dear readers…yesterday was what i call “a day.”  one of those days when all you want to do is crawl back into bed (not least because the one bright, shining spot in the pile of crap that was thursday was my cozy new john robshaw quilt), hide under the covers, and hope a bomb doesn’t hit.

in my case, when i’m having one of those days, i crave travel – seeing new things, shopping new shops, eating at new restaurants…a new perspective (or just getting the hell out of dodge).  since i haven’t had even a glimmer of a summer vacation this year, and this labor day weekend promises more of the same, i thought i’d put together a post for those of you who are wishing you’d had a little exotic summer travel.  and so, a few pictures from some of my very favorite virtual vacation books – the tomes i turn to when travel is nowhere to be found, but i’m desperate to get away.

if you’re dreaming of an ultra-luxe tropical respite – maybe some exotic, exclusive hotel in the middle of the ocean – you’ll want to pick up ultimate tropical (from rizzoli), stat.  i want to visit every.single.five.star.resort in this beautiful book, sit in front of every.single.infinity.pool, and sleep in every.single.canopied.bed.  come on, aren’t you dying to wake up on that bed?  surely not as good as the real thing, but considerably cheaper (and easier to come by).

the book i desperately needed yesterday was still (from chronicle), a collection of photos by debra bloomfield. aptly named, it’s the most calming book i’ve ever owned – just page after page of beautiful ocean and sky.  the layout is such that you get one photo per page, cropped square…the whole thing is just so serene.  i had the hardest time choosing which photo to share…click here for a few more, or just buy the book.

of course, a virtual vacation doesn’t have to be all zen.  it can be food and shopping and all manner of touristy goodness.  for that, my guilty pleasure of choice is the one hundred and one series (from rizzoli).  for me, i’m going straight to italy – no surprise shops and crafts is my favorite - and instantly transport myself to a cafe somewhere in florence, sipping chianti and being utterly free of stress.  or maybe a tiny little shop where i can buy handmade leather gloves, in fuchsia ostrich skin!  ahem…sorry, got a little distracted there.

so, readers, what will you be doing with this last weekend of summer?  i hope you have barbecues, relaxation…and maybe a little travel in your future.

a little admin note: i’ll be taking it easy next week. i have a birthday coming up (hurray!), family coming into town to celebrate (hi, mom!), and just looking forward to some down time.  don’t worry too much…i have a few goodies lined up to keep you entertained.  and of course, there’s always my new twitter addiction, which i’m sure i’ll be indulging.

have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

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 honestly can’t remember how i ended up on calypso’s site…i followed a link there long ago, and started browsing.  however it happened, i’m definitely a new fan, particularly of their light-as-air summer dresses.  wouldn’t you just love to head to the hamptons or laguna beach with an overnight bag filled with these frocks?

i especially love the kimberly dress (center) which is available in short or maxi lengths and a pile of fabric choices.  i love that it’s one of the few maxis i’ve come across this season without an empire waist (not always the most flattering look), and at $150, it’s a great all-purpose summer party dress.  the short version in that fab purple madras plaid is very high on my list for the ultimate day dress.

and how can you resist that sweet, ruffle-y juno dress (right)?  i love the staggered ruffles (which, by the way, also make excellent tummy camouflage), and the fact that the styling is so easy, but still fitted enough to give you a shape.  so perfect!  for something even simpler, the piar style (left, by matta) is the ultimate option when it’s just too hot to care what you’re wearing.  with that airy cotton and wide flounced hem, you’ll look much cooler than you feel, even in triple digits.

if you’re on the hunt for summer dresses, calypso is a great place to start – besides their house line, they carry a few gorgeous styles from designers like chan luu and matta, so you’re sure to find some fabulous options.

sometimes i try to extricate myself from the loveliness that is j.crew…but i just don’t think it can be done.  sometimes i feel things don’t fit just right, and prices are a little high, and they’re a little over-exposed, and maybe i’m not as preppy as i think i am.  but then, i’ll spend a month searching high and low for a couple of specific pieces to add to my summer wardrobe, and – predictably – j.crew was the answer all along.  i guess i really am that preppy.

this month, i’m crushing pretty hard on this gathered waist ikat skirt – such a great twist on a khaki skirt, but much less preppy and no less versatile.  definitely a zero-effort piece.  and the tank dress!  normally, a jersey tank dress can be shapeless and thoroughly blah, but for some reason, the belt and slight bagginess of this one is making it just exactly right.  i will say this:  the color choices for their jersey dresses are less than ideal this season: the grey is bland, and the mango is blinding.  i’m crushing on this one something fierce, but just can’t abide the funky green hue. 

and even though their sandals have wounded me to the core in years past, by falling to pieces after a season of beloved wear, i just can’t get these studded gladiators out of my head.  okay, and the silk bamboo tassel flats.  and maybe the vintage cotton flip flops, which are actually men’s, but way too cute for boys only.  yes, their shoes are a dangerous area for me.

if you have any summer j.crew must-haves, i’d suggest “having” them soon, as you can get 20% off purchases of $175+ with code SECRET, but only through today.  

do you have any j.crew must-haves this season?  i’d love to know what’s making you swoon!

if i splurge on nothing else this summer (a very real possibility), i’m fervently hoping to add this gorgeous wrap cardi from brochu walker to my closet.  at $445, it’s a splurge, to be sure, but it’s possibly the most versatile piece i’ve seen all season.  i know this would hardly have time to catch its breath on the hanger between wears.

i can hardly wait to put together this very ensemble for a casual evening out: great pair of trouser jeans, a nice silk cami, and maybe a nude heel to keep the whole thing neutral and classic.  but this cardi’s also destined to work overtime, helping me dress up those shapeless cotton dresses i can’t seem to resist when the weather turns hot.  it’s just airy enough to work for warmer temperatures, all while fending off that air conditioning chill we suffer through this time of year.  plus, i admit, i love the color name:  sea salt.  so perfect!

the good news is that if you happen to be in splurge-spending position this week, you can score 20% off on this beauty at shopjake, with code summer20, through today only.  hey, every little bit helps!

i started digging through the dusty nether-regions of my bookmarks folder to write this, oh, maybe two hours ago.  now, i’m thoroughly bleary-eyed and exhausted, but i found what i was looking for!

in my opinion, few summer essentials are as overlooked as the overnight bag.  when the beach is the destination (or somewhere equally relaxed and inviting), i get weighed down just thinking about carting my ancient roller bag along for the ride.  there’s just something about summer travel that makes me want to throw “responsible” to the wind, and use a bag i’ll really love for my vacation.

i’ve been testing out the new patent-finish collection from lesportsac, and i’m fairly convinced this might be the most durable bag ever made.  first, it’s h-u-g-e…you’ll definitely get your carry-on max with this baby.  the straps are padded and comfy enough for even heavy loads, and lesportsac’s normally-impermeable nylon is made even more indestructible with a hearty patent coating on the exterior.  so, when that mean flight attendant insists you shove your carry-on into an overhead compartment, you won’t need to fantasize about pushing her off the plane.  if you’re classic, grab it in black, but i kind of like the posey for summer fun (better pic here).  plus it zips flat…so it doubles as a “i bought too many souvenirs” emergency stowaway.

i can’t think of a single thing by angela adams that doesn’t make me swoon with delight.  i am not at all kidding when i say it’s my dream in life to own one of her amazing rugs (later in life…when i don’t have dogs that will puke their guts out all over it).  for now, i’ll happily settle for this sweet weekend tote ($145), which reminds me of a classic ll bean tote, but so much more chic.  it’s  packed full of pockets, and made of super-durable cotton canvas (hand-printed, by the way).  doesn’t it just make you think of a summer weekend in nantucket?

and last but not least, hayden-harnett is always a classic for chic travel options (their ibiza flight tote is a legend).  i’m dying to get my hands on their new avion tote ($318).  with leather handles and a chic paule marrot fabric pattern, this one is made even more perfect by being laptop-friendly – and, while i don’t condone working on a vacation, how else are you going to get your cardio poolside?

some people might celebrate the advent of summer with a picnic, a hike, or maybe a trip to the beach.  the hubs and i celebrate by renovating our warm-weather wardrobes (in an air-conditioned mall).  since i spent the better part of the weekend working to rev that flailing economy, i thought i’d share a few of my favorite finds!

i picked up this drapey orange top from michael kors at nordstrom (pardon the DIY pic…i can’t find it online anywhere!).  can’t wait to pair with everything from cut-off denim to a dressy white skirt.  plus, it falls loosely enough to hide all of that inevitable summer gelato! while i was there, i also nabbed this sweet little summer dress – it’s the perfect sunday brunch dress!

after one too many reruns of weeds, i’ve found myself coveting mary louise parker’s perfect unique-yet-everyday gold necklace.  i think this version from anthropologie just might fit the bill…the $42 pricetag certainly does.  

and, last but not least, i finally got to splurge on a bevy of new cheap flip flops.  every year, i grab a couple of new pairs of havaianas, and they work their soles off all summer long, without ever falling apart or looking grubby (i’m looking at you, old navy).  hands (er, feet?) down, it’s the best $30 i’ll spend all summer.  plus, really, how could i be expected to say no to wonder woman, or these awesome peacock-print flips?? exactly.

so, what did you all do this weekend?

cruising the web this week, i’ve come across a couple of new shoe shops that have me so excited (courtesy of feather, one of my fave new fashion blogs)!  lately, i’ve been feeling like i’ve seen every shoe out there, and i’m just sick of all of them.  discovering these shops has restored my faith in the (shoe) world…and opened up a whole new world of retail lust.

gwyneth shoes is a fantastic new discovery.  designed by a woman who’s worked for kenneth cole, steve madden and sam & libby, the line is perfectly priced, often under $80.  and they’re all incredibly stylish and fashion-forward.  these snakeskin peeptoe flats remind me too much of a pair i own by hogan (definitely not $80).  they’re perfect with literally everything – i wore them to death last year.  but my favorite are these sweet rose-covered metallic t-straps.   they’re a great way to dress up casual looks, as well as those summer dresses when you just can’t do heels.  loads of great ruffled and gladiator-style sandals as well…and all at awesome price points.

higher on the pricing scale, i was lured over to gimme shoes by these grey biviel heels.  nudes and greys can be hard to get right, but they’re the perfect option for summer.  the last thing you want in hot weather is black, but neutrals are still a must.  besides the biviel, i fell hard (oh so hard!) for these sweet flats by sigerson morrison, available in both nude and taupe.  i’m telling you, nothing lengthens those gams faster than a shoe that vanishes, even if it isn’t a heel.  and, even though they’re not my normal style, the spring dries van noten collection is well worth a look – they’re practically art!

just a little friday eye candy fun – i hope you find something to lust after.  have a great weekend, dear readers!  more summer essentials to come next week…

i spend a lot of time talking with beauty experts these days…call it an occupational hazard.  and, without fail, when i ask them what one thing women can do to keep their skin at its best, every single one yells “sunscreen!” without hesitating.

even as a girl with fairer than fair skin, i resisted sunscreen for a long time.  bad smell, bad skin results…just bad.  but the technology has finally caught up with the need, and in the last few years, i’ve noticed that it’s possible to get sunscreens that are pretty near flawless these days.  in case you’re as skittish as i am about the whole thing, i thought i’d share my 3 favorites.

last summer, i discovered clarins uv plus sunscreen spf 40, and it’s still one of my absolute favorites.  because it’s a physical sunscreen (as opposed to chemical), it’s great for sensitive skin, lasts all day (chemical typically lasts 2 hours).  plus, the little bottle is TSA-friendly, which is a major perk.

for a little more heavy-duty protection, i’ve recently fallen hard for kate somerville’s new protect spf 55 serum sunscreen.  because it’s a chemical sunscreen, i’d normally turn up my nose.  but this formula didn’t produce any of the negative skin reactions i’m used to with chemical blocks – in fact, my skin’s in love!  it does have a bit of a “sunscreen smell,” but when i layer kate’s addictive deep tissue repair (it smells just like fresh peaches, and makes my skin oh-so-happy) over the top, it’s undetectable.  and, it’s definitely the most moisturizing yet non-oily sunscreen i’ve found.  

last but not least, when the weather turns warm, you’ll find a bottle of kinesys spray-on sunscreen somewhere near me at all times.  it’s just the thing to spray on your neck, shoulders and chest when you decide to sit outside and enjoy an iced latte.  the tiny size makes them perfectly portable, and they go on without any effort (or nasty smell).  plus, at $6 each, i can afford to stash one in every makeup bag i own.

whichever sunscreen you choose, lather it on, ladies.  most experts will tell you no one uses enough.  now that you’re armed and ready, head out and enjoy that sun while it lasts!

there’s a possibility i’ve been living in the land of fleece and birkenstocks too long, but i have to confess:  the fashion world wants me wearing blazers and shoulder pads, but all i want is a cozy, easy-to-wear fleece to throw on when an evening chill sets in.

now, before you get all worried that i’ve lost my mind, and remove me from your reading list, i’m not talking your standard zip hoodie…i’m guessing none of us need much advice on those (although this one is pretty damn cute).  i’m talking about a fleece that manages to stay at least moderately stylish, and maybe even completely hip.

that fleece biker jacket, for example – i love it so much more than the leather versions that are resurfacing (i clearly remember a frightening denim version i had in the ’80s…yikes).  it’s fitted, streamlined, light as a feather…all qualities that sound pretty fantastic when i remember the bulk and sheer weight of the real version.  whether you use it for your weekend lounging or get bold and mix it with a graphic tee and trousers for day (which, by the way, i think would be fantastic – i might even add a small silk scarf at the neck), i’m convinced this would be your go-to all spring.  grab it from adidas, of all places, for $160…steep for fleece, but it’s such a great update on a classic that i’m willing to consider it.

for a more relaxed look, this short-sleeved pullover from brooklyn industries is marked down to $35, but i have even more reasons to love it.  those big, pleated sleeves are almost dolman in their slouch, and are sure to result in a flattering silhouette – as does anything with wider shoulders that narrows at the waist.  the high pocket placement just emphasizes that look – it’s pretty perfect, actually.  the side drawstrings give it interest, and make it easy to style it your own way.  plus, they’ll be perfect to turn it into a swim coverup later this summer.

in both cases, i thought it was worth showing you the final, styled look…it just goes to show that even fleece can be hip if you spend a little time making the style work (and because the photos of the pieces alone were just not good).  these definitely fall under the category of higher maintenance, as you’ll have to work to show these are more style than slouch.  but i know you’re up to the task!