Sequin embellishments are a fun way to stand out in a crowd! For those summer nights out on the town, pair a sequin mini skirt with a simple top and blazer for a polished yet sassy look. Or, if you’re bold enough, go all out with a sequin covered dress! Sequins have plenty of flash so make sure you keep your accessories minimal to let your sparkle truly shine! Standard has some great sequin embellished pieces, like the Haute Hippie pink skirt and Alice+Olivia ombre dress shown above, so come in soon to check them out!

Keep cool this summer in a chambray dress. Chambray is a great warm- weather  substitute for jeans because it feels like cotton but looks like denim.  Try pairing the dress with a cute pair of wedges and a belt  for a chic summer look.

Calvin Klein is remaking the iconic white dress from the movie, Clueless. The idea came about when Klein’s creative director, Francisco Costa met the co-owner of LA-based label Confederacy, Illaria Urbinati. She told him how much that dress had first sparked her love for Calvin Klein and inspired her fashion sense. He was so struck by her passion, that he went home, watched the scene from Clueless, dug out the dress pattern from Itlay, and re-created it. It will launch on the stores website tomorrow in the original white and a “HOT” red.

Madonna’s daughter, Lourdes Leon, has launched her own blog to help promote the line she co-designed with her mom. The line, which is heavily inspired by the 80s, is scheduled to come out on August 3, 2010. Lourdes has some strong opinions for a 14-year-old stating “Ok but no joke gladiator sandals are OUT.” To read more from the material girl herself see MaterialGirlCollection.com.

Standard Style Boutique has the Current Elliot Trouser Pant in khaki and army green! Seen on Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow, these trousers are comfortable and easy moving as well as being a stylish piece for an edgy ensemble.

The nominees for the 2010 Emmy Awards were announced! Some of my favorites made it onto the list and a ton more that I’m excited about. The HBO series “The Pacific” ended up with the most of 24 nominations (including outstanding miniseries),  followed by “Glee” and “Mad Men,” both with 19 nominations. Some highlights include Steve Carell for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series and Hugh Laurie and Matthew Fox for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series. Lea Michele and Tina Fey are up for Actress in a Comedy Series and Kyra Sedgwick and January Jones for Actress in a Drama Series! Lost, Glee, Mad Men, and Dexter ended up with several major awards. Congratulations to all the nominees!

Despite the rush of purple that came in 2008, it is still a popular color for late summer/early fall this year! Dresses are commonly paired with nude pumps or black shoes and belts. This color is perfect for standing out in a crowd and keepin’ it simple at the same time. I love wearing my purple dress for evening occasions. College students, make sure you have one before summer ends! It’s a must have for those weekend events. Purple has also been seen continuously in Christian Dior’s collections this year. Check them out at Style.com!

Looking for a fun way to spend a summer afternoon? Check out the Kansas City Garment District Museum, located at 801 Broadway. After World War I, KC’s old garment district had over 4,000 employees who manufactured clothes that 1 of every 7 women in the United States owned. In fact at one point, clothes manufacturing was the second largest employer of any industry in Kansas City. Learn more interesting facts about the beginning of the garment district by taking a tour of this museum, open from 10-4 Wednesday through Saturday.

We have a new style of clutch by Marc Jacobs- the Perfect crossover bag in black or beige. It’s teeny tiny with a long strap and a perfect summer accessory! A classic purse for a few of your necessities.

ShopStyle.com has labeled Diane Von Furstenberg’s “Brighton” dress as an IT item of the season and you can find it here at Standard Style! It’s a fun complex design and colorful pattern that makes a great evening look for the summer. It’s also very fun to accessorize.

On the road with Austin and Santino is a new show that will be premiering July 29th on lifetime.  The duo will travel to small towns  across the country and participate in the culture and traditions of each town. While visiting the different towns they will help create new looks  for women in special situations such as wedding anniversary’s, graduation, balls, and bachelorette  parties.  Be sure to catch the show right after the season 8 premiere of Project Runway.

Kansas City has some great concerts coming up in the month of July. Add these to your calendar so you don’t miss out!

July 5th: Modest Mouse and Avi Buffalo @ CrossroadsKC

July 6th: Barenaked Ladies and Counting Crows @ Starlight Theatre

July 11th: REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar @ Starlight Theatre

July 13th: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers @ Sprint Center

July 15th: Lillith Fair: Sarah McLachlan, Ingrid Michelson, Kelly Clarkson and more @ Sandstone Ampitheatre

July 16th: The Ataris @ The Beaumount Club

July 19th: Civil Twilight @ The Record Bar

July 24th: Paul McCartney @ Sprint Center

July 28th: Ben Folds, Silversun Pickups, and Devo @ City Market

One of the best things to do during the summer is grab a book and chill by the pool. Here are a few on my list this year:

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell
If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You by Kelly Cutron
Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self by Christian Siriano
A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff
Cum Laude by Cecily von Ziegesar
The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson
No Place Like Home: A Memoir in 39 Apartments by Brooke Berman
Anthropology of an American Girl by Hilary Thayer Hamann
One Day by David Nicholls

According to Men’s Health, Kansas City is the 3rd most patriotic city in the United States. The rankings are based on percentage of registered voters who turn out for elections, money spent on military veterans, fireworks sales, flag sales, and percentage of residents who volunteer in civic activities. KC has the sixth-highest voter turnout and 20th-highest volunteer rating in the country. Happy July 4th KC!

The latest summer trend is making a return from the 70s. Tie dye is back in style and more popular than ever. While you might have wished this trend was over for good, it’s coming back in a cute way. Fun summer dresses are boasting the style as a casual, effortless look that can still keep you fashionable. Designer lines from Zac Posen, Tory Burch, and Proenza Schouler feature tie dye for spring.

“Sometime” this weekend stars from the cast of Twlight’s Eclipse will visiting either AMC Barrywoods or AMC Studio. To learn more click here.

Looking for a way to dress up your plain white tank? Add a vest over it to instantly transform your outfit from plain to chic.  Try wearing one with studded embellishments on it for a sweet but tough look. Another great way to add something extra to your tee is a bold necklace or scarf.

A new trend that is hitting Hollywood is High-wasted jeans. Celebs like Kristen Cavallari  has stepped out in this new trend.  Make sure to get a pair that is in a darker wash and has a thicker waistband and they are sure to flatter your figure. Try the new legging by Baldwin Denim, coming soon.

One of my favorite things about Kansas City are the charming local restaurants with more character and flair than you could ever wish for. Happy Gillis is one of those places. As a quaint, relaxing cafe in the River Market area, it is one of the city’s best treasures. The menu features homemade breakfast foods, tasty soups and sandwiches, delectable deserts, and yummy afternoon cocktails. The best part is that Happy Soupmaker himself, Todd Schulte, is the greeting face at the door. With lovely orange couches, fascinating artwork, and a bubblegum pink bathroom, this is a perfect place to spend the afternoon hanging out, enjoying amazing fresh food. For more info see happysoupeater.com.