Happy 4th of July everyone!

My advice today?

Make sure some red, white and blue is incorporated into your outfit!

I will never forget being with my father-in-law at the beach and having him point to a woman in a sun hat and saying, “I love a good hat.”

I smile when I write this because I have always loved a good hat. And I agreed with him, 100%. There’s something about a beautiful sun hat… it’s chic and elegant and beautiful.

Recently, I was asked by a reader if there is a specific kind of sun hat to get.  In my opinion, “No.” There are so many different variations to sun hats… colors, textures, sizes, decor, that it’s really up to the wearer on what works best.

Some of my favorite sun hats…

The middle hat… Goorin Brothers Callista Hat - Karmaloop.com
The brown straw hats… Forever 21
The striped brown hat, black hat and navy blue corsage accent hat… Yesstyle.com
The Floral hat… Gap.com
The black crownless… Luisaviaroma.com

This is my new makeup love by e.l.f. Cosmetics…

And right now e.l.f. Cosmetics Anniversary SALE is going on - 50% off Minerals! Check it out.

I know my mother will love this fashion trend (right Mom?)…

L.L.Bean offers their classic “Bean Tee” with an Insect Shield.  That’s right — built-in insect repellent.

I thought this was absolutely fantastic… especially with mosquitoes and ticks being so prevalent in the summer.  Classic fashion style with a practical twist.  I love it.

Or as L.L.Bean describes…

Invisible, Odorless Protection
from Biting Insects

From backyard to mountaintop, Insect Shield® Repellent Apparel by L.L.Bean has you covered. Our innovative apparel has been proven to repel mosquitoes, ticks and other biting bugs for the expected lifetime of the garment.

There are also 7 other options in Women’s clothing for the Insect Shield.  And there’s also options for Men and Kids.

I think this is such a perfect marriage between looking good and being smart.

I said, “I do.”

If you had taken me aside on my wedding day and told me that in the next 8 years…

I would move 4 more times in NYC…

I would then move to Rhode Island…

I would change careers (and become a blogger)…

I would have 4 beautiful little boys (all 4 years in a row)…

I would have potentially called you “crazy.”  But all this has happened.  And it’s been amazing.

But what has been the best about this adventure over the last 8 years has been the man by my side - my husband.

He’s everything I used to wish for myself someday.  My knight.  My prince.  My best friend. My happily-ever-after.

His support and love and belief in me is something that I cherish.  He’s my inspiration, along with my boys…  in everything I do.

Happy Anniversary, Matty.  I love you!

I love talking summer fashion. Summer is my favorite season, so it’s easier for me to fall in love with all of the trends and styles.

I recently posed the question if anyone had any summer fashion ideas for me to address — this one came from one of my all-time favorite bloggers –

I’ve been doing sundresses with leggings under them. After having a baby none of last years summer clothes fit so I’ve been trying this. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I think the look of a sundress with leggings is a very hip and chic look. It’s a fantastic way to feel comfortable and fashionable at the same time… especially after having a baby.

My advice when looking for dresses to wear with leggings is that you find dresses that don’t cling and won’t show through to the leggings. The best kinds of dresses with leggings are A-line style dresses with empire cuts, shift dresses, sack dresses and shirt dresses. These dresses flow with the leggings, they aren’t too tight and constricting.

Here are 3 examples of dresses with leggings that are working.

Thanks for the great question!  For any woman out there… with any body type, dresses with leggings is a fabulous option to try out.

I can finally speak with some authority on Crocs.

I really love my Crocs… I’m telling you, they’ve got a customer in me!

Join me tonight on “Audrey’s Fashion Sense” airing LIVE on MomTV.com at 9PM EST.

Tonight I’m talking FASHION DON’TS… some of my favorite SUMMER ESSENTIALS… and as always, fashion/beauty deals around the web!

Tune in!!

There’s one bag that has saved my life (so far) this summer. (And - half of last summer!)

L.L.Bean’s Boat and Tote Bag.

I must look like a walking circus walking into our pool club. I’ve got the 4 boys. I’ve got towels and bathing suits and lotions and swimmies and goggles and pool toys and extra clothing and anything else that I may need to bring that day.

I used to be that mom that brought a different bag for every child. It definitely made things more “organized”, but it was also me carrying 4 bags and our cooler — not to mention wrangling the boys.

I needed ONE thing. ONE bag to fit all my needs.

Then I saw L.L.Bean’s extra-large Boat and Tote Bag. Dimension wise - 17″H x 19″W x 10″D. Regular handle length 10″, Long 14″ - I figured it would be the perfect fit for us.

And it is. Oh, it is.

I had forgotten how amazing it was until this week. Last summer I was in a bit of a fog after having Henry and just trying to adjust to having 4 kids… but this summer, it’s a different story. I saw my extra-large tote and just SMILED…

So if you’re looking for a really good summer beach tote that can fit the whole family — check out L.L.Bean’s Boat and Tote ones. I also got a large Boat and Tote for a “diaper” bag for the boys. (As you can tell by the monogram!)

It’s time. It’s finally, finally time. The beaches and pools are calling our names… and I’m loving it.

I’ve covered some great options in swim wear for women - moms in particular.

Now, beach cover-ups. Let’s face it, when it comes to beach cover-ups, we need something that well, covers… is comfortable… moves easily… and (come on) is a little chic!

I gave my men’s white button down shirt idea a couple of weeks ago. Now I wanted to tell you about my latest love - Victoria’s Secret’s Plunge Cover-up Tunic.

(No… I don’t stand seductively like that on the side of the pool or on the beach.)

But what I love about this tunic cover-up is that it truly covers all the necessary places (belly, butt, hips) and is absolutely comfortable and soft and breathable. I can dash after the boys on the pool deck… I can push them on the swings… I can walk on the beach and bend and lift. These are the kinds of things you need to do when you’re with your kids. Not to mention, it’s elegant with the empire waist… and it has just that delicate touch of “sexy” with the plunging neckline.

I’m all over these tunics. They’re on sale right now for $29… and they come in sizes XS-XL.

So if you’re looking for another kind of beach cover-up style than I’ve mentioned before, check out the Plunge Cover-up Tunic.