Summa, Summa, Summertime...

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm getting ready to head off to Florida for a little vacay next week. Right now, I'm looking out my window at a dreary, drizzly 50°F day, wrapped in a huge blanket. It's hard to believe that, in a week's time, I'll be frolicking around in 90°F heat and humidity in a bikini and sandals. Anyway, I've came up with some ideas of items I think would be great for a perfect summer day (i.e. one that is actually above 50°F!), many of which I do own myself.




L to R: Nasty Gal, Modcloth, Free People, Old Navy

A cute, lightweight dress is probably my number one pick for summer. All of these dresses are either totally or mostly cotton, meaning they'll feel great and won't cling on a hot day. Add a cute belt and you've got yourself an outfit. Also, I love how these are all so versatile and will work for autumn, too, with some tights and a sweater or jacket.




L to R: Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, American Eagle, Forever 21

In my opinion, shorts can be boring, which is why I love these stylish paper-bag shorts. With a dressier top and wedges, the light pink shorts would make a perfect outfit. Also, skirts are another summer favorite of mine. If it's windy, I just throw on a pair of bike shorts underneath. Summer is a great time to play with patterns, and be sure to check out the juniors section for great deals (the above skirt from Nordstrom is only $12!).




L to R: Nordstrom, J. Crew, Piperlime, Urban Outfitters


Obviously, summer just wouldn't be the same without cute sandals! Right now, I like sandals with a little edge. The first and last pairs do that in a kind of rocker-chic way, while the flower detail on the orange flip-flops are quite sweet. And, wedges are one of my most favorite trends this season!




L to R: Shopbop, Modcloth, Victoria's Secret, J. Crew


For some reason, I've acquired nearly 30 different bathing suits in the past couple of years. I have a bigger chest, and I like that Victoria's Secret and J. Crew offer sizes in tops that go up to a D-cup. Concerning swimwear, I like classic shapes and styles with a simple, flattering fit. Anyone can wear a string bikini; I think it takes more guts (and looks nicer!) to pull of something "safer" and more classy.




L to R: Sephora, Mark by Avon, O.P.I., Fekkai, Avon


These are some of my summer beauty essentials. I oftentimes go a bit more plain on the make-up side, because everything seems to melt in the sun, anyway, so I love the splash of color that these Urban Decay eyeliners give (they're waterproof, too!). I like to do my eyes neutral everywhere else, and just line the bottom lash line with the electric blue color, and finish off with coral lips. The bronzer by Mark is great; I've tried countless other ones, and nothing works as well as this one does. It gives my fair skin a touch of bronze without streaking or going of the top. Bright nail colors are another one of my favorites during summer, especially coral and hot pinks. I buy the Frederic Fekkai beach wave spray every year and use it not only in the summer, but during other months as well. I spray it in my hair throughout the day and scrunch and it refreshes my style. Lastly, I HATE wearing sunscreen because it's always so sticky, but this Avon sunscreen (with added bug repellent!) is perfect.

In addition, here are a few quick tips I think are important to keep in mind for summer dressing:

• Pay attention to fabric. Polyester and rayon often get clingy and make you sweat even more in the sweltering heat. I always tend to go for pieces that are mostly cotton on a hot day. Linen is great, too.
  
• Dark colors absorb more heat than light colors, so wearing a black skirt on a sunny day is probably not the best idea. Try to stick to wearing lighter shaded outfits, especially if they're clingy/body-con.
  
• Throw on a hat. Big straw hats and fedoras are seemingly extremely popular this season. You have no excuse!
  
• Two summer essentials: sunscreen and shades. Sunscreen goes without saying (be sure to wear it even when it's cloudy!), and sunglasses are not only stylish, they're healthy for you. When I'm traveling, I typically take my cheaper pairs with me (I got a really flattering pair at Urban Outfitters a couple of years ago for only $8) so I don't lose or break my more expensive, designer ones.