Inspired By: Pretty Little Liars

I thought I would have no TV shows to watch this summer. New episodes of Gossip Girl won't come out until fall and The Hills and The City have both come to an end.

But . . . then came along ABC Family's "Pretty Little Liars." Based on the book series of the same name by Sara Shepard, "Pretty Little Liars" follows the lives of four girls - Spencer, Hanna, Aria, and Emily - who start receiving mysterious text messages from someone named "A" after their ex-clique leader, Alison, disappeared a year ago.

I read a couple of the books from the series several years ago after finishing the Gossip Girl series. I didn't think the books were nearly as good as Gossip Girl but still, they were quick and semi-interesting reads. I can't say I'm totally in love with the television series either (again, it's got nothing on Gossip Girl) but I still watch it just for the sake of it.

Plus, the show is a great source for fashion inspiration as the styles that appear on Pretty Little Liars are a lot more wearable for most college girls than what's on Gossip Girl. Unlike Serena van der Woodsen, most college girls cannot spend their days in Herve Leger bandage dresses and Louboutins. Working with a tight $10,000 per episode wardrobe budget (even ABC Family show "Greek" gets $25,000), the costume designers on the show mix high end pieces with items from stores like Urban Outfitters and Forever21 to create stylish yet everyday looks that any girl can wear.

Aria Montgomery

Aria - played by Lucy Hale - is my favorite little liar both in terms of her wardrobe and her character. Her style is kind of hard to describe - it's eclectic, a little bit rocker and vintage and feminine all at the same time, and definitely very distinctive. She generally sticks to a neutral, woody palette - imagine the colors of a forest in autumn - and does a lot of layering with her pieces. 

Aria's signature items are worn-in leather jackets, flowy printed dresses, layered necklaces, and most importantly - mid-calf boots. She was also seen rocking some sky-blue nails, a pastel shade that super hot this season. Bright nails stand in contrast with the earthy tones and brings some vibrancy into the toned-down outfits.

Hanna Marin

Played by Ashley Benson, Hanna is probably the most stylish one in the group. She comes from a wealthy family and is always rocking the latest trends. Her style is classy yet modern and with her blonde hair, she has this old Hollywood-glamour vibe. 

Hanna's go to pieces are flowy pastel tanks in pink, cream, and baby blue, dark skinny jeans, sky-high heels, and her signature - crisp, preppy blazers. Hanna is the type of girl who studies the latest fashion magazines and is aware of all the latest trends. She's also a girly-girl so there's a lot of flowy fabrics and feminine colors in her outfits. I chose OPI's polish in That's Berry Darling - a magenta shade that's the ultimate girly-girl color. 

Finally, since Hanna's is new-school Hollywood glamour, I thought Michael Kors Very Hollywood would be the perfect scent for her.

Spencer Hasting

Played by Troian Avery Bellisario, Spencer is the classic overachiever. In the show, she's constantly competing with her Angelina Jolie look-a-like older sister for her parents' attention. In terms of style, Spencer is very classic-preppy and conservative, think Lacoste and Ralph Lauren. 

A navy J. Crew cardigan and a pair of white boot-cut denim are quintessential pieces for the classic all-American look. An interesting top like this sailor-striped tank adds some uniqueness to the outfit, allowing Spencer to show off her own personality. Spencer is also often seen wearing gladiator sandals and nail polish in a classic red shade.

Emily Fields

Emily Fields, played by Shay Mitchell, is the "jock" out of the group. I'm personally not a huge fan of her style as I find it very boring/middle-school-Aeropostale, but since she's also a pretty little liar, I couldn't leave her out.


Emily's signature pieces are denim minis, a plain shirt, cardigan, and some kind of shoes that is not high heels. Her style is pretty much the exact opposite of Hanna's, who is in on all the latest trends and puts a lot of effort into her looks. Emily's look is always low-key and casual, nothing that one would pay special attention to.

Inspired By: The Beauty of Summer

To me, summer is the most beautiful season. The flowers are blooming, the grassy fields are crisp and green, the forests are covered by a thick canopy and filled with the melody of chirping birds, and the sunshine reflecting off the ocean water transforms the sea into a vision of turquoise and emerald. Summer is also the best time to enjoy the beauty of nature. Just slather on some sunscreen, spray on some bug spray, and the whole majestic outdoors is at your disposal. Visit your local beach, take a hike in a thick forest, or drive to the countryside and watch the evening sunset.

Oftentimes, in our busy lives, we don't notice the beauty of our surroundings. Whether you live by the beach, the mountains, the forests, or just a field of corn, there's always beauty in the nature that surrounds you if you take the time to look and appreciate.

To thank mother nature for what she has given us, here are four summery looks inspired by the wonders of nature.

Field of Daffodils

To me, this look is like a modern fusion of Marie Antoinette and Heidi from the classic children's book "Heidi" by Johanna Spyri. Daffodil yellow is a fresh and sunny color that's great for summer. Not only is yellow associated with happiness and warmth, it can also show off your tanned skin. To pull of a yellow sundress, accessorize with something blue or green, both of which are excellent complements to yellow.

Of course, since this look is inspired by a field of flowers, there are lots of floral details. Yet because these florals appear in small fixtures, they're not overwhelming. Finally, the Daisy by Marc Jacobs perfume is the perfect finishing touch to the ensemble. It has notes of gardenia, vanilla, jasmine petals and comes in a super cute bottle.

Majestic Waterfall

The crisp, clear water roaring down from the mountaintops is one of those things that epitomizes the grandeur of mother nature. This look focuses on the forest-green mosses that grow near waterfalls and the pitch-black concaves hidden behind the curtain of flowing water. While this look is certainly not something you would want to wear to visit a actual waterfall (heels and slippery moss, yikes!), it's definitely a going out or date look. The green-and-gold cluster bracelet complements the clover sateen tank and the dark, skinny jeans stand in contrast to the flowy top.

Finally, the electric green limited edition DKNY Sweet Caramel Candy Apple gives the edgy look a sweet finish. With notes of fresh apple, delicate florals, and hints of vanilla, it smells good enough to eat.

Paradise Island

This outfit represents the quintessential beach look. Inspired by the azure water and white sands of the French Polynesia, not only does this outfit look like it came right out of the sea, it's also very practical to wear to the beach. The turquoise day dress can be tossed over your favorite bikini and these sandals easily slip on and off. Plus, at just $9.99 a pair, you don't have to worry about getting sand or sea water all over them.

The oversized aviators and wide-brimmed sun hat will protect you from the sun while looking as chic as ever. The stack of wooden bangles add a carefree, tribal touch to the outfit. Finally, spritz on some Ralph by Ralph Lauren. With notes of zesty mandarin, sparkling green apple, and purple freesia, this little bottle looks like it belongs with the mermaids.

Fiery Sunset

Initially when creating an outfit for this set, I was looking for an orangish ombre top and dark skinny jeans. However, when I came across this gorgeous BCBG piece, I knew my hunt was over. I can't think of anything that embodies a fiery evening sunset better than this little cocktail dress. The turquoise feathered earring steal a touch of the evening sky while the feathery headband puts some edge onto the otherwise princess-y outfit. 

This look is a great date look and can easily be transformed into a post-date beach stroll by replacing the pumps with a pair of brown sandals. This exquisite bracelet from RenttheRunway features fuchsia jade, amethyst, and glass quartz all encrusted onto a gold plated cuff. Finally, finish off with a spritz of Michael Kors Very Hollywood, a perfume fit for the stars. You'll be ready for your walk down Sunset Blvd.