Fashiometics
 
One of the best thing about summer is you're able to wear dresses in different colors and lengths. This post features one of what I think should be on the top list of your summer staples -- sundresses. I don't think I'm going to elaborate on this summer staple since sundresses are effortlessly chic. But I will say this: make sure the fabric is the main decision factor. You don't want those crisp cotton fabrics because they are not comfortable. I would recommend the jersey-type fabrics for dresses or something similar that's lightweight and breathable. Since it will be hot during the summer, you should pick dresses that are comfortable. As much as possible, avoid polyester and synthetic fabrics. Another decision factor is length. This will depend on your taste. If you want a maxi dress, no one's going to stop you. Make sure the hem hits right below your ankle. If you happen to find a dress that's a little longer than what you want, it's time to pull those platform sandals you've been hiding all winter long. As for the regular length sundresses, it's up to you on where you want to hit the hemline -- you could do above or below the knee -- it's totally up to you.

I hope you will enjoy some of the sundresses I featured below.
So, what do you think? Would you prefer a maxi sundress or the short ones? Is this your favorite summer staple? Let me know on the comments below! :)
 
I admit: cropped tops are one of my favorite summer staples, and I've been seeing a lot of these at the mall. I have a lot of these! These are very casual and great for days at the beach or whenever you're hanging out with your friends by the pool.

When creating a look with a cropped top, I think you are better off with high-waisted pants, skirts, and shorts. If you want to pair it with a low-waist short, you can layer a tank top underneath. These are also great if you want to layer it under a fitted dress or a basic maxi dress. There are numerous styles and prints when it comes to cropped tops: there are the basic loose cropped tee and basic cropped tank top, and the ones that you tie by the waist to cinched it up. If you're dealing with a cropped top with lots of fabric, you could always tuck the front.
I think cropped tops are pretty straight forward. You either like them or you don't. So what do you think? Are you going to try this trend? How would you create a look with a cropped top? Let me know on the comments below! :)
 
Now that we're in the middle of spring, summer is just around the corner. It's not too late to create a shopping guide that could give you ideas when shopping either with your friends, parents or by yourself. Today's post will be on how to find your perfect pair of shorts.
Where to Buy: I would recommend checking discount stores first before hitting the mall. If you have a lot of time, stores like TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Ross gives you numerous options without breaking your bank. If you like shopping at the mall, definitely check out Old Navy and Gap. If you're a teenager or in your 20s, check out stores like PacSun, American Eagle, and Hollister.
Styles to Look For: Choose from styles like paper bag, neon-colored, high-waisted, cotton with floral prints, and the basic denim shorts. Any of these are great for summer especially the cotton with floral prints. You can dress them up or down depending on where and how you are going to wear them. I suggest cropped tees for high-waisted shorts or you can tuck a semi-fitted top on a paper bag short. Anything goes with a basic denim shorts; those are my favorite because they are versatile -- just make sure they are not too short.
Price Range: I think this depends on you. I, sometimes, score a pair of shorts for less than $10. I would say spend less than $50, and I'll say the average price of a pair of shorts would be around $30. If you think you will use it for a couple of summers, go ahead and splurge, otherwise, you can always buy another pair next year!
Make sure you know what you like: do you like short shorts or are you a little more conservative? Do you like bright colors or are you going to stay with a neutral color? Also, check the materials used. Are you really going to pay $50 for a pair of shorts that's made of cheap polyester? No, I don't think so. I have a few suggestions below where you can see many pairs of shorts in different styles and colors.
So there you have it! I will post more shopping guide soon! So what do you think? Are you going to check out discount stores? Do you shop at discount stores? Where do you get your shorts? Let me know on the comments below! :)
 
I'm back with my another summer staple series. For this post, I will focus on beach bags. There are several different choices on what your beach bag should look like. For the set I've created, I chose a straw bag, a nautical-themed bag, a bright-colored bag, and a floral bag. You could choose any of those, but if you were to ask me which one I will choose, I will go with a bright-colored tote bag just because I think it's fun. Bright colors, especially yellow, remind me of the hot summer days I spent at the beach with my friends last summer, and this summer isn't going to be an exception.

When buying a beach bag, make sure you will consider the following:
* Price - Since you will use this bag during the summer, do you really need an expensive one? Ask yourself that question, then decide.
* Size - You have to remember that this bag will carry your stuffs that you will need on the beach. Towels, change of clothes and/or cover-up dresses, sunscreen, mp3 player, a good book, water, and after-sun soothing lotion. You have to have a bag that's big enough to carry all the things I mentioned above.
* Material Type - We don't want leather bags on the beach, ladies. Would you bring you designer handbags just to be covered in sand? No, I don't think so.

As for me, I already have a beach bag. Since I spent my winter and spring break at home, I'm suuuuper excited to go on a vacation this summer! Until my next summer staple series!
What are your plans this summer? Do you already have a beach bag? Are you excited to go on a vacation? Let me know on the comments below! :)
 
For the next few weeks, I will be posting a series of a must-have trends for the summer. Today I will discuss about a basic accessory that will yield a huge effect on your wardrobe!

For this post, I will focus on sunglasses. There are many different styles, brands, and prices of sunglasses in the market. There are the $6 sunglasses from Forever 21, $100-$300 sunglasses with brand names like Ray-ban, Carrera, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, etc. Personally, as a college student on a budget, I love Forever 21's $6 sunglasses! Heck, I have 7 of them - different kinds and colors. If you're an Asian like me, and are not blessed with a high-bridged nose (I cannot wear the modified Ray-ban wayfarers to save my life!), make sure you try on the sunglasses before buying them. I do not recommend buying sunglasses on-line unless you have been in the store and personally tried the sunglasses on.

One tip I received from my aunt was whenever you're trying on sunglasses, make sure there aren't any gaps on the bridge of your nose that could make the sunglasses look awkward on your face. Instead of improving your face shape and/or your wardrobe, it will do the opposite. We don't want awkward pictures during our summer vacation, do we?

And of course, the most famous rules:

If you have a round face, look for sunglasses with squared edges. Same goes with square faces, you should find sunglasses with more rounded corners to balance out your face shape. As for heart-shaped faces, the best bet is to go with aviator sunglasses (Sarah Jessica Parker, anyone?). For the oval-shaped faces, you can pretty much wear anything!

Of course, rules are meant to be broken. If you're like me, and you wear pretty much any style and color of sunglasses, even if your face isn't oval-shaped, kudos to you! <3