Fashion: Trendy Tribal

One of my favorite summer trends is the tribal pattern I'm seeing everywhere! It's such a versatile look, and adding a tribal accessory to any look takes it to the next level. Aztec-printed dresses, tops and even leggings are perfect for a summer boho look. I especially love tribal swimwear, how perfect for your vacation!

Tribal pieces to jazz up any summer wardrobe.

Simple accessories perfectly accent this wild skirt.

Monochrome + tribal.

Perfect summer night out look.

Classy + trendy for the beach.

What do you think? Have you added tribal pieces to your closet?

Fashion: Splurge or Save?

Unless you have an unlimited clothing budget (jealous), you have to pick and choose with items you need to splurge on, and where you need to save. When is it better to buy the designer, and when is it better to find a similar off-brand piece?

Timeless, good quality, high-use pieces are worth the extra splurge.

Generally, if something is trendy, I'd say buy a similar. If you think you'll get less than a year of wear out of something, don't spend big money on it. Boyfriend jeans? Save. Chunky sandals? Save. Keep your dollars for classic pieces that will never go out of style, such as a statement handbag, a designer watch, sunglasses you'll wear every day, or a great leather jacket.

Get "trendy" items at discount retailers, not designer boutiques.

For example, the high-low dress trend, while something I love, is sure to be gone next year, so don't spend more than $20-$30 on a dress you'll wear for a summer. If you get your must-have, on-trend, get-compliments-at-work pieces someplace like H&M or Forever 21, you can Neiman Marcus something you'll use and style for years to come.

What do you think? What items are worth the splurge, and where should you save?

Fashion: Maxi Skirts for Summer

Being 5'2", I took one look at the maxi skirt trend taking over fashion magazines and the internet and knew it wasn't for me. I've never met a formal dress I didn't have to hem, and I live in the world of petite pants. But when I moved to Paris and saw so many women absolutely rocking the ankle-grazing trend, I took a $10 gamble on a black, cotton maxi skirt from H&M and never looked back. It's so great for an all-day look because you can wear one for morning coffee and then out that night with just a few styling tweaks.

Solid and pattern maxi skirts for any budget.

Some of my favorite maxi skirts on the market right now.

Add heavier make-up and a pair of heels to dress up a maxi skirt for night.

Examples of day-to-night maxi skirt styling.

Chic celebrity styling.

Jennifer Lawrence, Selena Gomez, Olivia Palermo and Jessica Alba rock their maxi style.

What do you think? Are maxi skirts fab or drab? What's the best way to style a maxi skirt for summer?