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

Post from: The List Maven

This is an accessory item that I’m willing to spend a little more on because I’m buying for a quality lens to protect my light sensitive eyes.  I need VERY dark lenses, and ones that don’t let a lot of sunlight filter in on the sides.

If you don’t want to go with a pair of wrap glasses, there are a lot of choices in this fashion category.  Here are a few styles that I found at Zappo’s that just might do the trick:

Brighton Casanova incorporates the silver touches found on their handbag line into a simple and classic oval frame.  Not too large, not too small.  With 100% UVA and UVB protection my eyes would be well protected. $65.

Maui Jim Palms are a very comfortable line of sunglasses, and offer a blend of practicality and eye safety with fashion.  This design offers a thinner and lighter weight lens, and are design to combat glare protection.  Oooh, big factor for sun sensitive eyes.  They can also be filled with a prescription lens, an advantage to eye glass wearers.  $213.

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarers are another classic brand and style with a reputation for quality.  The reason the Wayfarer style keeps coming back is that it works!  The lightweight frames have glass lenses that offer 100% UV protection.  Safety and fashion that never goes out of style.  $139.

Von Zipper Absinthe may not be the darkest lenses, but they offer a little more fashion with their curved oversized frames. Highly durable, and offering complete UV protection, are made to take a beating.  No need to worry about these getting knocked about it your travels.  $94.

If you know any styles that offer really dark lenses, be sure to leave a suggestion in the comments.

Photo credit:  Zappo’s

Post from: The List Maven

This year it’s time for a new swim suit, and there are 4 basic styles to choose from.

The classic bikini:  Every since Frankie and Annette romped in Beach Blanket Bingo, the bikini has been the suit of choice for most women.  Today’s bikini comes in varying degrees of skimpiness to match up to your figure.  Most women, however, look good with a little bit coverage.  And don’t forget, if you’ll be swimming, playing beach volleyball, waterskiing, or any other active beach sport, you’ll want to make sure you have adequate coverage.  For a bikini that adds a little hardware to fashion, try this Ring Bikini from Rob Beattie.  The top is $87 and the hipster bottom is $67, at Nordstrom.

The tankini:  For a little more coverage on top, and great when you want to cover the stomach area, a tankini combine the best of a one-piece with the best of the bikini.  Channel your inner 60’s wild child with the tie-dye patterned tankini, Love Potion from Lucky Brand.  The top is $84, and the bottom is $64, at Nordstrom.

The skirted suit:  A look going back to the 40’s, the skirted swim suit is anything but dated.  With a choice of skirt lengths, bikini or tankini top, or even a one-piece, you just add a little ruching or a few ruffles and you have a thoroughly modern hip choice.  And speaking of hips. . . the skirted suit does wonders in helping to disguise that problem area.  This pleated halter dress (one-piece) is from Juicy Couture.  $186 at Nordstrom.

The classic one-piece:  With as many choices a the classic bikini, a one-piece can be selected to help with whatever problem area you may have.  Add a little support up top, if that’s what you need.  Choose a little fuller coverage in the bottom, if you’re worried about saddlebags.  Choose strapless or a halter top, if you’re not top heavy.  Get some extra stretch and support in the torso, if your stomach area could use the help.  It’s an all purpose choice, and this year is jazzed up with great colors and interesting details.  This BCBGMAXAZRIA plunge neckline suit in a chalk stripe has a contrasting band just below the bust line to add a little detailing.  $138 at Nordstrom.

I’m looking for a new suit or two, and it’s looking like it will be hard to make up my mind.  What’s your choice this season?

Post from: The List Maven

Here are 5 green selections that will take you all the way through summer:

From the St. John Collection is this double breasted textured knit jacket in green grass.  $995.  Matching skirt available.

St.John Collection at Nordstrom

This sheath dress (Larkspur) is by Nanette Lepore and features layered ruffles for a bit of femininity.  Available in Seafoam, $395.

Nanette Lepore "Larkspur" at Nordstrom

This petal bottom jacket from Soia & Kyo gives a soft look with is lines and wide-cuffed sleeves, yet is still practical.  Available in green, $185.

Soia & Kyo Petal Bottom Jacket at Nordstrom

With a cornhusk straw tote you can carry around all your spring/summer needs and still add a bit of color to your outfit.  Light green, $68.

Cornhusk Straw Tote at Nordstrom

For a casual jacket, complete with hood, this Road Trip jacket from Roxy will be a go-to item for your weekend play time.  Surplus green, $59.50.

Roxy Road Trip hooded jacket at Nordstrom

Post from: The List Maven

There are so many reasons to appreciate a floor length print dress such as this gorgeous Bluemarine creation on the Milan runway. And yet, I don’t usually find myself adding many dresses like this to my closet. In part this might be because Toronto summers don’t usually last long enough to justify such indulgences, and of course there’s the fact that I’m not usually lounging at fancy parties in Mexico where such attire would be chic and necessary.

Image: Newscom

Indeed, I’m usually a t-shirt and jeans girl – the occassional mini-skirt might come out during an evening up to no good around town…but this isn’t quite the right choice for dancing the night away to indie dance pop.

All this might change this summer though, since a dress like this – which eschews the typical bold flower print – might win me over and cause more delightful palettes to appear on the scene.

The five reasons I love this style of dress so much? Well here they are.

Flattery gets you everywhere. I can’t think of a body type that wouldn’t look delicious in this dress. Pear shaped? No problem, the flowing bottom will camouflage your derriere. Small up top? Observe how womanly this pin-thin model looks. Though a more buxom chest might need additional support, it’s safe to say this is a winner you could share with friends.

‘Yes’ to accessories. Such a deep cut V is daring you to accent your cleavage with a short chunky piece or long delicate gold. No doubt the outfit would look positively incomplete without a bracelet or two as well.

Hello, peep-toe. Give me sexy pumps with jewels and slinky straps. This isn’t the time for boring heels…liven things up with shoes you never dreamed you could wear. Onlookers will only see a taste of your fabulous feet. (book your pedicure now..!)

To the back, to the back. I’m all for showing a little leg, but this silhouette has the added benefit of accentuating your waist and a strong, muscular back . Most women forget just how sexy a female neck and back can truly be…but let me tell you ladies, he’ll appreciate what you’re flaunting here.

Bring on the sun…my final reason is a plea for summer to get here faster. I’m tired of Uggs and scarves and slushy streets. Having this dress hanging around is a reminder that warm days are around the corner!

Post from: The List Maven