Vintage Matchstick Cord

Corduroy pants have always been a favorite, but with the new skinny silhouette and ten gorgeous different shades, J Crew's Matchstick Cord is the perfect twist on a classic piece.

$79.50 at J Crew

How to Wear a Denim Skirt (when you're over 30)

Q: I recently bought a denim pencil skirt that fits me just perfectly, but now I have no idea what to wear it with. I don't want to look older than I am (I'm in my late 30s), but I still want to be comfortable, casual, and appropriate. How can I do that?

A: Denim pencil skirts are a great thing to have when you want to look put-together and sophisticated, yet casual. Something to remember is that you don't want to wear one with a plain tee shirt or tank top; those are much too casual to be worn with a tailored pencil skirt. Try pairing it with a blazer (in a fun color to avoid looking like you're headed for work) instead. Here's a step-by-step guide to how you can put together an easy, age-appropriate, go-anywhere outfit:

1. Start with the right skirt (although we're sure you've already found it). Make sure it's fitted through the hips, then comfortably tapers as it reaches the knees. It should be about knee-length -- anything longer isn't flattering at all, and anything shorter should be left for the teenagers (same goes for the ripped-up, destroyed styles).
2. Pair it with a simple, fitted blazer without distracting patterns, buttons, and other unnecessary extras. We like it in a bold color (but not neon) to show off your fun side.
3. Bring another punch of color with a roomy floral or patterned blouse to wear underneath. Keep it untucked and cinch your natural waist with a neutral colored belt (we think a skinny one would work better). This keeps the top from looking too big under the blazer. Plus, it makes you look more polished.
4. You don't need to obsess over accessories, especially if you'll be going out a lot and don't have much time on your hands. Just wear a neutral-colored pair of shoes -- no stilettos or knee-high boots for you. We suggest a sandal or pump with sturdy heels and a classic shape. Add a large tote that holds everything and you're set.

How do you wear a denim skirt? Share in your comments!

Summer Style: Mixing & Matching Neutrals

Liking this set? This is how we would mix neutrals for a casual-chic summer outfit. Here's how you can get the look:

1. First of all, choose a basic long v-neck cardigan. We like a plain cream colored one (for its versatility), but a light stone/gray would work just fine.
2. Pair it with a simple chino short (we suggest keeping it just a couple of inches above the knee). We prefer a classic tan, or something like a brown-ish gray, or taupe-- as long as it's darker than the cardigan. If you try to match the cardigan and shorts, you could look too bland, and that's definitely not our approach.
3. Add some glamour to your casual ensemble by wearing a not-too-fitted metallic/ textured tank underneath the cardigan. Try to get one that isn't a basic white or gray; a hint of coral, peach, or orange would be a more fresh and summery choice. To pull the whole look together, tuck it into the shorts and leave your cardigan unbuttoned.
4. Last thing to remember: accessorize simply. Just slip on metallic flat sandals in a light color (of course), and a long pendant necklace in black/dark brown (just to pull away from the soft color scheme).

What would go perfect with this? We love a low, loosely-braided ponytail at the side with barely-there make-up for a laid-back California girl vibe. Have any other style suggestions? Share with us in your comments!

Splurge or Save: Floral Bubble Dress

Splurge: Abstract Flower Bubble Dress $80 at Topshop
Save: Flower Field Dress $12.50 at Forever 21

We love their delicate capsleeve tops, bright floral prints, and flirty bubble hems, but what about the price tags? Topshop's dress isn't double, isn't triple, but nearly seven times the cost of Forever 21's super affordable version. What a deal!

Aisha High-Heel Gladiator Sandal

We love this genius blend of sandals and booties, which can work for both summer and fall. Just add dark tights to keep you warm (and looking sophisticated) plus a long, chic jacket, then you're ready to go.

$160 at Banana Republic

Trend Watch: Desert Hippie

Desert hippie is sort of a blend of boho and tribal, and we're loving it. With its rich colors, intricate detailing, and laid-back yet biker-chick feel, it's a trend showing up all over Hollywood. This look isn't as hard to pull off as you might think; here are some essentials you'll need if you want to rock the "desert hippie" vibe (and you can easily take these pieces from summer to fall with simple accessorizing):

The Structured Leather Jacket
1. Cafe Leather Biker Jacket $2598.00 at Ralph Lauren
2. Leather Zip Jacket $298.00 at Gap


The Peasant Top
1. Climbing Frond Blouse $98.00 at Anthropologie
2. Embroidered Peasant Top $19.99 at Charlotte Russe

The Soft Plaid Shirt

1. Check Shirt $68.00 at Boden

2. Tracy Plaid Shirt $39.50 at Delia's

The Vintage Messenger Bag

1. Cory E/W Messenger $148.00 at Fossil

2. Kimchi Blue Double Pocket Messenger $48.00 at Urban Outfitters

Summer Sale at Boden: Our Favorite Pieces

Although summer isn't over yet, an all-new autumn collection has arrived at Boden USA. That means there's a huge sale on their old summer products: up to 60% off! We love the casual-chic clothing and accessories, with their fun nautical touches and retro patterns, so we've rounded up our favorites in Boden's Sale section for your viewing pleasure. They're still a bit pricey, but the style is great, and they're at the lowest they've ever been! If you like these, be sure to visit their site and buy them before it's too late! Here are some of our fave pieces (on sale now):

Chic Cashmere Jumper SALE $62.00 at Boden (originally $158.00)

Fine Stripe Henley SALE $44.00 at Boden (originally $88.00)

Merino Henley SALE $37-39.00 at Boden (originally $74-78.00)

Hotchpotch Swimsuit SALE $44.00 at Boden (originally $74.00)

Fabulous Espadrilles SALE $73.00 at Boden (originally $98.00)

Pretty Pinspot Shirt SALE $39.00 at Boden (originally $98.00, cami included) <<<Great Deal!

Crinkle Jersey Dress SALE $39.00 at Boden (originally $78.00)

Photographer Jacket SALE $73.00 at Boden (originally $98.00)

Fine Line Blouse

This shirt is the perfect summer top, and it can easily be layered to work for every season of the year. Pair it with absolutely everything, from trendy boyfriend shorts to chinos to bright skirts, or classic jeans. We have to admit, the price is pretty high, but this is probably the most versatile and comfortable shirt you'll ever own.

$78 at Anthropologie

Five Work-Appropriate Bags That Can Do It All

What do we mean? We believe the ultimate work bag is super versatile, spacious (enough to fit your laptop), and of course, looks good. It should be sturdy and durable (or affordable enough to be replaced), and in a classic shape that will stay stylish for seasons to come (that means no big logos and patterns). So when we say "a bag that can do it all", we mean a bag that is functional, full of storage, and has the ability to stay chic no matter what the latest trend is. Here are our five favorite do-it-all bags, all for under $100:

Vintage Faux Leather Handbag $29.80 at Forever 21

Reptile Leather Doctor's Tote $32.80 at Forever 21

Barumini Tote $45.00 at Aldo

Nine West Justine Tote SALE $74.25 (originally $99.00) at Macy's

Melie Bianco Patent Bowler $95.00 at Piperlime