In case you haven't heard the news, things haven't gone exactly as planned this summer for buyers and retailers. Magazines and fashion forecasters insisted for months and months that this summer, summer 2006, would be THE year of the dress.

Now, while it's true that there are loads of great dresses in stores, women as a collective have embraced shorts of all lengths instead. That's right, shorts. I wouldn't lie to you.

Now, I'm not really a shorts advocate per se, but if you've been swayed, take a gander at these cuties from Citizens of Humanity. They're clean and classic enough for me to forgive their abbreviated length (insert *sigh* here). Try them with a swingy babydoll top and some sky high espadrilles.

Citizens of Humanity Los Bermuda Shorts

($158, www.revolveclothing.com)

A simple fact in fashion: Attach Tom Ford's name to anything, and yes, I mean anything, and it will sell. His undeniable sex appeal crosses lines of both gender and preference. Women want to do him, men want to be him.

My current Tom Ford desire? The Marissa Sunglasses.

They'll add instant glamour to a simple, yet fabulous white dress while hiding tired eyes from wayward glances.

Night crawlers, rejoice!

($330, www.bergdorfgoodman.com)

Summer beach season is here and what better way to celebrate than with this gorgeous, whimsical starfish pendant from designer Elana Rubin.

14k gold, 16" chain.

($75, www.futurefashionista.com)

I just 'discovered' Erin Gallagher and her lovely jewelry designs. My current desire? The Mae Earrings in ruby & 10k gold.

The best part is that you can even choose your favorite earring back: post, clip-on, french hook or my personal favorite, the ever-so-secure leverback.

Simple. Classy. Pretty.

($150, www.egjewelry.com)

If you are anything like me, you can't possibly survive a day without your iPod. If that's even the tiniest bit true, check out the Das Blau 'Versa'. It may just be the most stylish and versatile iPod case yet.

My favorite feature (aside from the punchy leather colors and contrasting print linings)? The belt clip turns into a handy stand, leaving access to the dock connector for charging and syncing. Seriously, how cool- how useful- is that!?

Das Blau, you have won my heart.

Available in 8 color combinations and 4 sizes.

($60, www.dasblau.com)