Just when I thought I couldn't possibly feel any frumpier today, I came across this photo of Bachelorette Emily Maynard in leather pants -- and now I want to go hide from the world and wallow in the misery that is my style for a bit. She was spotted in the outfit while exiting Starbucks, and if I didn't know any better, I'd assume she was a reality TV star. (Wait, what?)

OMG. Is there anything she can't pull off wearing? From short dresses to skinny jeans to skin-tight leather pants -- Emily looks great in everything. (And I'd probably hate her for it if she wasn't so darn sweet.)

How many other moms do you know who can get away with wearing leather and still come out looking polished, put together, and sophisticated?

There are not a lot of things that can make me feel as instantly sexy as strapping on a pair of heels. It doesn’t matter what I’m wearing -- jeans, a cute skirt, a business suit -- the shoes always take the outfit up a notch and give me that extra bit of confidence in my appearance.

Wearing heels makes me feel like a girl, and I like that feminine feeling. There’s just an extra little swing in my stride when I take a stroll in stilettos. Every step is purposeful, because let’s face it: When you’re walking in heels, there’s always a tiny part in the back of your brain that repeats “don’t trip, don’t trip” continuously.

Almost as torturous as shopping for jeans is an event I'd like to call shopping for skirts. As with denim, you've got to find a style that fits you from the waist through the hip and legs ... aka impossible. The other problem with skirt shopping? You've got to slip into a size that flatters your figure, makes you feel chic and comfortable, and doesn't look baggy on your frame. It's a days work, I swear.

Factor in that every skirt fits every body differently and you've got the recipe for a dressing room disaster. I love pencil skirts, but the fit is always poor on my body. The style of a bodycon skirt is so svelte, fun, and form-fitting but still, it will never quite fit me like I wish it would. The same goes for a-line cuts, minis, and maxis. Shopping for a skirt will always challenge my self-confidence, so is it even worth it?

Gap is getting a lot of buzz for its new holiday ads, and why shouldn't they? After all, this is the time of year when they outdo themselves with big, colorful, frothy, heartstring-pully commercials with over-the-top production value. And this year's campaign is no different. Called "Love Comes in Every Shade," the print and TV campaign aims to illustrate some of the many forms of love, from puppy love and married love to best friend love and sibling love, by employing a few famous faces -- like Michael J. Fox and wife Tracy Pollan, rapper Nas and his father, blues musician Olu Dara, the cast of The New Normal, and others.

All of them would be enough to hold our attention, but then there are some really cute fall and winter styles, to boot! Check it out ...

When you wear a bathing suit in public -- either a bikini or one-piece -- you are basically naked for the world to see. I recently moved to a new town and people keep telling me that the best place to meet other parents who have kids around the same age as mine is at the local pool. It's hard to meet new people. And now it looks like I have to attempt it while basically naked and trying to make sure my twin toddlers are behaving. The horror!

Luckily I have something just like this Slub Beach Tunic ($48) from Free People. I'm still in my bathing suit since it's sort of sheer, but I'm covered up in a lightweight fabric so I'm not sweating more than I should be. Though that's a challenge since it's been so hot. I have some more body distraction items ... I mean, ideas on what to wear with your bathing suit so you don't feel so naked.

As fun as fashion is, ladies, let's just all agree that it's complicated. I have the endless "how should I wear my hair ... and what about my makeup?" debate every time I get ready. In the world of vogue, there are those who play it safe ... and those who kick their style sense up a notch.

I'm one of those girls who dreams of taking her wardrobe to extremes -- give me studded belts and sky-high heels any day in my fantasies -- but who usually goes more conservative instead. And you know what? There's nothing wrong with that. On my pint-sized budget, it's hard to justify collecting a closet full of bold, edgy prints and colorblocked jeans.

Truth is, you don't need drawers full of daring outfits to bring out your inner sex kitten. All it takes are a few simple touches to make your same old clothes say "Me-ow!" Wish someone would have told me that before I bought that studded dress ...

Sometimes, fashion trends can be a little too cray cray for me, like Lady Gaga's shocking dildo heels & Snooki's bedazzled pumps. Then there are some trends that are so spot-on that I can't wait to try 'em! This season's favorite? Colorblocking.

Stars everywhere have been trying out the trend: Sofia Vergara made it look oh-so-sexy and Katy Perry's take was funky and fun. Now I'm dying to do it too! And summertime is the perfect season to mix and match all our favorite hues.

More from The Stir: The Worst Celebrity Beauty FAILS!

To make sure you do it right, here are five classy and colorful color-blocking tips that helped me turn my summer wardrobe from drab to fab!

As grills across the country begin firing up for a host of summer gatherings and festivities, it’s time to spice up your wardrobe with one (or more) of summer’s sexiest pieces – the sundress. Cool, comfortable, and stylish all in one easy-to-wear piece, they’re as vital to a backyard barbecue as the sauce.  

The meat is smoky; the air is hot; and there you are cool, confident, and cute in your sundress. There are so many adorable ones to choose from, but here are six I love to provide a little inspiration for your sundress shopping.

Do you love sundresses for summer? What do you look for when shopping for one?

Image via Boden