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...

UPDATE: And the winner is… #12 Yolanda Mosoeu! Congrats to our winner and a sincere thanks to everyone who entered, I was so touched by your responses. xoBB




Please note: This giveaway has ended and is now closed to further entries.

Today's giveaway is near and dear to my heart. My friend and fellow blogger, Sally McGraw, just wrote her first book, Already Pretty: Learning to Love Your Body by Learning to Dress it Well - and she's giving away a signed copy to one lucky BB reader!

Sal's blog (www.alreadypretty.com) goes beyond fashion trends to cover the issues we all face as women regarding our body image and self-love. She shares thoughtful advice and engages her readers in meaningful conversations about true beauty - beauty that comes from within but can be nurtured and enhanced through the decisions we make about our physical selves and the ways we present ourselves to the world.

Sal's book, "Already Pretty" is a natural extension of her blog and while I'm waiting to get my copy, I have no doubt that it's filled with the same smart, down-to-earth, sophisticated advice that makes Sal's voice so unique and so desperately needed in the fashion blogging community.

So. On with the giveaway!

To enter:

• Tell me about one of your own personal self-love revelations in the comments section below. What's helped you accept your body? Love your flaws? Made you smile when you looked in the mirror? Write whatever comes to you!

Entries must be posted by 12 noon EST on July 2, 2012 to be eligible to win. Open to readers worldwide.

Here's the back cover copy for the book:

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}

Kohl's has released two looks from the forthcoming Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's collection (via WWD), including an open-front fuchsia coat and boxy colorblock sheath.

The Narciso Rodriguez limited-edition collection is part of a concept that Kohl's is calling "DesigNation" which will be a series of fashions based on "international inspiration" from different premiere designers. The Cut says Derek Lam is rumored to be next, but nothing's been confirmed.

Rodriguez drew his inspiration from a trip to Istanbul, Turkey earlier this year. "In Istanbul, I found beauty in colors, textures and patterns, but also in the nuances of the city; the patina on the walls, the color of the stone and the way people moved" said Rodriguez in a press release.

Rodriguez's DesigNation collection for Kohl's will feature misses apparel including outerwear, dresses, skirts, pants and shirts. Retail prices for the collection will range from $30 to $150. The collection will be available from November through December 2012.

When I first announced this news, there wasn't much enthusiasm from readers. Have your feelings changed now that you've gotten a glimpse of the collection? Who's excited for this?

Click through for two artist sketches, courtesy of Kohl's >>