SouthPark

Warm weather is here to stay and skin is in.

Sheer fabrics, lace insets and midriff baring crop tops are all the rage this season, and -- while I love all of the aforementioned – strategically placed cutouts in dresses are by far one of my favorite warm weather trends.

If you too are a fan of showing skin, cutout dresses offer a great alternative to plunging necklines, high-cut slits or provocative hemlines. What’s more, cutouts showcase just enough skin to draw interest (in a modest fashion), yet leave a little to the imagination. For that reason, this trend is wearable for a number of occasions, from late-night parties to sunny soirees. Here I am in one of my more casual cutout looks, prior to a friend’s dinner party:

Cutout dresses have also been seen on several of my favorite trend-setting celebrities, such as Rihanna and Miley Cyrus:
 

As you notice in the above photos, there are a few reoccurring themes. Here are three tips vital to pulling off the trend:

Simplicity is key: Keep your hair, makeup and footwear simple.

Less is more: Keep your accessories to a minimum.

Confidence is the best accessory: ‘Nuff said.

By following these tips, you and your cutout dress are guaranteed to be the center of attention with onlookers and fellow fashionistas, alike.

Check out a few of my favorite cutout dresses:

DSQUARED2 Sleeveless Cutout Dress (Intermix)

Reverse Pineapple Print Pinup Dress (Urban Outfitters)

Material Girl Juniors Dress, Sleeveless Tribal-Print Cutout Maxi (Macy’s)

Kick off the summer in style! Shop these looks and more now at SouthPark.

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'Tis the season for college graduations!

Though long waiting periods and a wonky cap are the conventional associations with commencement ceremonies, that does not mean you can not celebrate the occasion in style. After all, who wouldn't want to look their best for such a big day? 

While a cap and gown in the sweltering heat may not leave much room for an elaborate ensemble, that does not mean you cannot showcase your remarkable style with minimalist touches . So in honor of your accomplishments  -- weather and mandatory attire notwithstanding -- here are a few tips on looking fab for your graduation day.

Start with your shoes

Need inspiration for your graduation 'fit? No better place to start than with your shoes! Decide whether your goal for the day is comfort with a pair of swank flats or celebratory glam with sky high stilettos! If you don't want to sacrifice comfort for style, wedges are also a worthy option for your graduation footwear. If you are in need of a little guidance on your search for chic shoes, take advantage of a free appointment with a Nordstrom personal stylist!

Play up your best features

On your graduation day, you are one in a sea of many donning the obligatory cap and gown. Why not stand out with a more personalized look? For instance, if you have a gorgeous eye color, try defining your eyes with a complementary eyeshadow color. For brown or blue eyes, aim for earthy colors such as gold or copper. Green and hazel eye colors also pair well with purple hues. 

Also, if you've got a great pucker, make your lips pop with a universally flattering, bold lip color from renown beauty brand, MAC Cosmetics. Try MAC's Ruby Woo, Girl About Town or Rebel lipstick for a perfectly pretty pout. 

Accessorize

The right jewelry can transform even the most basic outfit into a chic look. Not to mention, on your graduation day, accessories enable you to showcase personal expression while providing depth and sophistication to your conforming cap and gown. Rock a trendy watch, chandelier earrings, bangles or a statement necklace on your graduation day to add some flair to your garb. For a huge selection of stylish accessories, head to Aldo Accesories for affordable, on-trend pieces. 

Use these tips to look fab for your graduation day, then shop these stylish options today at SouthPark mall! 

Some may say that Memorial Day is the unofficial summer kick off. I say the commemorative holiday is the official kick off to great sales. Splendid savings abound, avid shoppers (such as myself) can take advantage of discounts from their favorite fashion retailers.

So, if you plan to hit the mall this week for Memorial Day savings, check out some of the sales from major retailers that I’m looking forward to this year.

Nordstrom

-  Save up to 40% on a wide array of new markdowns from fashion-forward brands during the retailer’s annual Half Yearly Sale for Women & Kids from May 22 to June 2nd.

-  Drop in the store on May 25 for MASCARA MADNESS! Buy any two mascaras from any brand and get the third one for free of equal or lesser value.

Macy’s

-   Shoppers are invited to The Great American Summer Sale, in honor of those who served our country. Save 20 to 50 percent on the entire store, including women, men and children’s apparel.

Belk

-  The weather is hot and the pool is now open! Take advantage of up to 40% off of swimwear for the entire family.

Dillard’s

-    The annual Dillard’s Memorial Day sale kicks off the weekend before the holiday so shoppers can take advantage of exclusive savings on items throughout the entire store, including up to 40% off clearance items

While the above-mentioned sales are amazing, they are only a few out of hundreds of amazing deals starting this week at SouthPark. Be sure to check the mall’s website for updates on Memorial Day sales throughout the week!

While the high temperatures may only allow us to showcase our personal style with the bare necessities, one thing is certain: Sunglasses are the ultimate fashion accessory during the warm weather season.

Whether you’re beating the heat in a sundress, a romper or denim cutoffs, sunglasses easily complete your ensemble and instantly pull your look together. Though your shades also protect your eyes from the sunlight, luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.

Big, small, modern or vintage, no matter your preference, sunglasses come in a variety of vivacious designs and trendy shapes. Check out three styles that are hot for the summer season!

Cat-Eye

Made famous by classic Hollywood starlets such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, cat-eye sunglasses are here to stay. To get the look, try this pair of vintage-inspired, embellished shades from Aldo.

Aviators

Not only are aviators trendy, these sunglasses offer a universally flattering look for both genders. This season, reflective aviator lenses are all the rage. Achieve the classic look with the original Ray Ban aviators, available at Nordstrom.  

Oversized

If you’re like me (above), oversized sunglasses are a wardrobe staple, essential for providing glamour to even the simplest outfit.  For a chic add-on this summer, rock this pair of Michael Kors shades from Macy’s.

No matter what size, shape or sort of sunglasses you choose, you are guaranteed to make a statement this summer. Swing by SouthPark today to purchase any of these styles today!