Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

Wendi McLendon-Covey

The funny lady proved she's got some major fashion range in a stunning Roland Mouret gown featuring a boxy neckline with some on-trend cutouts. Her lob haircut looked super chic, too.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

Emmy Rossum

Our style crush didn't disappoint at the Critics' Choice Awards. Emmy showed up in a flowing hot-pink one-shoulder number. The subtle slit at the waist and Emmy's pretty waves and makeup added some extra detail to the look.

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Allison Janney

We have a feeling Allison Janney knew she'd be walking home with an award last night. Her sparkly metallic gold dress and confident smile say it all.

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Kaley Cuoco

Marriage agrees with Kaley Cuoco. The newlywed took her fairly new pixie cut out for a spin, wearing it sleek and shiny, and went with a bold cat eye and nude lips to go along with her all-black ensemble.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

Kat Graham

The star of The Vampire Diaries showed off her edgy style in an eye-catching pantsuit with a blazer featuring embellishments that resembled shards of glass. Sassy hair and vibrant makeup complemented the look.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

Diane Kruger

The fashionista hit the red carpet in an abstract floral strapless gown, but it was her beauty look that caught our attention. Seriously, we'd like our skin to look this glowy all the time and would sure appreciate it if our hair could look as shiny and fun as Diane's.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

Bellamy Young

Everyone's favorite television FLOTUS represented her fashionable Scandal crew at the Critics' Choice Awards in a crop top and midi skirt combo. The demure look got some attitude thanks to a starry print.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

Michelle Monaghan

Michelle got an early start on patriotic attire in a blue and white one piece featuring an asymmetrical peplum. She paired the outfit with a bold red lip and sideswept waves.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

Keri Russell

We can't decide what we like more: Keri's sexy V-neck printed gown or her beautiful waves and red lip. Let's call it a fashionable tie.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

Minnie Driver

The star of NBC's breakout comedy About a Boy looked gorgeous in a summery gown with a sweetheart neckline featuring pretty embellishment at the bust. Minnie's hair and makeup earned her some pretty points, too.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

More celebrity fashion

12 Style moments at Glamour's Women of the Year Awards
Shailene Woodley's pretty, unique style
Elle Fanning: Wise and stylish beyond her 16 years

June 21 marked the first official day of summer. That means hot days, warm nights and a whole lot of time being spent outdoors. From BBQs to pool parties, and from boating to beach bumming, here are my summer maternity must-haves.

Light and carefree

Since summer and pregnancy have a hard time getting along, make sure you keep your wardrobe light and comfortable. Even though they are long, maxi dresses are always a good go-to since they are light and can easily transition from day to night. Another great summer maternity outfit is a pair of white shorts and a fun statement maternity tee. So let your hair down, beat the heat and take advantage of the fun summer styles.

1. Mia Maxi Dress (Heritwine Maternity, $27)

2. Maternity Low-Panel Cuffed Denim Shorts (Old Navy, $30)

3. Beach Bump Maternity Graphic Tee (Motherhood, $20)

Colorful sandals

Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, your feet might already be swollen, and this is when you should be glad it's summertime. Sandals are much better for swollen feet than boots, so treat yourself this summer to some colorful sandals.

1. Pink & Pepper Stately Flat Sandal (DSW, $30)

2. Lalla Women's Ragtime Sandal (Shoe Mall, $55)

Bathing suits and cover-ups

Bathing suits are the ultimate summer staple. No article of clothing screams summer more than a bathing suit. If you aren't comfortable with a regular two-piece bathing suit, there are so many cute one-piece maternity bathing suits out there. Find the perfect one for you, and flaunt that beautiful baby bump of yours.

1. Pez D'Or One-Piece Maternity Swimsuit (Nordstrom, $91)

2. Halter Maternity One-Piece Swimsuit (Motherhood, $30)

3. Carrie Bow Tankini Maternity Swimsuit by Maternal America (Bella Blu Maternity, $105)

4. Pleated Maternity Swim Cover-Up (A Pea In The Pod, $85)

5. Santiki Short Sarong (Due Maternity, $10)

Beach ready

Bright geometric prints are a hot beach trend this summer. If you are in the market for a new beach bag or a beach towel, geo prints are the way to go. Also, remember to protect your pregnancy glow from UV rays with a floppy sun hat and some hot new aviators.

1. Bold Abstract Geo Tote (Forever 21, $20)

2. Nine Space Geo Beach Towel (Urban Outfitters, $64)

3. Merona Floppy Hat with Gray and Metallic Strands- Tan (Target, $15)

4. Ralph RA4004 (Sunglass Hut, $125)

The summer heat can be really difficult on expecting mothers. Find different ways to stay cool while enjoying the long summer days. And if you have a vacation planned, make sure to have our summer maternity must-haves on your packing list. And of course, don’t forget the sunblock.

1. Sleek and slicked back

Heading to a few pool parties or beach soirees to ring in the 4th? Avoid any post-water hair snafus and slick your locks back into a sleek, wet 'do like Lea Michele's. It's the perfect transitional 'do.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

Get the look: Give your 'do staying power and major sleekness and shine with Pravana's Nevo Shine and Define Polish (pravana.com, prices vary).

2. Twisted ponytail

You can never go wrong with a ponytail. Pump yours up a bit with some strategic twisting and some cute ponytail holders to stand out from the crowd and keep things from looking too vanilla.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

Get the look: Sass up your pony even more with some fun ponytail holders like Remington's Anywhere Elastics with Gems (remingtonproducts.com, $5).

3. Half updo with bangs

The 4th of July is an all-American holiday, and we can't think of any other celeb who personifies this look better than Zooey Deschanel. The vintage beauty always rocks preppy, patriotic colors and classic hairstyles, like this half updo with semi-parted bangs.

Photo credit: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com

Get the look: Your 'do might be simple, but who says your beauty look has to be? Get bold with a statement lip color like Dolce & Gabbana's The Lipstick Classic Cream Lipstick in #625, Scarlett (sephora.com, $33).

4. Curly bun

Most likely, the 4th of July is going to be a scorcher. Save yourself some prep time and just let your natural curls flow. Keep cool by sweeping them up into a loose bun, a la Rihanna's pretty 'do.

Photo credit: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

Get the look: Prep locks for natural curl with a curling mousse like Oribe's Curl Shaping Mousse (oribe.com, $36).

5. Braided updo

When we're looking for some major braid-spiration, we always turn to Bella Thorne. Her braided bun with wrapped around ribbon will keep you cool and cute so you can enjoy those 4th of July celebrations in style.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

Get the look: With such a statement hairstyle, all you really need is a pop of color on your lips to complete your beauty look. Try Topshop's Lip Cream in Sweetie (Nordstrom, $14) 

6. Half up, half down waves

When worn in a cute half updo, easy, breezy BBQ-ready waves like Kiernan Shipka's are the perfect look for any 4th of July celebration.

Photo credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Get the look: Get touchable, natural waves with one of our go-to products, Herbal Essences Naked Volumizing Souffle (drugstore.com, $7).

7. Beachy bob

Is there any hairstyle that screams 4th of July BBQ more than a choppy, beachy bob? We sure can't think of one. Our style idol, Jennifer Lawrence, models hers perfectly here.

Photo credit: WENN.com

Get the look: Let your natural wave run wild with Davines Love Curl Enhancing Shampoo (us.davines.com, $24).

8. Grown-out pixie

Growing out a pixie cut can be a frustrating process for many gals. Luckily, Julianne Hough has an adorable and easy way to wear your slowly-growing locks — messy with a small braid.

Photo credit: Michael Tran/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Get the look: Gals with pixies know makeup becomes so much more important when you chop your locks. Make your pretty pout stand out with Boots No7 High Shine Lip Crayon in Delicate Pink (Target, $10).

9. Sideswept ponytail

Keep your hair out of your way but looking adorable with a sideswept wavy ponytail featuring a touch of volume at the crown. See how cute Danica McKellar's looks?

Photo credit: Judy Eddy/WENN.com

Get the look: Nothing goes better with a sleek, high pony than perfect skin. Get glowing for all those selfies with Eve Lom's Radiance Perfected Tinted Moisturiser Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 15 (Barneys, $55).

10. Soft waves

Tousled, touchable waves are always at the top of our to-do list, and Lucy Hale's soft, blown out locks are the perfect look for a BBQ in a less humid environment.

Photo credit: Apega/WENN.com

Get the look: Protect strands from major heat damage with a heat protectant like Matrix Total Results Heat Resist Iron Tamer Smoothing Lotion (Ulta, $16).

11. Cornrow braids and curls

From one side, this look is sweet and demure, but once Heidi Klum turns her head things get a bit funky. Have fun with your look and try something new this 4th of July, like these cornrow braids.

Photo credit: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic/Getty Images, Rob Kim/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Get the look: Keep frizz at bay with Moroccanoil's Frizz Control (moroccanoil.com, $34).

12. Sleek, high pony

There are so many fun ways to switch up your ponytail this 4th of July. Pretty Little Liars star Sasha Pieterse gave hers a touch of crown volume and loads of shine. The result? Ponytail perfection we want to imitate.

Photo credit: Andres Otero/WENN.com

Get the look: You can both prep your look and get just the right touch of crown volume with the perfect comb. We love Philip Kingsley's Large Anti Static Comb (philipkingsley.com, $22) and Ouidad's Double Detangler Comb (ouidad.com, $26).

More celebrity hair ideas

Celebrity hairstyles we love
Get the look: Claire Danes' Met Gala hair
Get the look: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Met Gala hair

Photo credit: Mike Pont/Contributor/FilmMagic/Getty Images

The lob may have dominated the hair scene back in 2013 followed shortly thereafter by the pixie, but nowadays it's all about the in between. Yep, that's right: the bob. The perfect hairstyle for hot and sweaty summer days, it's easy to see why this classic cut has become so popular, particularly among celebrities. It's extremely versatile, doesn't require a ton of time to do and it looks great both air-dried and blown out. From Taylor Swift to Kylie Jenner, check out who's made the cut for summer.

Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie practically brought back the bob so there's no way we could leave her off our list. At this point, she's sported almost every type of bob in the book, from an asymmetrical one to a beautiful blond lob to a blunt bob with bangs. Her latest twist on the trend though? Dyeing her bob a lavender purple.

Taylor Swift

Known for her long, blond curly locks, Taylor definitely shocked her fans when she debuted a new, much shorter 'do on social media in February. The reason for the drastic chop? A source close to the singer told Hollywoodlife.com that she “had hair extensions to make her hair thicker but the extensions were starting to damage her hair. She was tired of stressing about it, so she chopped it — that way she doesn't need the extensions anymore, it's thick and healthy all on its own.” We love Taylor's bob, don't you?

Kylie Jenner

Unlike her famous older siblings, who all have long locks, Kylie decided it was finally time to separate herself from the pack by going short. She initially tested out the trend with a lob earlier this year but has since continued to chop off more and more length so now she's rocking a blunt bob. Dare to jazz yours up with a bold pop of teal color like Kylie's.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry is certainly no stranger to switching up her hairstyle. Like Richie, she's done the whole bob thing plenty of times. This year, however, she went old school with a vintage-inspired bob featuring short choppy bangs. She soon dyed it slime green and got rid of the retro bangs. Now she's in the process of growing them out.

Lily Collins

We've long been envious of Lily Collins' textured bob. It's stylish, cutting edge and suits the chic English-American actress very well. If you have naturally wavy locks, you might want to consider copying this look for summertime. After all, low maintenance and carefree is what the season is all about.

Ashley Tisdale

Ashley Tisdale is the latest celebrity to hop on the bob trend train. The actress, who specifically chopped her locks off in preparation for summer, has what her hairstylist Nikki Lee refers to as a long, shattered bob. "Instead of it looking like a classic Vidal Sassoon bob, which is very blunt, there's texture to the ends. This gives the look more edge and movement," Nikki told E! Online. We're totally digging it.

Whitney Port

From the moment we were introduced to Whitney Port on The Hills, we couldn't help but fall head over heels for the fashionista's long, blond cascading curls. Just last month, she took the plunge and opted to cut it all off though. Apparently the new 'do makes her "feel like a woman." We must admit, it does make her look more grown up. We're slightly obsessed.

More hair tips and trends

Why I decided to break up with my long as heck hair
The hair trick even women can learn from One Direction's hair guru
An ode to Katy Perry's technicolor hairstyles

Photo credit: Rich Polk/WireImage/Getty Images

Let's just call "ethnic beauty" what it is

There's no reason to qualify beauty as anything other than beauty, especially when the word "ethnic" doesn't make sense in the context of attractiveness. The word "ethnic" has come to mean something that was never included in its dictionary definition. Most people define "ethnic" as exotic, foreign or non-white. According to the dictionary, though, the word just pertains to any group of people who share a culture, religion or language. This means that I'm ethnic, you're ethnic and every person in America is ethnic, because we all belong to a group with shared roots. If you're after exotic beauty, "ethnic" simply isn't the right term to use.

Moreover, calling someone an "ethnic beauty" is just shy of saying, "Wow, you're really beautiful for an ethnic minority." I'm pretty sure I'd be annoyed if someone referred to me as "pretty for being white," or "pretty for being a redhead." You know what I'd like to hear if someone found me beautiful?

"Wow, you're beautiful."

Not, "Wow, you're beautiful for having western European ancestors."

Let's say no to racism, folks

What would you think if someone called out your racial heritage in an oddly misguided compliment? Terms like "ethnic beauty" solidify our culture's tendency to view minorities as somehow "other" or "different" than the mainstream. But here's the thing: we're not in the 1950s anymore, and "ethnic beauty" sounds just a little too much like the "separate but equal" clause of America's horrifying racist history.

There's no such thing as separate but equal, and there's no reason to suggest that ethnic beauty is somehow separate from white beauty. That's what the term suggests, right? And that's racist, plain and simple. It's especially racist since we normally see the sign for "ethnic beauty" products secluded at the end of the beauty aisle, next to the tampons. That's quite a message to send.

Tell us: What bothers you about the phrase "ethnic beauty?"

More about beauty

Low-maintenance tips for beautiful feet
Wacky sunglasses that we'd still totally rock
3 Summery nail art tutorials

Oprah Winfrey

Photo credit: Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Somehow, Winfrey looks more beautiful and radiant at 60 than she did in her 30s. The key to her radiance is in her flawless skin tone.

Take a peek inside the makeup bag of Winfrey's makeup artist Reggie Wells, and you'll find a mix of high-end and drugstore products. Wells relies on more expensive products to smooth and perfect Winfrey's skin tone — like Bobbi Brown concealer and Beyond Skin Science hydrating mist. But when it comes to lip liners, eyeliners and glosses, Wells doesn't back away from household names like Maybelline and Cover Girl for the star. The lesson? Know which products to splurge on, and which ones you can skimp on.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Paltrow may grab headlines for her pretentiousness, but the famous actress is obviously impacting us with her unconventional lifestyle choices. Her beauty routine, surprisingly, is easy as pie. She recently explained to E! Online that she exercises every morning, showers and treats her skin with Restorsea moisturizer. Paltrow only bothers with mascara when she has a meeting — otherwise, she leaves her makeup application to the artists before shooting a movie or attending an event.

Lisa Ling

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Famed reporter Ling is a natural beauty, and takes a less-is-more approach to her makeup. In an interview with SheKnows', she explained that she uses a tinted moisturizer to even her skin tone, and feels it's important to shape her eyebrows and eyes with high-quality pencils.

The real fun in Ling's approach to beauty is her love for natural facial masks and cleansers. She swears by aloe vera and coconut oil to hydrate her skin when it feels dry. When her face needs an overhaul, she applies a plain Greek yogurt mask to her skin to exfoliate and moisturize.

Michelle Obama

Photo credit: Monica Schipper/FilmMagic/Getty Images

What a gorgeous first lady we have, right? Obama certainly has impeccable style, but if you look closely at her face, you may notice that her perfectly shaped eyebrows are a huge part of her beauty. Obama's longtime makeup artist Ingrid Grymes-Myles recently divulged to Friday Magazine that the first lady swears by regular eyebrow shaping and a good eyebrow pencil to form a perfect arch.

Not only that, Grymes-Myles shared that Obama's signature bob is key to her style. She deep conditions every time she washes her hair, and uses thermal protecting sprays to prevent damage from flat irons and blowouts.

Wendy Davis

Photo credit: Stewart F. House/Getty Images News/Getty Images

I hesitate to include Davis on this list, because she's worked so hard to deflect partisan and sexist remarks that have pigeonholed her as a political Barbie. But here's the thing: Davis is gorgeous.

So what's the deal with those beautiful blond locks? In an interview with CultureMap Austin, Davis is clear that she has to work hard to tame her "super-supercurly hair," with blowouts, flat irons and mousses. Stylist Julyne Derrick recently analyzed Davis' hairstyle, and surmised that Davis also enlists the help of a colorist to create a perfect blond hue for her tan skin. After all that hard work, the result is a stylish coiffe that can hold up to a 13-hour filibuster. Now, that's some hardworking hair.

Sonia Sotomayor

Photo credit: Paul Marotta/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Bronx-born Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is approaching 60 years old, but she wears a glow on her cheeks that betrays her age. She's tough as nails with her judicial opinions, and prefers to look like she's wearing little makeup at all. According to one of her makeup artists, Robyn Tamura, Sotomayor is most focused on concealing her under eye circles and dusting her cheeks with a rosy glow from Clinique powder blush. Add a tiny bit of mascara for a finishing touch, and she's ready for the cameras.

More about beauty routines

Pucker up: 7 Must-have vegan lipsticks
The secret to neon nail polish
What's the deal with charcoal cleansers?

Photo credit: PNP/WENN.com

Why we're obsessed

Everything from Vanessa's beachy waves to her two-toned heels blends seamlessly together with her focal point: that fabulous floral dress. We love how she kept things simple and really let the bold print take center stage.

How to style the look

A fit and flare floral dress is one super versatile piece. You can dress it up with a fancy clutch and heels or down with a trendy moto jacket and some wedges. Since it's summer, we love to feel as comfy and casual as possible, so we're dressing things down a bit.

• Rock & Republic Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket (kohls.com, $54)
• French Connection Floral Fit and Flare Dress (lordandtaylor.com, $148)
• Cobb Hill Molly Wedge (cobbhillshoes.com, $120)
• Studio S Hammered Goldtone Spiral Bracelet (sears.com, $10)
• Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Curl + Care Mascara (physiciansformula.com, $10)

More get the look

Kourtney Kardashian's Cali cool look
Nina Dobrev's work chic ensemble
Keira Knightley's cute maxi dress

Photo credit: Neustockimages/E+/Getty Images

You don’t have to show up in a pantsuit and pumps to look professional at work. Instead, do Casual Fridays the right way in a comfy, chic ensemble that will take you straight from the office to happy hour, no problem. These skinny black vegan leather pants are perfect paired with an embellished cotton T-shirt — and metallic wedge sandals, of course. Throw on a white cropped moto jacket over the top, add some elegant rose gold bangles and you’re way ahead of the curve.

Alexander McQueen Embellished Cotton T-shirt (Net-a-porter.com, $338); American Apparel Vegan Leather Pant (Americanapparel.net, $148); 2b bebe Stephanie Moto Jacket (2bbebe.com, $37); GUESS Laure Wedge Resort Sandals (Guess.com, $49); Evade Gold Detail Handbag (Missguidedus.com, $45); Fossil Olive Three-Hand Stainless Steel Watch and Jewelry Set (Fossil.com, $145)

Who says Casual Fridays have to be boring? Spice up your go-to fancy floral maxi skirt with an edgy striped graphic tee and some bad-to-the-bone booties for a bossy look that’s sure to get you a ton of compliments from co-workers. Pull together the entire outfit with a sophisticated tuxedo blazer and a pretty printed scarf, and you’ll be well on your way to best-dressed employee at the office.

Each Other Striped Cotton Cropped T-Shirt (Stylebop.com, $122); Alice + Olivia Louie Printed Long Skirt (Aliceandolivia.com, $348); Mango Cropped Tuxedo Blazer (Mango.com, $100); Urban Originals Lennox Stud-Trim Tote Bag (Cusp.com, $90); David and Young Pastel Stripe Oblong Scarf (Shopdavidandyoung.com, $24); ASOS East Side Leather Ankle Boots (Asos.com, $124)

Take a walk on the wild side and dress for success in the coziest little black T-shirt dress ever styled, with some sassy leopard print pumps that you can also wear to the bar. A glam statement necklace and classy leather-look jacket give this outfit the air of elegance it needs to work for the office. Um, can we say smart?

Alexander Wang Classic Jersey T-Shirt Dress (Mytheresa.com, $127); River Island Beige Embossed Leather-Look Jacket (Riverisland.com, $120); Gold Amethyst and Agate Three Strand Bib Necklace (Maxandchloe.com, $170); Moda Luxe Satchel Handbag (Target.com, $40); Fergie Maiden Quatro Leopard Heels (Heels.com, $95)

Dark denim is always a do on Casual Fridays, so grab your favorite pair of skinny jeans and dress them up with an on-trend, feminine floral peplum top with a pretty pastel blazer draped on top. Got a lunch meeting with a client? No worries. Book it across town in no time flat in these adorable d’orsay flats that are comfy, yet classy. A simple oversized leather tote will keep your laptop, iPad, notebook, makeup and so much more safe.

Hudson Jeans Collin Skinny (HudsonJeans.com, $189); Alice + Olivia Rosie Sequined Organza Top (Theoutnet.com, $193); Zara Blazer With Zips (Zara.com, $139); Melissa Cutting D'Orsay Flats (Shopbop.com, $110); Aqua Square Stone Stacking Ring Set (Accessorize.com, $16); Anna Sui Limited Lipstick in Creamy Coral Pink (Beauty.com, $30); American Apparel Sturdy Leather Tote (Americanapparel.net, $170)

Dare to wear shorts to work this summer. And no, we’re not talking about the Daisy Duke cutoff kind. Yours should hit at the knee or right above it, like these, and be every bit as professional as pants (or, you know, close enough). A basic tee accessorized with a stunning crystal statement necklace finishes off the look fabulously.

J.Crew Collection Eaton Boy Short (Jcrew.com, $160); Rag & Bone Boyfriend Tee (Rag-bone.com, $95); Mango Round Neck Essential Cardigan (Mango.com, $35); Rupert Sanderson Joan Cage Front Leather Sandals (Modaoperandi.com, $305); Lavender Mint Crystal Statement Necklace (Perfectdetails.com, $225); Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. (Rebeccaminkoff.com, $195)

More fashion advice

These outfits are work-to-gym with a few simple swaps
Professional work outfits for when it’s 90° plus
Nautical-inspired work outfits to bring the beach with you

June 21 marked the first official day of summer. That means hot days, warm nights and a whole lot of time being spent outdoors. From BBQs to pool parties, and from boating to beach bumming, here are my summer maternity must-haves.

Light and carefree

Since summer and pregnancy have a hard time getting along, make sure you keep your wardrobe light and comfortable. Even though they are long, maxi dresses are always a good go-to since they are light and can easily transition from day to night. Another great summer maternity outfit is a pair of white shorts and a fun statement maternity tee. So let your hair down, beat the heat and take advantage of the fun summer styles.

1. Mia Maxi Dress (Heritwine Maternity, $27)

2. Maternity Low-Panel Cuffed Denim Shorts (Old Navy, $30)

3. Beach Bump Maternity Graphic Tee (Motherhood, $20)

Colorful sandals

Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, your feet might already be swollen, and this is when you should be glad it's summertime. Sandals are much better for swollen feet than boots, so treat yourself this summer to some colorful sandals.

1. Pink & Pepper Stately Flat Sandal (DSW, $30)

2. Lalla Women's Ragtime Sandal (Shoe Mall, $55)

Bathing suits and cover-ups

Bathing suits are the ultimate summer staple. No article of clothing screams summer more than a bathing suit. If you aren't comfortable with a regular two-piece bathing suit, there are so many cute one-piece maternity bathing suits out there. Find the perfect one for you, and flaunt that beautiful baby bump of yours.

1. Pez D'Or One-Piece Maternity Swimsuit (Nordstrom, $91)

2. Halter Maternity One-Piece Swimsuit (Motherhood, $30)

3. Carrie Bow Tankini Maternity Swimsuit by Maternal America (Bella Blu Maternity, $105)

4. Pleated Maternity Swim Cover-Up (A Pea In The Pod, $85)

5. Santiki Short Sarong (Due Maternity, $10)

Beach ready

Bright geometric prints are a hot beach trend this summer. If you are in the market for a new beach bag or a beach towel, geo prints are the way to go. Also, remember to protect your pregnancy glow from UV rays with a floppy sun hat and some hot new aviators.

1. Bold Abstract Geo Tote (Forever 21, $20)

2. Nine Space Geo Beach Towel (Urban Outfitters, $64)

3. Merona Floppy Hat with Gray and Metallic Strands- Tan (Target, $15)

4. Ralph RA4004 (Sunglass Hut, $125)

The summer heat can be really difficult on expecting mothers. Find different ways to stay cool while enjoying the long summer days. And if you have a vacation planned, make sure to have our summer maternity must-haves on your packing list. And of course, don’t forget the sunblock.

Feeling patriotic this year or just in the mood for some red, white and blue with your family and friends? Celebrate your independence in style with inspiration from one of these three different looks. Whether you'll be attending a summertime barbecue, seafood feast or just a fun date watching the fireworks, it is a must to be on your best holiday-wear behavior. Wearing something as simple as a striped cross-body bag or adorable red sandals can get your Fourth of July day off to a good start. I've always been a fan of styling your red, white and blue in your own way, so here are three outfits from casual to fancy that could get you ready for one of the best summer holidays.

Relaxed chic

image via

For the holidays, keep it simple yet chic in a relaxed pair of cutoff shorts with a fringed hem. A white V-neck tee, tucked in, maintains a polished look while sexy red wedges and mirrored sunnies give you a flirty appeal. Your most prized possession will be a striped statement bag and red lip. Such a great ensemble for a BBQ or lunch date.

Mellow chic in stripes

image via

Last year, I wore this Joe Fresh multicolored striped dress for an easy throw-on look. Stripes are always a sure way of being stylish. Let your patriotic spirit shine for the Fourth with a striped dress, shorts or top and cute accessories. Heels or no heels will have you looking ultra chic.

Classy with a bit of fancy

image via

I absolutely love how Sarah from Classy Girls Wear Pearls rocks her paisley-printed slacks with a pretty yet casual blouse. The utility pockets dress it down, but make her ready for a day-to-night affair for the holidays. Although her outfit is more on the fancier side, she is still relaxed enough for a outdoor picnic or Fourth of July boat party. So lovely.

Here are some fun and thoughtful accessories for your patriotic holiday outfits.

Apres Ski Sunglasses (Free People, $18)
Rebecca Minkoff "Mini Mac" Striped Leather Crossbody Bag (Nordstrom, $145)
Patriotic Headband (Aeropostale, $5)
Feedei Beaded Knit Necklace (Oliverbonas.com, $38)
Dreaming on the Dock Sandal (Modcloth.com, $21)
Star Print Scarf (Pier One Imports, $15)

The Fourth of July is a fun way to show off your patriotic style, and why not do it with a little retro flair. Here is a wearable look that can be paired with any color scheme to make a flirty statement.

Step 1: Using an angled brush and NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk, map out the outline for our shape. Draw a line extending out from the lower lash line, then connecting right above the crease.

Step 2: Fill in the entire lid to create a base.

Step 3: Apply any white eyeshadow (such as M.A.C. White Frost) from the inner corner halfway to the lid. This will set the cream base to prevent it from running and creasing.

Step 4: Use a pencil brush for more precision, and apply a blue eyeshadow at the corner and fade it into the white. To help blend the contrasting colors together, use a light hand while fading the blue into the white. At this point, to perfect the shape of the cut crease use a Q-tip or a small concealer brush and outline the edges to make them sharp and perfect.

Step 5: Apply white liner in the waterline and rim the top lid with a cat liner.

Step 6: Apply mascara and lashes.

Step 7: To finish off the look, apply a red lip. To make it even more festive apply a red glitter on top of your lipstick.

Photo credit: bekisha/iStock/360/Getty Images

Jill is part of a new trend of moms seeking plastic surgery to make their post-baby bodies look more like, well, pre-baby bodies.

"It isn't even about looking good naked, although that would be nice," she says. "It's about repairing the damage done." She's talking about her diastasis, a two-inch wide gap where her ab muscles never came back together. Not only does the diastasis give her a "mummy tummy" that cannot be fixed by diet or exercise but Jill says at night, when she's not pregnant, she can see her organs pushing through. "I wouldn't even call it cosmetic surgery, but more like reconstructive surgery," she adds.

And she's not alone in her desire to look more like her old self. A recent Nutrisystem survey found that one in three Americans say they haven't worn a swimsuit in more than five years. As our society becomes more bare, women are becoming increasingly worried about their perceived flaws. A RealSelf survey found that of moms who've had plastic surgery, a whopping 98 percent said it increased their overall happiness in life. That's a lot of satisfied customers. So if you have the money for it, why wouldn't you do something that would make you happier?

The double standard

But is this all misplaced vanity? Shouldn't we all feel comfortable in our bodies? I have stretch marks, saggy boobs and an "apron" of skin left over from having my five children and while I won't say that I love those things, I do absolutely love my body — both for what it looked like before kids and for all the great things it does since having kids.

Pregnancy is not a disease and a postpartum body isn't broken. Still I'm not immune to the pressure to lose the baby weight in mere weeks and be back in my bodycon dress and stilettos by the next PTA meeting. (Because that's what we wear to PTA meetings, right?) The problem is we're supposed to look like we've had surgery but we're not supposed to be desperate enough to actually get surgery.

It's this double standard — not only must we be beautiful but we must be effortlessly beautiful — that makes mommy makeovers so difficult to talk about. Indeed "Jill" isn't even Jill's real name as she didn't want to risk being identified by other moms in her area. The gossip mill was a big factor in her choosing to go out of state for her surgery. While she says she'll be honest with close friends, she won't volunteer the information that she's "had work done" to more casual acquaintances.

"I'm not ashamed of it at all," she says, "but I'm not exactly proud of it either." She adds that she doesn't want to feel judgment about "caving in" to society's standards but after sacrificing to have three kids she feels like she deserves to do something for herself. "It's not about wanting to look good for anyone else. This," she gestures to her stomach, "isn't me, it's not who I am! And I just want to feel like me again."

We're in this together

Yet as more and more moms get plastic surgery the stigma is becoming less and less. At a recent girls' night out a friend announced her recent boob job by giving us all a flash in the ladies' room. While exact numbers are hard to find, a quick search finds thousands of doctors specializing in surgery just for moms. A 2011 poll of women aged 18 to 30 found that seven out of 10 want plastic surgery and I'm guessing that number is higher among moms. An informal poll of my friends found that 90 percent would get plastic surgery somewhere if they could afford it. (RealSelf estimates the average mommy makeover costs about $12,375 — not exactly chump change.)

In the end I think it's about choice. Women shouldn't feel like they have to have surgery to be beautiful. But we shouldn't judge each other for making the decision to get it either. After all, how many of us wear makeup, dye our hair, get Botox or fillers or get hair extensions or wear padded bras? The line is blurring between "surgery" and "enhancements" and most of us like to do something to enhance our looks. We need to remember that we're all in this together — who better to understand what we're going through than our sisters?

More on body image

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Curvy girl swimsuit calendar proves beauty comes in all shapes and sizes
The body image video that will bring you to tears

Photo credit: Environmental Working Group

Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there.

That's the message behind the Environmental Working Group's Practice Smart Sun Campaign. The campaign — designed to teach us about the dangers of sun exposure — is meant to be educational, but we can't help but get a little freaked out at the photos at the forefront of the campaign.

The photos, taken with a Canfield UV camera, show the havoc that years of sun exposure can wreak on our skin. The UV camera cannot predict skin cancer, but it does show the key visual information that indicates damage from the sun, like wrinkles, brown spots, red patches and uneven texture. It can even show UV spots, which are “accumulations of melanin just below the surface of the skin.”

It's likely you have some of that going on with your skin right now, even if you can't see the damage on the surface. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Malignant melanoma is also the number one cause of cancer death of women in the 20s and 30s.

Yikes.

The good news? Take photos like these as a wake-up call to get your sun act together, pronto. You've heard it before, but wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 is vital, as is wearing sun protective clothing and hats when you're going to be exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.

As for the damage you've already inflicted on your body's biggest — and arguably most important — organ? You can fix it with a variety of treatments, including IPL/BBL therapy, retinoids and laser treatments.

However you treat it, just make sure you're doing your best to keep your skin healthy for the long haul.

More on skin care

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CLA and retinols: How these ingredients fight aging
6 Lifestyle changes to promote super-healthy skin

Photo credit: angelhell/iStock/360/Getty Images

Is it terrible that my first thought was, "Who are the other 20 percent? And how can I learn their secret??" So of course the recent announcement of some American brands adding the size "000" is as relevant to our self-esteem as it is to our pocketbooks.

An anonymous Los Angeles sourcetold Grazia that "although there are thankfully curvier role models out there, from Kim Kardashian to Beyoncé, it's a cut-throat industry and it's no secret that stars can make headlines out of being scarily skinny. It's not about size zero anymore. These days, double-zero sizes don't cut it either. Size triple zero is the number-one goal here."

For the vast majority of women, this would mean becoming dangerously unhealthy. A size triple zero has a waist measurement that growth charts consider normal for a 5- to 6-year-old child. One personal trainer quoted in the article describes the no-such-thing-as-too-skinny trend, saying, "Their weight struggles become their story.[...] When you lose weight too quickly or too severely, it just doesn't work. The public may look at these women and see thinness, but they don't see the injury, pain and hunger."

And it's hard to ignore the gold stars people are awarded for weight loss, no matter how skinny they get. With celebs posting ultra-thin pics on social media and magazines showing the most minor flaws with a zoom lens, I can see how women get the idea that we're only the sum of our body parts and everyone is scrutinizing us at all times.

Then there is the matter of how atrociously we treat overweight people in our society. So many times people have sadly noted how much better they are treated after losing weight, even though they're the exact same person inside.

Everyone loses when we play the skinny game. When our weight becomes the thing that defines us we lose our self-esteem, we lose money, we lose friends and lovers, we lose hobbies and even sometimes our lives.

A "size zero" has become such an emotionally charged term that it hardly feels like a descriptor of clothing anymore but rather a woman's worth. And now a "triple zero?" When do we draw the line and say "enough?" I vote now.

More on body image

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Photo credit: Hamburguesa con queso Photostock/iStock/360/Getty Images

If you've watched any commercials, looked at any magazine ads or turned on your TV, then you've probably seen this new archetype of femininity — the girl who looks like a model but eats like a frat boy. But is this very realistic? A viral Instagram account called You Did Not Eat That aims to pull the curtain back on this scary trope.

You Did Not Eat That posts pictures of impossibly thin women and ripped men posing with decadent foods. Often the foods are poised to go into a happy, open mouth... but you never see an actual bite taken. The commentary is little — some pictures have short captions — but what makes the Instagram so popular are all the reactions from readers. It's like we're all collectively screaming I knew it!!!

This is exactly why the account was created, says the woman behind it, who has so far remained anonymous. "I've worked in media and fashion for almost 10 years," she explains in an interview with The Cut. "I feel like blogs have certainly changed everything, you know, in the lifestyle people are presenting — it's just spiraled into the absurd. All these girls who wear the most expensive outfit that they have — probably borrowed or gifted. They troll the West Village or Venice, or somewhere, [buying] "chic" lashings from different pastry shops, taking pictures in their Valentino Rockstud Stilettos. Ughhh. I call it The Emperor's New Clothes syndrome: Everybody just says, Oh my God, you look amazing. But nobody's really actually saying, Get real. And we should."

Indeed, the woman says her breaking point came when she watched dozens of bloggers swarming a dessert table, taking pictures and spending five minutes merchandising the sunglasses next to the macaroons. "Then they walked away and nothing was eaten. It was so contrived!"

So she set up You Did Not Eat That to show the chicanery behind the chic. But it's not about calling out specific people or even thin body types and setting them up for ridicule. "If you're a size zero, and you're frolicking in a tiny bikini on the beach, you probably did not eat the doughnuts that you posed with the sunglasses," she says, echoing what the rest of us are thinking. "It's just presenting this curated life that's beautiful and perfect and totally unrealistic. More power to you for rocking that! You look awesome! Don't lie about how you got there! It's fine."

And it's not just bloggers and Hollywood types being deceptive. This mentality has trickled down to the mainstream. I remember one day at the mall, with my 2-month-old baby in tow, eying the sale racks sadly and wondering if I'd ever fit back in my normal clothes. And then I saw a gorgeous, thin woman with twin infants about my baby's size picking up extra-small tops and happily hanging them off the handles of her double stroller. I'm embarrassed to say I basically stalked her through the store. Maybe they're adopted? Maybe she's a nanny? Maybe she's just a freak of nature with a metabolism like a Ferrari?

Finally my internal chatter got to me and I spoke to her. After the obligatory chatter about our babies, I just asked her: How did you do it? She nonchalantly waved her hand and mumbled something about yoga with her babies. I was crushed. I did yoga and Pilates every day and I didn't look anything close to what she did. I'd wanted her to just tell me the truth, even if the truth was that she was genetically blessed, stuck to a perfect diet or even was addicted to Adderall.

I don't think she meant it to be rude. In fact, I think I probably embarrassed her and caught her off guard. But I think it says a lot about our society that I felt so compelled to ask her such a personal question and she felt so compelled to answer dismissively. And if a picture says a thousand words, then the Instagram of a model holding a pink frosted doughnut on her lap, hovering over her eight-inch thigh gap, pretty much sums up how I felt.

Do bloggers have a duty to be scrupulously honest with their readers? Especially when mainstream media so pointedly isn't? Is it our duty as women to be honest with each other? These are questions we're still trying to figure out but in the meantime, I'm still nodding along with You Did Not Eat That and feeling a tiny bit better.

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Photo credit: L'Oréal Paris

But now, the fine folks at L'Oréal Paris could be saving me (and us all) a lot of time and energy and face wash with their new makeup app, Makeup Genius.

Which, is clearly what we will all be once we start using it.

Here's how it works: Fancy facial-mapping technology turns your smartphone's camera into a virtual mirror for trying on products and looks in real time. Oh, and it's not like some of the apps of the past, where it's close but you still kinda have to squint to get the picture. Makeup Genius uses 64 facial data points and 100 different facial expressions. So if you change your expression, or move your head for a different angle, or change lighting, it (the look) moves with you.

Genius, right?

And since tons of us are guilty of using our front-facing camera as a mirror anyway (hello, my favorite way to put on lipstick in cabs), now we can use this same handy trick to see how certain trends look on us, or to digitally dabble with curated looks created by makeup artists.

Thanks to technology developed in the gaming industry, you can even scan an ad or image for an exact color match to try on. You're essentially one click away from even the wildest of beauty experiments.

So no more wasting money on makeup that doesn't suit you, or spending hours on a look that you end up loathing. The beauty world just majorly stepped their game up.

Your move, fitness apps.

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Photo credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images

Wet hair is having a moment, thanks to one very famous supporter: Beyoncé.

Blue Ivy's mom has been sporting towel-dried strands everywhere this year. First, she stepped on stage at the Grammys for a sexy performance of "Drunk in Love," then she appeared on the cover of The New York Times' T Magazine earlier this month with a "hey-I-just-hopped-outta-the-shower" wob (wet bob).

And it's all the rage on the runway and editorial shoots, too.

"It's really an edgy, downtown, sexy look," hair guru Patrick Melville told the New York Daily News in March. "It's kind of one of those things you would wear to a cool party, or out to a club, or if you're going dancing. You wouldn't want to go to the office party looking like that."

Hmm… I beg to differ.

You see, I've basically been a wet hairstyle connoisseur, if you will, since, well, forever. I have seriously curly hair and a lazy streak, meaning I don't have the desire to straighten my hair every day. Blow-drying with a diffuser? Sure, if I want a head full of fuzz. Instead, I've opted to go wet and let my hair do its own thing. I've worn my wet style everywhere from job interviews to weddings… and no one has said a word.

The secret? I make sure to give my hair enough time to at least sort of air dry — sopping-wet strands aren't OK anywhere, period. I simply towel dry, add some Moroccanoil and gel and let Mother Nature do her thing for the next couple of hours until it completely dries. Sometimes it looks amazing, and other times it looks like I've dropped an atom bomb on it.

But that's the risk I take to get the kind of curls I crave. Regardless, it's fuss-free and I get plenty of compliments.

Of course, this look probably won't fly if you work in a conservative, ultra-corporate environment. But if you want to achieve the look, all you need to do is follow my advice, or get a few tips from the pros, like Pasquale Caselle, hairstylist and international creative director for IT&LY Hairfashion. Bonus: You can use these tips on dry hair to mimic a sexy, wet style.

"The best way to get the wet hair look is to use 2 Phase Hydra Shine from IT&LY Hairfashion on damp hair, totally saturate the hair so that it has a wet look," he tells SheKnows.

"Then create a mixture of IT&LY's Pure Fluid Experience, Thermoflat and Pure Water Drops — equal parts and apply evenly into the hair, work it through. Then on low heat blow dry the hair upside down while scrunching it to get a beachy wave look."

Spritz on some sea salt spray or use IT&LY's Pure Texture followed by some blow-drying.

"Using the blow-dryer a bit more while scrunching the hair on low heat sets the waves," Caselle adds. "Finish the look off with IT&LY's Pure Eco Spray to set everything."

More celebrity hairstyles

The hair trick even women can learn from One Direction's hair guru
An ode to Katy Perry's technicolor hairstyles
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Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

Braids are back (really, they never went out of style) and with summer here, it's the perfect time to have fun with braided hairstyles. Lucky for you, we've got a little braid-spiration in the form of January Jones' recent side plait. The Mad Men actress swept her locks into this pretty 'do for a recent promotional event and paired the style with bold blue eyeliner and a colorblocked dress.

Loving January's look? Recreate it at home with the help of Justine Piecuch, stylist at Salon Capri.

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com

"Leave it to January Jones to take [the] braid to a whole new level," Justine says.

1. For this look you'll need about 18-inch wefts of hair (or longer if you're really brave) and talented braiding skills.
2. With the 18-inch weft of hair, make a 4-strand braid. Starting from either the left or right, make 4 sections. With the outer strand, weave under, over, under. Repeat starting on the opposite side. Secure with elastic and set aside.
3. Next, divide your hair into 2 sections. To keep yourself organized, clip off the entire right section of your hair. Starting on the left, create a Dutch braid (aka outie). Instead of a regular braid you'll be rotating the strands underneath. This will give more texture on top and really make the braid pop.
4. Pick up pieces as you move toward the center base of your head just as you would with a French braid. Use a clip to hold this section into place while you do the other side. Once you've made a Dutch braid on the left, gather the 2 sides together and secure with an elastic at the base of your neck.
5. Now add the 4-strand braid by pinning it into the other braids you have just secured. Loosely wrap any hair around where they meet to conceal any elastics. You can gently pull at some of the loops in the 4-strand to create more of a lived-in look and of course, let any loose pieces fall naturally along your face. Practice a few times if you're wearing this to a big night out.

Jennifer Morrison's braided 'do

Emmy Rossum's shiny curls

Vanessa Hudgens' twisted ponytail

Photo credit: Mathew Imaging/WireImage/Getty Images, WENN.com

Lea Michele

Someone's enjoying the summer sun! Lea Michele showed off her heavily bronzed skin in a sexy strapless gown at an event in Hollywood this week, and let's just say we're obsessed.

Photo credit: Mathew Imaging/WireImage/Getty Images

The Glee star selected a strapless black and white number to attend the Hollywood Bowl event and we think she looks stunning. The revealing sweetheart neckline, slit and colorblocking add a super sexy edge to the form-fitting gown that looks like it was made for Lea's figure. In true Lea fashion, she added tousled waves and a beyond real glow to complete the look.

The final verdict? We're happy that things are going so well for Lea these days. Her positive attitude and keen fashion sense are definitely contagious.

Shop the look: Buffalo David Bitton Kalena Strapless Dress (Lord & Taylor, $59)

Olivia Wilde

Before we gush over Olivia Wilde's latest style win, can we just say how amazing the new mom looks? Seriously, motherhood agrees with her. We spotted the actress out and about in New York City in this adorable colorful dress, and just had to give her some style points.

Photo credit: WENN.com

On first glance, there's admittedly a lot going on here. Olivia paired her blue and green colorblocked dress with a maroon and yellow striped bandeau and spunky orange heels. There are several pieces competing for attention, but somehow they all blend beautifully together to create a colorful, summery look we adore. Olivia kept the rest of her look super simple, opting for loose waves and a fresh face.

The final verdict? We're sometimes shy about mixing colors and prints, so we're thankful that we have daring fashion idols like Olivia to give us that extra push to take risks.

Shop the look: Modcloth Rain Catcher Dress in Deep Sea (modcloth.com, $65)

More fashion obsessions

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An Iranian policewoman (L) warns a woman about her clothing and hair during a crackdown to enforce Islamic dress code on April 22, 2007, in Tehran, Iran. (Photo credit: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

For the past 35 years, Iranian women have been subjected to strict laws that govern nearly every aspect of their lives, including what they can and cannot wear. The main edict states that women must wear a veil over the heads — known as a hijab — at all times.

Iranian women are risking punishment by posting photos of themselves without scarves in public places on a medium that's also illegal to access in the Middle Eastern country: Facebook.

London-based journalist Masij Alinejad launched the Facebook page "Stealthy Freedom of Iranian Women" on May 3 and attracted over 150,000 likes in the first 10 days. Now, over 528,000 people have liked the page that shows Iranian women asserting their independence over the oppressive law.

"For 30 years I wore hijab in front of my dad. It took time for me to be able to come out and tell people I prefer to have no hijab, that I want to be myself," Alinejad, who emigrated to the U.K. in 2009, told the Guardian of why she felt inspired to start the page.

The reasons why women decide to post their photos are as diverse as the women themselves.

"Taking the scarf off is not just a stealthy thing I do. It is more of an objection to what I've been forced to wear. Hoping for the day our freedoms won't be stealth any more," one woman wrote.

"Since I was a kid whenever we went on a trip to another country my sister and I would get so excited as they admonished my mom or even us for not wearing socks at the airport entrance in Iran; because we surely knew that just as the plane would land in the other country my mom would take her scarf off saying 'What a relieeeef...'. and this was the best part of the trips [sic]."

"I've begun to be more concerned about my rights ever since this matter started to be talked about openly like this. I've grown much more courageous."

"When I showed my (German) fiancé our beautiful Iran and I showed him that we have any Kind of freedom in Iran but in secret."

"I have no intention whatsoever to encourage people to defy the forced hijab or stand up against it," Alinejad added to the Guardian of her reason for starting the page. "I just want to give voice to thousands and thousands of Iranian women who think they have no platform to have their say."

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