i’m still wishing for a little poolside lounge action, so i’ll dedicate today’s random finds to the rest of my beach bag essentials.  it is, definitely, a random collection of goods, but all are utterly essential to a successful day of absolutely nothing.

sunscreen: my sunscreen needs are well-documented…this summer, i have hardly left the house without dousing every exposed surface with clinique’s new sun spf25 body spray. it doesn’t smell sunscreen-y, works for hours, and doesn’t upset my overly sensitive skin (unlike most drugstore brands, which tend to cause all sorts of skin problems in my life).  plus, it’s easy and mess-free to reapply. what more can i ask for (other than perfect, non-burning olive skin)?

stylish straw hat:  sure, it’s for sun-shielding…but also, i just think a big straw hat is a must for completing that chic poolside look.  mine happens to be from j.crew, but i’m highly coveting this straw visor from le train bleu.  i had some misgivings at first, but i’ve decided this has such sweet styling that the visor aspect just makes it fun, and my sources tell me it packs like a dream (the sitewide 40% off sale this week doesn’t hurt – use code dogdays).  of course, if you’re more into hipster than chic, i’d go for the fedora (best if you have a narrow face, by the way), which is all the rage this year. don’t overspend, though…this version at urban outfitters is less traditional, but utterly fab.

post-plunge cosmetics:  there isn’t much to be done, it’s true. but even if i’m skipping nearly everything, and bronzer’s utterly unnecessary after a day in the sun, i’ll still grab my always perfectly rosy, never sticky benetint lip balm and my new beachfront favorite high impact curling mascara from clinique.  it doens’t quite do the job of my shu uemura curler, but in a pinch, it does give a bit more curl than other formulas.  it definitely packs more punch than my daily standby, which is what i’m looking for when there’s no other makeup involved. and it won’t turn into raccoon eyes, even when you’re awash in chlorine and sunscreen.

h2o:  if i don’t carry water with me at all times, i’m hardly coherent. i read about kor water’s stylish new bottles in gwyneth paltrow’s newsletter (go ahead, mock…she entertains me), and had to give them a try. love! they hold a ton, ice cubes are no problem, and the lid stays attached without hitting me in the nose when i drink – in fact, i can even open the lid one-handed when necessary. pure water bottle genius, if you ask me…and they even have motivational messages in the cap.  i can hardly believe i’d suggest a $30 water bottle, but these ones really are fab.  in fact, i may need a second one soon – the hubs keeps stealing mine!

and with that, i’m off to take an ice-cold shower and dream of being somewhere much more fabulous.  happy virtual vacationing, everyone…see you next week!

it’s still hot as hades here, so i’m continuing my imaginary poolside adventure with my list of the best summer reads i’ve found this year, all of which definitely belong in my beach bag.  i’ve been reading like a fiend this summer, and have found so many great titles i’ve been dying to share with you!

for “serious” literature, the little giant of aberdeen county (by tiffany baker) is one of the smartest fiction books i’ve read in a while. completely engrossing plot, and wonderfully written – the plot is a little too complex to easily sum up, but if you love winding tales that teeter on the brink of the unbelievable, this should be very high on your list.  along those lines, i re-read isabel allende’s the house of the spirits every year or two, and i’m in the middle of it right now.  if you haven’t read this amazing book, i can’t recommend it highly enough.  it’s so wonderful and intricately written that no matter how many times i read it, it’s brand new.

of course, after my second or third daiquiri, i’ll be looking for something a little less intellectually stimulating. i just devoured a brand new book called schooled, by anisha lakhani (still only in hardcover, but due out in paperback on 8/11). think the nanny diaries meets gossip girl – it chronicles the story of a brand new, overly-optimistic teacher dropped into the mad, mad world of manhattan private schools. it didn’t make me any smarter, but it was such a fun read! i polished this book off in a matter of hours, and loved every minute of it.

for my philippa gregory fans, nefertiti (both by michelle moran) is the egyptian equivalent, right down to the dueling sisters. if you’re jonesing for a little palace intrigue, this will tide you over until the next season of the tudors starts. i can hardly wait to start the next in the series, the heretic queen.

and, last but not least, it’s a bit off the beaten path from my typical picks, but if you’re a non-fiction person, i really loved the gardner heist, by ulrich boser. the isabella stewart gardner museum in boston is probably my favorite museum anywhere, and the incredible story of the (still unsolved) art theft there back in the 1990s has always fascinated me. if you’re into crime stories, or just a law & order junkie like me, you’ll love it.

next, i’m planning to pick up lisa see’s new novel, shanghai girls.  what’s on your reading list this summer?

dear readers, i truly hope that the weather wherever you are is far, far better than what i’m suffering through.  it was a ridiculous 107 degrees here yesterday.  i have no idea how people in arizona survive…i’m ready to kill someone just to usurp their air conditioning.

with the weather this impossibly miserable, i can hardly think about clothes today…all i want to do is sit in a swimming pool, being misted with evian and provided an endless supply of blended drinks.  in honor of where i wish i was this week, i thought i’d take the next few days to share a few of my beach bag favorites for the season.

for the actual bag, it has to be a tote from mad imports.  i’ve been obsessed with this brand since i discovered them this spring – their designs are so light and easy, they just might have the power to keep me cool.  for the beach, i’m dying to adopt their fetch tote.  with its loose crocheted straw and chic leather handles, i love that it’s a classic beachfront style without being gaudy or over-the-top.  plus, it’ll hold all of my books, magazines and other poolside goodies.

in a perfect world, i’ll toss their opal clutch inside to grab for my multiple trips to the bar.  it’s a little more bold than i’d typically go, but that’s what warm weather’s all about, right?  honestly, how else would you explain miami beach?

tomorrow, i’ll give you my list of summer must-reads.  you’ll love each and every one!

for those of you who have been living under a rock this summer, it’s becoming quite clear that alexander wang is the designer to watch these days.  his fall line is already selling out, and even his $76 tees have become impossible to track down.

so, it’s no real surprise to me that his newly-released coco duffel bag is expected to be the “it bag” of the fall season – it’s already sold out at most stores.  the coco duffel boasts classic duffel styling, but gets a bit of badass biker edge by being coated with metal studs all along the base of the bag.

lately i’ve been shying away from the “it bag”mentality, in favor of things a bit more off the beaten path.  and, if i’m being honest, i’m not as excited about this bag as i’ve tried to be…duffel shapes have never been my thing.  but i am developing a bit of a crush on the brand-spanking-new version that just appeared at shopbop.  while the standard black i’ve seen everywhere was feeling a little bland, i love the light denim shade of this version, and the almost suede-like distressing on the leather.  but mostly, i love that it can be an “it bag” that not everyone else has.

grab yours at shopbop, but do it fast…these are going to be gone in a flash!

sometimes i really lament the fact that we’re all so set in our new high-tech ways.  i spotted these beautiful customized cards by gadabout at style court, and ever since, i’ve been dying to go back to my more thoughtful roots, in which i actually sent the occasional card to a friend, through the mail.

each design can be customized with your name or initials, sometimes in the most unusual ways (i love the couch, with your initials printed on the throw pillow!).  and the prices are fantastic – $40 for a set of 25 cards and envelopes.

it’s no surprise that the designer, hanna brooks nation, hails from the heart of the deep south…i can just imagine sending one of these sophisticated notes to a friend to invite her over for afternoon tea.  you know, in a world in which things like that really happened.  they’d also make fantastic thank-you notes, and a perfect gift for a stylish friend’s birthday.

i think we should all start a movement to resurrect handwritten cards…don’t you?

readers, i don’t think i’ve done enough shopping this week.  frightening, i realize…but i just don’t have any particularly exotic, “must haves” on this random friday.  so instead, i thought i’d share the ‘must haves’ that have actually made it into my house over the last week or two.  mind you, this is no small feat these days, as my shopping account is in serious lockdown mode.

it’s been a long while since i walked into the gap and actually fell for something on sight.  but these shoes are just so cute in person, and such a great color & pattern for summer, i couldn’t resist.  the $39 pricetag didn’t hurt, nor did the fact that they miraculously run a full size large, so they actually had my size in the store.  i was a little wary of the bow in back, but i’ve decided it gives some nice detail, and keeps them from being too generic.

i’m fairly confident i’ve mentioned how much i detest hot weather.  besides my massive discomfort whenever the mercury hits 80+, there’s also the matter of my cheeks, which insist on becoming a very radioactive shade of crimson at the slightest increase in my internal temp.  literally, i’ve had people stop me during a workout to “make sure i’m okay.”  yes, i’m fine – i’m always that color.  given the severity of the problem, when i decided to test clinique’s new “redness solutions” mineral powder, i was skeptical…i was pretty sure painting my face yellow was not the answer.  but this stuff actually works – and somehow doesn’t settle into wrinkles like most loose powders.  i highly recommend it for those of you with fair skin that rebels in heat, or for the post-workout makeup routine.

and last, i mentioned recently how much i loved a new piece by emily elizabeth jewelry, and the designer was sweet enough to send it over as a thank you (yes, i know, my life is very hard).  honestly, i’ve hardly taken it off since it arrived…i think it might just be the perfect summer necklace.  because the chain is just a bit thick, and the leaves are a bit bold, it dresses up my ultra-casual summer style beautifully, and gives me just a dash of grecian goddess chic (who couldn’t use a bit of that?).

happy weekend, everyone!  i’ll be off visiting family for a few days, but should be back bright and early tuesday for more retail therapy.

i got an email this morning that one of my favorite online shops, kate boutique, has now put their entire stock on sale at 50% off (use code summer50).  naturally, i couldn’t resist checking things out.  as always, there are loads of goodies (including some pretty amazing scarves, and a couple of gorgeous golden goose handbags).  but what really stood out were their selection of tees.

i hadn’t seen anything from the minden chan line before this, but one look, and i think i’ve found perfection.  they’re actually designed by an MIT graduate, which explains that perfectly-calculated draping.  the sleeves have some really beautiful detail as well, which i love on a basic like this.  the neckline is just about perfect – not too revealing but ideal for layering.  and, in lieu of side seams, these chic tees seams in the back, so you won’t have tugging on the sides, just smooth, graceful body skimming.

as wonderful as i think they are, i’d still probably choke at their full $94 pricetag.  but half off?  i can definitely justify a $48 tee…particularly one this special.  i may even have to get their asymmetrical tank as well – it’s beautiful!

(ps…check out all of the tees while you’re there – i also loved the golden goose options.)

wow, i’m not sure what’s going on. normally i just don’t appreciate urban outfitters – going to the store feels a bit like coming home from college for the weekend and swinging by your old high school, only to realize you’re already hopelessly unhip and out of place.  but in the last few days, i’ve spotted several things that have made me swoon.

i’m a longtime fan of andrew holder, so i’m thrilled to see (thank you, cafe cartolina!) he has two brand new prints available at UO.  they’re both huge (one is nearly three feet tall), and such great examples of his work.  in fact, i coveted his original edition of the jellyfish print (which i promise you will be on my wall soon) for ages, and nearly cried when i realized it was sold out (not that i could have afforded it).  so, as you’d imagine, this new edition is making me extremely happy.

and, from fish to birds:  i’m apparently strangely attracted to both this week.  after owning my iphone for more than six months, i’ve still been unable to find a cover i didn’t hate.  these are actually skins, not true covers, but they’re lovely, aren’t they?  and isn’t that penguin just the cutest thing?  as soon as i spied it, i knew it was by joanna mendicino – she can just do no wrong in my eyes.

and then there are the shoes.  i’m still bitter that the rachel comey diffusion line wasn’t available in my size.  but now they’re carrying some very stunning marais suede gladiator sandals – also not in my size, and equally fabulous.  sigh.

the one low point:  i was going to point out these blue stacked heel sandals, but the color in the catalog (left – sorry it’s horribly blurry) was this fabulous, bold shade, and on the website (right), it’s, well, more blah than bold, don’t you think?  the whole thing has left me feeling sort of iffy about these.

but the rest is good, don’t you think?

good morning!  how exciting to have so many new people here today…thanks for stopping by!  for my regular readers, i hope you’ll take a minute (okay, five…it’s a long piece) to check out my portland design guide over at design*sponge today.  i was beyond excited to put this together for grace – i’ve been dying to share my favorite spots in PDX ever since i moved back last year, and can’t imagine a better way to have been able to do it.

for those of you who wandered over from design*sponge, welcome!  i’m so happy to meet you.  i hope you’ll take a few moments to look around, make yourself at home, and discover something new to covet.

today, i thought i’d show you a few of my favorite finds from some of the local shops i featured in the design*sponge guide.  fortunately, most of my top picks for portland retail have online shopping…so you don’t have to wait until you visit to indulge.

that winking owl paperweight has been calling my name since i first visited canoe.  i have no need for an actual paperweight…but there’s something about this one i just can’t resist.

while i’m not much of a soft-boiled egg eater, i have a feeling that fun little alessi egg cup from hive (see the blue fellow, holding a spoon?) could convert me.  his cap is actually a salt shaker.  you take it off, put the egg in the man’s head, and dive in.  i’ve largely overcome the ‘cutesy’ decor affliction in my life…except my kitchen, where i’m a huge fan of kitsch!

ever since the shop owner at elsa + sam showed me that creamer/sugar combo pitcher by tonfisk, i haven’t been able to get it out of my mind.  i’m pretty sure it’s the ultimate wedding (or housewarming) gift for just about anyone…and i wouldn’t mind having one for myself as well.  that clever little sugar bowl actually sits inside the pitcher, and manages to stay upright even when the cream is being poured out.  fantastic!

i hope everyone’s enjoying their little taste of portland today, and i’m looking forward to seeing all of these new faces around a lot more!

it could be that i’m suffering from summer vacation withdrawal, but lately, every accessory i fall for seems to have a global vibe.  lucky for me, it’s a hot trend this summer – after all, what goes better with cool white linen, and casual summer tee-and-tank combos than bright, bold accessories?  so, i’m free to indulge my inner “international woman of mystery” fantasy and manage to be in style at the same time.

this weekend, in the course of checking out shopbop’s beautiful new website, i started browsing for clutches.  i’ve been after a great summer clutch ever since the weather started to warm up, but now that it’s regularly hitting 90 degrees, i’m desperate.  there’s just nothing appealing about lugging a huge leather bag around when you’re hot and miserable.  noticing a little multi-cultural vibe there?  (from left to right: antik batik, $87.50; cleobella, $88; west/feren, $169.40 – all on sale!)

and, going through my “things to blog” folder, i realized the jewelry i’ve been gravitating toward lately all sort of fell into the same category.  getting the look right with jewels is simple, really – go for bright colors or loads of chunky gold, and stack ‘em up.  you can find great deals on authentic pieces if you go to the original source and score some serious bargains.  that gorgeous gold multi-disc bracelet is from a site called kaneesha, an online purveyor of authentic indian clothing…and it’s only $11.  another great source, especially right now, is forever 21.  if you’d rather splurge a bit, one of the best designer options for global gems is rosena sammi – her styles are all the rage in the celeb scene right now, and with good reason – isn’t that ring stunning?

(by the way, i’m sort of ashamed to admit that that lovely green enamel bangle is actually by tori spelling for hsn ($59).  frightening, i realize…but it’s actually cute, don’t you think?!)

this look can feel a little tricky to pull off but, as with so many things, the key is not to overdo. i’d suggest focusing on one specific type of accessory: necklace, earring, handbag, bracelet.  feel free to stack up the bangles (or, for a more subtle look, just pick one striking piece), but don’t pair 20 gold bangles with the necklace, earrings and a batik-print bag.  keep it simple, and you can’t go wrong!

so, have you been embracing the global goods this summer?