Lo's sweet side-swept hair

Just as I was beginning to wonder what Lo is contributing to The Hills (other than creating some drama for mellow Audrina), she worked a great hair do.

Her side bun reminded me of a chic update to the Princess Lea buns. It totally works. Paired with a dress that has some silver sparkle and ruby red lips, it was a great old Hollywood glam look.

Good job Lo, now just back off Audrina and we'll all be happy.

I love the 80's

In case you needed more evidence that the 80s are hot right now, I submit Exhibit A: Leona Lewis at the Olympic closing ceremonies.

Leona rocked a tin foil silver dress with a shape that reminded me of the days when Debbie Gibson was entering the scene.

I'm definitely looking toward some 1980's inspiration this fall with unusually bright colors (fuchsia for fall is the word on the street) and those signature 1980's shapes including my favorite – leggings.

As long as the cloud bangs remain restricted to photo albums, we're safe from repeating some serious fashion and beauty crimes.

Back to The Hills

I'll be the first to admit that The Hills is likely contrived and if I'm really honest fairly uneventful. 

But, I'm hooked. It's the music. Those shots that pan out over sunny Hollywood. The waiting to see what the evil blonde duo of Heidi and Spencer will do next. The clothes. The hair. The glowy skin.

The girls are a great gauge of what's going to be wearable in fashion. I love Whitney's bracelet pictured above. The easy-going hair on all three girls is a must have. And the vibrant turquoise is a great summer color that promises to wear well into the fall. (Word on the street is that a deep turquoise is going to be a hot fall color in Lafayette.)

That being said, the season 4 premier delivered some of the expected: rude Spencer, clueless Heidi, mildly rude Lo, Audrina kindof into Justin Bobby. And some unexpected: Lauren actually dating someone.

So, whether anything actually happens or not on The Hills I know I'll be watching.

Hats on

I would love to say that I'm a hat person. I try to be. I just don't always have the nerve to rock a hat in broad day light. 

But, as we start to look at cooler temperatures, I'm determined to get my hat on. To that end, I've been checking out fedoras. 

I like the look with a contrasting ensemble like Ashley Simpson's silky dress and hat. And I love the fedora with a menswear inspired look. Victoria Beckam pulls it off splendidly. 

I'm determined to wear a fedora this fall with my favorite accessory – a menswear inspired vest. 

Below are some more casual fedora looks that will do well in the heat.

50 and nowhere near the hill

The Material One turned 50 August 16 and all I can say is "wow."

Whether you love her, hate her or are indifferent – Madonna is beyond fierce at 50.

Her thighs alone give us all great hope.

I have pictured above some of my favorite Madonna moments. I've never considered myself much of a Madonna fan, but I can greatly appreciate a woman that can reinvent herself again and again. 

A woman, who at 50, looks fresher than the vast majority of Hollywood's youngest pop stars has to be doing something right.

Going organic head to toe

I have officially jumped on the organic band wagon. I look for the products everywhere now, which is probably what drew my eye to my favorite new body scrub.

The Healing Garden's Organic Collection in Wild Honey includes a scrub that is anything but sticky sweet in texture and everything subtly sweet in smell.

I am finicky about the smell of anything that goes on my body (no popsicle-flavored body lotions or uber sweet glosses for me) and this fragrance is a barely-there scent that's at once refreshing and warm.

The sugar is pretty coarse and the rich oil separates out in the jar, so stir thoroughly before use. It only requires a small amount slathered head to toe to leave skin both refreshed and extremely hydrated.

It's the perfect pre-faux tan treatment. No need for lotion after using this exfoliator.

Fierce boots

Sweaters and tights and Uggs, oh my! We are months from working a look like this, but it's never to early to start stockpiling pieces for the fall.

As we swelter in the August Louisiana heat, it may be hard to think of cooler days that include boots. But, if you're anything like me you are already trying to decide which boot look (or two) you will invest in this fall.

A girly cowboy?
A basic riding?
A good ole fuzzy Ugg?
A vampy stiletto?

If you're itching to buy a pair, I'm happy to report three stores that already have some boots.

Shoe Fits has some Uggs great for that cozy, effortless look.

Brother's on the Boulevard has some Old Gringo boots that you could wear now with the right skirt and into the fall with jeans. (My favorite are the worn-in leoparditos, which you have to see to appreciate.)

Shoe La La has a great cowboy-esque boot and a fabulous pair of suede Carlos Santana boots that I'm itching to wear this fall with a floral dress and vest.

If you decide to get a jump start on your boot purchasing, feel free to pair them with a roughed up jean skirt for a complementary look or try a feminine barely there dress for a great contrast to cowboy or motorcycle boots.

Trends that never grow old

There are few trends that never grow old for me and among those few the one-shoulder dress reigns supreme.

My two favorite incarnations are the very Grecian (top right) and the leggy thick-belted variety (bottom left).

The bold blue-purple dress Blake Lively is wearing (word on the street in Lafayette is that bold blue will continue to be hot into the fall) is perfection with a super thick belt. Nothing beats a slick black patent belt cinching a bold hue. Classic pointy black pumps are always a great finish for the feet.

The white Romanesque ensemble Maria Bello is rocking is another simple yet bold take on the one-shoulder. To pull off the Grecian look from head to toe try the following elements:
Soft swept back hair
A dress that hits below the knee
Gladiator sandals
A soft color inspired by nature or white or ivory
Fabrics that drape or flow (silk, satin, chiffon or a super thin jersey)
Thick and bold cuff bracelets

FYI: Belle Amie has several one shoulder dresses right now that can go casual with flat gladiators and into the night with heels and a clutch.

My jury is still out on 'country' Jessica

Jessica Simpson as country music star. Not so sure about it. I'm not a Jessica Simpson hater (or lover).

I like her sense of style at times (although I find the frequent excess cleavage a bit tiring at times). And I love her line of shoes (I wore a pair of them today that are fantastic).

But, pop star gone country? I'm not entirely sold on the notion. To me, good country (and I'm not a big country fan so take any opinions on the genre for what their worth) requires some grit and some kind of yearning that pushes you to that genre as your #1 pick. But, I'm sure far greater analysts have determined it to be a smart move for Jessica.

I hope she pulls it off because if the photos of Elle's new issue are any indication she's teetering on the edge of looking less country legend and more "Country- Cool Barbie." It's a bit artificial. But, she is a Texan and has every right to dip her toe into the country pond.

And if her newest projects mean the continuing popularity of cowboy boots with everything and brings back turquoise jewelry, I'm in.