The Ultra Platform!

Platforms have been in for awhile but now they're getting a boost! The new platform is sky high and so trendy for the season. Right now the prettiest styles I found are by YSL (the first two pictured) and Gucci (third from left) but if you don't have $700+ to spend on shoes, which right now who does!? Micheal Antonio and Jessica Simpson (pictured second row) have some great styles for much more reasonable prices. These are basic pumps that can be worn with basically anything from a formal dress to jeans! Wear now with summer pieces and with tights this fall. They look really difficult to walk in but because the sole is stacked it's not as steep as you would think, so don't worry you won't fall forward but they're definitely for those how know how to walk in heels!

One Shoulder Wonders!

The one shoulder dress is everywhere and if you have an event to go to, get one! This dress is flattering on almost everyone, it gives you a little strapless, a little extra support, and a chance to show off your shoulders. I like this look in a Grecian style where the top is has some rouching and looks flowing. I think this cut looks most flattering in a solid color, try hot pink! It's going to be the "it" color this fall so you can top this dress off with a blazer when the weather gets cooler. Wear this dress with a strappy metallic sandal or pump for a real pop! These dresses also look great with some extra detailing like a little band of beading around the waist or ruffles on the top. Be careful with the accessories, I wouldn't wear a necklace; stick to a bracelet and over sized earrings.

(Katherine Hiegl pictured in InStyle magazine)

(Dresses pictured: Shoshanna, Black Halo, and Phoebe Couture)

Boyfriend Jackets!

The boyfriend look has been all the rage since Spring and now going into fall the look is following.

If you don't have a boyfriend jacket yet, invest! They are available at a wide variety of retailers from Neiman's to Wet Seal, however I would suggest purchasing one that isn't too cheap because when you're buying a tailored piece you want to make sure it's well made. The boyfriend jacket is made to fit loose, hence "boyfriend" but you want it to fit you in the shoulders. Definately wear it with the sleeves rolled up or pushed up! You can wear this with just about anything. It's very "in" to pair you bf jacket with a cute cocktail dress. It also looks great with skinny jeans or leggings and a long tunic!

Playing with Plaid!

Plaid it's everywhere, so get something in this retro style and add it to your wardrobe!

This trend can be found in a variety of top styles, I prefer the classic loose fitting button up or a loose fitting sleeveless tunic. I also prefer the look in a multicolored plaid that way you can avoid looking like a lumberjack; I've seen a lot of the two tone plaid but I think to avoid looking back at pictures and cringing, stick to a multicolored pattern.

So, what to wear with your plaid? Jeans! Pair your top with ripped up boyfriend shorts or jeans, dress it up a little with dark skinny jeans, or pair a long tunic with black leggings. This look should follow us into fall so go ahead and stock up!

Studly Stilettos!

Studded stilettos are a trend that is moving into the fall! You can find many styles with studded accents right now. There were a lot of studded flat sandals this summer and now moving into fall invest in a high heel pair that you can wear with tights this fall like the ones pictured below and you'll be right on trend. If your heels are heavy on studs keep the rest of your outfit simple but if they have a few studs they can be worn with dresses or jeans! All the styles pictured can be found at endless.com.

Get Nautical!

Before summer is over try this look: Nautical! The red, white, and blue look is not just for the 4th of July, it looks so refreshing all summer long.

Right now many stores are carrying nautical looks so it should be fairly easy to score some duds. If you don't want to wear stripes try something with a tiny anchor pattern or mix in a tote bag with nautical themes. There is also a plethora of jewelry with nautical adornments so give that a try too!

The best look is an easy fitting cotton shirt with stripes. If the horizontal stripes are not so flattering on your figure, pair it with something that gives it contrast like a cardigan and belt it. I'd wear skinny jeans or crisp white pants. Don't try wearing too many nautical pieces pick one and stick to the basics for the rest of your outfit. Wear your nautical with espadrilles or the new nude tone pumps and it will really look now!

I'm a fashionista and I'm pregnant! Help!

Don't mourn the loss of your old figure, it will come back. You're main focus should be on taking care of yourself while waiting for this blessed event! In the meantime, you don't have to look frumpy, you can look fabulous with a few basics!

1) Wear black: Black is slimming! I know it can be hot so don't wear black if you're going to be in the sun. Otherwise, black is a classic and looks good in all the trendy new styles.

2) Take advantage of the trends: Babydoll tops and shift dresses are in! Lucky you! So there are a lot of available styles out there. The black shirt with detailing pictured above is a cute and trendy babydoll that is also inexpensive.

3) Wear dresses: The easiest thing to throw on when you're pregnant is a dress and since it's summer get a cute sundress and put it to good use. I think a maxi would be cute if you're legs are at the point where they're not looking so hot. If you're going to a wedding, event, or to work buy a basic black dress like the one pictured above. Play with the accessories so you can wear it many times and it will be like a whole new outfit!

4) Accessorize! What do you do normally do when you feel dowdy and you're not happy with your clothes? Buy cute shoes and jewelry! With the proper accessories you don't have to buy a lot of maternity clothes, you can just buy some basics and switch them up with your shoes and jewelry. For example, buy a plain white button down shirt that's a little longer and a big chunky necklace or a cute sash and put it with some leggings and you'll look sharp and fashionable.

Basics to have: Leggings, a sundress, a work or event dress, shorts, jeans, a white button down, and a few tops are all you need!

All images are from Pea in the Pod.

This blog co written with my mom Tracy Cordova, as I have no experience being preggars: )