We just returned from super sizzling Texas back to even hotter New York, where tomorrow's temps in the city are expected to feel like 107 degrees. Yikes! And even though the department stores are already flaunting their fall wares, we all know we've got plenty of summer left. To beat the heat, we're yearning to flounce around in a girly-glam swimsuit like this lollypop-sweet one by Juicy Couture. The ruffles and retro edge make it especially, um, special. Keep cool in sweet style right here at Nordy's.

When we happened upon Smoking Lily, we not only fell in love with their style, but with their personality too. But really, aren't those one in the same? We think so. The wit behind Smoking Lily's designs is what makes each piece so special. And right now, we're especially loving the linen origami skirt, which is the result of the designers not being able to make a paper crane. We dig that. And we also really dig the double leather strap detail, which can be worn at the front, side or back.

We also think the chandelier-adorned v-neck tee is gothic glam and something we must possess – now, along with the insect-bedecked luggage tags and ascots and seahorse and birdcage tea towels. Yeah, we're in lurve. And we of course love that these independent designers do all cutting, sewing and silk-screening in house – making it more unbelievable how incredibly spot-on the prices are. Check out all of the quirky cool finds, including garden dresses, sailor tops, wallets and accessories, here at Smoking Lily.

We heart the whole headband look. It's not only French schoolgirl chic, but practical too. After all, what better and cuter way to keep those flyaways out of your face on windy and humid days -- or any hair day from hell for that matter? Plus, if you've been watching The Hills like you know you have been but don't want to admit, you've probably been thinking the look is pretty darn cute when LC rawks it. You can pick up a basic black headband a la the Teen Vogue faux-tern (um, yeah that's what we're calling "fake" intern LC since the show is beyond staged) or choose from a slew of other solid colors and fun patterns (we think the cherry print is deelish) at the always-adorable Sparkle Craft right here.

We're still fa-la-la-la-la-ing around here about all of the Christmas in July summer sales. And we're loving the deals we can score on white haute dresses. Sure, you may think you can't wear them after Labor Day (a total fashion rule we don't believe in by the way), but we're already dreaming of our winter getaway to some tropical haven where breezy white dresses will be a must. JET's gauze dress is a bargain here at Pink Mascara for $42 (originally $92), and we love the artsy look of this Rebecca Taylor white linen sundress here at Satine – a fab steal at $93 (originally $309).

Check out ALL of the steals to be had, including Bulga bags at half price and gifts that will make everyone you know adore you that much more, in our first annual Christmas in July Summer Sales Guide here.

There's nothing like a fab sale – we know when we're shopping online, the sale page is the first spot you can find us at (and we know you heart sales too!). So in addition to offering a roundup of some of the best online shops in our emerging designer and independent shop collective, Haute Shops, we've launched an Haute Sales section there too. Here, you can browse by specific products that are on sale and/or find exclusive coupon codes to use on those products, or sometimes on your entire order at the haute sites.

The sales listings and coupon codes will change out often so keep checking in to see what's new and what's haute. And we'll be linking to the Haute Sale of the Week from our new-and-improved DailyBuss newsletter too (an occasional makeover never hurt a girl, right?). A sampling includes this gorgeous Anne Maa onyx necklace for 25% off, this Grumpy Girl 'Organized Mess' tank for 50% off and this reed gold clutch at Calliope for $51 off. Scope out Haute Sales here!

Love the hipster DIY look but can't craft to save your life? Get in on the trend with an adorable and awesome bag by Lucha Workshop. Prints-intense and just the perfect shape, we can't decide if we prefer our hand-sewn, hand-painted and hand-screened bag with birds, bunnies, deer, splatter hearts, pirate ships or plain with a side of buttons. At this price, we could get all of them -- we're just not sure we're up for so many compliments from strangers.

If you're up for it, pick your bag(s) -- or tee or wallet or pouch (they have those too) -- here at Lucha Workshop. And check out their hilarious blog, where spools of thread go on strike and headline-making news includes 'Silkscreen Accident Leaves Shirt Horribly Disfigured.' Giggles at no additional cost.

Our obsession with black and white continues. This time the objects of our affection are the cool creations by Brooklyn-based independent designer Elaine Perlov. We really dig Elaine's design concept of modular dressing and her mission to create clothing that is economical and useful (get more scoop on this in a great interview with the designer at decor8).

After all, why should building a fabulous wardrobe be a chore? Elaine Perlov makes it a cinch with her easy-to-wear separates, allowing us urban fashionistas the time to actually have fun with fashion. We're yearning to rawk the black and white skirts and tops, but with a pop of color of course -- either with these yellow crochet pumps or these fun Kate Spade sandals. Or with one of Elaine's own hot pink satin belts. Scope out the lovely line right here at Elaine Perlov. Want to get inside the head of the designer? Check out her fun-to-read blog!

In college, our apartments were full of hand-me-downs from, gasp, our parents -- the stuff they didn't even want anymore: old couches, old dishwares, old dining room tables. It was a rite of passage. But now that we're living haute in the city, serving guests with Mom's discarded tableware -- so she could get new place settings -- just isn't, well, haute.

We love Jackie Shapiro's contemporary tableware collection, French Bull, at Plum Party. Be warned, you might not be able to stop at the matching flatware and plates. French Bull also has super cute coasters, salad servers and cake stands -- and even stationery too -- swoon! And with our recent obsession with black and white, we're coveting the Barcelona and Vine collections the most. Find your fave style and prepare to throw your own haute bash right here at Plum Party.

We're loving anything with a mod '60s vibe right now so when we spotted this chiffon tunic we were in heaven. We can see it paired with leggings or bumble bee yellow capris, with a high ponytail or beehive. That's right, we said beehive. But in more of a Kate Spade way than what your mom rawked when you were a mere glimmer in the womb. Or go glam with Brigitte Bardot voluminous locks and a wide headband. It's a steal too for just $19.80 right here at Forever 21.

July is the best time to score deals at your favorite shops. Everyone marks down their summer inventory to make room for fall goodies that we're still months away from wearing or using (heck, summer just started!), which means bargains galore for savvy hauties -- at savings up to 90% off! Take advantage and shop our roundup of the hautest online sales at 25+ fab shopping sites while the selection is at its best -- and stock up on gifts for the holidays too. Imagine checking people off of your list now - preparedness is so haute in 2006. Click here to start shopping our Christmas in July Summer Sales Guide!

As much as we are color whores, we still believe in the power of the LBD. From work to cocktails, the little black dress easily jetsets between day and night – and can conveniently be dressed up or down. And this '60s-inspired mod dress is as perfect now for summer (bare legs are the only accessory you'll need) as it will be for fall (rawked with tights or leggings and a turtleneck underneath). Pick it up right here at Delias. While you're there, check out all the new fare (everything's got a really cool international-meets-Anthropologie vibe – but for much less).

Haute TV: Don't forget - season three of Project Runway premieres tonight! Watch and then tell us what you think - who you love, hate and pick to win on the Haute Talk forums!

It's no secret that we covet vintage fashion and we're more than just a smidge fanatical about pretty paper products, so we are royally delighted by the vintage-inspired stationery at The Paper Princess (ah, the perfect marriage). Original illustrations, collages and hand-silkscreened cards, notes, gift tags, calling cards and bookplates by Leslie Saito are at once graphic and organic -- with a vintage aesthetic that seems decidedly modern (that's not an easy feat, folks). Not only do the creations make amazing stationery (and wonderful hostess gifts too), but they're also a super affordable way to decorate your home. Simply frame cards and hang about your space or tack them to your inspiration board (we love our FLOR board!). Paper addicts can get their fix with a three-month subscription to The Paper Princess noteflat-of-the-month club, where members score one set of top-selling noteflats each month for a super reasonable price. Scope out the gorgeously designed and divinely distinct offerings here at The Paper Princess.

BussBuss Bonu$: BussBuss readers score an exclusive 20% off with code 'bb20' at checkout!

We heart innovation at BussBuss, as if that's a shocker. So a few weeks ago when we wandered into The Market NYC, an independent designer market in our nabe, we were so happily surprised to meet the men behind Dynomighty Design. Dynomighty is an incredible line of magnetic jewelry. You can literally take the permanent magnets and shape them into necklaces or bracelets in whatever style you desire. It's like couture jewelry and it's amazing (check out the rings too!). Dynomighty also makes ingenious tyvek wallets. Constructed from a single piece of tyvek folded in a simple pattern (the same thing those express mail envelopes are made of so you can't rip or tear them and they're waterproof), there are no seams or stitching, further strengthening the wallet and allowing it to expand as it is filled. We love the red, white and blue ParAvion trifold. Check out all the innovation here at Dynomighty.

Ah, summer. BBQs, impromptu backyard bashes, rooftop parties. Do you really want to be the person who shows up with another bottle of wine? Get creative with your hostess gifts, and all other gifts for that matter, and prepare to do a little spooning. The gifted site The Spoon Sisters carries the cutest, quirkiest, coolest, most unique and super affordable gifts we've seen in ages. It's hard to pick favorites, but we have a few, such as the Cool Shooters (shot glasses made of ice!), 'ABC' cookie cutters (to create hilarious headless and limbless gingerbread men), glam designer dish gloves and the amazing Eggling (crack its top, give it some water and love and soon you'll be growing basil, mint or petunia). Check it all out and never be without a fab gift again at The Spoon Sisters.

We get extra excited around here when clever gals invent ingenious style solutions, especially in the bra department (remember the wonder that is The Strapper?). So when the lovelies who are StrapCouture sent us their luxury bra straps we about flipped. The decorative straps, which range from glam gold chains to delicate faux pearls, hook right into your strapless bra and adjust to fit a variety of sizes, providing those of us who hate to wear strapless bras with a better alternative. Rawk the stylish straps under a tank or flaunt them in full view with your fave dress -- they're perfect for the warm summer months and add oomph (and support too) to any ensemble. Shop the entire line here at StrapCouture.