However, there are questions that need answers:

1. Can we all safely agree that a hi-lo hem with RUFFLES runs dangerously close to a wild west can-can dancer costume?

2. Does this hemline make a petite gal look taller or stumpier? I think taller? If so, does that mean the hemline makes tall women look amazonian? Just who exactly does this hemline benefit?!

3. Since most of us are not a sample size inseam, will we find tailors to tackle these hem them without charging us an arm and a leg? ….Doubtful.

Nonetheless, I compiled some favorites into a fun Polyvore collage. Enjoy!

Long dress, $164
Ella moss dress, $198
Maxi dress, $118
Floral print dress, $45
Rare short cocktail dress, $60
Mink Pink cotton skirt, $84

Brown shoes to keep the outfit mainstream. Yellow for those that want that extra pop.

Yet we all know that long hair can be a burden when the sun is so hot that your delicate tendrils are sticking to your neck. There’s nothing cute about that.

But take heart. We’ve newly discovered a few adorable and super easy up-dos to wear when the weather is punishing but your social calendar calls for more than a scrunchie.

Summer heat meets date night.

1. The Kardashian Pony: Pull out the front section of hair from front of forehead until about 2 inches back. Clip it to the side and pull the rest of your hair into a tight high pony tail. Now, grab the front section and tease it into a small dome (or for those with thinner hair, there’s always the “bump it”). Voila, a glamorous pony tail.

2. Ballet Bun: This is my new go-to night out look on hot days. It’s a 40s inspired look but always reminds me of a ballerina (tutu, anyone?). Make a side part first. Take a small front section of hair on either side of your head, twist and pin back on each side of your head. (Tip: To prevent the bobby pin from sticking out, insert the pin with the closed side down and then flip it over once you have the hair in the pin). Secure the rest of the hair at the back of the head into a pony tail with an elastic band, and wrap the tail back through the hair band to make a loose loop. You can also swap out the twists for french braids if you’re shooting for a bohemian look.

3. Sloppy Pigtails: Pigtails over the age of 10 are a slippery slope. The key to success here is loose and soft. In fact, the messier the better. Avoid a perfectly symmetrical part or a neatly wrapped bun. Keep the pig tails low at the neck (high pig-tails can look cartoonish). You can keep them loose or pull them into a soft bun or loop as in the photograph to the right. If your hair is a bit shorter, I like the idea of teasing the pieces out a little bit to give it more spunk. Although pig tails are an obvious day-time choice, I love the idea of complimenting this style with a sexy and sleek night time look and smokey eyes. The contrast of sophisticated and playful is really fun. And since it drives some men wild, a great option for date night.

With every new activity or sport that I undertake (let’s face it, there aren’t many), I always get a thrill of excitement when I uncover the new fashion possibilities in the associated athletic apparel and accessories.

In about 3-4 more business days, I will become the proud owner of a gorgeous white and gold Fuji Cambridge cruiser bicycle. I envision picnics, bar cruises, river trail rides, and perhaps even a workday commute. Within all those visions, I imagine classic, retro styled, bike accessories. I don’t like shiny sporty messenger bags, plastic crate add-ons, or anything that comes in construction vest orange.

Surprisingly, my search has yielded few results but I did uncover a few bike fashion items that I think any CityGirl would be proud to display.

1. PoCampo. This retailer out of Chicago makes fashionable and highly functional bags like the one photographed above. For starters, its an adorable tote purse. But the stylish clips on the side make for an adjustable belt that allows you to clip it onto a rear bicycle rack. It can also be adjusted to accommodate a rolled yoga mat or clip onto the back of a stroller. On top of that, it’s made of a water resistant fabric that doesn’t look like a camping tent. WIN!

2. Basil. Out of Holland, this outlet makes great pannier bags as well as messenger bags made of adorable shapes and patterns that will satisfy any girl aged 5 to 35. I love the matching blues in the set pictured to the right.

3. Don’t overlook Etsy for some great handmade options, especially when you consider that many artists will work with you to make something customized for size, color, and other features. Seller, Beatrice Holiday out of Denver makes some seriously chic matching sets of handlebar bags and seat covers. How cute is this yellow set below?

So we’re out of excuses! Stay fit, lose weight, save the environment, and LOOK cute. Let’s go for a bike ride!

And as with any great vision, it begins with….. the right outfit.

Nautical Spring 2011 by CityGirlsWorld featuring cashmere tops

>, $78

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d bring you the delightful conclusion to my season-long journey to find the perfect pair of snow boots. You may recall from an earlier post, my list of criteria for selecting them. The boots need to be functional, high quality, fashion forward, warm, and be relatively easy to get on and off.

I’d previously owned a decent pair of Rocket Dogs but alas, I’d worn them into the ground (or more specifically I’d worn them straight through the inner lining until they were literally falling apart at the seam) so I felt I needed to up the quality and workmanship in my next purchase. I then fell in love with Sorel boots, specifically the ones with the fur brim (I’m a sucker for fur) but upon trying them on, I realized they weigh a ton and give me a terrible case of Big Foot.

Then, while casually browsing in Marshalls over the weekend, they appeared. A gorgeous silvery pair of Tretorn rubber boots.

Made in Sweden for sailing, Tretorns are simple but high quality rubber boots and shoes. What’s magical about the pair that I got though is that they are a gorgeous silver color, (faux) fur lined, and amazingly warm.

They hit me at the perfect spot mid-calf, are roomy in the toe, feel like a bedroom slipper, look great with jeans tucked in, and are absolutely water and stain proof.

Oh, I almost forgot the best part. They were $30.

It’s LOVE.

Since my two best pairs are starting to show signs of excessive wear, I’ve been eyeballing the feet of every Philadelphia passerby who crosses my path. There’s some real variety out there: Uggs, vinyl, fur trimmed, rubber soled, pom pom tasseled, you name it.

Before I set out on my search, here are my snowboot selection essentials:

* Must have practical use. That means real treads on the bottom, waterproof fabric, and warm. I plan to wear them in ACTUAL snow.

* Must be at least tall enough to hit mid-calf. Anything less than that and you risk snow entry.

* Must be black or tan so as to match with everything.

* Must have fur or shearling somewhere –because fur and shearling is SO cute.

* Must not look like mens boots or the boots of an Australian sheep herder.

So, where does that leave us?!

snow boots 2011 by CityGirlsWorld featuring fur boots

CGW Thanksgiving 2010 by CityGirlsWorld featuring a beret hat