After seeing cropped denim all over Italy, it’s become apparent that I’m going to need to buy a pair.  If they’re still that popular in Europe, chances are they’re going to be around for at least another season or two in the US.

Here are a few choices representing options for nearly any type of occasion:

!iT JEANS ‘Ellie’ Boyfriend Jeans have subtle distressing details, making this dark blue wash casual and relaxed.  Cuffed hems can also be worn uncuffed.  $78.

Christopher Blue Julianna Crop Stretch Jeans have a curvy fit with a slightly higher rise.  Very flattering.  $148.

KUT from the Kloth Crop Denim Stretch Jeans have a lighter wash with an embroidered logo on the back pocket.  Contrast stitching.  $69.

Classiques Entier ‘Glam Denim’ Crop Pants feature straight legs in a very dark wash.  Depending on your office environment, these may be suitable for work.  $118.

Rock & Republic ‘Evelyn’ Crop Stretch Jeans is another slim fitting, dark stretch crop featuring the signature contrast-stitched logo on the pocket.  $188.

True Religion Brand Jeans ‘Lily’ Stretch Denim Crop Jeans, with their super skinny silhouette, also provide a bit of flash with Swarovski buttons on the back pockets.  $262.

Calvin Klein Jeans Crop Skinny Stretch Jeans features a slimming, sleek look in a 5-pocket cropped jean.  $59.50.

David Kahn Jeans ‘Chelene’ Crop Jeans give a faded, casual look, and with a bit of stretch make for an easy fit.  $158.

Paige Premium Denim ‘Hidden Hills Crop’ Stretch Jeans, a great fitting favoritie, offers a straight leg cropped jean in a dark wash.  $169.

Photo credit: Nordstrom

The heat is on, Summer’s here and…where are you?

If you’re at the beach, I hope you packed a few things to make it worth your stay. There’s nothing quite like a day of fun in the sun that turns into disappointment when you left an essential item at home. Sure, you might be able to find the missing piece in town, but wouldn’t it be better if you had everything neatly stowed in your car in preparation for all those great times?

Should you find yourself planning a day at the beach, make sure you remember to pack the following very important things so you can enjoy everything your Summer vacation has to offer.

Straw Hat - Look for a hat that is lightweight and has a nice wide brim. This style of chapeau is pretty popular right now, so you should have no trouble finding one that fits both your skin care and fashion needs.

Beach Towels - I always recommend having two towels handy for each person. One seems like enough…until you decide to go in the water and have a damp towel to sit on for the rest of the day.

Sunglasses - Big, dark, and packed with UV protection. Always look for the sticker on the lens that indicates if you are buying something useful or just pretty. They should be both.

Beach Tote - For storing your extra beach towel, as well as a whole host of other goodies such as snacks, lipgloss and a hairbrush. Don’t just take a purse, which will be rendered unusable from all the sand by the end of the day - get a heavy canvas bag that you don’t mind shaking around and throwing in the wash when you get home.

Flip Flops - You can keep your cute shoes packed in your beach tote too - but when you’re shuffling through the sand, it’s best to have a pair that are sturdy, waterproof and not necessarily all that expensive or near to your heart. Would you really want to miss out on that romantic walk on the beach because you’re afraid of wrecking your shoes?

Folding Chairs - If you are planning on being there all day, laying on a towel is going to get a little old after a while. Give your back a break and make sure you have a chair that you can slouch in for at least part of the time you’re there.

Cute Coverup - When the sun starts to go down, it could get chilly…so you should have something easy and appropriate to throw on so you’re not shivering in the cold. This way you also have something to wear for dinner on the water.

Digital Camera - How are you ever going to remember all the laughs you had on your beach day if you don’t remember to bring a camera along? I suggest bringing a smaller (preferably cheaper) camera that is resistant to the elements. Treat the little guy right and pack him in a makeup bag or little pouch so you don’t ruin your chances of seeing those great photos by getting sand caught up in the camera.

Sunscreen - More than SPF, water-resistant and liberally applied. This is your best accessory and defense against the long-term impact and risks associated with sun damage.

Beach Umbrella - Shade is key, especially when you need to pace yourself throughout the day. Don’t risk sunburn or heatstroke by laying directly in the light without a decent break. You can still enjoy the beach…but you won’t be wrecking your skin in the process.

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This week I finally booked the time off I needed to breathe for a moment, relax a little bit, and step back from the daily grind of work. I’m fortunate enough to have a job that is both hectic and fulfilling - but there are days where frazzled doesn’t quite describe my state of mind!

In these times, justifying a full blown vacation didn’t seem right. My husband and I talked about where we could go and what we could do and both decided that right now it makes sense to stay put and enjoy what our city of Toronto has to offer.

Image: sxc.hu

The concept of a staycation is still relatively new - but more and more I’m hearing people say the word and think of this as a viable alterative to costly vacations.

Four days later, here’s why I think you should consider taking a staycation too:

1. Instead of spending money on a flight, pick up a book and yourself up at a local spa for the day - you’ll have the funds to get a whole whack of treatments and potentially find an esthetician or massage therapist you can go back to semi-regularly.
2. We often forget how many great attractions are right around us - museums, galleries and local landmarks can be excellent for daytrips…and now you will be more knowledgeable about the area when family comes to stay.
3. And it’s not just tourist attractions we overlook - what about all the great restaurants that are out there? Have a couple glasses of wine and enjoy yourself.
4. All those forgotten hobbies that you don’t have time for are right there stuffed in the back of your closet. No need to cart everything to a far off location…rediscover that fun at home and try to make time for them when you’re back to work too.
5. Don’t worry about jetlag or losing a couple days just on travel - every single day you are off is yours to do what you want.
6. In the process of staycationing, you might also find the time to take care of those nagging little tasks that you forget about when you’re busy with work. Relaxation and a sense of accomplishment? Now that’s a wellrounded week.
7. Sleep. Yep, you got it. Sleep.
8. With all that money you saved and time you have, spend the day prepping a great dinner for you and your friends.
9. If you choose, you can still keep an eye on email so you don’t have a mountain to go through when you get back (set up an autoresponder though, which should do the trick for 90% of the messages you receive.
10. Since you didn’t splurge on one expensive vacation, you can use a some more of those vacation days in a few months to take another mini-break from it all.

July is National Ice Cream month, and with warm weather, Independence Day celebrations, lots of picnics and other outdoor events, it would be tempting to enjoy ice cream all month long.  And the darn ice cream truck that drives through the neighborhood, with its trilling lilt of music, tries to tempt as well.

Of course, we all know what eating ice cream all month long would do our swimsuit fit, so we’re going to have to choose our ice cream moments with care.

You don’t have to give up refreshing treats during the summertime, though.  Enjoy those yummy, but high calorie treats, sparingly, and substitute some refreshing low cal treats the rest of the time.

Here’s some ideas to get you starting thinking about refreshing low calories summer treats:

Chilled watermelon - Many melons lose their flavor when chilled, but watermelon is always tasty.

Popsicles – You’ll have to be careful the calories here, but the best bet is to make your own out of healthy juices.  You can create you own delicious flavor combinations, too.

Frozen candy – You can’t get too carried away with this sweet treat, but if you manage portion size, you can get an icy cold sweet fix without damaging your calorie count. You may have tossed your candy bar into the freezer when you were a kid, so just adjust to the grown up version.  Choose a favorite bar (I think Milky Way is great frozen), but it into small pieces, put into a freezer bag and toss into the freezer.  You can grab a tasty bite when you need it.

Sno-cone – Another childhood favorite of mine, but now I make mine without all the sugary syrup.  Substitute juice or other healthy flavoring to taste.

Frozen juices – Put your orange juice or other favorite into the freezer and let it get slushy.  Scoop into a martini glass, and it’ll look pretty as well as taste good.

Celery – Full of hydrating water, celery provides a little crunch as well.  Add a smidge of peanut butter (but don’t get carried away) for a little protein if you’d like.

Cucumbers – These are one of my favorite summer snacks.  Have them chilled and plain, squeeze on a bit of lemon or lime, sprinkle on chili powder or flakes, add a splash of balsamic vinegar, or add them with tomatoes to make a refreshing salad.

Tomatoes – I used to eat these straight from the vine when I was a kid.  If you have a garden, you can too!  But if not, find a good farmers market and stock up.  I think tomatoes taste best when they’re at room temperature, or maybe even warmed a bit from the sun.  Just bite into them, add a little salt and pepper if you’d like, and picture yourself in the garden.

Chilled water – One of the all purpose refreshments, you can spritz in up a bit with some lemon or lime.  Drink lots – it’s good for quenching your thirst and for the rest of you, too.

Photo credit: SXC

I had the chance to watch the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic on my last flight.  This isn’t a movie that’s going to change the world, and it doesn’t pretend to be.  It’s just light-hearted and fun, so don’t take it all too seriously.

Here’s why I enjoyed it:

1. I adored the book!  And while the movie was a bit different, of course, it was still a great chick flick.
2. You’ve got to root for anyone who gets a journalism job at a magazine right out of university.
3. Who doesn’t dream of waltzing right into any store and making any purchase that you fall in love with?
4. Shopping is an addiction, but the movie deals with it in a soft way.
5. Clothes. . . shopping. . . and more clothes and more shopping.
6. While there is no incredible romantic chemistry between Rebecca and Luke, there’s still a feeling that there could be something special.
7. Come on, be honest – haven’t we all wanted to just ignore a bill when it came due.

Have you seen the movie?  What did you think?

Photo credit: Amazon

Maybe I’ve been living under a rock all this time, but I had no idea there was this whole Beyoncé/Sasha Fierce thing going on in promotion of her album last year! But regardless of my obvious ineptitude when it comes to keeping up with these pop culture tidbits, I’m intrigued by the fashion designs Beyoncé will be putting out under the name Sasha Fierce for Deréon (her junior fashion label).

Images: WWD

Sure, you’re wondering “is this just another celebrity clothing line?” Well, here’s why I think you should take a second look at Sasha Fierce for Deréon before writing it off completely.

1. The line is inspired by her stage costumes, which are designed by the legandardy Thierry Mugler.
2. Her mom, Tina Knowles, is also actively involved in the project - and she’s been styling Beyoncé for years.
3. This edgier/trendier take on the iconic brand of Beyoncé should have a lot more mass appeal.
4. The slightly more subdued clothing (you may have noticed..lots of black!) is complimented with a line of over the top, chunky gold accessories.
5. Funky details like mesh and lace on ripped jeans are a unique interpretation on a very hot trend right now.
6. The price is reasonable, at $25-75 wholesale, and hopefully will be available alongside other House of Deréon pieces in stores like Macy’s and Dillards.

Source: WWD

It’s the time of year when lots of people are traveling.  Whether it’s a family reunion, a visit home to family and friends, or an opportunity for a little vacation, chances are that this summer you’ll either have a houseguest or be one.

While staying with family or friends is not the same as staying in a hotel, there are little touches that you can do to make your guests feel a little more at home.

Here are 9 little things that you can do to make your guest’s bedroom feel like a cozy, intimate, and personal space:

1. A freshly made bed. This shouldn’t have to be listed, but it does.  Have the bed made up for your guest, with sweet smelling linens and blankets.  Nothing says “you’re an imposition” like having everything a mess when your guest arrives.
2. Add some flowers.  Whether it’s a big bouquet from your yard, a simple stem in a bud vase, or a flower floating in a bowl of water, flowers seem to brighten a room.
3. Get a decent reading light by the bed.  It may be sexy and attractive to have dim lighting in the bedroom, but before turning in, many of us like to read for a bit.  A decent light is essential.
4. Books and magazines.  I always have something to read, but how thoughtful it is when my hostess leaves a magazine or two and/or a book on the nightstand.  I LOVE it when it’s a guidebook to the city I’m visiting, and I can gain a little knowledge about what I’d like to do or see.
5. Information.  A short instruction sheet with some basic information will help a guest feel at home and save you time from having to explain (and re-explain) some basics.  A note with your phone number and address, wi-fi log in information, a spare key, and maybe even a local map.
6. Clear some closet and/or drawer space.  I know that I’m taking up space that isn’t mine, and I try not to sprawl my stuff all over.  A drawer to use and some empty hangars help me to respect your space while keeping my clothes looking neat and tidy.
7. Place a candle in the room.  Adding a candle in the room (one that can be used) adds a special romantic and thoughtful touch, and is practical as well.  A scented candle can help get rid of funky odors, create a relaxing mood, and chosen carefully, can also be sleep inducing.  Be sure to leave matches as well.
8. Extra pillows and blankets.  I’m one of those people who seems to always be cold, and nothing keeps me from a peaceful night of sleep like freezing my behind off!  A few extra items can make all the difference in the world to facing the next day in a happy frame of mind.
9. Chocolate on the pillow.  I know this might seem like a trite hotel tradition, but at the end of a long day, there’s something about the taste of chocolate that is the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Do you have any special tips to make your guest room inviting?

Photo credit: SXC

I just finished up five days visiting Croatia, giving me a chance to observe some more European fashion.

While Croatia may not seem like a fashion capital of the world, a lot of the visitors there are from Italy, France, and the United Kingdom.  That means that’s there’s a heavy fashion influence throughout the country.

Here are a few fashion observations from a day touring around the Old City of Dubrovnik:

1. Shorts are seen more here than in many spots around Europe.
2. White athletic shoes are typically only seen on American tourists.
3. Flat sandals are a big choice for both men and women.  (This surprised me as these gave NO support for walking around or climbing stairs/steps.)
4. Short (really short) skirts are popular for teens and young adults.
5. Capris are a HUGE fashion choice, for men and women, day or night.
6. Tan, khaki, and varying shades of white was the most commonly seen color of clothing.
7. Jeans were worn by people of all ages, and are still a strong fashion choice.
8. Messenger bags (made of canvas, leather, or nylon) were commonly carried by men and women.  Fanny packs were only worn by the over-60 cruise-set.
9. Men opted toward slip on walking shoes, primarily in leather, for evening time.
10. Heels and sundresses came out at night, but were still simply and casually cut, and muted in color.  Few bright prints or colors.

I’m back in Italy for another week, so hope to have another fashion update before heading back to the United States.

Simply Stated - a selection of cute flip flops for all hours on hot Summer days.

Style Bakery Beauty - some serious steals that won’t pinch your wallet but will help you through the heat.

Hot Beauty Health - top picks for delicious smelling, and alcohol-free perfume oils.

Mod Life - if as a kid you have ever dreamed of having an exotic animal for a pet, this list will bring back memories.

College Fashion - flattering and affordable tankinis and one pieces for all different body types.

Ecosalon - going green is easy with these simple tips.

Who What Wear - stretch your shoe budget and look fabulous with these sexy summer shoes for under $100.

Jet Set Socialite - chic-onomic principles and guidelines we can all use to look like we stepped out of a magazine (but on a real girl’s salary).

Got a list you want to share? Send your details to thelistmaven@gmail.com.

This week, Lucy Lui joined Blake Lively, Evan Rachel Wood and Chloe Sevigny to celebrate the opening of the New York City Swarovski Crystallized Concept Store.

Out of all the photos I saw from the event, Lucy Lui’s brilliant red dress totally caught my eye. She hasn’t been in the spotlight that much lately, but recently she appears to be out and about a lot more. She’s such a stunning woman and a fabulous actress, I’m glad we haven’t seen the last of her on the red carpet yet!

Here are the reasons why this dress is my favorite for this week -

1. The color is versitle, a very summer-y shade of red for this event.
2. The bet accentuates her toned figure and womanly curves.
3. Her shoes are muted to let the dress shine as the main attraction.
4. Same with the gorgeous while clutch that looks as though it would carry plenty.
5. Sheer makeup and a simple ponytail are understated touches.
6. The cape could be so wrong on many women - but Lucy carries it just right.

Images: INF