What should I wear with one of those cute maxi dresses that are so popular for summer?

Keep your look chic and effortless by pairing an ankle-skimming maxi dress with metallic or embellished flat sandals, a beachy straw tote and plenty of exotic bangles. Here are some budget-friendly finds to help you get started:




[1] Floral-print halter dress at Newport-News.com, Was $69.00 Now $39.00
[2] Deep Blue V-Neck Braided Halter Dress at Target.com, $19.99
[3] Limited-Edition Straw Bucket Bag at Target.com, $39.99
[4] Resort-inspired maxi dress at OldNavy.com, Was $34.50 Now $19.99
[5] Mosaic Bangles at Forever21.com, $8.90
[6] Triangle lacquer metal bangle at Forever21.com, $6.80
[7] Embellished Leather Sandals at OldNavy.com, $19.50
[8] Martha Stewart Collection Straw Beach Tote at Macys.com, Was $60.00 Now $29.99
[9] Patricia Field for Payless Empress Sandal at Payless.com, $25

Don't call it a comeback (sorry, couldn't help it): Rapper LL Cool J is teaming up with Sears to do a line of casualwear for juniors, young men's, girls' and boys' that will roll out in September.

The collection will retail on the higher end of Sears' mix in juniors—from $22 for a graphic T-shirt to $50 for a pair of jeans.

As much as I loved the man and his music waaay back in grade school, all I can say is: WHY? Does Sears honestly think they can boost their sluggish apparel sales with more boring hoodies, tees and jeans "designed" by a has-been celebrity?

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Celebrities are just a cheap substitute for good quality and design. The least Sears could do is humor us by hiring a real designer to do a diffusion line. Neeeeext.

Jewelry inspired by nature is perfect for summer, which is what makes these agate slice necklaces with treebranch charms so irresistible. Both beauties are affordable, but only one is a bargain. Can you tell which is which?

Memorial Day used to mark the start of the season when self-respecting ladies could wear white once again. That fashion convention has pretty much been blasted by today's "anything-goes" attitude, but we figured now was as good a time as any to mention this perennial summer favorite. Just remember...

• White won't make you look bigger - it's the fit, cut and fabric that matters, not the color.
  


• White won't get dirty after one wear. Unless you live with my dog, in which case, your whites will get covered in mud and drool in under 5 seconds. But that's what washing machines are for, right?
  


• White will keep you cooler. It reflects sunlight...or something. Trust me, you'll feel cooler wearing it.
  


• White will match everything in your wardrobe. Winter has black; summer has white. You can't go wrong.
  

Shown above are just a few ways to wear white for less green:
[1] Cotton Lace Trim Top at Forever21.com, $22.80
[2] Soutache embroidered surplice dress at Newport-News.com, Was $79 Now $49
[3] Style&co. Belted Wide-Leg Linen Capri Pant at Macys.com, Was $44 Now $30.80

Get ready to do some serious shopping with 20% off any purchase of $60 or more at any H&M in the United States, May 23-26, 2008. Visit www.hmfriendsandfamily.com to get your coupon now.