I know I swore to stay away from stripes and all those navy sailor-inspired looks, but I am slowly starting to enjoy this trend. There are are some limits of course, but I have to admit that there are some options that are way better than the copy-pasted images I keep seeing everywhere, from shops and window displays to all-striped outfits on girls in my office!

The key is to set yourself apart from the main-stream options. Try to choose not so commercial items and spice them up with fresh accessories. Right now, I am really mad about the Chanel - shape cardigan. What do you guys think?

Cardigan: Aubin & Wills’ caramel and red-striped cashmere-blend cardigan - net-a-porter, Top: Pearl Tank by ULLA JOHNSON - calypso-celle,  Shorts: Cuffed dark blue denim shorts Rock Revival - Metropark, Bracelets: Ethnic Charm Bangles - topshop, Pumps: YSL, Bag : Paul Smith,  Make-up: NARS from Sephora

Another style I really love is Katharine McPhee’s casual urban-look. Even though the striped tank is a simple common option, what makes it special is the white cropped jacket with rolled-up sleeves and the brown leather platforms/wedges.

Shorts: Women’s AE Denim Shorties - AE, Tank Top: Aubin & Wills’ black and white striped jersey tank - net-a-porter, Bag: Miu Miu’s black deerskin leather tote - net-a-porter, Shoes: Michael Kors platform brown leather sandals - youheshe.com , Blazer: Alice + Olivia’s cropped white jacket - net-a-porter, Ring: Accessorize , Sunglasses: Gucci, Necklace: Rosantica’s handmade sterling silver-plated brass multi-strand necklace - net-a-porter

Exactly when we thought that spring will take a step away from rock edge styles bringing lighter textures, romantic waves and relaxed accessories, we came across some amazing styles that couldn’t be left behind no matter what.

All those metallic inserts which have enriched the runways this past season are now boldly decorating the new summer styles. From shiny studded handbags, to chain-detail clutches and even to zipper add-ons on shoes, rock accents are poised to still be on the must-have list.

Leigton Meester and Rihanna - both rocking the metallic inserts trend

Many celebrities digg this look that brings a rough edge to any outfit and there are tons of brands that have adopted the runway looks and are now producing chanel 2.55 chain handbags or other variations of that sort, however I think that we need to step away from all theses trendy pieces and just try to interpret them in our own way. There are enough chic women’s bags out there that can make you feel unique and that also fit in this category. I have found lots of cool bags from Mischa Barton’s line and also Fiorelli but I think the most powerful items are the vintage ones. All these metallic accents are in perfect sync with the boho 70s styles and can be beautifully mixed with vintage.

Regarding shoes, I think that gladiators and ankle-boots are still very powerful this season and they are also getting a face-lift. Dune shoes offer a great variety of chic and affordable designs that are just perfect for this studded season.

What shoes and accessories are you buying this summer?

The wedge is poised to become a really cool piece this summer. It’s versatile and chic and not to mention sooo comfy. This season’s styles are improved with sexy ankle straps and a little platform. You can easily accessorize with a casual-chic outfit and it’s also a good option for going to the office.

There are heaps of affordable styles and I found tons of cool wedges at Aldo and Nine West. I’ve also browsed through The Outnet and found some incredibly chic sandals in brown honey tones, just perfect for summer :)

And the winners are :

You are probably wondering by now whether your fingertips have the right color. There are lots of options out there and I guess you have probably seen amazing pastels and brights that are all waiting to complete your spring look. You should get rid of the stiff fall tones and pick something smashing.

3.1 Phillip Lim surprises us with gold and copper tones, while Carolina Herrera and Hermes bring on the white-silver polish. A thing I noticed while browsing through the pictures on Style.com, was that a lot of designers chose pink-nude translucent nailpolish for this summer season and also for Cruise 2009.

1.Tuleh 2. 3.1 Phillip Lim 3. Carolina Herrera 4. Jil Sander 5. Marc by Marc Jacobs 6. Hermes

Heels and sandals have gone crazy this season.  I’ve found this 2 gorgeous sandals on SteveMadden and Bebe and I absolutely love the heels and the way they are crafted. Look for stange shaped wedges or glamorous heels because they are really must-haves this summer.

All the T-shirts are available on Forever21.