Summer is my least favorite season…except when it comes to the sales! Best sales of the entire year, in fact. If you’re in the mood for a little sale fun today, Searle NYC just marked down a bevy of beauties for their killer summer sale. Couldn’t resist showing you a few of my faves:

Yes, my v-neck cashmere sweater collection is threatening to take over my bedroom. But this delicious Magaschoni version in that stunning jade green is calling to me. ($95, was $198)

And speaking of classics that never go out of style, this cap sleeve knit dress (also by Magaschoni) is begging to be my new LBD. It’s so very Audrey…just the thing for those of you that like a more conservative style in your cocktail attire. ($198, was $498.)

I am really feeling the Botkier love this season – their pieces get better every time I look. This Botkier open-toed heel defies all my rules – normally, the peep toe bootie makes me crazy – but I somehow adore these. Plus, they’re perfect for a fall transition – add a colored tight for some interest, or stick with solid black to create a long, lean line. ($149, was $298.)

And, speaking of Botkier, their crossbody bags this season were especially wonderful, and now my two favorites are on sale. It’s hard to choose between that bright red Charlotte ($191, was $318) or the Isla in tarnished gold ($263, was $438)…they’re both perfect for summer, but the Isla is just begging to carry you into fall.

Last but not least, button-down shirts are a new staple of mine. Maybe I’m more in the mood to dress up these days, or I just finally, finally tired of my old tee-and-cardigan standby look. If you’re feeling it too, there are a dozen excellent options on sale…most under $100. So, so hard to narrow down the field!

See anything you can’t live without?

Have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend, everyone! I’m taking the hubs to his very first rodeo…I’m pretty excited about it. With plans to spend an entire day out in the sun, I couldn’t help thinking that it might be the perfect time to remind you to bust out your sunscreen this weekend…and, if it’s more than a year old, replace it!

A few of my favorites to slather on every 3-4 hours over the next few days:

From left: Clinique Sun SPF 50+ face cream, $18; Tocca SPF 30 sunscreen towelettes (bonus: they smell unbelievable!), $28; Phyto Plage L’Originale Protective Beach Spray, $22, and
Hair & Body Wash (both do amazing things for your hair, sun or not), $18.

See you back here Tuesday!

I can hardly believe that it’s nearly July 4…June has flown by in a sea of grey clouds and scattered showers here in Portland. But July means sun, so I’m optimistic! So much so that I’ve put together a few of my favorite swim looks for the summer…you know, just in case there’s some poolside lounging in your immediate future. Even if there’s not, this is the perfect time to nab a suit for a later date. Most swimwear sites are offering major discounts this week, including The Orchid Boutique, a personal favorite of mine.

Fair warning: I’m a fan of the one-piece suit, so you won’t see any bikinis in the mix. I like to leave a little to the imagination. And PS…why are most swimsuit modeling shots so ridiculous? That girl in the last shot is leaning on a table, holding a big pile of tulle. Which is, you know, the first thing I do when I put on a swimsuit. Anyway…on to the show!

1. A serious bargain find, and that longer, loose tankini top makes these stripes ultra-flattering. Plus, I do love a little ruffle trim. Lands’ End Canvas Summerland ruffle tankini: $39 top, $19 bottom (on sale)
2. For those of you looking for a little more support from your swimwear, I have to take a moment to gush about Panache (check them out at Figleaves or Bare Necessities). They make gorgeous, on-trend suits exclusively for the D+ set. I adore the slanted stripes on this “Lucille” style, which make it incredibly slimming, and that sweet button trim is icing on the cake! Panache “Lucille” striped tankini: $59 tankini top (or $92 for bikini top), $32 bottom (take 10% off with code MISSING)
3. Anything ikat makes me happy, but this particular version is slimming, and eliminates those tan lines on your shoulders. OndadeMar “Silk Butterfly” one-piece strapless w/detachable halter: $188 (take 25% off with code 4JULYSALE)
4. This simple black suit is so classic, and so perfectly cut, you’ll feel chic and thin even on your worst “I feel fat” day. Badgley Mischka “Draped” one-piece, $108 (take 20% off with code NEW20)
   
5. I can’t help it – this just screams summer to me. I love the wild blend of prints, and the simple, classic cut. Maaji Swimwear “Abstract Blow-Up” one-piece: $155 (take 25% off with code 4JULYSALE)

*All codes should be good through July 4 at least.

Have a poolside cocktail for me!

Oh, I am so ready for the weekend! True, working from home (and I use that “working” word oh so loosely) means I have a fair bit of bumming around time, but for some reason it doesn’t feel like a weekend until the hubs is home, bumming around right along with me. What kicks off the weekend for you?

I spent a little time playing over at EmersonMade this week, and managed to fall in love – just as I do every time I check their site. They have the perfect summer look down to a science – every piece makes me want to be sitting on a bench in a park somewhere (maybe Paris?), or playing tourist, wandering the streets of a faraway town. This simple red bicycle dress just screams summer, doesn’t it?

And speaking of dresses, I just saw that a new crop from Modaspia made their way to one of my favorite Portland shops: Una. Put this shop on your must-do-in-Portland list, ladies…it’s a good one. And don’t these simple linen dresses just make you want a vacation? If you can’t get here to buy in person, the lovely Giovanna owns the shop, and would be more than happy to ship one of these pretties to you.

Of course, to go with all these lovely dresses, I’m going to need some jewelry. I spotted this Ben-Amun enamel bangle in a magazine recently, and something about its chic simplicity is really calling to me. Also, the fact that it’s $80, but looks infinitely pricier doesn’t hurt.

And then there are these resin bangles from Marc by Marc Jacobs, which give me visions of vintage Bakelite jewelry, without the pricetag or the thrift-store hunts. Wouldn’t they be amazing stacked on your wrist to adorn that yellow Modaspia dress, above?

In case you haven’t found them yet, Topshop has a fabulous line of cosmetics. I got to try a few out recently, and they’re pretty wonderful, in fact. They’re fun-grade, so they’re not overly saturated, just light, easy to apply, and fun to wear. I’m oddly smitten with their new pale yellow “Bee’s Knees” nail polish (which you can only buy in-store…heartbreaking!), and this silvery eye crayon in Equinox from their new, limited edition Sandstorm collection, which has a barely-there shimmer you can wear all summer long. Plus, eyeshadow on a stick…what took so long? Application takes about 3 seconds, which even my lazy self can handle.

To go with all this summer color, I’m feeling the need for a very summery, easy-as-pie clutch to hold it all together. I’m sure I have mentioned these soft-as-silk leather pouches from Sammy before, but now they’re on sale, and every bit as lovely. I may finally need to take the plunge.

Wow, that is a list packed with summery goodness if ever I saw one. And with that, I’m off! I have promised the husband that I’d make him some caramels this weekend…what are you up to?

Ann Taylor’s current practice of having a different price for an item every single day is starting to annoy me. But I still love this sweater, and it’s…surprise, surprise…on sale this week. Down to $69 from $88, plus take an additional 40% off with code EXTRA40, which should make it about $40. Add free shipping, and it’s definitely worth trying.

Crochet is definitely a hot trend now, but the style can be hard to pull off without going too beachy boho. This one has enough structure that it works well for casual looks, but I’d also love to see it layered under a blazer for day. It’s also a nice stand-in for lace if – like me – you’ve had a devil of a time successfully styling that trend. It’s the perfect thing to throw on over a bikini top and shorts, or just to give you a bit of texture play over a tank top. Mostly, though, I’m envisioning it with a straw fedora, cutoffs and a bicycle, as a photo on Garance Dore‘s blog…which is definitely not a bad thing.

Even on my hippest day, the truth is that I’m still hopelessly preppy. Particularly when warm weather hits, I suddenly envision myself summering (and yes, using “summering” as a verb) in the Hamptons, strolling the streets in chic tunics, shirt dresses, and maybe even the occasional piece of seersucker.

The Hamptons might be a bit of a pipe dream, but my preppy fantasy came true when I found J.McLaughlin. This site is an absolute dream when it comes to uptown summer style. Tunics, simple sundresses, stylish shirtdresses, clean and simple totes – all in gorgeously bright shades and patterns that are spot-on perfect for summer.

Since I’m always wary of recommending new brands to you unless I have firsthand knowledge of their fabulousness, I asked J.McLaughlin if I could try out their classic Gilchrist shirt dress, and they were kind enough to agree. Ladies – it is simply the best shirt dress I’ve found, bar none.

Those of us with curves? Yep this one fits! Miraculously and perfectly, without bunching or straining at the buttons when you sit. And it’s so very comfortable! The secret is that, while it looks like a classic broadcloth cotton, it’s actually a nylon/spandex blend. Which means, in addition to gorgeous drape and no wrinkles…stretch! It’s good, friends. In fact, it’s put me off every other shirt dress in my closet. Fortunately, they come out with this style in new prints every season, so I can start stocking up.  Sizing tip: I do suggest trusting their measurements. I went up a size based on their charts, and it was the right call.

Based on my love of their shirt dress, it’s no surprise that I have serious affection for most of their other dresses…most notably this dip-dyed linen dress, which might be the prettiest thing I’ve seen this summer.

But the summer goodness doesn’t stop with their dresses. Their line of accessories is pitch-perfect in so many ways. At least half of my summer is always spent searching for the perfect tote. My favorite piece is their monogrammed Aken tote – preppy overload in the best possible way. It’s a stylish step up from the ubiquitous LLBean boat tote, with a nubby linen fabric and chic leather straps, but every bit as functional. I’ve been looking for a tote exactly like this for years – when I finally found it at J.McLaughlin, it was like all my years of detective work had finally paid off.

It looks like they’re having a pretty fabulous summer sale right now as well, with deals on that pretty shirt dress and their adorable striped Sea Shore Tunic, which is probably the next “must” on my list.

What do you see that you can’t live without?

I’ve been absolutely obsessed with silk this spring.  I don’t know what’s come over me, but suddenly, I can’t resist a pretty silk blouse, in any incarnation.  So, when a few of you emailed me, asking various and sundry questions about how to work this trend, I couldn’t resist chalking my recent purchases up to “research”, and giving you all the info you could ever want on the best of the best.

First, don’t be scared. Silk feels so precious sometimes, but you have to let go of that.  Embrace it, acknowledge there will be drycleaning involved, and wear it with abandon.  (But maybe don’t cook dinner in it.)

Second, size up.  Or at least, size so that your silk is loose, drapey and relaxed in fit.  Fitted silk is a much harder look to pull off, it’s not comfortable, and it’s all wrong for summer.  Because silk tends to flow so well over curves, you don’t have to worry about being swallowed up by a top that isn’t form-fitting, as you would with other fabrics.  Trust me: buy loose, and let the fabric work for you!

With that said, I’ll give you a rundown of the styles that are in heavy rotation in my closet this year.  First up is Equipment.  They’re infamous for making some of the best classic silk shirts ever – soft and luxe, with the perfect amount of substance.  They come in so many colors and patterns, you’ll never have enough.  I particularly love their Signature blouse, because it’s a bit longer than some styles, which translates to more styling options.  While a long-sleeved blouse may not feel like a summer buy, just roll up the sleeves to your elbow, and pair it with a white tank and cutoffs – silk has this wonderful ability to act like built-in air conditioning when it’s left open and breezy.  I also can’t help thinking this would be amazing with a crinkled linen jacket belted over the top.  Yes, you can get the look for less from J.Crew or Madewell, but a silk shirt is only as good as its drape. It’s worth the splurge to get this one right.

Best for: Girls with busts!  The relaxed cut means more room up top, so you’ll actually be able to button it.  I do find it makes my shoulders look a bit broader, but I’m telling myself it’s not a big problem.

Sizing tip: These are supposed to have a relaxed fit, so sizes runs true – I’m a 10, and ordered a medium. It’s the teeniest bit snug in the hips, but I wouldn’t have been able to go up a size.  So, just leave the bottom button undone, and all’s well.

Equipment signature silk blouse, $188-238.

My second love of late has been Tucker.  Their tunics are just so full of color and fun, I can’t help but be happy when I’m wearing them.  Like Equipment, their pieces come in all sorts of fun shapes and patterns (though almost never a solid color).  But, as usual, I prefer their signature style – in this case, The Tunic.  If you’re on the petite side, this could even work as a mini-dress, but since I’m 5’8″, it’s not happening.  These are an investment, but if you’re watchful, you might spot them on Gilt occasionally (ahem…that may or may not be a contraband link…take advantage of it!).

Best for: Everyone! I think these are gorgeous with or without curves, and regardless of height.  (And the little bit of stretch in these styles doesn’t hurt either.)

Sizing tip: I do suggest sizing up on the tunic style if you have curves, as they run very straight.  I went for a large in this style…the medium was just barely too small for my, um, curvier areas.

Tucker Tunic in Trimpin Pond Song, $315; Tucker Tunic in Funny French Birds, $315.

Of course, with summer coming, short sleeved and sleeveless options are a must. If you’re after a loose, breezy option (that won’t break the bank), I recently checked out the styles from Show Me Your Mumu.  They’re polyester, not silk, so they’re an honorary mention here.  They don’t drape like silk, but they’re adorable…if a bit on the hippie side of life.  With unfinished hems designed to fray, and a very loose fit, you might find these best suited for beach cover-up status – but since they’re poly, they’ll do the job in plenty of style (and for under $100). I do think they can be pulled off as a layering piece, but they’re sheer and quite low cut, so you’ll definitely be happier with a tank (or a two-piece) underneath.

Best for: The girls you see here modeling.  Narrow shoulders, smaller chest – the cut adds some breadth to the shoulder/chest area, so if you’re already good in that area, this might not be for you.

Sizing tip: One size fits all…or at least up to a 14, I’d say.

Show Me Your MuMu in Turn The Corner, $80; Original Mumu in I Dream of Zebra, $98

But really, my favorite spot for short-sleeved summer layers is Anthropologie.  They have some gorgeous options this year…I swoon over each and every one.

Pellucid Wings silk blouse, $128; Blazing blouse, $98 (not pictured); Koinobori tank, $78.

So, I’d love to know whether you’ve already been embracing the silk route, or if you’re thinking about diving in now.  Talk to me in the comments, won’t you?

i’ve been promising you all a summer reading list for much too long.  the truth is that, since it’s just me, a girl can only read so many books over a summer and still get her shopping done!  but i do look forward to these long summer days…or, more to the point, long summer evenings in which i can sit on my front porch and read until 9, since there’s nothing but ‘mad men’ in the tivo the weather’s so lovely.

and so, a few books i’ve read and (mostly) loved so far this summer:

i wasn’t sure about the chelsea handler book, because my taste in humor books can be odd (see sloane crosley, below) but it ended up being hysterical, if only because i think she and i may have grown up in the same house.  if you ever coveted a cabbage patch doll, there’s a story in there for you that makes the whole book worthwhile.  it’s also a crazy fast read…i think it took me about three outings to peets to finish this one.  perfect for planes, trains and automobiles alike.

anne lamott could write out her grocery list and publish it, and i’d buy it.  her writing style is perpetually full of hope, wisdom, truth and humor, no matter how dire a circumstance.  i always come away from her books feeling a little bit better about life, and maybe even a little bit smarter.  this particular title is about a family dealing with a teenage daughter’s “recreational” bad habits – not a topic i’d expect to be excited by, but i loved it, and was sorry to see it end.  if you’re into smart fiction, this is the writer for you.

sloane crosley…oh, i want so badly to like her.  she reminds me a lot of david sedaris (who i also wish i liked).  her travel tales are great, but they’re not as uproariously funny as i’d expect from a book with a bear on the cover.  but i have a feeling if you like david sedaris, you’ll fall head over heels for sloane crosley.  in which case, you’ll also want to pick up her first book, i was told there’d be cake.

and in case you’re curious about what’s left on my list for the summer, a few titles i can’t wait to start:

barbara kingsolver’s new book, “the lacuna”, which just came out in paperback. i haven’t heard much about this title, but i have yet to read a kingsolver book i didn’t love.  i’m also looking forward to reading “the cookbook collector” by allegra goodman – it’s gotten such amazing press, i can’t wait to see if it’s as good as it sounds.  and, because i’ll need something easy and light after those two reads, i’m planning to sneak in emily giffin’s newest, “the heart of the matter” between the other two titles.

what are you reading this summer?

i’ve been coveting this z spoke by zac posen skirt since i first laid eyes on it.  at $355, it was easy to remind myself that those side panels would be utterly unflattering on a girl with hips (like me, for example).

but now, at 70% off and just over $100, it’s getting harder and harder to stick to what i know to be true.

if you happen to be one of those lucky hip-less girls, please indulge on my behalf.

one of my favorite finds so far this summer, this sheer jersey shirred skirt from american apparel is destined for “staple” status in my closet.  it’s the perfect knee length (or slightly above if you wear it high-waisted), and the full skirt is offset by a very lightweight jersey, so it’s not at all heavy, which eliminates my usual peeve with fuller skirts of having to tuck in my tops to avoid waist bulk.  i am a little concerned that the hem is unfinished, but at $28, i’ll do as tim gunn would advise, and “make it work.

by the way, can anyone explain the utterly bizarre styling on american apparel’s website?  these were literally the only two photos of it actually being worn as a skirt.  it’s like they can’t stand that this is actually a respectable length, and so are forced to style it as a dress.  baffling.  fortunately, i know you’re all far too fashion-savvy to try wearing this as a dress.

at any rate, i’ve already nabbed this in navy, and plan to scoop up at least three more colors asap.  summer, here i come!