Let’s start with wearing red:

• Red Door perfume from Elizabeth Arden
• A shiny red lip gloss, Bad Education, in a not-too-stick formula from Nars
• Paint your fingers and toes red with Keys to My Karma polish from the India Collection by OPI
• Tote around everything you need with a red domed duffle bag from Dooney & Bourke
• Give your outfit polish and shine with a pair of red patent flats from Nine West

And add something white:

• A bold V-shaped white jersey top with a drape that’s simple and sexy, from Ella Moss
• Keep a precise eye on the time with a white Juicy Couture watch embedded with Swarovski crystals
• Show off shapely fingers with a square white onyx statement ring from Bottega Veneta
• Protect your face and skin, and keep fashionably cool, with a white synthetic straw hat from Eric Javits
• Opt for a mysterious look with a pair of oversized white sun glasses from BVLGARI

Finally, the blue:

• A pair of dark wash denim crop pants is a classic staple for Independence Day and any time of year, from Nordstrom
• A bright cobalt blue scarf can be layered for warmth or tied around a purse, from Sak’s
• Let blue topaz and silver earrings from David Yurman dangle from your lobes, looking chic whether dressy or casual
• Tuck a blue L.A.M.B. wallet in your purse and keep essential organized and neatly at hand
• And just in case there’s rain in the forecast, a blue Tahari walking coat will keep you dry when the rain comes down

Photo credit:  Nordstrom

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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

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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

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From left to right: Pleasure Doing Business Skirt ($66); Ribbed Boyfriend Tank ($6.99); Pink Raffia Trilby Hat (£15.00); Lustre Ruffle Bikini Top ($95); Pink Neon Scarf (£112); Stealth – Crossover Platform (£72); Bare Feet Shoes Apparel Jeans ($24.99); Luciano Padovan Purse ($855); Pink Shell Flower Earrings (£8); Pop Art Pinkies (£3.60); Matt Neon Heart Sunglasses (£15); Notte by Marchesa Strapless silk ruffle dress ($750).

Images: Polyvore

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Here are six pieces on sale that you might want to consider adding to your closet this season.

Chloe Suede flat sandals – Was $470, Now $282 ; Tibi Silk Ruffle-Front Dress – Was $300 Now $150 ; Roberto Cavalli Silk Evening Gown – Was $1,610 Now $1,127 ; Marlene Birger Darice Cotton Cardigan – Was $490 Now $343 ; Sissi Rossi Donna Boston Bag – Was $895 Now $447.50 ; MINT jodi arnold Ruffle Silk Tank – Was $330 Now $198

Images: Net-A-Porter

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Here are twenty ways you can easily give yourself a mini makeover – without breaking the bank.

Image: Newscom

1. Stop by your favorite makeup counter and ask for help picking out a new lipstick (resist the whole face treatment – when you look like a movie star, it will be hard to resist purchasing everything!).
2. Check out sites like Polyvore to mix and match clothes you might not feel confident enough to try on in the store.
3. Organize a clothing swap among all your friends. What one girl is tired of might be a prize to the next lucky owner!
4. Try a new haircolor…but don’t skimp on this one. Go to the hair salon.
5. Pick one trend and test it a cheaper version of the real thing at stores like Forever21 and Target.
6. Get a mist tan. You just have to try it once in your life – it’s an experience!
7.Donate every pair of shoes you have not worn in the last two years to charity. Reward yourself with a new pair.
8. Pick a style icon. Use her for inspiration and invest in two signature pieces of clothing that will carry you through dozens of outfits.
9. Learn how to apply fake eyelashes. They will carry you through a night out better than six layers of mascara.
10. Go dancing. It’s just good for the soul.
11. Don’t blow dry your hair for two weeks. Notice what a difference it makes! Try to limit heat drying to a few times a week instead of everyday.
12. Find a spa that will let you lounge all day, purchase a basic massage (which shouldn’t cost too much) then turn off your Blackberry and soak up the silence for the rest of the afternoon.
13. Go a week without wearing jeans. I bet you can’t do it. Yes, that’s a dare.
14. Get your eyebrows done professionally. Not just waxed, but shaped and really taken care of.
15. Find something to organize your jewelry so you can actually see all those beautiful pieces you own and can chose the right one for the day without stressing or trying to untangle a ball of gold and silver chains.
16. Get fitted professionally for a bra. Most of us ladies have no idea what size we really are. Just what size we think we might be.
17. Reorganize your closet by type and/or color.
18. Sell those accessories you can’t stand anymore on Craigslist and put the money toward your “expensive bag fund”.
19. Cut the late night TV habit and go to bed.
20. Now that you’re getting a good night’s sleep…get up early and go for a run! Okay, a jog. Just start with a walk around the block and see where it takes you.

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Of course, unlike the flimsy, cheap light cotton sundresses you might have filling your closet…a Pucci dress will set you back a bit. You could find a cheap knock off for the brightly colored, swirly effect, but you know it’s not the same – there’s just nothing quite like the real deal, and this dress will take you far. Whether you’re lounging by the beach…chilling in Mexico…hanging out on a cruise ship vacation…or simply strutting around the city, this is a must have purchase.

Alessandro Print Dress – Pretty in coral pink with a cute little string belt. Perfect for curvy figures and conservative ladies. $1,535

Miri Print Wrap Dress – Flirty hemline and elegant belt are lovely embellishments for this flattering mini wrap dress.  $1,520

Fontana Print Strappy Dress – Cheaper than going on safari, this dress will complement your summer glow, especially when you pair it with some chunky good jewelry. $1,860

Crossover Strappy Gown – I’m usually not a fan of floor length dresses, but in this case I will make an exception. The way the fabric flows and the black wraps around the waist accentuates all the right parts. $2,900

Miri Print Dress – Can’t you just see yourself wearing oversized sunglasses and sipping a mimosa in this lovely shift dress? While the boxy shape may not work for all body types, if you have been spending quality time with your gym, you should reward yourself. $1,165

Miri Panello Dress – Easily taking you from daytime to night, these rich colors make a dramatic statement. $2,450

Images: Net-a-porter

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