Inspired by Mamma Mia!

After watching Mamma Mia! last night, I fell in love with the flowing, light summery clothes that the characters--particularly Sophie played by Amanda Seyfried--wore in the movie. While her wedding dress was gorgeous, it was Sophie's peasant blouses, faded shorts, swimsuits tucked into long skirts, and sneakers that caught my attention. Her style was all about comfort; she was ready at any moment to jump into the water or run freely around the island singing ABBA songs. I loved the carefree boho vibe her casually pulled together outfits exuded. It's the perfect style to emulate during the baking heat of summer. Now if only I could escape to some beautiful island in Greece too!

How to wear a ballet-inspired look

After watching the movie Center Stage for the millionth time, I decided to put together a ballet-inspired outfit in the hopes of conveying that ballerina gracefulness. While we can't stroll around in leotards and tutus, there are certain elements of a ballet uniform that are always appropriate for everyday wear.

The centerpiece of this look should be a floaty ballerina skirt, which is why I settled upon this Comme Des Garcons pleated skirt. The ballerina effect won't be as obvious with the subtle navy color, but the length and sheer texture of the skirt is perfect! The next step is to wear a body-hugging tank top tucked into the skirt. The key? A tight fit that simply molds to your body, such as American Apparel's cotton spandex jersey tank thong. Get it in the same color as the skirt, and you're guaranteed to elongate your limbs and create a slender silhouette. Top it off--of course!--with beautiful ballet flats and a slip beneath the skirt to hide its sheerness. Do a few pirouettes, and hopefully, you'll have captured that feminine elegance which is such a great part of a prima ballerina's appeal.

Anthropologie's Globemallow dress

This type of flowery dress normally isn't my style. But something about it just makes me want to escape to my imaginary country house and run into the fields to pick yellow buttercups. The silk skirt is imprinted with pink desert flowers, adding a necessary burst of color to the dove-grey top. Both the sweet bow at the waist and wraparound style are wonderful slimming devices. The girly, almost rustic touches lend the dress a vintage air. I consider this dress a modern version of what Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen (in Becoming Jane) would have worn for a romantic walk outdoors with Tom Lefroy.