Leslie Shores

Take a look at Leslie's Twitter account (or her wardrobe) and you won't have a hard time seeing why she's one of our style gurus in residence. Which is why, in honor of the impending lovely weather, we decided to take a cue from our favorite magazines and fashion blogs by putting together some inspiration boards. So, what are Leslie (and the rest of the Maxine team) wearing this summer? Take a look!

STRIKING STRIPES

Seeing stripes? Yep, we all are. Celebs and retailers alike are embracing the striped life, from nautical to Parisian and everything in between. For Leslie, it all begins with Ms. Marilyn Monroe, who might as well be Leslie's patron saint of glamour.

For further inspiration, look to vintage Chanel ads and modern day celebs rocking stripes under their blazers. These Oliver Peoples 'Alina' sunglasses are black and white and glam all over, and then there's the dress by DKNY—love.

BREEZY, SUMMER STYLE

Back in September we blogged about ombré as a Fall color trend, but it should come as no surprise that the look is still very much alive and well (and terribly chic on Rachel Bilson).

As far as accessories go, Leslie loves the look of a ring on every finger, a straw fedora for lazy hair days, and this graphic Marc Jacobs beach tote, just in case you need to brush up on your geography...

Which brings us to Leslie's summer reading list: Mix up your normal regimen of girly beach reads and best-sellers with the classics—a little Neruda, a little Dior (fashion & poetry will never go out of style). Add a bouquet of Leslie's favorite peony blooms and these sharp white oxfords from Steve Madden, and you've got an effortless, summer style.

ELEGANT BUT TOUGH

For Leslie's third and final inspiration board, it's about ladylike with a heavy dose of tough, beginning with two seemingly unlikely sources of inspiration. First of all, the delicate, creepy-chic Blythe doll, and then there's another one of Leslie's style icons, June Carter-Cash.

From there it's about Whitney Port's updo, an 80s/90s Ivanka-style tribute. The look was made to show off Port's ombré color, plus it has that "Oh, I just threw this together!" kind of feel. 

To amp up the not-to-be-messed-with factor, Leslie threw in this cropped leather jacket by Burberry Prorsum, complete with battle-worthy studs and equally gorgeuos in this creamy python color. And finally, the shoes. Leslie loves the combination of nude pink and gray metal studs on these Sam Edelman 'Lorissa' pumps. 

Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay in the loop on our upcoming blog posts, including more of Leslie's style files!