Tis the season of weddings, graduations, garden parties, barbeques and lazy days at the pool. The one piece of clothing that is always just right? I vote dresses all the way! There is something inexplicable about how special you feel as soon as you slip into a dress; not even necessarily a formal one. No, any day and any occasion a dress is the right choice. Here are our thoughts on dresses this season.

Although black and white is a classic staple that will never go wrong, this season the focus is on colour. Jewel tones like sapphire blue, emerald green and ruby red are hot in addition to strong saturated yellows. My personal fav –coral. It flatters every skin type. Check out this fabulous frock by Jacob .

If you prefer something softer, garden prints are everywhere and offer a smaller more feminine option for those days you are feeling so bold. H&M had a wildly popular Garden Collection for spring. Other stores like the reliably trendy Forever 21 also featuring some lovely floral dresses.

Ruffles were a trend that started a few seasons ago but have great staying power. There is something flirty and fun about ruffles. This adorable dress by BCBG has just enough ruffles without creating a strange lampshade effect. We are loving this dress for its second super trend feature: one shoulder.

With the cast of Sex and the City 2 visiting exotic Middle East, we are seeing other 'musts' for this season. Embellishments - from beads to zippers to bedazzles everywhere, jeweled necklines are key. Can't find the exact one for you? Fake it! Pair a simple strapless dress with a necklace like this one and voila!

Last but not least, my long lasting favourite - the maxi dress. They are so comfy and elegant and every woman should own one, or more! You don't have to be over size feet tall to work this look. Make sure the hem just grazes the floor and you'll be the height of fashion. Now that these have become a staying piece, you can get them in all shapes, sizes and even better, something to fit all budgets. Check out this great one!

It's summer! You don't have time to be sweating over clothing choices. Make sure your summer wardrobe is a simple thing. Build a base of great dresses and then use shoes and accessories to change your look. You can't go wrong with a single piece of clothing that can have you dressed and out the door and in the sun in a few seconds flat!

Accessorize your summer wardrobe!
Now that you have pulled out your favourite summer pieces, it's time to add some personality to them with accessories. This summer dress it up with fashionable hats, hair bands, fun shoes, summer bags, and accessories! HUSH has a whole new line from Dress It Up in! Now you can shop HUSH for fashion and accessories!

Oh what a night!

The first Sex and the City movie, was insightful, emotional and fashionably fantastic. We were all left wanting more. With the long awaited release of the second film, women everywhere flocked to the theaters to get their fix. Starfish events, put together the perfect soiree for the movie screening complete with a silent auction with great prizes (oh how we all wanted to MAC cosmetics gift box), delicious food by a new restaurant called the Burrito Borracho (doesn't sound stylish but it was truly delish!), great
original designer pieces by Ottawa's own Rachel Sin. It was apparent that we had all taken extra time to get ready for our evening. Fabulous fashionista's with their hottest looks lined up early to get the best seats for the show. Many were fierce competitors in the 'Best Shoe' contest. The film garnered mixed reviews but there is no debating the fantastical fashion quotient. Even better is that it is rumoured they are already working on a third film. Can't wait! The after-party at the Arc Hotel is always a best bet for a great night out. The crowd came directly from the theater so it was 98% female. A jackpot for any lucky boys who happened to be at the lounge! For us girls it was like a grown up birthday party as we danced the night away. The pretty shoes may have been pretty painful but totally worth it.

We are already looking forward to the next time!

The Big Apple is coming to you in support of Women’s Cancers: swag bags, huge auction, and the best sex tape to be released in years – Sex and the City 2: The Movie, that is!

Throw on your stilettos and your favourite bag and join us for the night to remember!

Thursday, June 3, 2010. Tickets are $20 + GST.

Includes appetizers by Sixth Sense Catering, Cake by Carolina, mocktinis, deluxe swag bags, raffle prizes, free admission to Sex and the City 2 movie, fabulous surprises and an amazing cosmopolitan filled after-party at ARC the hotel.

Empire Theatre at the World Exchange Plaza, 111 Albert Street. After-party at the ARC Hotel, 140 Slater Street

Soiree begins at 5pm

Reception 5:00 to 7:00

Movie 7:00 to 9:30

After-party 9:30 to 1:00

Enter the Sexiest Shoes and Sexiest Bags contests for a chance to win hair and spa packages from The Loft, a designer dress by Rachel Sin or shopping at HUSH.

Buy your tickets today! http://bit.ly/starfishsatc

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors: Le Spa/The Loft, HUSH, Rachel Sin, End Result Fitness, 3Sixty Dance and Fitness and Details Ottawa.

Summer Fashions – Hit and Miss!
With the early arrival of hot weather this year, more than ever, we are seeing the wardrobe confusion we all face post hibernation. After spending months covered up from head to toe, choosing the right thing to wear can be a surprising challenge when getting ready to head out and soak up the sun. Whenever I am out driving, I most enjoy taking in the fashion ‘ensembles’ gracing the sidewalks for the sunny season.

So far, here are my votes for hits and misses:

Sundress: HIT! Light, bright and full of life this easy, breezy summer wardrobe staple is always a winner for many reasons:

1. There is such abundance available to choose from, you can really pick the right colour, shape and style that suits you.
2. They are typically very budget friendly allowing you to purchase many. (Always a plus in my book.)
3. Most importantly – they are comfortable!

Looks like I’m not the only one feelin’ the sun dress thing:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=5002&mlink=5001,1865337,1&clink=1865337

Short Shorts: MISS! These cropped bottoms are a true frenemy: an enemy disguised as a friend. Why you may ask? Because, unless you are blessed with super model legs, or play professional volleyball, these ‘shorts’ will do you no favours. Yes they are cute, and yes they seem like they are cool when the sun is hot. But a colleague of mine said it best: If your pockets come out the bottom of your shorts, Newsflash: There are probably other things coming out as well!! Anything shorter than it is wide, is doing nothing for your posterior.

Gladiator Sandals: still a HIT! Because they have been around for a few seasons now, there are tons of great styles to choose from. Fierce structured sandals – match made in heaven! http://fashionlee.choseit.com/files/2009/06/gladiator-sandal-dealspreview.jpg

Rubber flip flops: MISS! If you can buy it at the dollar store, it is most likely not considered fashion! This in expensive ‘footwear’ is not designed to last or to be used outdoors. Please keep them for the gym locker room only!

Tune in for the next item up for debate – the Romper. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Join us for a girls NIGHT OUT to DRESS IT UP! Thursday, May 13th

7 - 9 PM HUSH clothes

Stop by for a free seminar on How to DRESS IT UP. Norah and Alison will show you how to add accessories into your wardrobe and what pieces are hot for this season. You can also enjoy food catered by Cabotto's, champaigne, prizes, and 20% off all accessories!

VIEW INVITE HERE