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LOGOCHANGE, originally uploaded by thedailystylescout.

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Patriotic Style

“3 Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue…”

With 4th of July approaching Friday you want to be prepared for a day out in the sun, swimming and BBQing! When you are out in the sun this Independence Day make sure to bring your Sun Screen, lip balm and water bottle to stay hydrated.

4thofJuly, originally uploaded by thedailystylescout.

Here are some summer Patriotic colors we love for this Friday!
Havaiana Flip-Flops from Canyon Beachwear in the Marina ($16-$22) | Love Tanjane Circle Easy Dress Canyon Beachwear ($104) | iWood Organic from Saks Fifth Avenue in Union Square ($370) | Helen Kaminiski Luanda Hat from Neiman Marcus | *HOT ITEM* Barney’s New York Irene Neuwirth Lapis Bracelet ($4,445) or you can opt for another fashionable blue gem! Blue is in!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!

Hello Fashionistas!

We want to hear from you! Yes, YOU! Have a topic you want us to write about or have a summer trend that you want to share with us?! Send it our way! Want more information about eco-chic and trendy summer pinks? Or maybe you want us to blab about the history or polos and flip-flops. Whatever it is, let us know! Our comment box is always open for suggestions!

Ciao!

Valerie

valerie@thedailystylescout.com

Summer in San Francisco

summer in sf, originally uploaded by thedailystylescout.

“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” – Mark Twain

Being a Bay Area native, I still always forget that summer in San Francisco can sometimes be deceiving. It could be a nice sunny beautiful day, but when the summer fog rolls in the weather changes dramatically.  Though, sometimes easier said then done…bring layers! Light jackets, cardigans, sweaters, summer scarves…anything and everything that you would want to wear in the fall months would and will work in San Francisco. The weather in San Francisco from June to August is normally in the low to mid 60’s during the day. If you are visiting from out of town or are from a different region in the Bay Area always keep in mind San Francisco is 10 degrees colder. If your visiting from far and want to venture to the North, East, South Bay and the Peninsula bring summery clothes but keep a light jacket in hand as well!!
10 Must Have Style’s

1. The Denim Jacket: Levi’s Shrunken Trucker Jacket ($68.00 ) Levi’s Store in Union Square 2. Sunglasses 3. Denim Pants : Rock & Republic Kasandra in Control Blue ($275.00) 4. Camis Free People Viscose Braided Strap Tank ($78.00) Free People at Stanford Shopping, Palo Alto – 650-462-1986 5. Sweater : Lacoste Long Sleeve Hidden Button Front Hooded Cable Knit Sweater ($160.00) Lacoste (Union Square, 172 Geary Street, San Francisco – 415-677-9004) 6. Summer Tote ShopBop.com Rebecca Minkoff The Wine & Bread Bag – Organic-cotton canvas tote ($99.00) 7. A Peace Treaty Babylong Long Scarf ($99.00) www.shopbop.com

Stumble It!

Fake-n-Bake it Right

Tanning, originally uploaded by thedailystylescout.

“There is a new truism in the beauty world and that is: tanning is trash”.

It is summer time and we all cant help but to lay out on a sunny California day. For many of us, summer means tanning season, attempting to look tan before we hit the beach and outdoor light. Whether it is tanning outside or tanning indoors or getting spray tanned..Ladies keep in mind that there is such thing of being too tan — Orange is not a color, nor is terra cotta, though it has become an epidemic in the Mid West, lets not let it migrate West ; ) . Don’t over do it. Smart tanners know that the key to avoiding sunburn in moderation in terms of UV exposure. The best way to ensure a “smart tan” is to take advantage of the years of research that have gone into tanning equipment to provide you with a controlled, predictable dosage of UV light. Also, use lotions to moisturize your skin before and after tanning. If you do tan outdoors, remember that the sun emits whatever types of UV rays it wants. Several other environmental factors come into play with outdoor UV light, making exposure unpredictable.

Tips:

• Avoid sun exposure during the peak hours between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. You can cut down on the overall exposure received by spending intermittent periods of time in the shade.
• The sun’s rays are more intense in tropical and semi-tropical locations because exposure becomes more direct as you get closer to the equator. Intensity is also increased in higher elevations where the atmosphere is thinner. Extra protection for skin and eyes is necessary in both cases. Choose a higher SPF in these geographical locations.
• The continuing depletion of the ozone layer results in increased exposure to UV rays.
• Surfaces such as water, sand, snow, and pavement all reflect and intensify exposure. Because of this you can still get burned even when wearing a hat or sitting in the shade.
• Wear sunscreen even on cloudy or hazy days. UV rays can penetrate these atmospheric conditions and cause sunburn.
• UVB rays are stronger in the summer. Choose a higher SPF during those months. UVA remains more or less constant throughout the year.
• Many medications, including certain antibiotics, heart and blood pressure medicines, antihistamines and antidepressants, can cause photosensitive reactions when the user is exposed to sunlight. This can result in an unusual “sunburn”, or a rash or other allergic-type reaction to the skin. Individual sensitivities vary widely and may not happen to every user, every time. Consult your physician or pharmacist before sun exposure when using ANY medication.
• Some fragrances can also cause photosensitive reactions wherever they are applied to the skin. Examples of these are bergamot, citron, lavender, sandalwood, and musk.
• Moisturize your skin. The heat and light from tanning sessions can dry your skin. Because moist skin tans best, we recommend you moisturize before and after each tanning session to get the most out of each session.

Style Tips

In case you haven’t noticed, fashion trends have been evolving considerably, and it’s pretty safe to say that in today’s fashion and style world, anything goes! Whatever fits your shape is good to go, and that is why it’s crucial that you pick out clothes that fit your body shape. You want to find items that accentuate your good curves, and ones that cover the bad ones. So how can you pick out clothes that make you look slimmer? It’s so easy, keep reading!

* Pants & Denim should flatter your bottom and should be able to compliment it very well as a Wonder Bra would do for your top.

*Dresses: Go for empire waist styles, as well as sun dresses, or anything with a belt at the waist. This will create the illusion of a slim and fit bottom because it will accentuate your waist.

Although Tunic’s are in, we suggest to pick something that gives you shape and doesn’t give the illusion of the “mother-to-be” look.

Heels, A girls best friend!

One trick to looking slimmer, and one that everyone should know, is of course putting on some heels. You know that empowered feeling that you get from wearing heels — yes, you can admit that you look sexy! Well they help you look slimmer by adding several inches to your height. This will give the illusion of a slimmer silhouette overall and help elongate your legs.

If you’re struggling with big arms, stay away from tank-tops, tube tops, and anything that will expose your arms to such an extent. Instead, go for on the shoulder straps and asymmetrical shaped tops, as well as flared arm tops.

Editors Picks: Lust: Christian Louboutin, Saks Fifth Avenue ($1,100) |

Secrets of a Personal Assistant

Secrets of a Personal Assistant, originally uploaded by thedailystylescout.

Often, many professional personal assistants often face the problem of running out of time in their busy chaotic day, some have mastered the art of smart shopping for either work or personal shopping…here are a few tips to shop like a P.A. or personal shopper!

Buying Tips:

Purchasing clothes & accessories at the end of the season offers the best chance to acquire high quality items t a fraction of their original cost. If the pieces are classic, you won’t have to worry about them going out of style.

*Always set a budget & make sure that each item you buy will fit with your overall wardrobe and style.

*Save “impulse” buys for trendier inexpensive clothes from places like H&M.

*Classic pieces include things like : the classic little black dress, pearls, silk scarves, classic hand bags, watches, black pumps, basic denim, and white blouse. These are items that have been around and will be around.

Returning | “Cash or Credit”
If an item sits in your closet for a few weeks, return it!! Keep all tags on your clothes and receipts in an envelope in your closet or tapped to your hanger or bag in case you change your mind or the item shrinks after washing.

Organizing Tips:
Each time you purchase something new, give something else away. This keeps you from flipping through your inventory and avoid clutters. Buying the same hangers for your closet also helps and makes your closet look fabulous!

Editors Picks:
1. Tiffany & Co | Cultured freshwater Pearl Toggle necklace; Poetry in motion. Necklace of cultured freshwater pearls with sterling silver toggle. 16.5″ long. ($800) – Tiffany & Co | 2. Christian Louboutin New Simple Corta Pumps | A classic patent leather with a high, self-covered heel and platform bottom. Self-covered heel, 4½”. (Leather lining and sole. Padded insole. Made in Italy) ($675.00) – Saks Fifth Avenue | 3. David Meister Pleated Dress | Black satin. Square neckline; wide shoulder straps. Pleated bust. Empire waist. ($300.00 ) – Neiman Marcus | 4. Gucci Britt Tote – (SKU# BBOS8720) A bold Gucci logo in pale goldtone hardware lends distinction to this gorgeous brown leather bag. The functional and stylish shape is accented by buckle straps. Interior features zip pocket and cell phone slot. Dimensions: 12″L x 3″W x 8″H; 7″ drop handle. -Gucci Union Square | 5. Emilio Pucci Cyber Print Large Silk Scarf ($270.00) – Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, eLuxury.com

Menlo Park

Menlo Park, originally uploaded by valeriealvarez1986.

Just 33 minutes south of San Francisco, lays a hidden Peninsula treasure. A small town that is vibrant, perfectly tree lined-streets, friendly people, Downtown Santa Cruz Avenue is aligned with Ranger Rovers, Mercedes, BMW’s and the occasional Ferrari’s or Lamborghini’s. It is a modern day chic and posh Pleasantville with a dash of small town charm and the epitome of affluence in the Bay Area post-dotcom era. It’s a mix of Pacific Heights and Hayes Valley. This charming town has a few fabulous boutiques worth making a day trip to! When you voyage out to Menlo Park, don’t forget to grab a bit to eat at Draeger’s or a coffee and treat at Café Borrone.

Emilio Pucci Sundial Wedge ($280) – Head over Heels | 887 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, Ca – (650) 325-2400 | Vera Bradley Pinwheel Pink Amy ($30)- Calla | 895 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park – (650) 322-5524 | Lily Pulitzer Tied Up Cuff ($82) (also in Pink, White, & Chocolate Brown) – Calla | 895 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park – (650) 322-5524 | Joes Jens Stardust Super Flare/Lee ($174) – Pink Tangerine | 883 Santa Cruz Avenue Suite 4, Menlo Park – (650) 327-7900 | Theory Fialda Flower Top ($190)

Editors Picks

Head over Heels | 887 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, Ca – (650) 325-2400

Head Over Heels, a wonderfully unique, high-end shopping experience located in the heart of affluent Silicon Valley since 2006. Head Over Heels offers the most recognized global brands, as well as new products from up & coming design superstars in footwear, handbags, and jewelry. The finest in footwear, handbags, jewelry, and other fashionable accessories, including product from: Andrew Gn, Christian Lacroix, Dolce & Gabbana, Giuseppe Zanotti, Givenchy, Missoni, Oscar De La Renta, Roberto Cavalli, Sergio Rossi,Tom Ford

Pink Tangerine | 883 Santa Cruz Avenue Suite 4, Menlo Park – (650) 327-7900

Pink Tangerine is great if you’re looking for a one stop shop. You can find everything here from jeans to intimates, from party dresses to basic tees. They even have really cool jewelry and sented candles and perfume. They have some “grown up trendy” shoes and accessories. It is a small store though, and their size inventory tends to be limited, so if you like what you see, ask to be notified when new shipments arrive. They offer Tory, Theory, Calypso and Joe’s.

Calla | 895 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park – (650) 322-5524

If you’re a Vera Bradley or a Lily Pulitzer fan, Calla is your place! They carry their seasonal lines as well as some traditional polos. The collection in the front of their store is designed for a slightly older, conservative crowd. I thought the sales people were extremely nice and accommodating. They wanted to see what I looked like in everything and gave their honest opinions on how they though I looked. I’d take honesty over fake pleasantry any day.

4 Clothing Solutions | 809 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park – (650) 322-8444

Provides stylish, reasonably-priced, fashion in a customer-oriented, friendly environment. Trendy hot spot carried mainly their own lable, as well as August Silks and other lesser known high end designers.

Angela’s | 1129 Chestnut Street, Menlo Park – (650) 323-7410

Angela’s boutique offers a well-chosen selection of casual, dressy and classic pieces as well as trendy from designers such as Velvet, Strenesse, Paul Smith, Schumacher, Hache and Ter et Bantine.

A Cotton Tail | 883 Santa Cruz Avenue Suite 1, Menlo Park – (650) 330-0925

Ennie-meenie-miny-Orange!

Orange, originally uploaded by thedailystylescout.

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

Summer Wedding, originally uploaded by valeriealvarez1986.

An outdoor summer wedding is romantic, but it can cause panic with wedding guests trying to decide what to wear. Here, a guide to summer wedding attire:

Do

• Take your cue from about the level of formality for a summer wedding from what the invitation says. Only an after six, “White Tie” or “Ultra Formal” would require a long gown (and those invites are very rare).
• Choose pretty florals or yummy colors (pink, yellow, blue) for daytime or outdoor weddings.
• Dress up more for weddings after 6 P.M., but still keep your look summery (sleeveless dresses, strappy sandals, glowing skin).
• Do keep hairdos under control in hot weather with soft updos or pretty hair barrettes.

Don’t

• Don’t wear white because it competes with the bride.
• Don’t wear hosiery, heavy makeup or chunky jewelry in hot, humid climates or you’ll melt.
• Don’t dress too sexy — belly showing or lots of cleavage — because it’s not an appropriate occasion to dress like a tart.