Soft and sweet with a touch of sexy, a creamy lace blouse can dress up a casual look or add a touch of old-fashioned romance to tough-chic. Style bloggers show how it’s done:

Clockwise, from top left: Second Skin Style, Through the Looking Glass, Simply Hope, Tiff Heart Fashion.

Left to right: Greatest Friend, Shop Ruche, Queen’s Wardrobe

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Must-buy fashion from our favorite blogger-run online shops:

A’N'D Belted Shirt Skirt , $340

Just when you think the fashion gods don’t answer prayers, A’N'D designs a Fall transition piece that incorporates buttery leather, a cinched waist, and shirting details all in one. Hallelujah!

Pauper quilted cropped jacket, $45

We can so imagine Brenda Walsh wearing this jacket as she fights back tears watching Dylan and Kelly share fries at The Peach Pit. Perfect for pouting, glowering, and storming out of the room.

Poison Ivy Smoke lace earrings, $26

Amazing statement earrings that go with anything and are light enough to wear for hours? Yes, please!

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Ridiculously hot and humid weather has us daydreaming about cool blue water and easy dressing–and we’re not the only ones! Inspired by some of our favorite bloggers, we’re looking good and feelin’ blue.

Collage by Tiffany G.

Blogger inspiration

Images: popcultureafternoon.blogspot.com, monochromachic.blogspot.com, www.anotherdaytodressup.blogspot.com, meijias.blogbus.com

Collage by Brandy K.

Shopping Picks

Images: Shopbop.com, LeTrainBleu.com, QueensWardrobe.com, Anthropologie.com

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It takes a lot of work to open an online shop, so what must it be like to open a brick-and-mortar clothing store in a less-than-perfect economy? We headed over to the opening of 4U Urban Fashion Boutique and spoke to freshly minted shop owners Andy and Gio for advice, pictures, and a bit of style inspiration.

Setting up shop

We talked to Andy how they went about getting the store up and running in what seemed like a record amount of time–they were painting and putting together furnishing as recently as Mother’s Day!

“For us, it was a magical experience. When we found the space, everything else seemed to fall into place very quickly.”

Got it: For a retail store, location is a top priority. However, not everything is candy and roses all the time, is it? We asked for advice regarding the top three things entrepreneurs opening their own clothing boutique should know:

1. Know the permits, procedures, and processes related to opening a retail store.

This includes setting up a corporation, obtaining a tax ID number and business license, understanding zoning regulations, and a bunch of other legalese. “It can be a bit frustrating, because you need certain permits and documents to get started, but you have to have some things in place in order to obtain those pemits!” Educate yourself as much as possible before and during the process.

Some good resources for those located in the US:

• SBA.gov
• Findlaw.com
• Business.gov

You may also want to check in with your local chamber of commerce for contacts and information.

2. Have a clear vision.

As someone heavily involved in theater, Andy notes that he always took notice of scenery and decor both onstage and in restaurants, retail establishments, and other public spaces. A well-developed eye helped them determine the vision for the shop before everything was up and running–essential during the planning and execution phases.

“If you don’t have a vision, find someone to create one.”

3. Take a lot of deep breaths!

Some things will be difficult–you will get frustrated, you will work hard, and you will get tired. Be sure to remember to breathe and relax as you go through the process–after all, it’s all part of the fun!

Says Andy, “Now we get to focus on the fun part–sourcing clothing and accessories. We have great relationships with some really amazing vendors.”

With most of the heavy lifting done, it sounds like Fall will be a breeze.

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Great shopping finds from some of our favorite blogger-owned online boutiques:

Miss Malaprop

These yellow fern earrings, $25, add just the right splash of color to brighten up your look.

NIC*FISH

The deep-V caftan, $75 from NIC*FISH, is dressy enough for a night out, yet cool enough to wear while lounging around.

Cha Cha

Cha Cha’s Entourage clutch, $206, is big enough to hold your essentials, and just the right size to tuck under your arm.

We love indie fashion entrepreneurs–do you have any favorites?

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Some of our favorite picks from blogger-owned online shops:

We’re loving the print (ready for summer with a pop of grass green) on this Mara Hoffman wrap dress, on sale for $110 at Brook & Lyn.

The Beehive Bramble Bib mixes multiple metal chains with beaded flowers for a touch of sparkle. $215 at The Glamourai.

This graphic yet feminine print clutch, €35 from Vintage Affair, goes with pretty much anything–perfect for breezy spring outings.

Do you have any favorite blogger-owned shops? Let us know in the comments!

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Blogger and online boutique owner Rodellee of Adore Vintage picks some of the most coveted items from her shop:

1.Dash of Nutmeg Dress
Why I adore it: I love this with a pair of black opaque tights and little heels or booties. I love mini dresses with bows and this vintage 1960s dress is just so darling!

2. Aphrodite Necklace
Why I adore it: I LOVE the cameo detail on the pendant, it’s cupid! This vintage necklace looks like a mini piece of art with lavender gemstones and the triple strand gold chain.

3. Licorice Stripe Dress
Why I adore it: I love this because it can easily go from “Farmer’s Market” to “First Date” with a change of shoes, handbag, and jewelry. It’s a lightweight vintage 1970s cotton sundress.

4. Fall of Cleo Cuff
Why I adore it: Very reminscent of something Rachel Zoe would wear and I adore her glamorous 1970s vintage-inspired style.

5. Manolo Blahnik Heels
Why I adore it: An instant classic, an essential to any girl’s wardrobe! A black pair of pumps, and what better than vintage Manolos? I love these because they’re not too overly trendy looking, and instead look stylish and classic so they can be worn season to season.

6. The Secret Garden Dress
Why I adore it: I love feminine and flowy vintage dresses and this 1970s gown is just so very pretty, I especially love the hidden details like the ruching on the shoulders and tiny flower buttons on the sleeves.

7. A Bouquet for Cie
Why I adore it: I love whimsical vintage handbags, especially if they feature floral print. There is just something so dandy and old school about them, a little Granny I suppose, but I really love how sweet this vintage 1940s frame purse is.

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Blogger and jewelry designer extraordinaire Wendy Brandes shares some of her favorite gift picks from her line:

1. My silver Teeny Genie necklace (photographed with a dime to show how petite she is) is only $50 — so affordable. Most genies only grant three wishes but mine is under orders to grant unlimited wishes to her new owner.

2. The Mud Flap Jill cufflinks in silver with ruby nipples for $350 were originally custom-ordered by a woman for her husband. I named the design after her.

3. Naughty girls shouldn’t get coal in their stockings. Give them the Wendy Brandes for Francis swear rings and let them revel in their naughtiness. $375 for a set of four silver rings.

4. All of my adorable fruit necklaces are 50% off while supplies last. Contact me at wbjewelry at hotmail dot com to get the special discount!

5. Actresses Liv Tyler and Hayden Panettiere, as well as pop star Britney Spears, have worn my Borgia Poison Ring. The gold and diamond version is $6,000, the plain silver version is $450.

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We’re all about supporting independent businesses, so we’re starting a new series featuring favorite picks from fellow bloggers who own online retail establishments, just in time for the holidays. Get ready to jump-start your holiday shopping!

Marie Denee’s The Curvy Fashionista appeared as a “Blog to Watch” in the very first issue of Style Sample magazine, and we were right–she is definitely one to keep an eye on! Since then, she’s launched her very own online boutique for plus-size fashion, MarieDenee.com. Here are some of her favorites for the holidays:

1.Amanda Uprichard Zipper Dress, $240 100% sumptuous silk dress that easily shifts from day into night in both Teal and Green! Your skin and curves will thank you!

2. B.G.U. Nia Goddess Dress, $176 Rev up the Curve factor with this on trend-updated version of your little black dress!

3. Lilypad Earrings, $32 I DIE for these 100% Sterling silver earrings! Not your usual look, these are sure to captivate and inspire the fashionista in you!

4. Starburst Ring, $52 Sometimes you need a little drama to your look and this sterling silver and mother of pearl ring is sure to deliver!

5. Melissa Masse Sweetheart Color Blocked Dress, $220 When you want to add a splash of sass with the right amount of class, this naughty knit is like butter for your curves!

Available at www.mariedenee.com, an upscale contemporary online boutique dedicated to fashion your curves and bring you styles to keep you Curvy.Confident.Chic!

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It doesn’t take much to get fashion bloggers talking about shopping! We asked some of our blogging friends about the first gifts they’ll buy and which shops they plan on hitting first:

Vahni of Grit and Glamour
I’m hitting BCBG in hopes of scoring the Marlene Convertible Satchel in black or grey, and BCBG’s supercool hinged Floral Ring…for me, of course. I have a tremendous weakness for massive handbags and rings! Since I’m heading to Australia for Christmas and it’s summer there, I’m also looking for tunics or minidresses by Free People—a label I’ve really come to love over the last year.

Allegra of It’s On with Allegra BJ
For my friends I like small but nice gifts – year for year we decide not to buy anything for each other, but well, it never works! So, I’m considering some eye-catching accessories like the pearl necklace by H&M or that purple velvet bow tie by Swagger and Swoon. I also adore these checked ear muffs by Burberry or the faux fur ones by John Lewis, which are totally trendy this year.

Since my brother moved out I love to make him presents of furnishings and cookbooks. I can’t help but always find perfect stuff at Butlers.

This year, the choice of the perfect gift for my parents puzzles me the most! I like to give them something they can join together, but I still can’t make up my mind…

PS: You can’t go wrong with Gossip Girl – the complete first and second season!

Natalie of In the Bedroom Mirror
I always have to buy my momjii dolls for my closest friends! There a little bit cliched and perhaps even a bit twee but its a tradition I have practiced for years and I love the fact that they have a space for a message. I like to choose the Momjii doll acording to their personality or because of what they mean to me, Clever Clogs for my bezzie (because she is, but I love her for it!), Giggles for my friend who makes me laugh when I need her to and Pea for my little sister for she is very tiny and always wears green!

I always Holiday shop in Ludlow, they have a brilliant little shop called The Silver Pear which sells my Momjii dolls. Then there’s the Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre, which I strongly recommend to anyone who loves to buy unusual or quirky Christmas gifts.

Maria Louise of Style Intuition
For my holiday shopping I will go to London, where I will pay a visit to Topshop where I can pick up something for my boyfriend, my friend and perhaps also something a for myself. I love how they always are right on trend at an affordable price which let’s you play with your style without ruining the budget.

The first gift is definitely for my boyfriend, because he puts up with me and my blogging all night! I think I‘ll get him a really cool leather jacket.

Steff of KaKofonieofsi(gh)lenS
I live in Canada, almost solely shop online, and do not enjoy human stampedes. Nonetheless, I love helping indie designers go from “being in the red” to “being in the black”! Also, I need to get my dad and sister gifts for Christmas. So, this holiday season may find me quietly clicking around Patricia Ayres’ Etsy shop to pick up a couple (or three) of her gorgeous Artisanal Unisex scarves.

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While roaming the ‘net, we came across a few high-tech(ish) sites that we thought would be of interest to fellow fashion bloggers. Here’s what we found:

Style
StyleRays is a site dedicated to creating an online community for users to share their sense of style for the world to see. It’s basically the Facebook picture function but instead of tagging your friends’ faces you tag what you’re wearing with a brief description. This is a great site to share your sense of style with other users, get feedback or look at other contributors. What I found most convenient about StyleRays is their sort functions in which you can search through photos by brand, style type, and genres and contributors. I will definitely start posting some pics of my own. ~David

Beauty
Daily Makeover offers fashion and beauty advice and lets you upload your picture to the site for a “virtual makeover” (free membership required). They also feature product reviews, beauty blogs (from the “Beauty Bloggerati” no less), and picks from their own editors. ~Tamia

Shopping
Sense of Fashion is a one-stop shop for those who are already well-acquainted with their personal sense of style and still want more.  It provides all the tools that are essential to evolving your look and elaborating upon your fashion knowledge in one pretty little well-dressed package.  Fashion blogs and trendy links aren’t all this fab site has to offer; “Fashion” ‘s sense surpasses others in that it’s like Ebay gone hipster.  A site for the true and eclectic fashionista, it eliminates the hours you would log on scrolling through possible junk dressed up as treasures, and just offers up the real treasures instead. ~Hayley

Who says geeks can’t be chic?

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Blogshops are, as the name suggests, online shops in the form of a blog. Hugely popular with young people in Malaysia, they combine the convenience and freedom of blogging with the opportunity to sell online–no commissions or listing fees necessary!

A few I’ve discovered so far:

My Sweet Haven

Citrus Alley

Vogue Indulge

And an interesting analysis of the practice: Blog/shop

Has this trend spread to the West yet? I smell an opportunity for someone out there…

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