All that changed a few summers back when I made the decision to buy a few lightweight, nondesigner cotton dresses. Needless to say, when I’m not all dressed up in my finest label-conscience looks, I love these easy cotton styles - or, as my husband likes to refer to them, my “house dresses.”

Finding these hot-weather items is no trouble at all and certainly doesn’t weigh heavy on the wallet. Last week I took a walk down University Boulevard and found a great black-and-white cotton mini for less than $40 dollars. By the end of my walk I left with three perfectly darling dresses and spent under $100.

When cleaning these bargain summer frocks, be careful not to machine-dry: either air-dry or lay flat. If not, I predict many micro mini tops in your future.

Remember, 100-percent cotton is the key to keeping you cool and put-together for a comfortable and stylish summer.

Paula Taylor regularly searches New York, Los Angeles and Europe for fashion trends. She owns Pour Moi boutique in Tucson.

For many Tucsonans, summer is the time to leave the heat and head for cooler areas. But those of us who stick it out can look forward to loads of specials and discounts. Restaurants have great deals, hotels are practically giving rooms away and boutiques are seriously marking down not-so-old merchandise.

While shoppers elsewhere may be cooler in temperature, the dedicated Tucson shopper can look forward to stocking up on fabulous clothing for great prices.

Here is a guide to some of my favorite places.
Make sure you call first, and even if you don’t see a sale sign, ask.

Take it from me: This time of year, we retailers are dying to move merchandise and get ready for fall.

Paula Taylor regularly searches New York, Los Angeles and Europe for fashion trends.

She owns Pour Moi boutique in Tucson, selling such designers as Just Cavalli, Theory and Rebecca Taylor. Pour Moi will have a summer sale as well, from July 9-16.

What do all these items have in common? Well, fashion friends, these designer toys, clothes and accessories are not for your wardrobe. These trendy, runway looks are strictly for the four-legged fashion plate.

In today’s fashion-frenzied world, dressing oneself to the nines is no longer sufficient. If you are lucky enough to have a little buddy, than you’d better be styling him/her up in the latest and greatest doggy looks. Forget about the old standby sweater. You can have a custom cocktail dress, hiking boots or Mary Janes fitted for your canine friend.

Although dressing your pooch is all the rage, for the toy dog in particular a good outfit can keep the dog warm on a chilly night. For the larger dog that craves many walks, the new, protective, hiking-inspired foot covers are a great help in the Tucson heat and rugged terrain.
Having a chic doggy is easy, fun and yet another way of expressing your own creative fashion style.

Finding just the right style for pampering your favorite pal may require a few trips to specialty stores such as Muttropolis Dog and Cat Boutique and Paws & Claws. Even the big box stores such as Petco and PETsMART have aisles dedicated to fashion. Put the pup on a leash. Make a day of it and go shopping!

Paula Taylor regularly searches New York, Los Angeles and Europe for fashion trends. She owns Pour Moi boutique in Tucson. 

During fall and spring, that troubling extra weight can easily be hidden with a lightweight jacket or sweater. Those of us staying in Tucson for the summer know that hiding pounds with extra clothing is no longer an option. The heat doesn’t allow it, plus the looks this season are sexy and small.

If you haven’t quite achieved your fighting weight, but still want to feel great about yourself, try a little black dress. We all have - or should have - one standby in the closet, the dress that, when all else fails, we know we can put on and feel great.

Invest in a few well-priced dresses. Black is ever-slimming and can hide a multitude of sins, and you can choose from a variety of fabrics, styles and lengths.

Stash your fears away. The perfect dress is out there.

When shopping for that little black dress:
> This summer’s trends are short, sweet and sassy.
> For Tucson weather, stick to cotton and knit fabrics.
> Consider necklines: What kind of support do you need?
> You have a choice of a variety of lengths. (The little black dress need not be so little.)
> Consider accessories - a clutch, bangles and a big necklace - to doll it up.
> Ask for assistance from a sales person.

Paula Taylor regularly searches New York, Los Angeles and Europe for fashion trends. She owns Pour Moi boutique in Tucson.

These are the times a few well-chosen pieces cannot only make you look and feel great, but they won’t bog you down with loads of luggage. I like to work in color schemes that can mix and match together. This season’s biggest color is navy and it’s a great choice for traveling. Pack:
> a navy lightweight pant
> a white and/or red T-shirt or tank
> one pair of shorts, either red, navy or white so they work with your pieces
> a simple dress

I know it sounds scary to scale down to so few items, but this minimalist approach should aid to the worry-free vacation that lies ahead.

When it comes to the dress, a print in cotton or jersey is the best bet for travel. These fabrics breathe and don’t tend to wrinkle as does silk or linen.

With any color you pick - whether it’s navy, khaki, white or black - bring pieces that will work with one another. This way the outfits are easy to put together and it may only take moments to create a special, carefree travel ensemble. Anyone who sees you will think you spent hours mixing and matching for the perfect look.

Paula Taylor regularly searches New York, L.A. and Europe for fashion trends. She owns Pour Moi boutique in Tucson. 

All the major designers have graced us with versions of these summer gems. Big names such as Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Gucci make certain you’ll drop a hefty chunk of change when checking out of your favorite store, so how can you get the hot summer shoes you desire without breaking the bank?

One of the best bargain shoe shopping secrets can be found in the mall. Although I love supporting small, locally owned shops, when it comes to super-cheap, stylish shoes, nothing beats the happening, corporate knockoff stores such as Charlotte Russe and Forever 21, with prices from $15-$24.

You can buy a few pairs and wear them for a season. When these odd shapes and bright colors don’t come back for another two decades, you won’t mind. Another reasonably priced store is Nine West. They range from $45 to just under $100. With these great prices, be daring. Pick up a pair you wouldn’t normally dream of wearing.

One more tip: The bargain shoes clearly won’t be high quality (excluding some real leather pairs at Nine West). Try some foot helpers such as heel guards, arch supports and cushions.

Believe me, these little extras can make or break an evening.

Head for the bargain shops, looking for similar colors, styles and overall likeness to your pricey designer favorites. You will be shocked at how close these versions get to the real thing. Happy hunting.

Paula Taylor regularly searches New York, L.A. and Europe for fashion trends. She owns Pour Moi boutique in Tucson. 

Pinks, bronzes and light blues are in this season. Makeup should look and feel effortless. Glossy lips, misty skin and big lashes are all the rage. Most makeup counters have palettes available with an array of watercolors, warm pastels and earth tones to create the bedazzling shine and supernatural looks that are so popular this time of year.

If time is of the essence, try an all-over bronzer and a shiny gloss. L’Oréal has a wonderful face and body bronzer called Glam Bronze. It’s a limited edition this season - available through the end of summer - and adds just the right amount of sheen and sparkle. I also love Isadora’s Bronzing Powder. I even put it on my eyelids for a great light shadow.
For sexy pink looks, try the Color Design Pop Cherub palettes by Lancôme. Each has five ethereal shadows from soft pastels to earth tones.

Load up on glosses and lipsticks in lighter colors. Both Benefit and Revlon have great choices.
The Bare Minerals Collection, made of crushed minerals, comes in a variety of soft, neutral colors. With nine items, the Starter Collection is $60 and includes two brushes, two shades of foundation and a how-to DVD.

For a bit of drama in the evenings, I suggest big lashes, a little shimmer and nude, shiny lips. Don’t forget to put a little bronzer or glitter powder on the body as well. I recommend this for the evenings only: Too much shine in the daytime can make us look less like we glisten, more like we sweat.

Paula Taylor regularly searches New York, L.A. and Europe for fashion trends. She owns Pour Moi boutique in Tucson.

Mother’s Day is almost here! Giving to the women who give us everything can be a difficult task. Each year, my sister and I try to pick the perfect spot for brunch, just the right gift or flower arrangement, etc. Mother is always pleased. Yet what I’ve noticed the past few years is she constantly says the same thing. “I just love spending time with my girls.” So this column won’t be full of just the right gift basket, perfume, necklace or scarf.
 
This issue, my fashion friends, is aimed at encouraging you to spend time with your mother. Forget the one-hour obligatory brunch and plan a whole afternoon. Have tea. Go for a hike. Hit the Botanical Gardens, art museums, galleries or head to the spa. Just remember: sit, talk, laugh and be together. Look through photo albums and reminisce about your youth, her youth, the kids and life in general.

If I haven’t been direct enough, let me put is this way. As our lives get busier and busier, we can easily forget about the one woman in the world who always made - and continues to make - time for us. She does simple things without hesitation, such as help with a recipe, questions on taxes or an open ear.

Whatever it is, mom is always there. Tell her how you feel and show her how important she is to you. Once a year isn’t nearly enough to put everything else aside and just hang out with mom.

Paula Taylor regularly searches New York, L.A. and Europe for fashion trends. She owns Pour Moi boutique in Tucson.

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PAULA’S PICKS

Reservations required at most of these:

Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, 742-6455, tohonochulpark.org
Tea Room - tea service 2:30-5 p.m. daily ($12) • the gardens and trails - wander the Hummingbird Garden, a demonstration garden and more, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily ($5 adults, $4 seniors) • gift shop - among its wares is a St. Francis pet tag, crafted by local artist Rebecca Craig

Chantilly Tea Room & Gift Boutique, 5185 N. Genematas Drive, 622-3303, chantillytearoom.com
 Special Mother’s Day Tea - 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. May 13 ($26.75 per person) • gift shop - If mom’s a girly girl, she’ll love the all-things-Victorian store.

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 N. Resort Drive, 299-2020, loweshotels.com
 Mother’s Day spa deal - Purchase a spa treatment, and receive a $50 American Express card for use at Loews. Maybe mom would like an aromatherapy massge ($115 for 50 minutes) or Botinol anti-aging facial ($195 for 80 minutes). • Brunch in the Canyon Cafe - includes a dessert room with chocolate fountain, mimosas, a seafood station, live blues, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays ($32)

Salud Spa Bar, 943 E. University Blvd., 396.3298, saludspabar.com
An affordable, girls-afternoon-out - You and mom can make your own foot soaks ($14 each) and face masks ($16) at the mix-your-own-treatment bar, then head to the relaxation room and let the potions work their magic. • Retail - To-go remembrances available include an array of brand-name fragrances and skincare products.

Elements Home Accessory & Gift Boutique, 6380 E. Grant Road, 733-3399
Buy mom a gift, from pearls to china. Then visit . . .
Montana Avenue, 6390 E. Grant Road, 298-2020, foxrc.com
Brunch - 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sundays

Gadabout Salon Spas, six locations, gadabout.com
 A number of relaxing options - Heart & Sole ($120), a massage and pedicure (always a great time to gab) • Products - plenty you can buy, such as L’oreal Kerastase for hair, to help mom feel and look her best.

I’m always in a quandary about what shoes to wear when traveling or out for a serious day of shopping and walking. No one understands tired, aching legs and feet better than those of us working retail. Although I love the way my legs appear slimmer and calves tighter in a pair of fabulous high heels, it is unrealistic to think any of us can wear them all the time, especially in a city that requires walking. I’ve tried walking up and down the streets of San Francisco only to return to my hotel room with cut up toes and an aching back. In New York, my stylish new Jimmies were ruined by the horrible metal drain covers on the ground.

To my great surprise and amusement, many shoe designers are addressing the need for chic and sensible footwear. For many of you jaded fashionistas, this may seem like an oxymoron, but believe me it is true. Comfortable and trendy shoes exist, and I’m here to tell you walk - no, run - and get yourself a pair.

Great designers like Taryn Rose and Aerosoles have created some wonderful shoes with lightweight materials and anti-shock absorption fabrics. If the thought of people knowing your true height is way too much to bear, fear not: Cole Hann and Nike have teamed up to create a line of pumps that combines Nike technology and Cole Haan design. Dreams really do come true.

Paula Taylor regularly travels to New York, L.A. and Europe in search of fashion trends. She is the owner-buyer for Pour Moi boutique in Tucson.

The surprisingly big accessory for spring? Hats. They add a touch of style and character to any outfit.

The runway was full of hats this spring. Old standbys such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton consistently sell out of their great logo buckets, baseball and other looks. The fashion set loves hats. The younger pop stars and socialites like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton have been spotted in everything from fedoras to buckets complementing casual jeans and short, sexy dresses.

The couture ladies, who dress, are generally fans of a more elegant, styled hat. For spring and summer, you might see them shopping or lounging by the pool in big, wide-brimmed hat. The floppies are my personal favorites. They come in canvas and woven straw, and because of the wide brim they protect you from the harmful rays while giving any outfit a stylized feel.

A hat can be tricky to pull off, and it’s hard to find the correct fit. The right sales associate or friend can help you size and seek out just the right look for you. Try on a few styles, and if the big-rimmed ones seem too much, find a smaller version or opt for a straw fedora or cowboy hat. They look a bit more casual, and are great for Tucson’s hotter-than-hot days.

Paula Taylor regularly travels to New York, L.A. and Europe in search of fashion trends. She is the owner-buyer for Pour Moi boutique in Tucson.