When your gym bag needs to fit more than just your stinky workout clothes, but your clothes that you need to wear AFTER your work out as well; when the bag needs to go with you all day and not be too cumbersome but have just the right amount of space; you have to be picky about the type of tote you end up with. For a long time, I utilized bags I got for free from various events - canvas totes, bags fro magazine freebie offers - and got along just fine, but if you ever want to upgrade from that, you should know your options, and know what you want in a bag!

This shoulder bag is relatively compact, which means it'll be relatively easy to carry, as opposed to its bulkier counterparts. I like that it has two shoulder straps - I don't like the messenger bag style as I find them uncomfortable to carry for long periods of time.

This particular bag looks like it could be a purse! But it has enough room for gym shoes or high heels, toiletries and even a small towel. Plus, if you do prefer the over-the-shoulder method of carrying your bag, it comes with a shoulder strap.

This bag is less compact and bulkier, but if you want to make sure you DO have room for everything, this would work well for you. Additionally, it can double as a weekend getaway tote, so you're killing two birds with one stone!

In many parts of the country, summer means afternoon rainstorms, or at least the likelihood of a bit of a shower. For the fashion forward, this doesn't have to mean shirking the out doors until the clouds have passed. This is where modern-day rain coats (often times, just patent leather trench coats) come in. They'll shield you from the elements, while still being fashionable enough to wear over your work clothes or your favorite jeans. You won't have to feel like you're on a camping trip and you'll still stay dry!

You could also opt for a coat with a satin finish, as that will have the same rain-repelling effect, but isn't as shiny as the patent option. Either way, you'll be perfectly suited for whatever the weather throws your way!

I remember reading in some celeb magazine several years ago, a quote from an A-lister on her basic, failsafe outfit. She said if you're wearing your favorite pair of jeans, a simple white tank top, and sandals, all you need is a good pair of hoop earrings to pull the whole look together. It may seem odd that something so small could play such an important role in an outfit, but it works! I've taken that advice to heart and often when I'm feeling "blah" or just can't seem to figure out what to wear, I go back to the fail-safe hoop earrings. Of course, there is a bit of an art to picking them out. Too big and gaudy and you'll look like you're wearing costume jewelry. Too understated and you might as well have just skipped putting them on altogether. Here are some of my faves:

Basic thin, silver hoop

Triple hoop for a little more "flair."

Dangling hoop earrings for a bit of a different look.

If you've been looking for a way to celebrate the games in style, here it is: one-shoulder, toga-inspired dresses. They're take you back to the good ol' Grecian days - or at least back to the Spring runway shows because after all - what goes around DOES come around, and the best fashion is really just recycled, updated fashion. And these dresses have been recycled and updated well! There are a number of differing styles within the overall "genre" which means you can have seemingly endless Grecian-inspired opportunities.

It's very easy to dress these numbers up or down, just opt for shoes and a handbag that do the trick. If you're looking to feel more relaxed, flats or sandals would be your best bet, with an oversized bag. Take it up a notch with chunky heels and a clutch. And don't forget the best Grecian dress accessory: the gladiator sandal!

I've set out to have some of my prized pictures framed by a frame shop, but I always end up overwhelmed with all the options, and not knowing exactly what I want! I usually wish someone would just pick a style for me and make it look really nice - and chances are I would like it! But I haven't found a place willing to do that, and until I can better articulate my tastes to someone, I've fallen back on basic, store-bought picture frames. You might think these frames would look generic and impersonal, but I've found that's not always the case. I do usually go for plain styles, but you can buy frames nowadays with the mattes already built in, in many different shapes and colors.

And sometimes, the situation just calls for something light-hearted and fun, with no regards to professional frame-jobs, which is why I included the last retro-themed frame.

I may not have a decorator's eye, but what I do love about revamping my decor every once in a while or updating with a few new pieces is that it's an opportunity to integrate every item - even functional ones that might otherwise go unnoticed - into integral parts of your room. Don't just have a metal inbox, use a leather one that adds an official "office" feel to your desk. Don't rely on an old cup to hold your pens and pencils, pick a cute, color-themed tin that matches your accents. And let your greenery shine with the benefit of great accessories. One way to do this is with the pots of course, but something I started doing recently is coordinating the plates I put under them with the theme of the room. Mine happens to be Asian, so I went looking for Asian-inspired plates that could take the place of the boring kitchen ones I'd been using.

Of course, there are many, many designs, colors and themes to choose from when it comes to picking decorative plates. Just remember that the "basics" of your home decor don't have to actually be basic!

When I think of what makes a vintage-y, pirate-y blouse - the extra fabric, the pleated detailing, the ruffles - I'm reminded of the Seinfeld episode, The Puffy Shirt, where Jerry is forced to wear a shirt designed by Kramer's girlfriend onto a national television show. Although these types of shirts were, in fact, worn back in the day by men, I totally get his not wanting to appear in public in it in this day and age. However, I really love that type of blouse - and the ruffly, ethereal fashion statement that is somewhat pirate, somewhat Musketeer, somewhat Victorian.

This type of top crosses the social strata of days-gone-by - similar blouses were seen on the working class as well, hence the name "peasant blouse." And it's done a good job of crossing the boundaries of time, as well.