La Fille Atomique: Year Long Summer

The calendar may say we've got another month of spring, but the weather in Philadelphia begs to differ. With ice cream trucks, slip and slides, and trips down the shore on my mind, today seemed like a perfect day to put together my entry for Chictopia's "Moxie Sweet Summer Style" contest. The premise is to put together a killer summer look and detail your must haves for staying stylish in the summer heat.

To me, there's nothing better in the summer than a sweet sun dress, the shorter the better. May close attention to fabric choice too. There's a ton of great cotton or jersey dresses available this season and they don't have to look plain or casual if paired with the right accessories. Sleeveless dresses are comfortable and stylish, and can easily be transformed from a day to night look by pairing with a t-shirt underneath.

Speaking of which, winter accessories are much different from summer accessories. While a pair of black tights and knit scarf may have been your best friend during the cold months, you're going to die in the sun if you try that in July. Stick with final touches that don't add any weight or layers, like a belt or jewelry. Sunglasses should already be a part of your wardrobe, but if you don't have a solid pair, now is the time to invest. There's no sense risking permanent damage to your eyes and stores like Urban Outfitters always seem to have great pairs on sale. If you live in a humid city like I do, ask your stylist about frizz-fighting products so that you don't have to spend the entire summer rocking a pony tail. I use Redkin shampoo and conditioner, John Freida leave in conditioner and Frizz Ease serum, and Ruskin flat iron protection spray.