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.

Prayer and Wear

Two years ago while shopping LA's Fred Segal, I discovered a little DINR (diamond in the ruff) -- Virgins, Saints and Angels. I was quite pleased with this find and my two subsequent purchases. Not being Catholic never entered my mind as I selected a colorful rosary and beautiful cross necklace. They were just too unique to leave behind; and I took even greater pleasure knowing I'd be the only one in possession of this jewelry back East. How I like it. But a year later when my boss asked me if he could get a similar necklace for his wife, I decided saying no would be bad for my career. So she soon became a proud owner as well. And then there were The Real Housewives of New Jersey. For the entire first season, each wife seemed to have a different VSA necklace for every day of the show. For a while I thought those tacky turnpikers had ruined the style and class that these precious pieces once possessed. So I decided to retire my faux-catholosism for a bit. But while in Argentina I stumbled upon an antique booth at a city fair and found the most beautiful rosary. While admiring the Virgin Mary, I recounted this story to my cousin, who said to me, "since when are you Catholic?". But before I could respond, she said, "Oh right, of course, you're Catholic when the fashion suits". Well put. No matter to whom you pray, Riccardo Tisci's play on Virgins, Saints and Angels for Givenchy is worthy of prayer and wear. And so are my two pieces. (Givenchy Fall/Winter 08)

Don't Cry For Me Argentina

I am doing just fine back in the States, but do miss you so. To my readers, ola! Cómo estás? Yes, I not only brought back some South American fashion like this Panama Jack inspired hat, but some Spanish too. I'm still in vacation re-entry mode though so this is just a quick hello and notice that I'll be in full LizzieColeman effect again by next week. I mean you all know how it goes -- one must take her time re-aclimating so as not to over activate the gerbils resulting in mental and physical chaos. So for now I'm getting my work affairs, house and most importantly, my hair in order. Thanks to Charles, my powerful stylist, I am cut and colored and ready for summer. And my new coif is the perfect completion to my fun hat. Definitely recommend you purchase one to go with a flirty day look, a sexy cocktail dress or of course with your Brazilian bikini. Wink! (Emanuel Ungaro Spring 09)

Nature Nymph

Last day in LA. Well actually I’m not in LA today, I’m on location in the woods. That’s right, in the woods with ticks, rattle snakes and coyotes. Or so I have been warned. Hellooooo. Good to know -- now that I am here and wearing my Prada flip fops. All the better for nature’s wildlife to get me. Had I known, I might have dressed to better brave the elements. But don’t worry everyone, there’s a medic and EMT on stand by so when that rattler slithers up and nips my tootsies because he thinks they are mice (as my Client put it), I’ll be in good care. Really though, I wish I had just gotten the memo. I would have selected more suitable footwear. Been looking for an excuse to showcase Nic’s adorable booties from her Winter Kate collection. Check out these suede beaded moccasins called the Maddie. So darn cute for a day as a nature nymph. (Marie Claire, Natalie Portman)

Road Warrior

I'm on the road again. Will be in LA for a bit and then oh so briefly home before my trip to Buenos Aires. LizzieColeman activity will be sporadic, but I'll try to lob in some goodies as best I can. I still have not purchased a better suitcase. I just don't feel like spending my hard earned duckets on some Tumi fancy pants business. My parents have old school T Anthony, but you almost need a personal porter for those gems and I’m not porter status, yet. And I'm not really into flashy stand out pop art suitcases a la Orla Kiely either. Ick, really not a fan. I had a cute dress of hers a few years back, but what was cute is that it was unrecognizably Orla. Ahaa. Her mojo is like Hervé Chapelier to me. If you aren't familiar with my distain, read on. So I really just need an upgrade on a basic black beauty. That's what my Dad calls my current luggage. Black beauty is nondescript, but I can always find her on the carrousel because she's big, black and at least 20pds over weight, average, on any given trip. Her explosive size is unmissable. (New word). And yes, by now you have picked up on that my suitcase is female. But she's a road warrior for sure, just like me! Tootalu for now. (Tumi Campaign)

Mission Accomplished

Did anyone see the Miss USA pageant last night? Apparently Virginia was in the top five. Woot woot. Barf. Can't stand pageants. Though Toddlers and Tiaras cracks me up. Anyway, this weekend was oh so pleasurable. I enjoyed some sunny weather, finished a great book, accomplished a monsterous amount of errands, and picked myself up a new pair of J Brands. Truly I think JB is my most favorite line of jeans. The selection and styles are endless and always cutting edge current. Though featured earlier this Spring, I haven't been satisfied with my military trend inspired findings yet. I have a belt, but I have been wanting the perfect cargo look. I spied some J Brand's a month ago and thought for sure they'd be swept off every store shelf by now so had somewhat given up on the pursuit. But yesterday, as if meant to be for me, I stumbled upon them, one pair left in my size, fit like a glove. They're called the Houlihan and have a skinny leg with side cargo pockets and ankle zips just like these from the runway. Military mission accomplished. (Balmain Spring 10).

Denim Deliverance

A couple weeks back I broached a delicate subject, apparently. That of the jean jacket. Thanks to many comments and emails, I have been enlightened by a vas array of mixed opinions. Though I can't say I have jumped the fence for a replacement JJ of my 5 year gone Theory favorite, nor have I followed through on a vest, I have decided I'm getting a denim shirt. I'm liking this look, a little nod to the wild west, while managing a denim deliverance in my Spring/Summer ensemble. (Dolce and Gabbana Spring 10)

LC Shop-It Reco: Almost as much a steal as the vest, this shirt from Lucky is on order and expected to arrive Monday. Giddy up.

Rain Rain Go Away

As if this cold wasn't bad enough, now it's raining too. And I have had Milli Vanilli's Blame It On The Rain stuck in my head for the past 24 hours. Double bad. I did love me some Rob and Fab though. We all went to their concert in the middle school, and swore that Fab, the cuter one, was singing directly to us. We were in the third throw and those lip synced lyrics were setting our teenage hearts on fire. And some rain was needed to put those flames out. But for today, I say rain rain go away. This picture reminds me of lighter, brighter, airy-er days. Its soft, ethereal and au natural vibe has a simple, yet divine sophistication. It also makes me want to work on a warm summer glow (when the sun returns) to match up with some neutral tones. (Vogue Nippon June 10)

LC Shop-It Reco: Check out this silk racer back top from See by Chloé. It combines flare and femininity along with white, beige and a subtle pinstripe. Pair it with a white blouse for additional texturing and visual interest, and you've got this look!

Tight Spot

If you're an East Coaster, you're experiencing an unusual drop in temperature. Just as quickly as the AC went on, it's off again while we weather this momentary chill factor. It probably won't last but another few days, though I'm no Tim Timberlake. TT's a Richmond meteorologist who the locals should know. He also used to be married to our highschool french teacher. Little trivia for ya'. Anyhoo, if this mother nature snafu has you a smidge bit ticked that your warmer wears are packed up until next Fall and frustrated that your freshly tanned legs from the weekend can't be showcased, hush. You've got exactly what you need to manage through this tight spot. Take any of your fun Spring frocks, dresses or skirts, and throw on some black stockings with either. I promise this is fashionably kosher. So one more time, do the stretch, tug and pull and stuff those legs back into your HUE's and quit your shivering. (Tracy Reese Fall 09 Runway)

LC Shop-It Reco: No one should ever be without a basic pair of black opaque tights, and if you are currently, this reco is a fail. But if you have them, you can focus on your dress. Love this cutie from Tracy Reese. Picture it with your tights. Perfect chill factor solution.

Buenos Baby

I'll be in Buenos Aires at the end of the month on Holiday. Yay Argentina! And yay to my sweet, sweet cousin for extending the invitation. I need to start reading my travel books on the country and BA area to brush up on the lay of the land. Not to mention brushing up on my Espanol. But what have I been doing instead? Planning my wardrobe but of course. This much I do know, it's Winter in South America this time of year, so I'll be taking long pants, long dresses and layers. And looky look what I found -- this macramé and multicolored DVF diddy. Easy, flowing, comfy, and with a sweater and scarf, perfect for the culture and climate. Can't wait to see you cous! Besos. (Patrick Demarchelier)