But… what’s even better is dressing it up a bit with some fashionable and affordable jewelry.

I recently went to “jewelry shopping crazy” at Forever 21 -

I devour magazines and websites. I crave the new season fashions. I read books on fashion styles and trends and designers. Not to mention… I love perusing store after store after store for fabulous fashion finds (and not only for me — for my whole family!) I love it all.

But what has been AMAZING is seeing fashion hit TV. My favorite? Hands down - Project Runway.

I’m a huge Heidi Klum fan. I’m a huge Tim Gunn fan. I’m a huge Nina Garcia fan. And Michael Kors? Oh, my…. there aren’t enough words. But… what I love most about the show is “meeting” the designers and seeing their vision and creativity come to life through clothing. There’s something incredible about being talented enough to bring to life a piece of fabric. A simple piece of fabric that transforms a person… makes her/him feel more beautiful, feel more confident. It’s simply - amazing.

As I await for Project Runway Season 6 to premiere on LIFETIME, I’m excited to let you all know that Project Runway online launched TODAY on myLifetime.com.

Meet all the designers! It’s incredible… even if you’ve never watched an episode of Project Runway before… you will love the set up of this site. I’ve been reading and watching and learning about all the designers. There’s video of them and facts. They are fabulous and oh-so-very talented.

Right now… my “top picks” are - Malvin Vien and Althea Harper. So - we shall see…

And I love how there is a countdown ticker displayed until Project Runway premieres - which will be August 20th at 10PM. Only 42 days and about 6 hours…

So head on over and have some FUN!!

I know at least a dozen women who have had a baby within the last couple of weeks or are due in the next couple of weeks. It’s amazing.

So… I want to dedicate today’s post to some great post-pregnancy wear.

Let’s face it, we all know the baby belly doesn’t go away overnight. I’ll never forget having my first son, William. I ordered an outfit from Victoria’s Secret - this pink plush hoodie and pant set to wear home from the hospital. I was naive enough to actually buy my pre-pregnancy size. Imagine my delight when I literally couldn’t get the pants over my hips - never mind my stomach region.

After William… I got smart.

I gravitated towards certain cuts that “hid” my post pregnant regions - a.k.a - stomach, butt, hips and legs.

Today I’m talking tops. GREAT tops that don’t make you feel pregnant… they make you look beautiful and chic while making you feel comfortable.

There are 3 kinds of tops that I recommend post pregnancy:

Peasant tops –

Empire waisted tops

Cross -over tops

Here is are my top 5 favorite fashion magazines:

1.) VOGUE Magazine

2.) LUCKY Magazine

3.) InStyle Magazine

4.) Glamour Magazine

5.) ELLE Magazine

My first makeover was on my sister. Jane has been on the lookout for some great outfits that transition easily from day-to-night. She wants to be able to go from a meeting and working during the day… to heading out to dinner with friends.

So this was my first “mission” — finding Jane that PERFECT outfit.

Stay tuned for 2 more TJMaxx/Marshalls makeovers… !

During the summer months my hair has the potential to get damaged beyond control.

Gone are the days of sunbathing and leisurely swimming and being able to wash my hair after every beach and pool trip.

Oh, no.

My days are spent standing by the edge of the pool, making sure my 2- and 3-year-old boys don’t decide to jump into the deep(er) water during their swimming lesson. My days are chasing 4 little boys on the beach and making sure every square inch of their bodies has sunblock on it.

But back to my hair… sometimes it is about the hair.

Last year one of my best friends (and also my hair stylist) told me (reprimanded me, really) to use John Frida’s FRIZZ-EASE Hair Serum Thermal Protection. Honestly - overnight I noticed a difference. In the summer, my hair has the potential to get VERY frizzy - like uncontrollable. I hate it. I usually ended up tossing it up in a ponytail and letting the frizz stay banded together. And I just didn’t like always having to have it up… and this was with using my flat iron, too. The frizz just wouldn’t leave me alone. And I also noticed my hair color fading faster, which wasn’t good either. You pay all this money to have your hair done and it’s gone in a couple of weeks. Not fun.

So… FRIZZ EASE changed my hair life. And believe me - I’m not being paid to write this or mention this. I have just had so many questions lately about hair care for the summer, that I knew I needed to mention this beauty in a bottle.

It literally safeguards every strand. You can use FRIZZ EASE with wet hair and dry hair. I use it for both, and it just seals my hair. It’s smooth and it does not have that awful frizz anymore.

Check this magic out…!

My advice today?

Make sure some red, white and blue is incorporated into your outfit!

I smile when I write this because I have always loved a good hat. And I agreed with him, 100%. There’s something about a beautiful sun hat… it’s chic and elegant and beautiful.

Recently, I was asked by a reader if there is a specific kind of sun hat to get.  In my opinion, “No.” There are so many different variations to sun hats… colors, textures, sizes, decor, that it’s really up to the wearer on what works best.

Some of my favorite sun hats…

The middle hat… Goorin Brothers Callista Hat - Karmaloop.com
The brown straw hats… Forever 21
The striped brown hat, black hat and navy blue corsage accent hat… Yesstyle.com
The Floral hat… Gap.com
The black crownless… Luisaviaroma.com

And right now e.l.f. Cosmetics Anniversary SALE is going on - 50% off Minerals! Check it out.

L.L.Bean offers their classic “Bean Tee” with an Insect Shield.  That’s right — built-in insect repellent.

I thought this was absolutely fantastic… especially with mosquitoes and ticks being so prevalent in the summer.  Classic fashion style with a practical twist.  I love it.

Or as L.L.Bean describes…

Invisible, Odorless Protection
from Biting Insects

From backyard to mountaintop, Insect Shield® Repellent Apparel by L.L.Bean has you covered. Our innovative apparel has been proven to repel mosquitoes, ticks and other biting bugs for the expected lifetime of the garment.

There are also 7 other options in Women’s clothing for the Insect Shield.  And there’s also options for Men and Kids.

I think this is such a perfect marriage between looking good and being smart.