Suitable For Sun

Today I got to have a quick love fest with one of my bestie's babes. Let me tell you straight up -- these are two of the cutest nugs in the land. Full of personality, sass and style. Both were working some lizziecoleman approved footwear - pink sparkly flops on Layla (4 going on who knows what) and aqua/orange Adidas sneaks on Alex (3). They were headed to the beach and as I hugged them good bye, I whispered to Layla to have fun, rock a cute "bu-kini" and wear sunscreen. She seemed to track with the first two points, but not the latter. She'll get there. For my adult friends who are already there, check out these options from Mara Hoffman. Pending what suits your fancy, you can cover up with her caftan or lather up in some serious SPF 30 and this bikini. I like em' both. 

Mixer

Some of my most favorite bracelets can always be found at Calypso and their latest Summer collection of goodness did not disappoint. When in Phoenix last month, my bestie, goddaughter and I all got friendship bracelets. Or as my goddaughter calls them for short and in code "FB's". Today I mixed my Pave, my Gold wrap, my Love and my Beauty charm. All collected at different times and places. Calypso always being a go-to. Happy Thursday night everyone. 

F' It

It's just that kind of day. Be free, have fun, take in the summer weather and f' it all. And get some of these cute espadrilles. I just did. Such a great throw back. They make me happy. (Graffiti art from last trip to San Fran, downtown on Market Street)

Ban De Soleil

Gone seem the days of poolside suntanning glamour, right? I mean if the fear of wrinkles and skin cancer haven't had you spending your summers indoors for the past few years, the excruciating heat now does. It's the official ban de soleil. But before I even knew how hot these coming days would be, I had already vowed to ban partaking in baking. If I happen to be outdoors and get some Vitamin D, great. But there is no high maintenance weekend front side, back side body flipping going on here this summer. Which works out nicely since it's so damn hot -- and even if I wanted to tan, it's impossible. So yesterday it was 102. I could stay indoors or find an outdoor activity that didn't involve laying directly underneath a blazing ball of fire by a hot bath posing as a pool. First stop, my niece and nephew. Lucky me! Second stop, Target. Lucky them! By 2:30 I had the full monty slip and slide in effect and was leading the charge in the slipping and sliding. Yeap, I sure was. And you know what else, for the first time in two decades I was in a one piece. Ugh not my friends, they aren't that bad when a bikini is less than appropriate. So not only was my backyard water surfing in great form, so was my fashion in this cute Pret-a-Surf. S and H approved of both. Big kisses my babies. (Zimmermann 10)

LC Shop-It Reco: Surf more looks by Pret-a-Surf on their website or from their store list where other pieces are sold.

One Of A Kind

A quick follow up on summer options for keeping warm when the AC is up. I love scarves. I have tons and tons, none of which are solely reserved for Winter months. That's just narrow minded thinking. They're a perfectly good year round accessory and a quite functional solution to indoor cooler temps. And trust me, anyone who has style will not pass a questioning eye if they see you bundled up mid-Summer. Check out these yummies by Brightly Twisted. A throw back to tie dye done in a current modern way makes these scarves are a definite statement piece. Designers Greg Stemas and Tammy Bourque create them entirely by hand such that each is one of a kind with its own unique streaks and pattern. (Milan Fashion Week)

The Nip Out

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. It was sunny and super hot in Virginia, 92 degrees. Suntans and AC units were in full effect. And unless this heat wave is only temporary, you can expect the latter from your office as well. I call this time of year the "corporate freeze". It lasts from May to October, takes places in buildings occupied by 50 plus people, consists of sub-zero temperatures blowing mock speed, and brings about ... the nip out. That’s right, I said it, nip! Well it’s true and it’s a widespread epidemic for many women who are subjected to cold cubes and deprivation of space heaters due to supposed fire hazards. Fortunately my office accommodates the occasional outburst from my desk just as I near hypothermic conditions and they'll then regulate the temperature in my area. But even still, the minute I leave my den of warmth, there’s an arctic blast right around the corner. It took me awhile to get smart on this -- but just like you should always take an extra layer to a movie or on an airplane, your office is no exception. Duh. I recommend finding a token summer weight sweater or wrap to leave on stand by at your place of work. One or two actually. Pick a neutral style and color and it literally can be pulled out of your drawer, thrown on with anything, and take you all the way until the heat kicks back on next Fall. Though I do recommend one or two trips to the dry cleaners in between.

LC Shop-It Reco: To minimize teeth chatter, ice formations on your fingers and nips from nipping, try this yummy, warm basic from Calypso.

Oceanfront Property

Ah, beach vacation. The life. The days seem endless. And though it may be nearing summer's end, marking the time when some begin planning their Fall must haves, I am still embracing all that the current season has to offer. While others are perusing August fashion mags for hot labels in boots and fur, the only label I am concerned with is that of Matthew Williamson. True to his studies in printed textiles and his early years with Marni and Pucci, this London designer's luxury swimwear is bold, vivid and ablaze with eye-catching attitude and aesthetic. Certainly nothing like the eye-catching atrocities of inappropriate aquatic apparel that have made their way past the dunes and down to the water's edge this week. Denim bathing suits. Do not get me started. Fanny packs. Are you kidding? Water shoes. Some cobbler is rolling over in his grave. But Williamson makes it all well again with his Bright Escape bikini that is the model of appropriate swim fashion. This two piece maillot de ban (word-crush!) exemplifies unique and exotic oceanfront property. Property not deserving of a fashion foreclosure in the name of platform booties. Not just yet at least. The electric colors, fun print and tie detailing make for a solid and sound investment. Some 45, four more endless days, and I'm sold!

LC Shop-It Reco: Vivre * Matthew Williamson Bright Escape Bandeau Bikini * 2-10 * $325