A Jersey Girls Style Guide

Top Five Summer Trends

The latest trends are filled with colorful and fun pieces just in time for summer. From patterns to cuts and shoes to headbands I’ve got five of the latest trends to rock on those hot summer nights. Just a forewarning, take a drive to the shore before you stock up on these trends, everything looks better with that natural Jersey tan.

One

Neon, neon, neon. To all my Jersey Girls.. you have to do this trend right, spare everyone the seaside pinnys. Hit up J Crew for the widest selection of neon colored pieces at reasonable prices. They have their hot pink spot on. When walking around the mall today I realized that you can find shades of neon in almost every store. Neon is hot in cross bodys (like the Rebecca Minkoff shown above - available in Nordstrom), sandals, maxis and friendship bracelets. Make sure that you only wear one neon colored piece, anything more is tacky. Essie just released their new neon summer polish line so make sure you head to Target to pick up the latest, your nails will thank you.

Two

Patterns galore! Specifically tribal print on shoes, skirts and tee’s. Steve Madden sells these pretty little wedges in stores across America as well as online. You can find great tribal print shirts in stores like Target (surprise, surprise!!) or department stores such as Nordstrom. This trend screams summer and you’ll see it rocked by many music festival goers (especially Bonnaroo in Asbury Park!).

Three

Maxi, baby! Maxi dresses and skirts scream relaxed and chill summertime vibes. Perfect for a day on the boardwalk, walking around Princeton, long car rides on backroads or train rides into the city. Basically, you can’t go wrong when you put on this little number. Pair it with some flip flops during day and wedges for the night owls. Depending on the pattern of the dress, jewelry is almost never needed with the relaxed look. A pair of dangly earrings or some funky rings look best with this outfit. Almost every retail store carries some style of a maxi dress although the greatest selection I’ve seen in in Forever 21. Higher end retail stores are starting to put the first batch of maxi’s on sale because of newer styles, so be sure to check out those sale racks!

Four

Who wouldn’t want to show some skin with a tan body? Cut outs are the ultimate way to get that sexy summer look without looking like you’re trying too hard. Be careful with cut outs though Jersey Girls… we all know who you are. To keep this look appropriate, find pieces with cutouts in the abdomen region or on the vertical seam of shirts. If you’re more conservative you can find cut outs in the shoulders on many shirts and dresses. The best places to find this trend are in Urban Outfitters and online at Nasty Gal. 

Five

Jean cutoffs and a floral pattern… simple right? This floral pattern is everywhere in stores right now. You can find it on jean shorts, crop tops and even in the beauty isle with Sally Hanson’s stick on polish nails. Pair this trend with a neutral top or bottom depending on which piece is floral. Leather sandals or wedges look best with this beachy ensamble. 

Source: meggabytes.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Here are some of my favorite places to online shop. It’s easy to pick up on trends just by glancing through the new arrivals of stores instead of being thrown into a store filled with so many types of styles. I suggest giving sites a look through before hitting up the mall, you might just find exactly what you are looking for, without that overwhelmed, the walls are closing in, spent too much money… feeling!

1. Forever 21 You honestly can never go wrong here. There are so many options which are normally knockoff’s of the more expensive brands. Always stocked up with the latest as long as you take the time to look through the endless amounts of clothing. If you only wear your purchase once or spill your drink all over it, no worries, the only damage done is probably 20 bucks.

2. J Crew Classic meets trendy at reasonable prices. J Crew is perfect for finding that timeless look while still remaining top of the latest trends. Sometimes you could drop a pretty penny but the sale rack is typically on point. I normally run towards the back corner of the store to the sale section because of the great deals. There is a great section of hair clips, polish, headbands, lotion and panties by the register as well. Students even receive a 30% discount on regular priced clothes… hasta la vista baby!

3. Urban Outfitters Awesome place to find festival clothing. Most of the pieces look as if you’ve owned them for years… in a good way of course. If you want that “cool” look you have to check out this store. Reasonable pricing and a killer sale section. 

4. Top Shop and Nasty Gal I put these two in the same category because both stores show a similar style at about the same prices. Great for formals or a special night on the town, you can find fun and quirky pieces at these stores. I recommend checking out the shoe section in both, they have great colors and styles at the same price of Steve Madden. 

5. Asos You are about to be lost and extremely happy about it. This site is AMAZING for dressier events where you want to get a particular style dress and don’t want anyone else wearing the same thing as you. They sell all articles of clothing but I particularly go crazy over their dresses section. Sizes run a little small but you can almost always find something on this site. It’s based out of Europe, so order accordingly to make sure that it will be shipped to the states in time.

6. Esther Wow. Found this beauty on Pinterest and cannot get enough of its never ending amazing influx of clothing. It’s based out of the land down under so shipping is pretty pricy but everything I’ve seen has been perfectly priced and amazingly stitched. Once you take a look you’ll understand what I mean. A kid in a candy store in an understatement, enjoy.

“When you stop doing things for fun you might as well be dead.”

- Hemingway

Let Me Help You

I’ve seen the good, the bad and certainty the ugly throughout my twenty years living in The  Garden State. This blog was created simply to help all of those “Jersey Girls” that need to gain a sense of style. We’ve all seen Snooki and J Woww on MTV, but all those who call New Jersey home know that there is hope out there for our neighbors, they just need a little guidance. So, I insist, let me help you. 


Live Colorfully - CAA