I was getting my eyelash extensions worked on yesterday. The eyelash tech, Kris and I always have lively conversations. After all, she has me captive for an hour with my eyes taped shut, so what are my options? Napping or talking. I chose talking.

Somehow yesterday we got on the topic of perfumes and the power of scent. I reminisced about an ex-boyfriend before who wore the most incredible cologne. It was such a turn-on that the smell alone drove me crazy. I couldn’t believe the power it held over me.

After I met my husband, Robert, I had him try on a tester of that same cologne, because I loved it so much. So one day while we were out shopping, I sprayed a tester all over him. What a mistake!  It was my husband’s body with my ex-boyfriend’s scent. The strangeness was maddening! Obviously, that was not a good idea!  That’s when I realized how powerful smells are, especially ones that we attach to sexual memories. Every guy has to have his own scent otherwise you could end up dating a guy who smells like your ex. The only thing that could be worse is a guy wearing your father’s cologne. My daughter’s husband wore my dad’s cologne when she first started dating him. That cologne went in the recycle bin fast.

Kris and I were rolling in laughter so hard that I thought my eyelashes wouldn’t stick, when Kris said, “OMG!! You too? I love when a man wears a fabulous cologne. It’s such a turn-on. I tell my husband that all the time. Why don’t men get how important it is to us?”

“Oh, Kris, I swear, the right scent is a major aphrodisiac!”

“It’s more than that. The right cologne on a guy is a real “panty dropper”!!!

“Panty dropper?? That is hilarious! You are so right! It does make us drop our panties.”

And that is the best damned explanation of why guys should smell great, short and simple.

“Amen”

1. Pastel candy “sweets” colors:  Soft mint, baby blue, soft coral, blush pink, and pale yellow add a fresh and luscious element to your existing wardrobe! Think colors good enough to eat!!
2. Eyelet, lace, and chiffon:   Fairy fabrics and ethereal style dresses, skirts, and blouses make a huge comeback this summer with puff sleeves and full skirts. Think heavenly and divine without the angel wings!
3. Peplum tops:  Structured fitted blouses and dresses that flair out at the hip celebrate your female curves! Think Dynasty and Glam Diva! Pair with doorknocker earrings and strike a pose!
4. Statement blouses:  Soft feminine blouses with delicate details and sheer fabrics to tuck into pants and skirts. Think 70’s glam!
5. Pajama style pants:  Striped soft pajama-style pants in silk fabrics worn with blazers and tuxedo style jackets, add a fluid element to menswear. Think tuxedo meets the boudoir!
6. One-piece retro 50’s-60’s style swimsuits:  One-piece or two-piece, long at the leg and structured with under wires, bones, thicker fabric are the new sexy this summer. Think Sofia Loren and Marilyn Monroe!
7. Print socks with pumps:  Print thin socks or cut-off cream colored sheer stockings pushed down above the ankle, worn with wedges, pumps or mary janes. Think 80’s revival with a modern feel!
8. Mules:  No-back shoes (slides with heels) super feminine are making a comeback. Think effortless feminine chic!
9. Strappy high heels with ankle straps or ankle ties:  Think Gucci in the 70’s and 90’s, no platform, femme fatale silhouette. Think femme fatale feet!!
10. Pearlized metallics:  Leather clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories put a soft ladylike finish on your summer glow. Think polished muted sheen!

Pick a trend and follow thru head to toe: Tribal, pleats, pearlized metallics, stripes, lace, color blocking, black and white, print mixing

*Retro swimsuit: one or two piece
*Hair in a hairband or a side braid: worn tousled in a messy updo or down and wavy
*Colorful hat with a large brim
*Mules or ballet flats or sandals in a soft metallic or color
*Flared shorts with a high waist or higher waisted wider leg pants or a long dress over swimsuit
*Print summer dress
*Print skirt and tank top
*Thin cotton ethereal top over a print cotton or voile skirt long tribal necklaces
*Tribal long dress, asymmetrical long dress, striped dress, long pleated dress, all in a washable fabric, large tote bag, hat and sunglasses, large earrings or necklace, beaded sandals
*Gym active sportif touches: light colored track jacket over a tank or t-shirt and slim colored cotton jeans or capris. Sport inspired sneakers or high tops.

*Crystal pleated soft thin fabric long dresses, wide leg pants or long top is on-point this season