Shift dresses are back in a big way this season. The once 1960s retro mod chic staple has re-emerged as a summer necessity. Just add a pair of platforms, and you’ll instantly transport back to forty plus years ago. Want to upgrade your look to 2012? Cinch your waist with a solid black leather belt and add flat gladiator sandals. Simple. Easy to wear. Gorgeous. Check out these gorgeous shift dresses you’ll want to wear this season!

Shift One by shopinchic featuring flat heels

Look 2 by shopinchic featuring a polka dot dress

Shift Look 3 by shopinchic featuring leather clutches

Fresh, fun, fabulous, and feminine. These four words describe one of my most favorite summertime style staples: the maxi dress. Since this season is all about relaxing and living a little, why not wear clothes that make you feel comfortable? I love a chic maxi style dress because it’s comfy and easy to wear. Just add a great pair of shoes(espadrilles, flip-flops, or flats) and a gorgeous necklace. Here are four amazing dresses I want right now!

4 Printed Maxi Dresses by shopinchic featuring a strapless gown

Denim is….casual, smart, sexy, fresh, comfortable, feminine, etc etc. A good pair of jeans is perhaps one of the most versatile items you’ll ever own because you can take almost any one pair of denim and instantly create different looks just by switching around tops, shoes, and accessories. Need a few examples? Check out four very different but equally stylish denim looks I created through Polyvore and let me know what you think.

Hipster Cool by shopinchic featuring vintage sunglasses

Summer Casual by shopinchic featuring south sea pearl rings

Everyday Denim by shopinchic featuring a cross body shoulder bag

Dressy Denim by shopinchic featuring black handbags

Want to talk more denim? Check out my new fashion forum or join SIC’s community on Facebook!

My 2011 Holiday Gift Guide continues with some chic and amazing beauty gifts! Be sure to check out my previous guide for gifts under $25.00.

Makeup Studio Blockbuster $49.50 at Sephora

What girl wouldn’t love to find this treasure trove of beauty goodies underneath her Christmas tree? The Makeup Studio Blockbuster is a fabulous kit that includes 96 eye shadows, 84 lip glosses, 6 cream eyeliners, 2 eyeliner pencils, 3 blushes, 1 bronzer, 1 mascara, and 4 makeup applicators. This luxe compact also comes with a mirror for added convenience.

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System $119.00 at Beauty.com

Give them a gift they will use all year long! The Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System makes daily facial cleaning even easier. This starter set also includes everything they need:Clarisonic Mia in one speed, pLink charger, sensitive brush head, and trial size cleanser. The Mia brush set also happens to be the perfect size for frequent travelers.

*Marc Jacobs Rollerball Trio $38.00 at Amazon

As a fan of Marc Jacobs’ fragrances, I can’t help but recommend this tres fabulous gift set, which includes three miniature rollerball fragrances including Daisy, Daisy Eau So Fresh, and Lola. Everything comes in an keepsake tin box that’s covered in pretty flower designs.

Pure Color Lipstick Luxuries $37.50 at Estee Lauder

A little bit of lip color is sure to brighten up her day and this fabulous little kit comes with five lovely red shades. The set also comes with a red shiny quilted zip-top clutch.

Dazzlesphere! Mini Nail Lacquer Ornament x 4, $25.50 at M.A.C

Here’s a clever little beauty gift that’s also in budget. This clear, ball-shaped ornament comes with four luscious nail lacquers including Much Adored(sheer glittery white), Style Tip(coral), Mistletoe(glittery gold), and Dark Angel(rich purple).

Chantecaille Protection Naturelle SPF 46 PA+++ Powder $70.00 at Chantecaille

Looking for that perfect ultra-luxe beauty gift for the friend or relative who already has everything? Give the gift of Chantecaille cosmetics! One notable product is the Chantecaille Protection Naturelle SPF 46 PA+++ Powder. This all-in-one gift includes lightweight mineral powder and a large brush. She will love how this makeup goes on smooth and provides solid protection from the sun.

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Boots are sexy and ankle boots(or booties as they are sometimes referred to) are even sexier. Whether you’re wearing super skinny jeans, a pretty feminine floral dress, or perhaps a tee shirt and denim skirt, it’s important to know that booties have the power to change any look into edgy madness! Don’t believe me? Check out five fabulous pairs of booties below and you’ll see what I mean.

1- Zig Soho Rally Booties $99.95 at DSW

2- Boutique 9 Daphnea Booties $225.00 at Nine West

3- Dereon Animate Yourself Booties $80.00 at Baker Shoes

4- Renton Lace Up Boot £66.00 at Dune

5- Rocket Dog Black Satire Ankle Boots £60.00 at Schuh

If you are heading out to the beach or pool this summer, you won’t want to be without these amazing essentials!

The Beach Tote:Color-Block Straw Tote Bag $29.00 at Spiegel

This pretty color-block straw tote features full-lining inside with a slip pocket and metal silver handles. I love this bag’s colorful look and beachy vibe and I think  that its the cutest beach bag I’ve seen all season!

The Sunscreen:Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 $39.00 at Bergdorf Goodman

Get the highest rate of sun protection there is with this SPF 60 sunscreen. This PABA-free formula is also water-proof and sweat-proof.

The Lip Balm:Neutrogena Norweigian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 $3.49 at Drugstore.com

Protect your lips with a nourishing lip balm that also has the standard SPF 15.

The Shades:Gucci Large Round Frame Sunglasses $325.00 at Gucci

These sleek and sexy sunglasses feature a grey-gradient lens and offer 100% UVA/UVB protection. Never buy shades without sun protection otherwise that defeats the whole purpose of wearing them.

The Sandals:Scott Hawaii Lanui Tan Flip Flops $42.00 at Zappos

A pair of flat sandals like these will keep your feet protected and comfy when you are lounging in the sand.

Summer doesn’t officially start until June 22, but it seems that most of us feel the heat in early May. This month we’re preparing for Memorial Day cookouts, summer trips to the beach, and any extra days we can squeeze in for a little fun in the sun. Here is a small list of what you should buy this month!

<p>left to right:Plunge Halter Top, $24.50; Glam Bikini Bottom, $24.50; Backless One Piece, $39.50; Floaty Tankini Top, $24.50; and Shirred Bikini Bottom, $24.50. Everything is available at American Eagle Outfitters

1- The Classic Black Swimsuit

It could be a one-piece, tankini, or bikini. A simple black swimsuit flatters all figures and it goes with all your colorful beach accessories! Of course its still important to remember that not all swimsuits were created equal and that its a good idea to keep the following tips in mind.

More stylish swimsuits and swimsuit shopping posts are coming up on Shop In Chic. Subscribe today.

Too Faced Poolside Primping Collection $42.00 at Beauty.com

2- Beach Bunny Beauty

Everything you need to get sexy this summer is in the Too Faced Poolside Primping Collection. This kit includes Lashgasm Mascara,  Glamour Gloss,  Perfect Nude Lip Liner, Primed Poreless Primer,  Sun Bunny Perfect Lips Gloss, and brown/pink striped makeup case.  Stuff this case inside your purse or beach tote for touch ups on the the go!

MICHAEL Michael Kors Open Toe Jelly Flats, $69.00 at Zappos

3- Jelly Shoes

These hot shoes are back this season and this time they look different from the plastic flats that looked a lot like the one we wore 20 years ago.  There are lots of terrific jelly shoe styles this season, but my favorite pair is the MICHAEL Michael Kors Open Toe Jelly Flats. These shiny plastic shoes feature a sexy open toe and a MK  medallion on the vamp.

Rachel Pally Long Sleeveless Caftan Dress $295.00 at Stylefly, Geo Border Top $17.80 at Forever 21, and Wear-to-Work Printed Romper, $109.00 at Bebe.

4- Bold Graphic Printed Pieces

Floral prints have been replaced by funky graphic prints. These fun prints look great on blouses, dresses, rompers, and accessories, but this doesn’t mean that you should go crazy with this look. I suggest that you purchase at least two graphic printed items like a top that goes with everything and a dress thats reserved for casual parties.

What’s on your must-have list this month and why? Feel free to comment!

All That Glitters:(L-R)Say Hello Palette, $35; Hello Kitty Fragrance, $55; Glittercute Collection w/ Swarovoski Crystals $495

I don’t know about you, but I just love Hello Kitty! And I’m so excited about the exclusive Hello Kitty line that is now available at Sephora stores(and online). This line offers a whimsical vibe with colorful cosmetics and cute accessories that I think all fashionistas of all ages will enjoy! The collection includes kitty-shaped palettes, nail lacquer, stick blush, kohl eyeliner, and even a fragrance. And with prices ranging from $10 to $495, this line offers something in every price range. Can’t get enough of the coolest cat on the block? Here is my list of must-haves from this covetable line!

Charmmy Kohl Eyeliner$28.00

This luxe gift set comes with seven eyeliner pencils and a cute reusable metal case that you can store your pencils in. This collection includes the following colors: Goodnight Dreams(black), Grape Juice(purple), Chocolate Milk(brown), Happy Cloud(white), Bicycle(teal green), and blue sky(bright light blue).

Shop the entire Hello Kitty at Sephora collection online at Sephora.

Hello Kitty Fragrance$55.00

This flirty scent features notes of Vanilla, Musk, Tonka Bean, Apple, Mongolia Blossom, Cassis Sorbet, Italian Mandarin, Magnolia Blossom, and Orange Flower. Even more, I love the pretty little vintage-inspired bottle that this comes in. The Hello Kitty Fragrance also comes in other variations including a solid perfume necklace, rollerball, and body splash.

Say Hello Palettes$35.00

This palette actually is a tiered compact with four powder eyeshadows and four glosses. The collection has two palettes to choose from: Super Fun and Happy Fun. Both palettes include feminine colors that are easy to mix and blend in.

Hello Kitty Glittercute Collection Made With Swarovoski Elements$495.00

I admit that this special gift set is one heck of a splurge, but if you got the money, why not? This includes eight glittercute eyeliners, 5 luxurious cosmetic brushes, and darling Hello Kitty storage container that is covered in sparkly Swarovoski crystals!

Shop the entire Hello Kitty at Sephora collection online at Sephora while these limited edition goodies last.

A bohemian staple, the maxi dress hasn’t gone anywhere…yet. With long floor length skirts, strappy bodices, and gorgeous prints, maxi dresses are both sexy and easy-to-wear! Just add a denim denim jacket and gladiator sandals and you’re good to go. Here are my favorite maxi dresses in every price range.

Tibi Belted Strapless Maxi Dress $478.00 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Nanette Lepore Aqua Cheetah Dress $118.50 at ChickDowntown

Cascade Print Maxi Dress $299 at Bebe

Nautical Striped Maxi Dress $39.90 at Alloy

Vix Swimwear Batik Long Cover Up Dress $165 at ShopBop

Meghan Los Angeles Lola Dress $449.00 at Couture Candy

Bo Strapless Long Dress $237 at Couture Candy

Embellished Maxi Dress $98 at Victoria's Secret

Chaudry Mauve Tiered Dress $98 at eDressMe.com

INC International Concepts Sleeveless Spaghetti Strap Printed Maxi $74.99 at Macy's

Blossom Print Maxi Dress $34.50 at Body Central

Point D'Espirit Maxi Slip $98.00

If there is one thing that I envy Hollywood starlets(to be frank with ya, I’m not really that envious of them), its the glamorous invites they attend! You know those swanky invitations to press events, hip parties, movie premieres, and the like. Oh the joys of getting all dolled up with designer gowns, dramatic eye makeup, and swept-up hairstyles! Alas it does seem a bit of stretch for the modern-day working woman, but a girl can dream can’t she? Here are 3 dresses I just love right now!