A sprinkling of lace tops and skirts were an exciting addition to my spring/summer wardrobe. And, based on what I am seeing in all the fall previews, it looks like what might have been a one-season wonder is now a full-fledged trend.  For those of us who are tired of the studs, chains and distressed leather that have dominated the virtual shelves of our shopping world, lovely lace is the perfect antidote. It is simultaneously sweet and seductive, an enviable duality. And just one great piece, when paired with the right basic, can take your outfit from average to incredible.

I’ve plucked some of my favorites for you to consider when planning your fall purchases. All of these are available now and can be worn during the transition time from warmer to cooler weather. One, very important piece of advice – a single item of lace in any outfit is pretty, anything more is a costume. So if you want to evoke Marie Antoinette, please wait for Halloween. Happy shopping!

1. Donna Mizani Lace Dress in Black $210 – This is a perfect summer to fall transition dress. You can wear it now with a black, strappy heel and later with a nude, closed-toe platform. Buy it at singer22.com.

2. Beyond Vintage Lace Dolman Top in Navy $180 – Dark navy lace is so appealing because it’s not the traditional black or cream but still works well with the fabric. Match the color of this top to your darkest denim and wear it with a nude or chocolate brown heel for a chic, monochromatic look. The cinched waist and see-through tummy adds sex appeal without being vulgar. Buy it at piperlime.com.

3. Joie Elvia Lace Top $198 – I love this top in black or cream. You can dress it up with a mini-skirt and boots or heels, or take it downtown with wide leg jeans, a studded belt and clogs. It would also look adorable with simple flats and dark skinny jeans, alone or under a blazer. Buy it at shopbop.com.

4. Twelve Dances Skimmers $138 – These pretty black ballet flats are light enough to start wearing in the warm weather with skirts and dresses but will take you well into the fall paired with dark or black denim, black pants, leggings or tights.  Buy them at Anthropologie.com.

5. Stretch Floral Lace Stirrup Legging (in black) $42 – These may look a tad racy but with simple flat boots (black, over-the-knee would be my preference) and an oversized tunic sweater or dress, they will make your boring staples bold. Buy them at americanapparel.net.

6. Free People All Pucker Lace Camisole $48 – Worn under a blazer or silky button-down, this cami is a discreet, sexy-sweet accent. Buy it at shopbop.com.

7. BB Dakota Issac Lace Skirt in Black $70 – If you want to try this trend but are a little intimated, I’d recommend this mini. Wear it with a boxy black sweater and nude patent pumps and you have a super classy ensemble for an evening out. Switch out the pumps for flats and you tone down the trend completely. And when you start to feel daring, try it with an over-the-knee boot in an unexpected color, like slate or maroon. But it at revolveclothing.com.

8. Pavonine Throw Back in Ivory $127 – A sexy but comfortable top with a dramatic back cutout is my perfect Saturday night outfit. That way I can enjoy dinner in something loose fitting and still turn heads! I like how it is styled with a peek-a-boo black bra and bright pants. It would also work with a nude cami and dark or black jeans. Endless possibilities and a great price! Buy it at revolveclothing.com.

xoxo Melina

Bright, neon colors for summer. Not exactly original, I know, but is this trend actually wearable? After scouring my piles of magazines and seeing images of bronzed photo-shopped models in 80’s inspired electric bikinis (um, no thanks!), I decided it was about time to explore more reasonable options.

Remembering that a pop of color can go a long way, I found flattering frocks and accessories in vivid hues that will give your closet good vibrations all summer long (and they are all under $200!):

1. Fierra Y Back Tank Dress, Alice + Olivia: $198 – Simple and sexy, just as the summer should be! Be perfection in purple with this no-frills dress that you’ll be grabbing for again and again for every night out.

2. Cotton Racer-Back Tank, Splendid: $44 – The key-lime color of this casual tank will look great paired with white jeans and a nice tan.

3. Neon Lights Belt, Madewell in Pop Pink: $32 – Keep it together and understated with this skinny belt that adds the tiniest burst of color. Cinch a dress at the waist, or sling it through the loops of pants at the hip, either way you can’t go wrong with this chic and playful accent.

4. Olvera Pocket Dress, Patterson J. Kincaid: $89 – This orange-blossom/coral color reminds me of a Tequila Sunrise, which could be your perfect accessory! Wear it as a beach cover up or throw on some heels for a sweltering night out. The best part? It’s on sale right now!

5. Disco City Tote, Foley & Corinna in Electric Blue: $198 – I have this bag in grey and I wear it all the time. It’s so versatile and I absolutely love the azure blue color. This high-voltage accessory can bring any outfit from boring to bangin’.

6. Patent Ballerina Flats, Bloch: $150 – You’ll be walking on sunshine with these peppy fun flats that can bring any summer outfit to life. They will also work well into fall when you need to spice up an all black ensemble.

7. Skinny Mini Skirt, Naven in Vegas Blue: $140 - Tuck in a cute tank and you’re good to go with this high-wasted electric mini.

8. Drape Back Top, Amanda Uprichard in Hot Pink/Black: $106 – I bought this top in the spring and love wearing it with my black skinny jeans. It’s sexy and yet leaves plenty to the imagination. The black band in the back is great for hiding a strapless bra so you can feel supported while showing off some skin!

Now go get yourself a gorgeous neon number and crank up the heat on your summer wardrobe.

xoxo Lauren

It’s about time! J.Crew’s newish sister store, Madewell, is finally online with its own e-commerce site. If you are not familiar with the brand, the clothes are a little less preppy and a little more bohemian. And the prices are similar, if not slightly more reasonable, than J.Crew. With only a sprinkling of stores throughout the US, the site is a long time coming for those of us who can’t get to a store or just prefer to shop from the comfort of our homes.

I had a great time shopping Madewell.com. Here are the contents of my cart…too bad I can’t buy it all!

1. Romantic Ruffle Dress: $88 – Love the ruffly sleeves and skin skimming, yet flattering, silhouette.

2. Metal Mesh Drape Tank: $58 – This rocker meets surfer girl tank comes in three colors. The mesh panels dress it up, making it an easy staple piece that can go from day to night.

3. Panama Hat: $58 – A great hat at a great price. This girly twist on the original will go perfectly will all your summer outfits and is a stylish way to shield yourself from the sun.

4. Boardwalk Shorts: $72 – The trend of the season, silky shorts in the perfect summer pink. These will make your tan legs look great and the color, despite what you may think, can go with almost anything.

5. Cascade Color Drop Necklace: $98 – Metal chain necklaces are everywhere right now but I love this boho version with the colored stones.

6. Mariposa Skirt: $88 – Love the shape, love the exposed zipper, love the print. You will get a lot of use out of this mini.

7. Academy Blazer: $168 – Pair it now with a flowy dress or skirt and in the fall with skinny jeans, this versatile blazer will be one of your favorites. It’s all in the details – the tailored shape and gold buttons will inject instant fashion into any outfit.

8. Drifter Top: $118 – I’m a sucker for pretty tops that look like they came straight from the 60′s and this one has my name written all over it. It’s the perfect piece to wear with denim cutoffs and go see a summer concert in the park!

9. Scarfi Creazioni Panarea Multi-Lace Sandals: $78 – Instant Italian chic! These sandals are actually made there on the island of Panarea. They come with two sets of straps, in black and periwinkle, so you can wear them all summer long.

xoxo Melina

Let’s be honest…we like to look at celebrities. We want to see what they drive, who they hang out with and, most importantly, what they are wearing. So when I discovered Singer22.com about a year ago I was giddy over the idea that I could shop the clothes right off the celebrities’ backs. Ok, some of them are just the new brand of pseudo-celebrity who got lucky on reality television but who cares? They have access to the latest designers and trends so why wouldn’t I be interested?

The only site of its’ kind, Singer22.com has ingeniously made trendy celebrity street fashion readily accessible to all. Catch Rihanna strolling in Manhattan in J Brand skinny cargos and an LnA tee…you can buy the whole outfit here.  Party dresses and hip casual clothing in the boho/punk-rock genre is the general theme of this massive online storefront, although there are definitely more polished looks in the mix.

Hard-to-find t-shirt brands such as Lauren Moshi (seen above on Reese Witherspoon), Wildfox, and Rebel Yell, which are extremely hard to find in street retail are all available in abundance. The latest hot frocks from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Gypsy 05, Alice and Olivia, Pency, Parker and many more stock the virtual shelves of this fun, funky fashion world where dressing like a celebrity is just a click away. You can also find your favorite accessories such as Jeffrey Campbell shoes and Rebecca Minkoff handbags.

And now for the downside…you can only return your purchases for store credit (good for one year). But they make the exchange process easy and, truthfully, you know you will use it eventually. The links below (and images above) are just a small slice of Singer22.com’s vast summer selection (left to right):

Alice + Olivia Sheila Asymmetrical Cut Out Dress in Black: $242 - Current/Elliott The Captain Trouser in Army or Khaki: $162 - Naven Party Dress in Pop Pink (Black and Purple also available): $379 – Paige Premium Denim Verdugo Jegging in Dusk: $158 - Blue Moon Summer Lovin Dress in Summer Tie Dye: $175 - Lauren Moshi V-Neck Swing Bow Top: $94

Looks like you have a new excuse to sneak a peek into the lives celebrities and their favorite fashions. Don’t worry, we won’t judge.

xoxo Melina

Like what you see? We hand-picked this lovely little collection to showcase one of MKIA’s favorite online fashion retailers, Net-a-Porter. Unlike many of its competitors, Net-a-Porter is a solely virtual experience and as such is a standout among other online fashion destinations. Offering a vast, yet well curated assortment of high-end designers (Balmain, Balenciaga, Miu Miu) and mid-priced labels (A.P.C., Milly, Elizabeth and James), the site looks and feels like a cross between Bergdorf Goodman and the best boutiques in London and New York. And do they deliver!

Every order, no matter what the price point, arrives in a beautifully packaged gift box complete with a big bow. If you live in New York or London your fresh-off-the-runway fashion will arrive via courier by the end of the day and within 24 hours if you live elsewhere.  That’s right ladies, no need to track your order from Net-a-Porter, this is a high-end experience all the way and, like we said, it doesn’t matter how much you spend, you get the same five-star treatment. It’s all part of the site’s fantasy-style shopping experience and knowing you are getting something special when you spend your hard-earned cash. They make returns easy too with free shipping and self-addressed labels.

Featured above and listed here are some of our favorite summer selections available at Net-a-Porter now (from left to right, top to bottom):  Tibi Watercolor Silk Dress $380, Belle by Sigerson Morrison Strappy Lattice Espadrille Wedges $240, Alice + Olivia Striped Cotton Skirt $165, Kova & T Ella Silk Shirt Dress $295, T -Bags Batwing Blouse $170, Diane von Furstenberg Juntas Cutout Mini Skirt $345

As a testament to the success of the site, the founder, Natalie Massanet, is now an e-commerce heroine having just sold her shares for $76 million to Richemont luxury group, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chloe and Dunhill. Not bad boss lady. Don’t worry the brains haven’t left the business, Massanet will continue to head the company!

Memorial Day is just one week away and so it’s time to get serious about your swimwear. For today, we are focusing more on the merchandise and less on the why and how. You ladies know what you like and we are here to show you where to get it. The one message we would like to convey, however, is that less is more when it comes to your derriere. Thats right, if you put too much fabric over that tush you are likely to make it look wider and less round. So no matter what the style, one-piece or two-piece, go with moderate to less coverage, be confident and shake what your momma gave ya! Here are some of our favorite flattering suits of the season:

Left to Right: 1. Tibi, Roulette Shirred Bikini – 2. Splendid, Vintage Dot Bikini - 3. Vix, Crystal Ripple Bikini

Left to Right: 1. Zimmerman, Gitana Printed Triangle Bikini – 2. Mara Hoffman, Twisted One Piece – 3. Milly, Biarritz Triangle Bikini in Blush

Left to Right: 1. Maya, Cherry Coral Side Tide Signature Cut Bikini – 2. Maya Black Signature Cut with Triangle Top

Left to Right: 1. Mara Hoffman, Bird White V-Wire Bikini – 2. Kathleen Cook, Martinique One Shoulder Tank – 3. Tigerlilly, Paco Bandeau and Tiger Bottom

Want another incentive to shop? Today the site SireneCollection.com (the source for the three suits featured above) is offering a 15% discount when you enter the code “PEOPLE15″ at checkout. With the heat wave most of us are experiencing this week, you shouldn’t need any other excuse to take a few minutes and find a suit that suits you!

Thanks to the genius of Coco Chanel, this is one pattern that will never go out of style. I’ve always loved the quintessential striped tee and believe it has a place in every women’s wardrobe. Luckily we are experiencing a stripe revival in the fashion world, which means there are loads of options to stock up on one of my favorite staples.  Here are some of my recent picks, from casual to more embellished options.

Above Left - J.Crew’s Vintage Bateau Top $36 / Above Right - Petite Bateu’s Organic Mariniere Sweater $88. Wear these two laid-back options with almost anything – skinny distressed jeans, cargos, flowy shorts and skirts.

Above Left - Anthropologie’s Stripes & Lights Tee $78 / Above Right – Tart for Victoria’s Secret Embellished Long Sleeve Slub Tee $49.50. Dressed up with black or dark blue skinny jeans and heels, these two pretty pieces are sure to make a statement. They would also look great with a black miniskirt and sandals or a short, ballerina-style skirt (if you are more daring you can try red).

Above Left and Right  - J.Crew’s Featherweight Cashmere Stripe Boatneck Pullover (in Indigo and Azalea) $188. A slouchy, lightweight cashmere is the perfect compliment to summer shorts and a great pair of heels or wedges.  Glam it up with a pendant necklace and some bangles and you have an outfit that will last you for summers to come.

If you are not familiar with this online fashion powerhouse, wait no longer.  They are the quintessential internet boutique that offers the inventory (over 300 designers) and site sophistication to compete with the big boys (e.g. Neimans, Saks, Bergdorf, etc.) Their ability to showcase the apparel and accessories in a quick, digestible format that feels both high-end and intimate is simply unparalleled.

We recommend subscribing to their mailing list to receive their fabulous “lookbooks.” Talk about fashion inspiration!  These online guides feature trends, runway reports, and individual designers in a unique editorial style that the glossy mags can’t touch. Their emails, which may tempt you to shop (that is the idea), will no doubt keep you educated and if nothing else, help you shop your own closet with an editor’s eye.

They recently introduced free worldwide shipping in 3 days or less (and free returns within the USA.)  Hello customer service!  We love you shopbop.

I hate, HATE thong underwear. I’ve never understood why women wear them at all much less exclusively. In my opinion – comfort is paramount and women’s suffrage should have ended with the girdle!

I know what you are all thinking…what about panty lines? Well, finally we can have it all ladies. Commandos are like the second skin of underwear – they are so light and seamless that you can toss that dental floss currently riding up your bum and trade it in for some super-comfy hiphuggers. Don’t worry, these are no granny panties – Commandos are both comfortable and sexy with a great cut that shows off your assets.

For those of you who just can’t quite quit the thong, Commandos come in a variety of styles and will certainly be the most comfortable version of a thong you will ever wear. At $26 – $29 each, these can be a little pricey for the everyday so I found the next best thing is the Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Hiphugger (they have thongs too!) which are about 2 for $30 and can be found in most of the stores. You can buy Commando at Barenecessities.com and at Neimanmarcus.com. So get comfortable ladies and go commando!

Calypso St Barth is far from a new discovery, but that doesn’t mean the fragrance and clothing boutique doesn’t deserve a shout out!

Bouncing from Hampton to Hampton over the holiday weekend, Calypso stores were everywhere- and rightly so! Owner, Christiane Celle, who grew up in the south of France, was inspired to design the affordable, bohemian-chic line while vacationing on the beaches of St. Barths.

Just walking into their store is a serene escape as one is instantaneously transported to carefree vacation days on white, sandy beaches and tranquil turquoise water.

Personally, I love their colorful and flowy dresses that are great as fun beach cover-ups or simply sexy when paired with heels and jewelry for a night out.

Their stores are definitely worth the trip considering they have more of a selection than their website.