Icon-t Get Enough of Her Look: Rachel Bilson

in Oscar de la Renta

She may be best known onscreen as "Summer" in the 2003-2007 Fox Series "The O.C.," but to me, Rachel Bilson is a style icon all-year-round.

She has been lighting up the red carpet since her Hollywood debut, rarely taking any missteps and always present on best-dressed lists.  Never sticking with just one fashion house label, Bilson has brought to life many stylish looks and has become a designer's dream.

in Zac Posen

Bilson has the ability to wear straight-from-the-runway looks oftentimes better than the models that walked them.  Usually keeping hair wavy and simple, she makes her red carpet style fresh and easy. 

But Bilson also wears outfits that are ready-to-wear and incredibly easy for the everyday woman to immulate.

looking chic on the street

Not only is her style impeccable, but Bilson, at just 5'2", is a reminder that one doesn't need to be tall to strut.  She's petite but packs a mean fashion punch.  She knows just how to wear clothes with proportions that lengthen and give the illusion of a long, lean body that competes right along with the Cameron Diaz and Charlize Theron's of the celebrity world.

in Christian Dior

Asside from her flawless fashion sense on and off the carpet, Bilson's also causing "waves" with her easy-but-sexy strands.  Her latest "ombre" color has inspired women to flock to salons requesting her dark roots to light ends look.  Bilson never looks like she spent hours getting a blowout before an event, and it makes her style all the better.

ready-to-wear in Marc Jacobs

Maybe it's the fact that she doesn't have the perfect model measurements or typical Hollywood "tanned and blonde bombshell" look.  But there's something special about Rachel Bilson that makes her one to watch.  And, undoubtedly, she'll be appearing on red carpets and in the front rows of runway shows for years to come.

Short-Cut to Chic

Audrey Hepburn looking chic in shorts filming "Sabrina"

Shorts are having a moment.  Actually, it's more like a movement.  Gone are the days when they were mostly for camping, gardening, or lounging at the beach.  They're not even restricted to hot summer months.  In fact, they're making an appearance day and night - all year long.

Kate Bosworth staying - and looking - cool in shorts

 Not only are they comfortable, but this season's shorts are a refreshing option to the all-too-common mini skirt or sundress.  Easy to dress up with a fun, frilly top, they're perfect for a special night out.  Or if you're looking for a simple way to look cool - a worn in tee and fedora make them a perfect weekend look.

Rachel Bilson dressing up a pair of Chanel shorts

There are so many colors and fabrics to choose from.  For evening, choose a well-fitting, sleek pair in white, black or grey in fabrics such as satin or cotton.  Wear with a bright pair of pumps for an extra pop.  Go with denim or cotton shorts in earthy neutrals or for daytime and punch them up with colorful tunics and tees.  Or, find a fun floral or ikat print and pair with a plain top and metallic sandal.

Cute and fresh in printed shorts

  Also, there's no need to feel self-conscious.  Shorts aren't just for long-legged model types.  You just have to find the right fit and cut for your body.  If you're short, stick with a length that hits right below the thigh - they'll make your legs look even longer when paired with a wedge or heel.  Taller frames can do very short or knee length.  Curvy girls want something that skims the body - nothing too clingy.  Even better in a dark color to slim hips.  And, avoid cargo shorts at all costs.  They don't to anybody any favors!

Rachel Bilson in casual denim shorts

So find the perfect pair for your figure and rock them - day or night.  They're a great alternative to jeans and dresses - and are just as flattering!

That's A Wrap!

Wrap Dress goddess: Diane Von Furstenburg

Ever had one of those mornings when you can't figure out what to wear?  You stare into your closet without a clue as to how to put anything together?  To add to the problem - you have about 30 seconds before you need to head out the door?

It is in this moment that one little item becomes a lifesaver: the wrap dress.  The fashion miracle was created in 1973 by the genius designer Diane Von Furstenburg - and has since been reproduced by nearly every brand out there.  It's easy, effortless - and essential to any woman's wardrobe.  Nothing else can even compare.  It takes only seconds to throw on, but looks amazingly stylish on anyone.

It's such a magical item.  Universally flattering, the wrap dress looks custom made to any body type.  It gives shape to a boyish figure and controls curves on a full one.  The traditional jersey fabric is simple to care for and stays wrinkle-free all day. 

Not only is it wearable to all, but also affordable.  Wrap dresses are found everywhere from high end fashion houses to the racks at the mall.  In all types of colors and patterns.  Some of my favorites have come from Banana Republic, who's dresses are made in tall, regular and petites.

Banana Republic Wrap Dress, $98

Of course, there's always the classic wrap dress from DVF herself.  Although pricier, they are dresses that will stay in your wardrobe long enough to pass down to your daughters.  Not that you'd ever want to.

Diane Von Furstenburg Wrap Dress, $385

Wrap dresses aren't limited to young women.  With the right hem and sleeve length, it can look great at any age.  As opposed to today's mini dress or asymmetrical shoulder styles, a wrap is a classy fit that covers most of the body but still manages to be irresistibly sexy and cool.

Sarah Jessica Parker, looking good in her 40's in a Halston Wrap Dress

The next time you find yourself struggling to put an outfit together, consider a wrap dress.  Or a bunch of them.  They're great from season to season, year after year.  There's really no easier way to look like a million bucks - even if you only spend the $98.