Cute Pick of the Month: May

I haven't done one of these in a while, and with summer fast approaching, I decided that it's the perfect time to reintroduce this feature.

This was my outfit of choice today, a great outfit for running errands (which is what I did!).

On top is a knit white cardigan from Target, paired with a lime green knit babydoll from Hollister.

For pants, I chose some khaki capris I got from American Eagle a few years ago. The cuffs and utilitarian pockets make them look adorable and comfy.

I wore Hollister's Embellished Flip-Flops in dark brown fringe, a great deal at $15.90. I accessorized with the AE jewelry I bought yesterday (see Summer Shopping Spree).

For your own cute and comfy outfit perfect for any casual outing, try a simple sweater with a bright cami or tank with basic denim or khaki capris and summer-inspired accessories.

Summer Shopping Spree

What better way to celebrate the end of the school year than with a shopping trip? Earlier today, my mom and I embarked on one after dropping off my grandparents at the Denver airport. I have been out of school for almost two weeks (a perk of being a senior--go class of 2010!) but it was a great way to celebrate.
Instead of going to the usual mall (Park Meadows), we decided that since it was early, we could make the trip to the Flatiron Crossing shopping center in nearby Broomfield.
First up was Hollister. I loved that since it was early (around 11) hardly anyone was in the store (unlike on my usual shopping trips when I go in the afternoon and the stores are crowded). Almost immediately I saw the dress I had fallen in love with online (Santa Margarita in red plaid, now $29.89) and grabbed it off the rack. After scouring the rest of the store and finding nothing else that really appealed to me, my mom showed me a cute floral babydoll tank (Newport in grey, $19.50) that I also loved and bought.
Next, it was on to Abercrombie & Fitch. I still had some money left on gift cards from Christmas so I couldn't wait to find something adorable. And I did--the Hallie ruffled babydoll tank in dark pink (a great steal at $15.89). While I was in the dressing room trying on other tank tops that I didn't buy, my mom came back with two cute swimsuits. I tried them both on and eventually bought the Leanne triangle bikini in white floral ($24.89 each piece).
Finally, we hit up American Eagle. I wanted to check out the great deal they have going on now--get a pair of flip-flops for $1 when you buy any shorts--but the shorts that I liked were out of my budget. So I made a beeline for the jewelry, which was buy one get one 50% off. I found (and purchased) the adorable Shell Double Strand Chain necklace (now $9.95) and the Chainlink Fireball bracelet (also $9.95).
Shopping bags in hand, I left the mall happy and ready to wear my new purchases.

Leather Up!

Wanna get in on a great flip-flop trend? Then pick up some leather sandals ASAP!
This cute style is widely available at Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle and Hollister, and aren't too expensive for what you're getting. Leather tends to last longer than rubber, so you're getting more bang for your buck--as well as a cute, dressy flip-flop.
For an exotic touch, try AE's T-Strap Sandal or Leopard Infinity Flip-Flop (both $29.50).
Hollister has plenty of styles with embellishments galore. Check out Turquoise Bow ($39.50) and Dark Brown Cuff ($44.50).
Finally, for a simple and polished look, go for A&F's Classic or Braided Leather Flip-Flops (both $46).
You can get a great trend without spending a fortune or wasting your money on cheap construction--buy your leather sandals at these stores and step out in style this summer!

Rompin' Around!

Have you heard about the latest trend to invade stores? The romper, a hybrid between a dress and a tank top with shorts, has been popular since last year, but it's quickly gaining popularity at stores such as Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch.
They have plenty of styles that appeal to everyone, from halter to strapless, floral to striped and embellished to simple.
For those with a girly style, try HCo's Malaga Beach (now $30) or Abercrombie's Sonia in floral ($68).
More of a tomboy? Check out Avalon Place in red at Hollister ($39.50) or Abigail at A&F (now $29.89).

Petite Pick of March

Here's my Petite Pick of the month: Hollister's Grandview dress (now $29.89), Hollister's Capistrano zip-up hoodie in navy (now $29.89) and Hollister's Embellished Leather Flip-Flops in Turquoise Gem ($39.50).
The dress is cut in a flattering halter style that will enhance your bust line. The sweet plaid pattern is just enough to make your frame pop without overwhelming it.
The hoodie makes the dress seem more casual, without dressing it down too much. Its classic fit will make you look amazing!
Finally, the flip-flops really stand out with their turquoise gemstones and pull the outfit together for a cute early spring look.

Want A Little Jelly With Your Flip-Flops?

Check out the newest thing to hit Hollister stores--jelly sandals! Their Vintage Beach Jelly Flip-Flops are a throwback to those popular jelly sandals of the '90s. They are available in light pink, light red, light green and light blue and feature the signature seagull on the sole. All colors cost $17.50 and are available in sizes XS (6/7), S (7/8), M (8/9) and L (9/10). Grab 'em before they're gone!

Best Swimsuit for Your Body? Read On!

Though it is important to like the design and color of your swimsuit, it's more important how it looks on your frame. Some suits, while they may be the right size, don't look as good on your body because you have the wrong style.
The best styles for petites are triangle, bandeau and push-up. Triangle bikinis have adjustable tops that help enhance a smaller bust, and the bottoms are cut perfectly to show off your small legs. Bandeau styles are also great for petite girls because the ruching creates perfect curves. And of course, push-up bikinis create cleavage, something many smaller females want but don't have.
Check out Hollister's Orange County in Dark Orange (top $34.50, bottom $24.50)--the floral design also helps fill you out. Hollister also has three great push-up styles, and check out American Eagle Outfitters for cute triangle bikinis.
So this year, don't just wish for the perfect swimsuit--get the perfect swimsuit!