Above Your Pay Grade. Earlier this week, I received a lovely e-mail from someone at Elle Magazine touting their Capitol Hill Style guide.  While the pieces they included are certainly beautiful, the prices might best be described as “aspirational,” since several items were well over $500. 

So while I would be very happy to own any one of those pieces, my paltry government servant salary will never allow it, unless of course I give up both food and shelter this month. I really hope that American women don’t open up this month’s magazine and get the mistaken impression that Hill Staff make more than $50k per year, because I know teachers who make more than I do.

The Rainbow Six. The New York Times recently asked a handful of women to pare down their wardrobes and spend a month wearing just six pieces.  That’s right, six pieces.  And guess what?  No one noticed that the women’s fashion choices were looking a bit lean.  It’s an interesting idea, but I don’t think it would work unless your wardrobe contained a lot of black and white, which mine definitely does not. 

Prep-Tastic. If you consider your style “preppy,” you might want to check out Wit & Whimsy’s preppy shopping guide.  While I have never been a big fan of the lime/pink combination, I do love the striped cardigan and bow belt she recommends.  I love them so much, that I’m going to ignore the fact that she features a pair of topsiders. 

Color Me Surprised.  There are lots of hot colors for summer (citron, mint green, lavender) but few work on most women.  Coral is a rare exception, so The Cheap Chica has a roundup of some affordable ways to integrate this warm bright into your wardrobe.  Frankly, the color is perfect for the office and the beach, or anytime you need a fashion pick-me-up.

Transformative Ideas.  Zoe Saldana is a CHS favorite, but she wasn’t always.  Once upon a time, Saldana was a ballerina/actress who preferred a relaxed boho look (I’m being kind) over the structured dresses and sky-high heels she now wears.  FabSugar has a rundown of her style both past and present, and let’s just say, the transformation is incredible.  Wonder who her stylist is?

Crease Is the Word.  This time of year, it can be difficult to keep your makeup in place.  Even with primer, my eyeshadow seems to last about five minutes before it wilts like cheap lettuce.  Luckily, Glamour’s beauty department has some recommendations for eyeshadows that won’t crease.  Praise be to thee, almighty cream shadow.

Baby on Board. While Capitol Hill Barbie may have deserted us for the wilds of Pittsburgh (!!!) she will always be one of my favorite local bloggers.  Recently, Barbie announced that she’s expecting a baby in the early-Fall.  Thus, her fashion related posts have been focused on the dos and don’ts of maternity attire.  While my barren uterus doesn’t need this advice, some of you might.  And even if you don’t find yourself in the family way, Barbie’s charming snark will have you giggling like a school girl in no time. 

(Little known fact, CHB was actually the inspiration for Capitol Hill Style.)