend and I were out at coffee and our adorable server noted my beautiful long lashes. With a compliment like that, you can be sure I will make Max Factor Lash Plumper a part of my daily makeup routine! (more…)