Who says chic can’t be comfortable? This summer, light and airy dresses in mini and maxi lengths alike are making it easy to achieve laid-back warm-weather style. Paired these fresh frocks with beaded jewelry and wedges to complete the look. —Hannah Schlei


Jennifer Reale Design dress, $188, and necklace, $88, at Boutique B‘lou, Wauwatosa, Shorewood, Milwaukee and Delafield.

Looking for a stylish and sexy shoe for Milwaukee’s summer festivals? Try platform wedges, which are perfectly paired with the season’s hot ’70s-inspired looks, from white jeans and jumpsuits to maxi dresses, minis and more. For a fashion-savvy hue, try a candy color, like yellow, pink or green.

Yellow Juicy Couture wood wedges, $195, at Picardy Shoe Parlor, Brookfield and Mequon.

On the Haute Horizon
Milwaukee’s shopping choices are expanding, with the addition of The North Face and Dry Goods. The North Face is the latest retailer to commit to opening a new store at Brookfield Square, and is a popular supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear. Brookfield Square’s location will be The North Face’s third Wisconsin store — and the only store in the Milwaukee market. Look for a late fall opening (just in time to beat the winter chill) between Bravo! and The Limited.Von Maur Inc. plans to open a fourth Dry Goods specialty store, which will open this fall at Mayfair Mall. The name and design of the store were inspired by Von Maur’s heritage as a dry goods store, dating back to 1872 in downtown Davenport, Iowa. The decor of the 4,700-square-foot space will have a vintage, turn-of-the-century aesthetic, but the store will feature a constant flow of fashion-forward clothing and accessories for young women (think H&M and Forever 21).
– Jordan Dechambre and Hannah Schlei

Zanerobe boardshorts, $72, at White Star, Milwaukee

Stripes in all shapes, shades and sizes were prominent on the Spring 2011 runways, and retailers are taking this easy-to-wear trend to the streets. While some seasonal choices like florals and lace are just for the girls, stripes are the ultimate unisex selection. Try bright colors and stripes of different widths for the freshest look.
—Hannah Schlei

Fedoras are making a big comeback this summer, with a plethora of styles and colors to choose from. These chic hats will up the style quotient of your summer wardrobe — and are perfect for the beach or an alfresco lunch with friends. The bonus? Looking hot while keeping cool, and protecting your face and hair from the sun.
— Hannah Schlei

Magenta is a color popping up in interiors everywhere, from urban classic to Bohemian revival. Originally found in the renaissance in Italy, the name itself is magical.

A mysterious mix of purple and fuchsia, somehow both fresh and exotic, it can be funky in a Third Ward Condo or lovely in a 1920s bungalow. If you want to see a great way to use magenta, visit this year’s Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse. Peabody’s very own Greg Holm led the design of the sitting room, which has collected a casually elegant vibe. The color scheme is greige neutral highlighted by fresh accent colors of hot magenta and citrusy tangerine.

Adding this color within neutral interiors is a great way for you to try this hue. Start by adding some bright pillows, or a magenta glass vase and, of course, fresh flowers. Like cranberry juice, it is a great mixer.

Found in classic Persian rugs, magenta blends well with navy and gold. You can pair it with olive greens and camel for an unexpected organic traditional twist. It power pops all neutrals, from charcoal to chocolate, and is a favorite friend of orange and blues, from Tiffany to cobalt.

I recently selected Benjamin Moore’s Magenta paint for a transitional open-concept dining room. It was an easy way to add a lot of drama. You can also try Sherwin Williams Dynamo. A client painted her kitchen magenta; her husband confessed it makes the kitchen fun. Get ready, it will rock your world. You can do an accent wallpaper wall behind a bed or inside of a bookcase or built in shelving. You can even space the wallpaper for an amazing effect — Osborne and Little and Cole and Son are some of my favorites. Magenta-patterned fabrics on an ottoman or on an antique carved chair can be fun yet classic. Often you need just a few yards of fabric, and the results can be intoxicating, completely revitalizing your space.

Magenta, a tad more exotic than purple, and a little more sophisticated than pink. If you’ve become intrigued but are still unsure, buy yourself something magenta this month — a blooming orchid, an Italian Raspberry soda or a Sharpie pen. Or, if you’re like me, revel in it!

Lisa Manetti is an interior designer with Peabody’s Interiors, 8655 N. Deerwood Drive, Brown Deer. (414) 962-4550. www.peabodysinteriors.com