Sequins and sunlight

(Priorities vest, Alice + Olivia sequin dress, J.Crew belt, Kenneth Cole boots, F21 glasses)

From that sharp bob cut she rocked in her "Umbrella" music video to the crimson corkscrew curls she sports today, Rihanna remains one of my all-time favorite celebrities who's constantly pushing the envelope, reinventing herself, taking risks. In the April 2011 issue of Vogue, she said,

"When I am putting looks together, I dare myself to make something work. I always look for the most interesting silhouette or something that’s a little off, but I have to figure it out. I have to make it me. I think that’s the thrill in fashion."

Rihanna has cobbled together looks that are inspiring and wildly creative, ones that make me think she's a kind of fashion genius. And then there are outfits that have left me confused or disappointed. But while another starlet strutting down the red carpet in a pretty LBD may look perfectly polished, Rihanna's never bored me with predictable style. So when I threw on this crazy ensemble - sequin mini dress, combat boots, a skinny fluorescent orange belt - I made sure to keep RiRi's words of wisdom in mind, daring myself to try and make it work!

Nerd alert

(F21 glasses, vintage blouse, Priorities vest, J.Crew khakis, Kenneth Cole boots, J.Crew necklace, Melie Bianco clutch)

I was a nerd in school - braces, thick glasses, super short hair (courtesy of my mother, who insisted the long hair I coveted was too much trouble to maintain and that I should focus on my studies instead). But now that nerds are back in style, it's as easy as pie slipping back into that look. Of course, I've given it a bit of an update with Gossip Girl-inspired ruffles and pearls, a messy topknot and lace-up boots to balance out the prissiness. And I just don't think you can ever go wrong with a pair of glasses for extra oomph, even if they are non-prescription and cost exactly $2.80!

America's Most Stylish Blogger Week #4: The plaid shirt

Although plaid shirts are enjoying a wave of popularity right now, I rarely wear them, mainly because I’ve yet to find one that I absolutely love. That was before Bluefly.com shipped each of us this Priorities plaid shirt in my favorite color—red! This was no ordinary plaid shirt. In soft, almost flannel-like cotton, the shirt features girly ruffle details and a very distinct pattern. It was plaid love at first sight!

Immediately, the shirt evoked to me images of the English countryside (the truth is I’ve only ever visited London, but hey, that’s what imaginations are for!). I wanted to do a modern take on that look, so I buttoned up a brown tweed vest over the shirt and pulled on a pair of dark jeans, then added a belt and boots to tie it all together. The outfit is a classic, comfortable look, but still very fresh and contemporary. I can easily see myself wearing this indoors, curled up by the fireplace on a cold day, or out on a Saturday afternoon Christmas shopping with the girls. And maybe—just maybe!—one day I’ll really have a chance to wear it in the English countryside!

Please visit StyleList.com and Bluefly.com where you can find out more and watch this week's guest judge weigh in on our outfits! And to my all old and new readers, thank you so much for supporting me in America’s Most Stylish Blogger and for all the kind comments! I will make sure to respond to each and every single one!

America's Most Stylish Blogger Week #1: The boyfriend vest

Usually a boyfriend shirt or blazer or, in this case, vest translates into a laidback “I-just-grabbed-this-on-my-way-out-of-the-bf’s-apartment” vibe, but when I lifted the Priorities navy boyfriend vest out of the Bluefly.com box, I knew I wanted to dress it up. Los Angeles’s slightly cool fall weather called for a mustard yellow tweed skirt, ankle lace-up boots and just one extra delicious, over the top detail—a cascade of silk organza ivory ruffles.

The menswear-inspired Priorities vest is an incredibly versatile layering piece. Made of stretch gabardine, its lightweight enough for the warmer months, but perfect right now for pairing with fall-friendly fabrics. I added vintage pins on the lapel for a bit of sparkle, then tossed on a skinny belt for ladylike flair. The finishing touch? A pair of geek chic frames! An avid reader since the age of four, I used to wear thick glasses everywhere (very likely a result of reading under the covers way past my bedtime), but I’ve avoided them since the introduction of contact lenses. However, I wanted to embrace my inner bookworm with this look. Because hey, even four-eyed brainiacs can be geniuses in style, too!

Visit StyleList.com and Bluefly.com to vote for this bookworm as America’s Most Stylish Blogger!

And as a bonus for my dear blog readers, I had so much fun playing with this vest that I tossed it together with a few other outfits. I just couldn't help myself! Take a peek and tell me which one you liked best!