[STYLE ICON] Rachel Bilson as Dr Zoe Hart

My latest style icon is actress Rachel Bilson in her latest role as Dr Zoe Hart in the new hit TV show, Hart of Dixie. Have you seen it? No!? Well, go check it out for yourself right now! Bilson’s character manages to combine laid-back cool with a little added sex appeal - a look that every young woman wishes she could pull off with such aplomb!

From the creators of The O.C. and Gossip Girl, Hart Of Dixie stars Rachel Bilson as a sophisticated and ambitious young doctor who has to swap her fast-paced life in New York for the down-home world of Alabama after her perfect plans start to fall apart.

Zoe Hart thinks she has her life sorted – she graduated top of her class from medical school, has the perfect boyfriend and is set on following in her father’s footsteps to become a cardio-thoracic surgeon. But things soon start to go wrong, and Zoe is forced to accept an offer from a stranger, Dr Harley Wilkes, to work with him at his small practice in Bluebell, Alabama.

Bilson’s wardrobe in the show is filled with covetable pieces and great inspiration for the glorious summer sunshine we’re currently enjoying here in the UK, whether you favour a chance to show off your pins in a mini skirt or cover-up in easy-to-wear peg-leg trousers, Bilson shows you how.

If you’ve missed the show, so far, make sure to catch yourself up and watch it on Really – there are still more than 15 episodes left in the debut series and a second series has already been confirmed for the US – so it’ll likely be back on our screens in the UK again next year!

I’m clearly having a “Rachel-Bilson-moment” as my Pinterest boards are currently filled with her! Particularly her dip-dyed hair* (see here).

Who’s your current on screen style icon? For a blast from the past, check out my post earlier this week on how Carrie Bradshaw’s style translates to 2012!

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Be Bold with Neon Accessories

Hot pink is trending! And we don’t mean on Twitter. I’m sure all you fashionistas out there have noticed that neon color blocking is everywhere. It’s time to embrace the trend and beat the heat, this summer, with neon accessories.

Wearing neon indicates that you’re fearless and ready for anything. There are many different ways to work the neon trend so that it’s not overpowering. Be bold and beautiful by following our bright ideas and tips.

Brighten up your little black dress



Neons pair well with neutrals like white, tan and especially black. This summer, change the look of your classic LBD with a splash of neon coloring. By adding a bright accessory to your dress, you’re sure to turn heads.

Be bold with neon nail polish



Not sure if you’re ready for such a bold statement? Start out slow with neon nail polish. No matter what you’re wearing, your nails will be your best accessory. Focus on these awesome nail colors: tangerine, yellow, turquoise and of course, hot pink.

Use and abuse neon clutches



Neon clutches and bags bring life to any outfit. Theses fabulous accessories work from day to night. Adding a bright orange or pink clutch to an earthy ensemble adds immediate edge.

Much like makeup, a little goes a long way. Keep that in mind when working the neon trend and you’ll be bold in no time!
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Summer Trends for 2012

Summer finally came to the UK this week!!! I’m sorry if you’re already bored with me talking harping on about it all of the time but, honestly, in the UK you can never quite be sure when summer will arrive, or when it will just as quickly and surprisingly disappear again! However, it seems an ideal time to be discussing this week’s Friend Friday topic: summer trends. Katy has asked us this week,what trends are you loving for the upcoming season?

I have already written about some of my favourite trends for Spring/Summer 2012 so in this post I intend to take my two favourite trends for this season: pastels and prints.

The pastel trend was seen on many of the catwalks for SS12, including at Prada, Jaeger London and PPQ. The pretty candy colours allow the wearer to stick to shapes and styles with which they are already familiar and play around with the shade instead. This is a great trend for work-wear – simply switch your usual white shirt for a pastel blouse and you’re summer office ready.

Prints are synonymous with the summer. Every year floral prints are all over the high street for our holiday wardrobe. This season though, it is all about clashing prints – as seen at Mary Katrantzou and at Clements Ribeiro. This is one trend that we will surely all be rocking on our holidays this summer?

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Make a Splash with Retro Swimwear

Fueled by waves of nostalgia and inspired by “Mad Men” chic, retro swimwear gives women a classic, feminine look. With beach season officially starting this weekend, it’s time to channel your inner Hollywood starlet.

The ladies of the 40s, 50s, and 60s definitely got it right with their high-waist bottoms, polka dots and stripes. They’re absolutely back in style. Vintage-style swimwear is playful, curvaceous and steeped in sex appeal. Each piece is perfect for showing your shape with confidence and style.

Red has come on the scene and is causing quite a stir. Nothing says retro-chic better than the color red. The fabulous, bright color can make any fashionista look bold and beautiful. This summer, be sure to be daring in a red bikini.

Fleet Week is in full swing. Be patriotic in the hot, summer sun with a high-waist, sailor inspired bikini. Pledge your allegiance this Memorial Day with a sexy, nationalistic look.

Polka dots are spot on this season. They are girly and reminiscent of the 1950s, like every trend is these days. Connect the dots and rock your “polka dot bikini gurl.”

Retro swimsuits leave something to the imagination but still maintain a bit of sex appeal. Look and feel like a pin-up princess by taking a trip back in time with these Marilyn Monroe style swimsuits.
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[INSPIRATION] Dip dye Trend SS12

The dip dye trend started with hair colour – a little ombre here and there and then a multitude of colours:

Now though the trend seems to have really taken off and clothes are being dip dyed too:

And my fascination with the trend? Well I’ve been obsessed** with the trend and have threatened for months now to actually go a little ombre myself – and this weekend, I am finally planning a little dip dying of my own! I’ll show you soon (follow me on Twitter or Instagram – username on both is @sugarandspiceSG – to see the results even sooner!).

For now, why not shop the trend for yourself:

Shop it: Warehouse dip dye shorts; Warehouse dip dye Ikat print maxi dress; Warehouse dip dye scarf; Jonathan Saunders dip dye tee (via my-wardrobe); Topshop dip dye maxi skirt; and Day Birger Et Mikkelsen dip dye maxi dress (via my-wardrobe).

What do you think of the dip dye trend?

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Style Icons

Look at these photos from the Front Row of the Fashion Weeks that have just come to an end, I thought it might be time to recap some of those who have been featured and who made their mark on the Front Row in New York, London, Milan and Paris:

First, Sienna Miller, who was not only making an appearance on the Front Row but also on the catwalk with her collection with sister Savannah, Twenty8Twelve:



Kate Moss has been a regular on the Front Rows since the 1990s and she continues to put her fashion foot forward:


Alexa Chung retains that quintessential English style that she has perfected, even when on the Front Row in another city:





Next up, Olivia Palermo was making waves here, at London Fashion Week and across the pond on the Front Row in New York:





Kiera Knightley, the face of Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle, made an appearance for the brand’s show in Paris:


And finally, last week’s Style Icon Clémence Poésy, here at the Chanel show in Paris:


Tell me, who is your style icon?

I am also looking for bloggers who would like to write a guest post for this series, about their Style Icon, please get in touch if you would like to get involved.

Traveling light: Fashion tips and how to pack

Summer vacation season has finally arrived and with it, the decisions on what to take with you as you're off enjoying some relaxing time in the sun.

Often, there is not enough space to take all the clothes you think you might need, whether there's no room in your cramped car trunk or you're trying to save money on luggage fees at the airport.

But have no fear. Shannon Schroeder, a Tulsa fashion expert, has some advice on traveling light yet always having something appropriate to wear. The key: versatile pieces that can be re-worn and fashioned into several looks.

"Try to stick with basics," Schroeder said.

For most of your clothing items, choose neutral colors. Black, white and khaki are good colors for staple items, and flashes of color can be brought in with shoes, purses and accessories.

"You could transform any outfit with accessories," Schroeder said.

Schroeder also suggests using beauty products to make your look pop. A manicure and pedicure, or bright lipstick, will add needed color for what could otherwise be a dull look.

And she says although most of your wardrobe should be basics, you can allow yourself a few standout pieces, such as a colored blouse or colored pair of jeans, which are "very in" right now.

The following are some versatile items that Schroeder recommends.

Dresses

"One of my favorite pieces to wear is a maxi dress," Schroeder said.

For a daytime look, add a fedora and flip-flops. To dress it up, slip on a nice pair of sandals and some accessories.

The same dress can also double as a coverup, she said.

All the same tips can apply to a simple white dress, Schroeder said.

Tops

A black tank top is essential. It can be worn with a pair of colored statement jeans or layered under a blouse.

And speaking of blouses, Schroeder recommends a long-sleeve or three-quarter sleeve one, preferably in a trendy print.

"If you do a blouse in a sheer fabric, it will be cool enough for summer," she said.

And it can be paired with shorts, jeans or a skirt.

Bags

When it comes to bags, you'll probably need only a couple, Schroeder said. A small clutch to dress up an outfit, and a bigger, crossover bag for daytime and when you have more things to carry around.

Shoes

As for shoes, only take one in each "category," Schroeder said.

Her recommendations include a flip-flop in a bold color, metallic sandals, beaded flip-flops, and a wedge espadrille.

Her final tip: Leave the stilettos at home.

"Summer is the time to give your feet a break. A sandal or wedges will still give you the height and the glamour without the spiked heel."


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