Category Archives: summer

friday finds

Happy Friday, friends! Summer Fridays are the very best ones, aren’t they? This week’s picks are just exactly what you want on a weekend in June – bright, cheery…and, best of all, easy.

I do love a good espadrille in summer. Because really, we all have those “I need a pedicure” days. These from Soludos have a lovely feminine cut, and I’m digging that ethnic-ish print (though the polka dots are also a good option). Plus, they’re an extra 20% off this weekend with code YESPLEASE.

Screen Shot 2013 06 14 at 8.09.00 AM friday finds

These flower-print necklaces from Erica Weiner feel like such a fresh, “new idea” (though truthfully, they’re ‘vintage’ from the 1990s, so…). Layer one in amidst your usual routine of pendant necklaces, and you’ll have the perfect summer vibe.

erica friday finds

Speaking of summer goodness, did you ever see anything so summery as the goods from Gypsya? Indian-inspired pillows and throws, shockingly-afforable bedding, and the most gorgeous selection of hammered metal jewelry that looks like you picked it up wandering through the souks of Morocco. Your friends will be so jealous.

gypsya friday finds

All I want in the summertime is something I can throw on that makes me look slightly more pulled-together than a completely schlubby tee and jeans, but with no additional effort. So, I’m always on the lookout for tees like this Zara version – bright, cheery and linen, so it has a nice drape. Pair with white jeans, or maybe even a striped skirt if you’re feeling brave.

tee friday finds

And speaking of no effort required, these enamel earrings from Janna Conner are the easiest way I can think of to take an outfit you’d wear in the fall and make it summer-ready. Ordinarily, I’d say I’m a little too old for colors this bright, but these just sort of nod to neon, and they’re small-ish enough that you won’t feel you’ve been dragged into teen territory, as so many summer styles tend to do.

 janna conner friday finds

That’s it, friends! I hope some of these pretties brought a bit of color and cheer to your summer Friday. Have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you back here next week!

(Oh, and PS – thanks for all of the lovely comments this week! You’ve put a smile on my face.)

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must reads: june (aka: my summer reading list, part one)

June's Must Reads, via shopping's my cardio

Friends, it’s time to start compiling those summer reading lists! Truly, I look forward to my summer reads all year. I’m a positively voracious reader in these warm months – all that extra daylight finds me, more often than not, sunning myself on my deck, devouring my latest find. Every summer, I start out with a few sophisticated, smart novels and nonfiction picks, but by August, it’s all about the lazy beach reads. So, before this month totally gets away from me, allow me to present Part the One of my summer reading list: Read on

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beauty buzz: the best nail polish shades for summer

Best Summery Coral nail colors, via shopping's my cardio

Friends, it’s that time of year – the time when fingers and toes are on full display, and it becomes painfully clear that my pedicure budget needs to be increased for the summer season (Hubs, are you listening?). This summer (as ever), I’ve noticed a few color favorites rising to the top of my list, and since I’m nothing if not an exhaustive researcher, I’ve tried out more formulas and shades than you can shake a bottle of polish at. Read on

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holy grail quest: the perfect summer jacket

Muubaa picks, via shopping's my cardio

I meant to write about nail polish today. But honestly, the little shopaholic hamster running rampant in my brain just can’t focus, because it’s hellbent on tracking down the perfect summer jacket.

You know the one I mean. You can throw it on over a tired tank and jeans, and look instantly pulled-together (yet not dressy), or tote it along to a summer barbecue, secure in the knowledge that when the sun sets, you can toss it on over your skimpy sundress and everyone will be amazed and bewildered by how effortlessly cool you look. The one that goes with everything, looks like you’ve owned forever (way before it was cool), and makes other people stop you in the streets to ask where you found such a treasure. At which point, you’ll give them a sweetly benevolent half-smile and mutter something about an adorable little boutique in Paris.

Am I aiming too high?

To be honest, I haven’t found my holy grail yet. But I can tell you this: I’ll be like a dog who’s lost its bone somewhere in the backyard (digging, digging…ah, simile.) until I find the winner. In the meantime, let’s look at some contenders, shall we? Read on

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the best summer denim (for grown-ups)

Summer denim, via shopping's my cardio

Now that it’s June, I think it’s finally safe to talk summer style, don’t you? I get all weird and conservative in the summer – I just can’t abide all the spaghetti straps, micro-shorts and midriff-bearing tendencies that warm weather seems to elicit. I’m an adult, damn it, and it’s time to start covering up. So, for me, I’ll ignore the climbing mercury and stick with my usual uniform of denim, (short) sleeves and (very light) jackets…okay, and the occasional dress.

But I’m not a total stick in the mud – I’m definitely in favor of a change in fabrics, textures and colors this time of year. Because really, even though I don’t necessarily want to wear shorts and minis all season, I think dark-wash denim is equally absurd in mid-July. So, what’s a stylish girl to do but add a few completely necessary summer denim staples to her arsenal?  Read on

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summer sale season! (and my picks)

barneys sale picks, via shopping's my cardio

All of those Memorial Day deals in your inbox felt crazy, I know. Too good to resist. But if you did, if you were patient, your virtue is about to be rewarded. Shopbop, Barneys, Saks and Net-A-Porter all launched their summer sales today, and there are goodies aplenty. Read on

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must reads: pretty picks for a lazy long weekend

Time & Tide, images by Christian Chaize, via Shopping's My Cardio

Is there anything better than the Friday before a long weekend? Especially when that long weekend is the one that marks the beginning of an entire season of sunny days, watermelon and swimming pools.

I plan to spend my Memorial Day doing…well, not much. Lots of lazing around on the deck, during which I’ll probably be sipping a glass of wine iced tea and poring over some of the pretty, pretty books that have landed on my desk this month.

Wouldn’t you just kill for your Memorial Day to have a view like this?   Read on

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the how-to: pack for a tropical vacation

packing-for-a-tropical-escape

January. The “fun” part of winter is over, the novelty has worn off, and we’re all sick to death of the cold and the muck. No wonder it’s the time of year when everyone you know (including you, I hope!) is taking off for somewhere warm and exotic.

On the off chance you have something tropical on your calendar (or in the hopes I can inspire you to take yourself on a little sunny getaway), I thought I’d give you my tips for packing the perfect tropical getaway suitcase.   Read on

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