Don't Turn Around

It may be the end of summer, but that still means we have to dress for it. Yes back to school sales, fall fashion week, and more are ahead of us; but we still need to get dressed for now. So today I give you a great option for hot weather. The slit back top. It's so breezy and keeps you cool on these hot end of summer nights.

Asos, Textured Floral Top with Open Back, $27

I love these colors and the sweet back opening is low enough that you can still wear a normal bra.

Lord and Taylor, Jessica Simpson Open Back Tank, $13

Super soft chambray is ready for any bottom in your closet. Chino shorts, printed skirts, jeans, you name it.

Banana Republic, Striped Open Back Pullover, $69

How perfect is this for fall? A heavier knit with a peek a boo slit.

Shoptiques, In Style Blair Crop Top, $39

End of summer picnics? This top.

A great detail isn't easy to pull off, but these slit back top options are effortless and simple. 

Be fabulous today!

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Do a Doubletake

Let's talk about details. A simple top is taken to the next level with embroidery or a tassel embellishment. Today we're looking at a detail that is so simple and quiet, you may not even notice it until you turn around. Do a double take because these tulip back tops are perfect for summer.

Forever 21, Tulip Back Top, $14

This fuchsia is one of my favorite colors for summer. It's going to be perfect with any statement necklace. Tortoise, mint green, neon yellow, pair away because everything is going to pop with this top.

Zappos, KAVU Bernice Blouse, $45

I love this ikat print in a bright evergreen. Even work appropriate because of the length.

Nordstrom, ASTR Scalloped Drape Back Tank, $26

Who doesn't love scallops? I'm loving this tank for the 100 degree summer days in our future.

Old Navy, Women's Tulip Back Tank, $16

How breezy and casual is this tank from Old Navy? Great price, great look.

The tulip hem is a great detail for simple pieces that you can add your own flair to. The tulip back is such an easy twist on this trend. Great for summer weather.

Be fabulous today!

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Get Off the Shoulder

Ok lovebugs, I have a confession to make. I don't love the off the shoulder trend. I have no great reason other than, it just doesn't do it for me. That being said, when the weather gets hot. Not just sweating on your way to work hot, but holy crap do I have to leave the house hot, these light, sometimes skimpy, tops are perfect. So let's look at some off the shoulder tops.

Shopbop, Free People Ripple Off the Shoulder Priscilla Top, $78

See what I mean? Think of all the ways you could style this top. Printed soft pants, a sequin mini, jeans, a slim midi skirt, the list goes on. The swing pleats offer just enough movement.

Forever 21, Abstract Dot Off the Shoulder Top, $15

This top is the definition of flounce. Easy, feminine, and fun.

Asos, Villa Off the Shoulder Top, $51

This top is very super model to me. So effortless and so beautiful.

Modcloth, Countless Compliments Top in Navy, $20

You can't beat the price on this top. I love that its a dark navy instead of a harsher black stripe.

Off the shoulder trend can be overly hippie or overly sexy, but you can also find styles that work with the rest of your closet. Look for patterns that you already love or pair a statement necklace with a solid option.

Be fabulous today!

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Stop and Smell Winter

Happy Monday lovebugs,
It's still winter, according to a furry and hungry groundhog. I'm sorry about that, but you know, with fashion, you don't have to look like the weather. Let's take florals for instance; yes a lovely floral dress is perfect for mid-June, but you can also wear these blossoms in a long sleeve version in the winter.

Nordstrom, KUT from the Kloth Spencer Floral Top, $68

Take this watercolor inspired top. It brings so much warmth to a pair of jeans, a pencil skirt or layered under a vneck sweater.

Piperlime, Eight Sixty Floral Top, $79

RIP Piperlime, so grab this top while you can. I love the micro print with rosy hues.

Lucky Brand, Black Floral Top, $49

A work ready scoop neck that is can handle a long delicate necklace or something a bit heavier. 

JCrew, Retro Floral Popover, $98

How about some jade to inject into your closet? This top is great as is with it's big pattern or layer with a button down for a work ready wear.

Fear not warm weather lovers, spring is coming, but in the meantime, enjoy some florals that can take the cold.

Be fabulous today!

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Laser Removal

You know I love details. I am a sucker for just that little extra something that gives a piece character. Today we're going to look at a detail that takes time. Something that is more than just a bold color, pattern, or texture. It's the laser cut. Sharp, defined and edgy. Today let's look at some black laser cut tops.

Vince Camuto, Chandelier Laser Cut Blouse, $84

Did you think you could classify a top as art deco? Because I'm about to. How sassy is this blouse?

Nordstrom, Leith Laser Cut Shell, $48

An eye-catching geo print that is ready for a bandeau or even a button down.

House of Harlow, Phoenix Tee, $29

Originally $165. That's right. Thank you Nicole Richie.

Asos, Top with Layered Laser Cut Panel, $40

A little boho and ready for your moto boots.

The laser cut is a great trend and detail that makes quite a statement. While you can wear it in a heel or even a white dress, these edgier black tops are really something special.

Be fabulous today!

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Embellish Much?

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Let's talk embellishment. Something shiny to cheer up the start to our work week. While this weather is still trying to figure out what it wants to do, one piece you can always count on is a crisp blouse. Today's feature highlights the collar. A little embellishment.

Asos, Beloved Shirt with Embellished Collar, $32

A sassy neon with a chic peplum. This is a great stand alone or layering piece.

JCPenny, Embellished Open Back Blouse, $12

Light and breezy and a peek a boo back detail.

Chicnova, Contrast Color Lapel Collar, $31

Talk about subtle. Check out the barely there detail on the corners of the collar. So feminine.

Kohl's, Rock & Republic Embellished Tuxedo Shirt, $18

Picture this under a suit jacket. Yeah. Hello unexpected.

Embellishment comes in all shapes, styles, colors, and sizes. A nice collar embellishment is sometimes all you need. Chin up lovebug, let's get through this Monday.

Be fabulous today!

Not Your Average Needlepoint

As you know, I'm all about the details here on TCB and today will be no different. Embroidery is a difficult and intricate detail that adds quiet beauty to a piece. It's not a bold color block, its not an oversized graphic or pattern, it's quiet and charming. Let's look at some tops that use this detail beautifully.

Ann Taylor, Scroll Embroidered Lace Shell, $39

A great layering piece in a year round blush.

Metropark, Romeo and Juliet Couture Embroidered Top, $48

This sweet top has a sassy mesh back perfect for warmer days or throw on a navy blazer and wear it to work.

Shop Ruche, Honest Word Embroidered Top, $39

A chic gauzy top that is a delicate treasure. Such simple details making a huge impact.

Asos, A Wear Short Sleeve Tee with Embroidered Yoke, $23

Strong black and white options are huge for spring and summer, this top offers a nice feminine touch to a sometimes harsh color combination. Check out the sweetheart neckline.

Embroidery is sometimes a more expensive detailed piece to add to your wardrobe, but try to think of the piece's versatility in your closet. Wear it alone, wear it over a dress and belt it, or mix it in with you standard suit.

Be fabulous today!

It's the Sheer Choice

Hey lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you! I hope you had a wonderful Father's Day! Today we're going not so daddy-friendly. We're going sheer. Stay with me. A beautiful sheer blouse is an easy and light way to dress up this summer.

Forever 21, Graduated Sequin Top, $22

Look how adorable this top is. I love how the stripes are different sizes and the sleeves are so casual.

Modcloth, Not Your Father's Plaid Top, $37

A great take on a plaid top with tab sleeves and a pastel color pattern.

Nordstrom, Print Halter Tank, $46

A great going out blouse with some white denim. This top also has a great peek-a-boo back feature.

Lord and Taylor, Tribal Print Sheer Blouse, $34

This is a great fitted top because of the elastic waist hem.

Sheer isn't always gross. Choose a beautiful print to help distract if you're a bit nervous. 

Be fabulous today!

P Squared

Yesterday was S cubed, today is P squared: printed peplum. We ALL know peplum is huge right now, for just about everything, jackets, skirts, dresses and tops. Today I want to look at some printed peplum tops.

Nordstrom, Print Stretch Silk Blouse, $81

A pretty dot print that is perfect for 9-5.

Piperlime, Collective Concepts Printed Peplum Top, $69

A cheeky little print with a great peachy color.

Modcloth, Rosette for Life Top, $39

Leave it to Modcloth to make a beautiful sheer tie blouse in peplum.

Dorothy Perkins, Ivory Spotty Peplum Top, $39

I'm a sucker for dots, and the darting on this shirt is just adorable.

You can do peplum so many ways, neon, color block, solid, you name it. How about a print with your peplum?

Be fabulous today!

Fly High in the Sky

Trapeze tops are a great style for summer because they are usually light and easy to dress up or down for an evening out or a blazer on top for work. Check out some of these great tops.

Asos, Cheap Monday Tank, $27

Great colors and its got great thick straps for us girls who can't wear strapless bras.

Forever 21, Racerback trapeze tank, $22

Great color blocking and very chic for a Saturday with a pair of shorts and heels.

Piperlime, Zoa printed trapeze blouse, $52

Look at the neckline, so flattering. The sheer adds a little something unexpected with this pattern as well.

Modcloth, Apricot Breeze Top, $39

I can't find enough things to say about this top. It combines a bold color, lace, and has a great fluttering away shape to fit any style.

So are you going to try these high flying tops? I think they are a great alternative to a plain tank or tee this summer.

Be fabulous today!

It's Hip to be Square

You always see a v-neck or a scoop neck, what about a square neck? It offers a unique way to show off a great neckline.

Daniel Rainn, Raisin Purple Crochet Peasant Blouse, $32

My favorite color in a soft and delicate blouse.

Asos, Square neck top with peplum, $39

Anyone else think this model looks like she's about to sneeze? Yeah ok, in other news, this great deep red it gorgeous with this peplum.

Target, Crochet square top, $15

Sometimes you just need a beat around tank to sweat in when you're out and about this summer. This is it.

Macy's, Batwing Sleeve Exotic Print Shirt, $44

Great colors, great print and perfect for some black strappy heels.

How do style square neck? It's a great one to mix in to your other boatneck, scoop and v-neck tops this summer.

Be fabulous today!

Belted

Sometimes a shirt just hangs there. It doesn't seem to hug the right places or understand that it needs to not look like a sack. Then there is the belted top; the perfect solution to all of these problems.

Target, Belted Raglan Top, $19

I really love this color, it would look great with jeans. The neckline is has a great simple gather to it that draws just enough attention. 

Nordstrom, Michael Kors Peasant Blouse, $43

Usually this style has a belt that is the same color and material, but this is something special. A double wrap rope belt.

Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger Printed Belted Button Down, $59

I love that this is shown with shorts, because button downs can be playful for summer too. I would add a bright orange bauble necklace. 

JC Penny, Bisou Bisou Belted Top, $25
Look at this great crochet detail on the hem and the shoulders. So beautiful.

Belting has been big this winter and fall, and there is no reason you can't continue it into the warmer months.

Be fabulous today!