Women are more pragmatic than men are.  We tend to analyze and over-analyze every situation, while men are more apt to just jump in with both feet.  Sometimes, you just have to say, “Yes,” to the opportunity that presents itself and take the leap.  Whether the risk will work out typically depends on the effort you put in afterwards, not the analysis you put in before.

1.) One of the most common “Ask Belle” questions that I receive is, “What does this dress code mean?”  From California casual to cocktail attire for a 1:00PM outdoor wedding, I have seen it all and so have the folks at Lucky Magazine.  Check out their guide for decoding six common invitation dress codes.

2.) Last week, I stopped a Senate staffer in the hall to ask who made her gorgeous shoes and now,  I.am.OBSESSED with them.  One click and you’ll see why.

3.) I lived in a 415 square foot studio for six years without issue, but this 165 square foot apartment in Italy makes me totally claustrophobic.

4.) The Internets, especially the Twitterverse, are going great guns in a debate about the pronunciation of “.gif.” The creator says it’s a soft sound, like “jif,” but a lot of people aren’t buying it.  Still no agreement on how to pronounce “meme,” either.

5.) This shirt and skirt combo from All Saints has me rethinking my diet of white dresses for summer. In fact, this looks like the perfect birthday party outfit for celebrating the third anniversary of my 29th birthday next week.

6.) Love Greek yogurt?  Would you be surprised to learn that the leftover whey from the production process can hurt the environment?  You won’t see that on the Fage label.

7.) With the start of the summer travel season, the overlords at TSA would like to remind you that your liquids and gels must be 3 fl. oz. or less.  Luckily, Sephora, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus have your full-size favorites in government-approved sizes.  My travel must haves?  Say Yes makeup-removing towelettes, Big Sexy Hair Hairspray, Psssst Dry Shampoo and Fresh Hesperides rollerball perfume.

8.) The film critics at Cannes are going wild for a film called, “All is Lost,” the story of a man trying to save his sinking sailboat in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  Oh, and did I mention that the movie is silent?  Seems a shame to waste all of that Robert Redford voice-over talent.

9.) Three words: Maple-Bacon Biscuit Bake.

10.) I’m looking for a shirtdress for business casual days.  I love this black and white DKNY dress.  I’ve also been thinking about a dress with a full skirt, this white one and this orange one both caught my eye.  But I still think this green silk one from The Outnet is my favorite.