The Music: Look At Me Now, Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes

Oh yes... this should put us all  in the mood for the impending weekend.

PEOPLE! June Week 1 @ Zara.com

Love how she paired the floral top with the striped mini skirt.  The piece that pulled together 

is her yellow clutch.  Inspired yet?  

The key pieces: The kerchief and his weaved leather belt.  Love it!

Look! Pleated skirt.  Did I not tell you its the trend this season.  

Plus, the piece is so very timeless and versatile.

The Building: Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is important to both the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires, 

this structure is one with a unique history and architectural wonder.

Situated in Istanbul, Turkey, the city itself has hosted many civilizations since the beginning of its time.  It is believed to be one (if not) the first Christian church back when Christianity was declared legal by Constantine.  Hagia Sophia was commissioned by Justinian during the Byzantine era, replacing the old church after a huge riot broke out and destroyed most of the city.  

When the Ottoman Empire took over Istanbul, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque.  The design was quite popular and used as the model for all mosques built in Turkey.  Looking at it today, you see both influences of Christianity and Islam in Hagia Sophia.  Nowadays, it sits as a museum.  But the structural soundness of this Byzantine church could be it demise if the Turkish

government doesn't provide the funds to fix it. 

The Trend: Pleated Skirts

If you haven't seen the waive of pleated skirts out there then you haven't been paying attention... 

pleated skirts are in.  Chloe, Rag 'n Bone as well as Miu Miu have rocked the runways with their unique looks of the pleated.  So get checked in and start location your pleated for the summer.

Source: T Magazine, Photographs by Maciek Kobielski.
CHIC-A-BOO — A long skirt that's anything but modest. Maison Martin Margiela bodysuit, $380. Call (212) 989-7612. Rag & Bone harness, $125. Call (212) 219-2204. Rag & Bone skirt, $450. Go to lagarconne.com. Robert Lee Morris earrings, $275, and ring, $250. Call (212) 431-9405. Proenza Schouler sandals, $2,210. Go to barneys.com.

Source: T Magazine, Photographs by Maciek Kobielski.TUNIC ON WRY — Pleats can soften up a constructed top. Balenciaga by Nicholas Ghesquière shirt, $4,650, dickey, $695, watch, $1,375, and shoes, $965. Call (212) 206-0872. Calvin Klein Collection dress (worn as skirt), $3,995. Call (212) 292-9000.

Source: T Magazine, Photographs by Maciek Kobielski.
BALANCING ACT — Play it coy with tiers. Ann Demeulemeester vest, about $1,520, and belt, $1,400. Call 011-32-3-216-0133. Maison Martin Margiela shirt (worn underneath), $325. Go to . See by Chloé skirt. Dr. Martens shoes, $130. Go todrmartens.com. Ippolita earrings, $185. Go to ippolita.com. Artemas Quibble bracelets, $445, $445 and $495. Go to

Source: T Magazine, Photographs by Maciek Kobielski.I SEE PARIS — Getting intimate with a basic button-up. Brooks Brothers shirt, $80. Go to brooksbrothers.com. Reed Krakoff t-shirt, $1,190. Call (877) 733-3525. Chloé skirt, $1,895. At select Nordstrom stores. Call (888) 282-6060. Alexander Wang shoes, $650. Maison Martin Margiela ring, $350, and bracelet, $350. Call (212) 989-7612.

The models above are bit haute couture but use them as your inspiration.  These pleated skirts can be rocked in so many ways, from the romantically classic to casual cool or simply mod-chic.  You can wear them with teasing blouses or a denim button up... play with the pleated and have some fun!

From Left to right: Suno pleated skirt $800 ShopBop, Rare pleated mini skirt $59 from ASOS, grey and floral pleated skirt from Forever21, Petite coral lace pleated dress at Topshop 

Source: Grazia, both wearing accordion skirts from American Apparel, mid length
Ilaria Casati

Go bold with brightly colored pleated skirts but pair it with a nude lace T-shirt then topped it off with some crazy bangles and jeweled rings.  Want to me crazier, try something like Suno pleated skirt.  The crazy pattern will sure be a head turner.  However, don't over do it!  Look how the girl right below wore hers.  Some will not like this but I find it quite fun and would totally get this skirt... if not for the $800 price tag!

The Look:

American Apparel scarf

American Apparel accordion skirt

Levi's denim button up

Zara blazer

Ray Ban sunglasses

The Location: Lithia Springs Resort

Deep withing the grounds of the resort are bubbling pools of soft mineral water.  Piped into a two person whirlpool (or one person) in the privacy of your cottage, relax and sooth your aching body in the natural spring water.  The Indians discovered this hot spring long before the Europeans and used it as a common ground where all members of the various tribes can enjoy.  So leave your disputes at home and come relax at the most relaxing resort I have ever been!

We spent two nights in the Irish Cottage suites and what relaxing nights they were!  No TV, just a stereo.  Well, we decided we couldn't live without a tele so I took out my handy laptop and thank goodness for the Netflix subscription!  So it was a relaxing weekend of hot spring water and Law & Order marathon.

Everything about Lithia Springs Resort was great.  You probably think that its a quaint little town thing but this resort is not like any other!  It is very, very clean! The rooms are well stocked with towels and the amenities you'll need to relax.  You get complementary wine, breakfast and afternoon tea.  It was so wonderful that I must say I will be back when the next season of the Shakespearean festival in 2012 commences.

Besides the relaxing accommodations, the beautiful 4 acres of gardens and koi ponds will sure keep you busy looking and picture taking.  We were a bit early for the summer flowers but there were plentiful of Irises and wisterias.  The ground was so well kept I hardly wanted to walk around it.