Frugal Fashion: Jessica Alba summer-ready in a maxi

Looking polished while running errands in the Southern California sun can be a challenge, unless you're a member of a certain celebrity set who makes looking good seem truly effortless. Their glamour extends beyond the red carpet, into the realms of everyday life -- where a casual trip to the grocery store in minimal makeup, jeans and a T-shirt can spark a paparazzi frenzy. Among the celebrities who excel at this particularly enviable skill are Angelina Jolie, Kate Bosworth and Jessica Alba.

Alba recently made an appearance with her daughter for Sunday brunch in L.A. She braved a heat wave and appeared picture-perfect in a long blue maxi dress, cashmere chartreuse cardigan by Theonne, a shady hat and royal blue wedges. She accessorized with a patterned hobo bag and classic tortoise shell sunglasses. Alba looked comfortable but well-put-together for her family day in the sun.

A long maxi dress is a chic way to dress for the summer heat. For a royal blue option, similar to Alba's, get the Scoop back maxi dress in azul by MANGO for $59.99 or the Must-have maxi dress by Victoria's Secret for $59.50. For a light sweater, try the Halogen boxy v-neck cardigan from Nordstrom.com for $29.90.

Keep cool under the Mud straw fedora hat from Kohls.com for $16.80 and avoid squinting with the oversized tortoise stripe sunglasses from Charlotterusse.com for $5.50. Try the Boutique 9 Isabella wedge sandal in royal blue, $150 from Macys.com for a versatile pair of strappy sandals and sling the Geo print hobo, $22.50 from Forever 21 over your shoulder for an easy carry-all bag.