Memorial Day is that long-awaited weekend that (pays rightful homage to our troops and) officially marks the beginning of summer.

The long-awaited three-day weekend isn’t just about enjoying a sweet, early release from the office (or if you’re lucky, a mid-day train out of town) – it’s about looking super-chic in doing so.

Regardless of what’s on your agenda for the unofficial to summer, there’s no time for an at-home outfit change; happy hour(s) await! Put those extra hours of daylight of good to use with this fool-proof fashion plan:

Dress up your go-to blouse with a little something extra. Pick up a printed blazer and toss a pair of shorts in your work bag. Embrace color, grab your aviator sunnies and go! Don’t forget your sunscreen. It’s Summer Friday season, baby!

*Shop the look: Zara printed blazer, $90 | Joie Rancher top, $158 | J Brand distressed denim shorts, $154 | MICHAEL Michael Kors large zip-top satchel, $358 | Kate Spade statement earrings, $98 | Zara sandals, $80

Hallie Wilson is the blogger behind corals + cognacs, an almost-daily dose of life and style. Here, she shares outfit inspirations, wardrobe creations and general musings on her evolving list of latest obsessions. Offline, Hallie takes time to enjoying life’s little luxuries – like shoe shopping, manicures and Zara.

Rent the Runway specializes in giving girls the Cinderella experience at a very small cost, and now they’re elevating their offerings … with the Beyonce experience!

Yes, you read that right. Queen Bey’s reign continues, thanks to a special boutique curated by Mrs. Carter for Rent the Runway! She’s helping fans embrace their inner Beyonce with the chance to wear her favorite pieces from the site. Expect to see printed and pattern mini skirts, jumpsuits, lace numbers and obviously, a freakum dress or two, er, we mean shimmery sequin party dresses. Rentals start at $50.

“Making women feel confident and beautiful is something I’ve always been passionate about,” Beyonce told USA Today. “That’s why joining forces with Rent the Runway was so organic. It’s more than just access to beautiful clothes; it’s about making women look and feel their best.”

…So he’ll like it and want to put a ring on it.

Carine Roitfeld turned Givenchy’s upcoming campaign into a family affair! In her continued partnership with the brand’s designer, Riccardo Tisci, the editrix doubled up on her role for the Fall campaign, styling and modeling alongside her daughter (and new mom) Julia Restoin Roitfeld! But that’s not all.

To build a bridge between beauty and fashion, Tisci also tapped Amanda Seyfried, the new face of the brand’s Very Irresistible fragrance, to pose alongside Spanish actor Quim Gutiérrez and models Mariano Ontañon and Dalianah Arekion. Photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott lent their artistic eye for the campaign, which exudes a nomadic vibe.

So what sparked his choices for his eclectic cast? He felt they were “real gypsies in their own lives,” he told Women’s Wear Daily. “They are never in one place. They travel the world.”

The ads will hit newsstands in September following the opening of his Paris boutique in July.

The designer who put the London-based brand Issa on the map is leaving the company she founded. An official statement will be released later today, but Vogue UK is reporting that she’s been unhappy for some time and her departure isn’t a surprise.

“The time has come for me to move on to focus on my art, travel, and other interests,” Daniella Helayel said. “Creating Issa has been one of the most rewarding things in my life. I may be leaving, but the Issa girl will live forever in my heart.”

Considering that Kate Middleton is probably the ultimate “Issa girl,” it shouldn’t be hard to keep the brand alive and thriving. The timing of the announcement is a little strange considering Helayel recently designed a collaboration with Banana Republic and The Outnet. However, Blue Farrier who has previously worked at Chloè, Stella McCartney and Anya Hindmarch will succeed Helayel.

Q: I’m moving to a new city where walking is the preferred method of transportation. I live in heels but I don’t want to walk a mile in them. There is also the summer heat to take into consideration. So my question is this, how do I pair shorts with flats without looking frumpy?

A: Great question. When the temperature rises the thought of slipping on a pair of jeans and heels makes me absolutely crazy. It’s simply not going to happen. I’ve actually amassed quite a collection of cute shorts and flats that are far from frumpy. The secret is in the combination. Let me show you the way …

Combination #1: Short-shorts and sandals

When wearing super-short shorts you want to show as much leg as possible to give the illusion of mile long legs. The best way to do this is with strappy flat sandals.

Rag & Bone shorts // Rag & Bone sandals

Combination #2: Tailored shorts and smoking slippers

A smoking slipper is a great alternative to a boring pair of flats.  I love pairing them with a chic pair of tailored shorts for a dressier look.

Valentino twill shorts // Christian Louboutin slippers

Combination #3: High-waist shorts and wedges

Okay, so wedges aren’t technically flats but they are comfortable and certainly easy to walk in – so there you go. Wear them with high-waisted shorts for a retro-inspired look.

Tucker shorts // Stella McCartney wedges

Combination #4: Loose fitting shorts with ballet flats

A loose fitting pair of shorts is great for a girl with fuller thighs because it gives the illusion of having slimmer legs (we love that). Style this girly silhouette with a cute pair of ballet flats for a extra-cute vibe.

Moschino ruffled shorts // Lanvin yellow ballet flats

Lauren Messiah, is a Los Angeles based stylist and the creator of LaurenMessiah.com, a blog about designer deals, the hottest trends, and Lauren’s life as a fashion stylist.Lauren styles some of Hollywood’s most successful women in entertainment, celebrities, fashion editorials, and national ad campaigns. Lauren has been featured in Marie Claire, Vogue Italia, Grazia, WWD, OK! Magazine and Health Magazine.

Skip mundane flip-flops this summer and try an upgraded warm weather shoe staple, like a pair of ultra chic and sophisticated espadrilles. Comfy and stylish, these cotton and canvas slip-ons feature rope-like soles that not only make for interesting detailing, but also fantastic durability. While espadrilles can be fashioned as wedges as well, we’ve rounded up 10 flat styles that will get your through your fun-filled Memorial Day weekend plans and beyond. Kick-off the summer with your favorite colorful pair!

1. B Brian Atwood Beaded Flat Espadrille, available at Neiman Marcus for $295
2. Chloé Leather & Canvas Lace-Up Espadrilles, available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $395
3. Desigual Doncel, available at Desigual for $49
4. Lika Mimika Coulour-Blocked Suede Espadrilles, available at Farfetch.com for $153.76
5. Tory Burch “Catalina” Orange Striped Canvas Espadrille, available at Shirise.com for $115
6. Loeffler Randall Odile-WR Espadrille, available at Amazon.com for $195
7. Jimmy Choo Galion Suede Espadrille Flat, available at  Neiman Marcus for $495
8. Soludos Traditional Embroidery Espadrilles, available at Shopbop.com for $45
9. Juicy Couture Gigi Espadrille Flat, available at Juicy Couture for $198
10. Marc by Marc Jacobs Metallic Slip On Espadrilles, available at Shopbop.com for $198

THE PARTY: Intermix’s 20th Anniversary and Bowery Store Opening

THE PLACE: The New Museum in NYC

THE DEETS: No trend was left unexplored Tuesday night as Intermix, the purveyor of all that is chic, current, and cool, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a stylish soiree at the New Museum. Guests took elevators to the museum’s rooftop to take in the stunning skyline and a performance by Solange, who was clad in a Diane von Furstenberg lipstick print ensemble for the occasion. The crowd–like the retailer’s  itself–was all about the mix. There were the celebrity fans like Emma Roberts and Marissa Tomei and New York fixtures like Annabelle Dexter Jones, and Kelly Bensimon, but the guests who partied hardest were designers like Rage & Bone’s David Neville, Veronica Miele Beard, Ronny Kobo, and Jay Godfrey, who all owe a bit of their own success to Intermix. By night’s end the bar had run out of Pampelonne’s Rosé Lime, but that didn’t stop loyalists from grabbing one last bespoke Belvedere cocktail and heading out to the balcony for a toast and tête–à–tête.

Editor’s Note: To get a taste of this experience, take an afternoon to visit the New Museum before doing some shopping at Intermix’s new boutique at 332 Bowery.

We’re used to seeing Victoria Beckham in swoon-worthy heels and elegant dresses. Sneakers? Not so much. We now have proof that the fashionable mommy invests time and effort into her fitness, all thanks to a well placed Tweet the singer turned designer sent out. [Huffington Post]

Martha Stewart‘s been nothing short of vocal lately, touting her love for online dating. Now she’s jumping into the world of fashion, and expressing her appreciation for Vince! She said, “”I love Vince [leggings.] These are fantastic. I wear them all the time because, actually, they fit me. I don’t have to even try them on in the store. I know that if I buy my size, I will get a fit.” [Fashionologie]

Suzy Menkes is a powerful and constant name in the fashion industry, and it looks like she’s getting a snazzy new title to go along with her stylish intelligence. The fashion editor of the International Herald Tribune was just named the international fashion editor of the International New York Times. It will be a new version of the IHT, coming later this year. [WWD]

It’s no secret that everyone is obesssed with Pinterest. How obsessed though? According to a study, Chanel—a brand that’s not even on Pinterest—accrues 400 pins and 3,600 repins a day from users, followed by Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo.  [Mashable]

Has Fashion Week overstayed its welcome at Lincoln Center? Residents are mad that the park is closed off to regular use for such an extended part of the year – putting NYC and the parks department in a difficult position: appease the neighborhood or take advantage of the monetary gain. [Glam Chic]

Gwyneth Paltrow has officially kicked off another Goop-filled summer. The Iron Man actress, and People Magazine’s most beautiful woman, hosted a season launch party for her lifestyle newsletter in London this past Tuesday boasting flawless fashion. Donning a silk floral dress with sheer sleeves paired with a bondage inspired leather belt, Paltrow mixed soft and hard style elements effortlessly. Husband Chris Martin, pal Kate Hudson, and Tom Ford, the designer of her strappy heels for the evening, also attended the soiree in appropriately chic style. While Paltrow’s ensemble, which consisted of pieces from Prabal Gurung’s autumn/winter 2013 collection, is no practical purchase for the average fashionista, Asos’ feminine shirt-dress and BCBG’s hardcore double leather waist-cincher will achieve the same element-mixing look without breaking the bank. Finish the outfit off with a pair of multi-strap sandals, a black studded clutch, and stick-straight locks like Paltrow.

1. ASOS Shirt Dress in Scarf Print, available at Asos.com for $67.88
2. Clare Vivier Studded Flat Clutch, available at Shopbop.com for $196
3. Double Buckle Waist Belt, available at BCBG for $68
4. Women’s Mossimo® Perl Cage High Heel Sandals, available at Target for $23.99

As we all know, Karl Lagerfeld’s influence extends past fashion design and into photography. With that in mind, Fendi is taking advantage of his skills behind the lens for their newest exhibit.

Fendi is set to showcase Lagerfeld’s photography during Paris’ Couture Fashion Week in July, inside a series of domes along the Seine near the Pont Alexandre III Bridge, close to Fendi’s new Paris store. The exhibition will focus on Lagerfeld’s pictures of Rome’s historical fountains and the Trevi Fountain that Fendi is currently funding restoration for (as part of Fendi for Foundations plan).

The exhibition will run from July 4 to the 14^th and the pictures will be published in a 120-page book.

As if we needed another reason to take a trip to Paris.