despite the 90-degree weather, all of these fall magazines and catalogs are throwing my fashion sense for a loop.  suddenly, i’m craving cashmere cardigans and riding boots…clearly, not the best option in august, no matter how high your boss cranks the air conditioning.  and i’m just not willing to drop serious change on pieces i can’t wear right away…maybe it’s the sixth grader in me, but darn it, when i buy something new, i want to wear it right now!

so, i’m on the hunt for great transition pieces that will work for me now, and will keep working all winter.

this squareneck tee from anthropologie fits the bill perfectly.  the grey and yellow color scheme is just right this summer, and will look fab with any number of bottoms - from denim cutoffs to a sweet skirt.  but the pleated details at the neckline, exaggerated floral print, and soft styling are right on trend for fall.  i’d throw that cozy cardigan over the top, and pair it with a slouchy, wide-legged striped pant.  or, i’d throw a deep plum long-sleeved tee underneath, and top it off with jeans…and maybe a long vest. 

for a very cool $78, this is a piece i’ll have no problem buying to finish off my summer wardrobe and to get me started on fall.

one of my favorite things about summer is that i get to break out my favorite bright nail colors (toes only, thank you!).  since i spend more time than is at all rational debating the merits of various shades, i thought the least i could do is share the fruits of my labor by letting you in on my favorite classic colors for summer.

when it comes to fingers, i’m all about neutrals - and i’ve been wearing opi’s “samoan sand” since the day it arrived.  i love that it’s sheer and goes with everything, but the hint of brown makes it more subtle and sophisticated than my usual sheer pinks.

this summer, everyone’s been talking about chanel’s “facets d’or” gold polish.  and it’s lovely, no doubt.  but i’ve been completely sucked in by “splendeur”, a fantastic shade that goes on fuschia, and dries to the perfect raspberry pink/red hybrid.  plus, there’s just something lovely and girly about wearing chanel - even when it’s nail color.  splendeur has been my go-to all summer. 

for a more fun, girly hot pink shade, i’ve been loving “i’m indi-a mood for love” from opi’s fantastic new india collection.  to be honest, i love just about every shade in this line - it’s well worth spending some time with. 

if you’re more into reds, chanel’s “dazzling” is that rarer-than-rare flattering orange-red.  what they lack in quantity of color choices, chanel always makes up for in quality.  literally every shade i’ve tried is gorgeous, and i’ve never used polish that’s stayed on my nails longer, which makes it well worth the $20 pricetag in my book.

last but not least, metallics are always tricky for me, but chanel’s new “kaleidoscope” (not yet available online) is the best shade i’ve found, hands down (no pun intended).  it varies from a warm green gold to deep grey to liquid silver, depending on the light.  it’s surprisingly neutral, and is a warm enough tone that it won’t keep you from wearing gold jewelry.  opi’s “charmed by a snake” is a very close second…the shade is this amazing bronzy brown/pink shade that’s so beautiful, i might even give it a try on my fingers when the weather cools down.

what about you?  what’s your go-to shade for summer? 

i know, it sounds a little frightening.  but the new incarnations of tie dye are so much cooler than the original 80s version i remember concocting in my back yard with a pack of hanes undershirts, some rubber bands and a tub of rit dye.  the colors are much more muted, the pattern is more subtle, and the result is this sort of soft, ethereal quality that’s just perfect for summer.

i love these fab jersey dress options by shopbarbara, and the prices can’t be beat.  this v-neck style ($35) is great for those of us that don’t like to show quite as much skin, and i can’t get enough of that deep purple hue. 

it’s a little pricey for a trendy piece, but i was still taken in by this suede tie dye tote by stephane verdino ($695).  i love the idea of tie dyed suede - it feels so over-the-top decadent.  this might just be the perfect summer tote:  the structure and suede keep it sophisticated, but the dye keeps it fun.

and you know i can’t get enough of scarves these days, so this hand dyed scarf from sunshine & shadow ($82-115) just hits me in all the right places.  it’s the perfect size and shape to just throw on - even a tank top and shorts will be so much more chic with this colorful topper.   plus, if you’re not quite ready to embrace this 80s reincarnation, it comes in a super-subtle grey and white version that’s the perfect touch of the trend.

so, what do you think?  are you ready to give tie dye another chance?

i know, we don’t do a lot of book reviews here.  but i’ve been stumbling across all of these great new reads lately, and thought i might not be the only one always in search of a new book - especially during the summer, when some of us actually have time for leisure reading.

most of you will remember lauren weisberger from the devil wears prada, the famous and oh-so-thinly-veiled account of her time working for anna wintour at vogue.  but in her new book, chasing harry winston, the fashion industry is definitely in the back seat - despite some truly fabulous harry winston earrings that make a cameo, there’s really only one fashionista in the group.  without going into too many details (oh, how i hate book review spoilers…are you listening, new york times?), three friends make a pact that within one year, they’ll each have accomplished a different goal.  as we watch them work to make their plans come together, there are the usual men, exotic travels, faux pas and missteps, together with the antics of that one friend whose life is so fabulous, you love to hate her.

this book, unlike weisberger’s previous novels, makes no pretense about being anything other than chick lit - it’s definitely standard formula fare.  but you know, that’s fine with me…i get a little tired of authors being terrified of being lumped in with chick lit.  i have no idea why - chick lit sells better than most other genres, it’s light, fun, enjoyable…yeah, makes total sense you wouldn’t want to be in that group.

digression aside, weisberger’s book is definitely worth picking up for your next poolside weekend.  it’s a little on the predictable side, but very well written, with characters you root for and a plot you’re anxious to see resolved.  and really, that’s all i’m looking for this summer.

it’s not often i agree 100% with anyone about fashion.  but when anthropologie’s new denim guide dropped into my email box this morning, i couldn’t help loving just about every look they put together, particularly their skinny denim look.  even that floral-print bag above, while it’s not something i’d normally pick up, is just the right balance of unique and subdued.  add to that the super functional dual-strap feature, the weather-friendly canvas, the right-on-trend grey/yellow combo, and the under-$100 pricetag (talk about a cheap thrill!), and it’s a wonder i haven’t clicked “complete this order” already.

whatever you do, don’t miss the late harvest wrap, the layered rugby, or that lovely american beauty blouse.  any or all would be perfect summer-to-fall additions to your wardrobe. 

all i’ve wanted to wear this summer are cute, chic and cheap jersey separates…i admit, i get very fashion-lazy when the weather heats up. 

fortunately, i can stock up today at the tart sale going on at regent’s secret.  head over to check out the killer selection of skirts, tops and dresses, all in super comfy stretch jersey, and styled to be perfect for this summer heat wave.  my faves are above, and not one is over $100…now that’s a deal i can get behind.

as usual, i’ve scored invites for all of my dear readers - so just use the links here to get in on the goods.  but get there quick…one thing regent’s doesn’t have is a lot of stock.

welcome to week two of the big celebration bash for the new shoppingsmycardio site.  this week, we’re giving away one of the darling tanks above to one lucky reader, courtesy of your conscience!  

the fantastic owner of your conscience happens to be their fabulously talented designer as well.  she’s come out with these adorable tanks, just in time for this beastly heat we’re all dealing with, and my only problem is choosing which ones to buy!  plus, as with all conscience tees, a whopping 16% of the purchase price goes to support an environmental charity of your choice.  

but i have to admit…i’m really just in it for the darling duds - seriously, aren’t these new designs the best?  i’m so torn between that gorgeous blue peacock print and the a-little-too-appropriate queen bee print on the right.  decisions, decisions.  

to enter, it’s the usual drill - post a comment below, telling us which tank you’d pick if you won, and we’ll announce a winner on friday!  entries close thursday at midnight PDT, no anonymous entries allowed (duh), and you’ll have to email me by monday to claim your prize if you’re lucky enough to win!  i know…rules, rules, rules.

and stick around - we have another fabulous week planned for you!  i’m reviewing some fabulous new beauty goods, adding to your summer ‘beach read’ list, plus the usual fashion finds and deals.  but if you’re jonesing for some beauty advice, check out the fruits of my exhaustive research on at-home spa treatments over at the daily obsession today!

i was spending a little too much time over at notcouture last night, and found there a number of deals much too lovely to keep to myself.

juicy couture continues to surprise me. if they keep this up, i’m going to have to stop mocking them entirely.

these sandals ($101) are a great way to bring a little ombre to your summer…and on sale, too. i love the yellow, but if you’re feeling extra girly, pink is the perfect choice. nab either at bergdorf goodman, where you’ll also get out tax-free (unless you live in NYC).

for a more understated style, i love these t-strap beca sandals from gryson. yellow and grey IS definitely the hottest color combo du jour, and these little flats make it clear why. nab them for $225 at funky lala.

and last, but certainly not least, more sigerson morrison love. these beauties ($145) are absolutely everything i’ve been looking for in a casual black flat - love the modern mary jane styling, the intricate detail on the strap, and that thick elastic around the top is going to keep these comfy in any weather. they’re lovely in black, but that fabulous bright gold would be oh-so-fun too. decisions, decisions.

lately, i’m really into bags that aren’t from the big design houses - i’m craving style a little different from those that everyone else is carrying, and i love the attention to detail that you get from most of the smaller designers that comes without the hefty pricetag.

this ivory appliqued tote by jessica jensen is just what i’m after - the craftsmanship is amazing, i love the pink suede lining, and the lambskin exterior is stunning. this might just be the perfect warm-weather handbag. after all, how excited would you be to bring this out of the closet every spring?

pick it up for $758 from jessica jensen, but through the end of july, there’s a lucky magazine code for 25% off. so, with code “luckybreaks7“, you can take this beauty home for just under $570, putting it in the price range of a kooba or botkier - but i like this one so much more.

we’re long overdue for a cheap thrill, don’t you think?

quick fashion confession: i hate shorts. sure, i have a couple of pairs lying around. but i just never love the way they fit. so, in the summer, it’s skirts and dresses all the time. if nothing else, it’s a good reminder to be more ladylike…nothing reminds you to cross your ankles and bend at the knees

i find myself checking out the selection at skirt spot periodically, and wanting them to get just a bit more fashion-forward, because the style options are endless and the prices are fantastic. looks like they’ve finally granted my wish! i absolutely love this two-tone pleated skirt, and it’s definitely a cheap thrill at $44.

alone, i realize it’s as preppy as it gets, but bear with me. throw on a colored tank and a contrasting menswear vest, add a cute little sandal, and you’ve got a darling summer-friendly look.

just remember: this is one of those ensembles that gets its chic by mixing things up - keep it anything but matchy-matchy, and you’re set!