After battling a cold all of last week (during a heatwave, ugh), I took the opportunity to "dress up" this weekend at the first signs of feeling better. For me that meant swapping out my flat sandals for some heels and adding a white blazer to the t-shirt and shorts looks that I've been wearing just about every day. The finishing touch was my Lands' End Canvas fedora - something about wearing a hat just makes me feel fun and carefree, and isn't that what summer's all about? Quick note: If you have trouble finding a hat that fits, you'll love this hat - it comes in two sizes, SM and LXL - I got the LXL which fits my big head perfectly. And it's just $23.99 (down from $40). More pics and ramblings after the jump...

Get the look:

More Sally Hansen...

Could you please suggest some budget friendly dresses to wear to a wedding rehearsal dinner as a bridesmaid? —Jennie

Weddings bring out my romantic side, so I tend to reach for dresses in soft colors and floaty fabrics with details like ruffles and lace for things like bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and weddings themselves. What can I say, I'm a total sap. Besides, I hardly ever wear girly things in my everyday life, so I seize these opportunities to show my softer side and would encourage you to do the same!

Here's a lovely hi-low hem dress from Charlotte Russe. I haven't seen it in person but it looks heavenly in this photo:

Floral Hi-Low Challis Dress

I love the flowy feel of this maxi dress from UK Style by French Connection for Sears. It looks way more expensive than it's $28.99 pricetag. Dress it up with bangles, dangly earrings and wedge sandals.




And how dreamy is this pale blue and pink colorblock dress? Swoon. Just $46.99 at ShopRuche.com.




Finally, this ruffle-trim number is demure yet full of fun with a "Kate Spade" attitude. It's available in petite thru plus sizes at Target.com for $24.99, which leaves you plenty of money for shoes (nude pumps would look amazing) and jewelry.



Have a budget-friendly dress suggestion for Jennie? Tell her in the comments!

Neon shorts fall into that category of "things I'd never think I could wear," and yet, a trip to some of my favorite blogs gives me a quick lesson on how to style this right-now trend. Whether dressed up or down, neon shorts prove versatile and easy to pull-off when combined with neutrals (think black and white). And that effervescent glow of color will give your entire outfit an irresistible appeal.

Here, five pairs of neon shorts under $50 to get you going...

{Shown above (left): Viva Luxury in J.Crew shorts; Native Fox in Gap shorts}