Recently in 2008 Summer Category

I totally love J. Crew's sales, but even more when then do additional markdowns!  Right now they're offering an additional 30% off sale items with code EXTRA30 at checkout!  Here are some examples of the amazing bargains:

Linen Critter Cabana Bag: Regular $78 - Sale $39.99 - Extra Sale $27.99. White linen with bamboo handles and a quirky crab critter emboidered onto the bottom corner.

Deco-Dot Zoey Dress: Regular $88 - Sale $59.99 - Extra Sale $41.99.  This is a great summer dress in an embossed cotton, the sweet orange color is in style this year... .who knows about next, but for $41.99, who cares?

Solid Cross-Back Tissue Tank: Regular $48 - Sale $34.99 - Extra Sale $24.49. Cute lightweight top, comes in 8 colors!

Refined Canvas San Telmo Jacket: Regular $158 - Sale $89.99 - Extra Sale $62.99. Midweight canvas with a mandarin collar and elbow length sleeves.

They've also got a bunch of sweaters and swim separates on sale! They recently tweaked their website and made some changes that I don't like.  In the sale you used to be able to conveniently search by size, now that feature is gone.  I hope they bring it back!

T-Bags is an LA based brand favored by many Hollywood girls.  Here's Kate Hudson in their long maxidress with bead detailing.

They've got several great designs out right now inlcuding some on sale at net-a-porter.

I love this tie sleeve dress.  It comes in apple (green), bright blue and navy. It's 100% rayon so it will have a beautiful drape. $180 at Revolve Clothing (also at Net-a-porter).

This twisted strap dress is among the sale items at net-a-porter. It's a gorgeous teal green color in a rayon/lycra blend.  Normally $190, on sale for $133!

So the economy is in the crapper, growth is sluggish and inflation is up... so what' s a girl to do?  Well, if necessary, take desperate measures!  I took a look a Target to find some cool items for very low prices!

Here's a pair of 4" platform slingbacks from Isaac Mizrahi for Target.  Faux crocodile in a nice medium brown. Granted, they're not leather, but some people like Natalie Portman don't wear leather! Price: $29.99.

Here'a s cute shift dress also by Isaac Mizrahi for Target.  It's made with an eyelet weave, front pockets, boatneck in a pull-on design.  It has a pink lining that peeks through the eyelet - personally I don't like pink so I would replace it with a different lining. Price: $39.99.

Here's a Merona Peasant Shirt with Tie Waist. 100% cotton with pintuck detailing in a subtle plaid. I think this would look great with a pencil skirt, 4" heels and a strand of pearls. Price: $17.99.

Here's another cute shirt - Mossimo Black Scoop Neck Top. Made in 100% cotton with banded sleeves and pleating at neck. This looks very versatile, and the loose cut makes is great for summer even though it's black. Price: $17.99

Mixing a few cheap pieces in with your other items is a classic high/low approach.  Really, who cares if you're wearing an $18 shirt if you pair it with Seven Jeans, Gucci shoes and a great handbag??  I think we'll all do just fine through the economic doldrums!

If you've been lucky enough to get invited to the Hamptons or the Shore... or anywhere this summer, here are some some hostess/host gift ideas.  Yes, even if they're your best friend(s) you still need to bring something!

Montaudon Brut Rose Champagne - seriously who doesn't love Champage, and Rose is just more festive. Montaudon Rose is delicious and one of the best values in Roses which are always more expensive.  Amazing sale price of $29.99 at Vingo Wine online, or if you need to pick it up (in New York) $39.95 at Sherry Lehman. At either price it's still a great deal!

Matouk Auberge towels (Egyptian cotton and 650 gram weight) feature a monogrammed letter that is actually woven into the towel, not embroidered.  A set of 2 hand towels in the letter of the couple's last name, of if it's just for your friend (and not a couple) you could do the first name initial. $36 at Horchow.

A gift that keeps on giving - a Wusthof Santoku hollow-edge 5" knife! This is an incredibly versatile knife that is so awesome to work with that they'll never want to cut with anything else. $69.95 at sur la table.

A Diptyque candle is always a great gift. I'd never buy one for myself because there are plenty of other candles that are great but a lot less expensive... but for a gift it's definely "the" candle. They're made in France and burn up to 50 hours. Lavender and Verbena scents are both good choices. $55 at beauty habit.

On a budget? Personally, I'd be very pleased if someone brought me matching Caspari luncheon and cocktail napkins in one of their gorgeous designs. (they make the BEST paper napkins available) Like the Maldives fish design or Chinese peony design in bright orange. Luncheon napkins $5.75/20 and cocktail napkins $4.75/20. They also make matching paper dinner plates for $6.00/8. Great if you don't want to do the dishes, but not tacky like chinzty paper plates.

I smelled a sample of Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue fragrance and I'm dying to run out and get it now.  It's a perfect summer scent: light, clean and refreshing. The fragrance notes are Sicilian citron, granny smith apple, bluebell, jasmine, bamboo (who even knows what bamboo smells like??) with a hint of amber, cedar and musk.  I'm not a musk person at all, so must be a very tiny bit because it doesn't bother me.  Incidentally, I was just in Taormina, Sicily at the end of May (and I LOVED it) so it seems like a good idea to wear something this summer that evokes Sicilian citron!

The bottle isn't very exciting though. They could have done better there, but obviously one doesn't choose a fragrance by the look of the bottle! It's $59.50 for 1.7 fl oz or $80 for 3.4 fl oz. You get free shipping and samples at Sephora and if you link to them after logging into your American Express membership rewards and then go to the Bonus Points Mall, you can earn double points!  I love that!

Neiman Marcus has a great selection of classic Christian Louboutin pumps right now including the iconic "Very Prive" style in satin, patent and regular leather.

I particularly love these three styles:
Platform Pump with 5" heel in black nappa leather (pre-order) $700

Slingback Pump with 4 7/10" heel in black leather $770

Very Prive Platform Pump with peep toe and 4 7/10" heel in black leather $770

You can get free shipping until 11:59 pm July 6 with code JULYNM.

I'm going to Bermuda later this Summer so I was thinking about cute things to wear when I've had enough of the beach and want to go over to Hamilton to do some shopping and have lunch...

This dress from Milly looks great even just to toss on over a bathing suit.  I'm not usually so colorful, but for Summer I think it's appropriate... and especially when you are away, somewhere festive.

$340 at Net-a-porter.

I'd wear it with some cute brown leather flip flops, like these that I have from a couple seasons ago from J. Crew.

They have a more simple version this year for $49.50. They're nice too, made in Italy with leather soles and footbed.

I'd bring along my trusty floppy hat from Eric Javits.

They usually have these at Neiman Marcus, but their selection is somewhat limited right now. I found it online at bagshop.com for $190.  It's such a great hat because it looks like straw but it's not, you can fold it in half and then roll it for packing.

Then of course everyone needs the requisite pair of ridiculously large sunglasses.  I don't have any of these yet, I always feel like I look silly when I try them on because they overwhelm my face (but that doesn't seem to stop anyone else).  These from Gucci might be a good compromise because they don't seem to be that big, but it's hard to tell from the picture.

These are $275 at gucci.com.

Last of all, a shopping tote... Ballard Designs has an amazing value on a jute tote with leather handles and a free monogram.  The large one is just $25.95 and is big enough to also serve as a beach bag for a big towel etc.

And there are tons of monogram style options.

I'm finding that in the Summer I'm loving my Caudalie Beauty Elixir even more than usual.  If you're not familiar with Caudalie they are a pioneer in vinotherapie, the use of beneficial grape-seed polyphenols in skin care products. Caudalie is from Bordeaux, France where I was lucky enough to discover them at the wonderful spa they have at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte.

The elixir is a spray inspired by the "elixir of youth" used by Queen Isabella of Hungary. It is supposed to soothe the skin, tighten pores and provides a burst of radiance to the complexion.  I'm not sure if it really does all of that, but spraying it on your face after you've just washed it, is one of the most refreshing things I can think of.  It has the most amazing smell, I wish I could describe it. I close my eyes, spray it a couple times right in front of my face and then breath in through my nose... it's just like aaaahhhh.  It makes your skin so happy. It's such a moment! It's made with extracts of grape, essential oil of rosemary, orange blossom and rose extracts, benzoin, myrrh essential oils of organic balm mint and mint. So maybe you can imagine how it smells. I spray it on my clean face at night but you can also use it between your foundation and powder to perfectly set make-up.

They also make a grape water that you can use just like the Evian atomizer spray. (I always take one of the small Evian atomizers on planes for the dry air) They extract the water from the grapes at harvest, so it's better than just water because it has moisturizing polysaccharides and mineral salts from the grape.

You can buy Caudalie products from their own website (they send you free samples with each purchase!) or beauty.com. I like to order from beauty.com who is partnered with drugstore.com because they give you 5% back for future purchases and also free samples. Sephora also carries Caudalie, so that's convenient since there are Sephoras all over the place now.

New York in the Summer, you gotta love it... Philharmonic, Opera and picnics in the Central Park, movies in Bryant Park... this year it's even better!  "The New York City Waterfalls" just opened. It's free public art, like the Gates. The project was conceived by Olafur Eliasson, a Danish artist.

They are 4 waterfalls: 2 in Brooklyn (1 at the Brooklyn Bridge, 1 at the Brooklyn Piers), 1 in Manhattan (Pier 35) and 1 on Governors Island (north shore). They are between 90 to 120 feet tall. You can see them from land or take a special Circle Line boat tour for viewing.  They have 30 min and 1 hour versions for $10 and $25.  Or New York Water Taxi has 2 options both $25, with an evening "Sunset Waterfalls Cruise" with no kids allowed (thank you) and a cash bar. The waterfalls are lit after sunset until 10 pm and will operate through October 13th.

In the summer, I find when you're wearing less clothes and your hair up more often, jewelry becomes more important, more visible... What I think would be fabulous right now are these beautiful platinum pieces from Blue Nile.

This gorgeous lariat style necklace, $575:

And matching bar drop earrings, $250.

They look modern, but not too crazy... and platinum, it's just the ultimate metal! Wouldn't these look great with the Bobi dress V neck dress (see June 11th)...

I can't recall this ever happening before, but I got an email yesterday announcing additional markdowns on their sale!  WOOHOO!  I guess the recession is even slowing down Gucci customers.  Anyway, it's a great opportunity to swoop in for some bargains.

For example, just what EVERYONE needs is these G shape ice cube trays (set of 2), normally $100, now only $39.

A great bamboo key ring, normally $160, now only $59.

In shoes, they were showing a lot of patent leather for Spring/Summer - I'm not a fan. But if you are, a lot of those styles are on sale. But check these out... "Pelham" high heel platform sandal with 3.7" heel in brown leather with light gold hardware, normally $495, now only $199!!!!

You can even find some great bargains in ready-to-wear fashion like these black tab waist pants in cotton/elastene. Normally $675, now only $269! Wow, that's amazing.

Hurry before they run out! Gucci.com.

Now that we're into the heat of the summer (yes, even though it's still spring) it's even more important to remember your sunscreen!  Being very fair, I use SPF 40 on my face all year round.  I totally believe that the sun causes premature aging of the skin... you ever see those older, super tan women whose faces look like raisins?  Uggh.  That needs to be avoided!

I LOVE Clinique's Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40.  It's very light and doesn't clump up under base like some SPFs do.  And, it's cheap - only $16.50 for 1.4 fl. oz. I've tried more expensive options but have never liked them as much as this.

When going to the beach or if I'm going to be outside for a long time, I like to protect the sensitive eye area even more, so then I also use Clarins Sun Eye Contour Care Ultra Protection SPF 30. You can use it all around the eye and and the plant based formula helps prevent lines and wrinkles. It's $25.50 for 0.7 fl. oz.

For the body, I've always loved Lancome's formulas. They are light and non-greasy (I HATE greasy SPF). They used to make a spray-on lotion that was fabulous, but it's been discontinued. But this one is good too, Sôleil Expert Sun Care SPF 25 Face & Body Lotion With Pure Vitamin E. It bothers me that they say you can use it on your face and body. I want to put something that is only for the face on my face! So I just use this for the body. It's reasonably priced at $29.50 for 5 fl. oz.

I've discovered the brand Bobi, who shows at LA Fashion Week.  They make some superb breezy and drapey jersey items in a thin, very soft 100% cotton jersey; and their prices are very reasonable.  I think this brand is carried mostly at small boutiques, but you can find it online at Revolve Clothing.

Jersey Deep V-Neck Dress $52

Stripe Flutter Sleeve Dress (not jersey) $52

These two dresses are both at Revolve Clothing. Bobi also makes this keyhole shirt that I LOVE, but Revolve doesn't carry it. I found it online at Moorea Boutique who sells it for $60. I got mine in Old City Philadelphia at Lost & Found (133 N. 3rd Street) for only $44! In fact I got two, one in black in one in moss.

It's only the second week of June, not even officially summer, but it's grotesquely hot.  99 degrees today in New York, horrible!  Well for those of us that cannot decamp to the beach the answer is a lightweight, loose, drapey dress!  I've found just the thing: Saint Grace's Gina dress.  It's made in a super soft 100% cotton jersey. Ultra lightweight and very cool.  Just throw it on with some strappy sandals and go!

I found it at a boutique in a differnt color green, more of a kelly green; but this teal version is available online. I wasn't very familiar with this brand, but it's billed as " a collection of luxuriously soft modern basics" and this dress seems to fit the bill. "A true Southern California brand, Saint Grace's modern basics that translate seamlessly from day to night in wrinkle free, lightweight fabrics, can be found nation wide at upscale boutiques like Lisa Kline and Fred Segal in Los Angeles and Barneys and Big Drop in New York City. Saint Grace is also sold internationally in Switzerland, London, Japan, Dubai, and Canada."  I love finding these new little labels that make great things at great prices. 

I love cool beach towels, so here's a great find that doesn't cost a fortune.  These Missoni 40 x 70" beach towels are 100% cotton and made in Italy.

They're at Neiman Marcus. $134 - $188. There are also some other designs at Pioneer Linens. $149 - $168.

I'm dying to smell these Guerlain Aqua Allegoria scents:  Mandarine-Basilic,  Tutti Kiwi and Herba Fresca.  I tend to like light, citrus and green scents all year round but they're really perfect for Spring and Summer.

They always explain fragrances so beautifully, but then when you go and smell them sometimes they are disappointing. Here's what they say about these three:

Mandarine-Basilic - Aptly named, this citrus concoction is as bright as a mandarin. And when the namesake fruit is paired with the crispness of basil, you get one sparkling, radiant, and lusciously luminous eau de toilette.

Tutti Kiwi - The lively and mischievous Tutti Kiwi imparts its crisp and tangy hue upon your skin for a quick energy fix. Frosty lemon and mandarin join the elegant blend of kiwi, geranium, and sweet mock orange to create a surprising mélange.

Herba Fresca - As fresh as the morning dew and as green as sap-filled stems, Herba Fresca is redolent of a luscious green garden early in the morning. Clover, spearmint, and the crisp aroma of crinkled leaves are enhanced by a tangy zest, the delicate scent of lily of the valley, and cyclamen petals.

I seriously want to run out to Sephora RIGHT NOW and smell these. They sound so yummy.  I love the bottles too, the way the top looks like a honeycomb and that it's a spray. And they're reasonable at $52 for 2.5 fl oz.

I already have the Pamplelune Aqua Allegoria (based around the tangy effervescence and delicate bitterness of grapefruit's golden zest, the composition tingles with fruity, orange notes and the silky caress of vanilla and patchouli. Consider it a kick-start to vitality--and an antidote to gloominess) which I don't love as much as I thought I would because of the patchouli (too strong).

J. Crew released their new items for May today.  Among them I particularly like the enamel lobster bracelet. Maybe it's because I'm from New England, but I just love lobster and crab designs.  I think I love them just as much as I like to eat them, weird, ha?

Enamel jewelry has made a come back over the last year or so. I really like this bracelet because it's not a bangle, but a hinged style with a snap closure and safety hook and chain. It's $88 at jcrew.com.  This is a great piece because it's quirky.  Not everyone is going to like this (or have it) so it's really something that's unique.  Wearing this with say, a casual all black beach dress for a splash of color would be great!

As the weather gets warmer I find that there's nothing better than a sleeveless jersey knit cotton long dress.  In the summer they're casual and cool and in the spring you can wear with a sweater.

The LA brand Gypsy05 makes one in 100% organic cotton, available in 10 solid colors for $100 and with an ombre effect available in 5 colors for $119. Kate Hudson has the gray one. The cut has a deep V neck and twisted straps.

The deep V neck is a great style, but not the best for everyone (those who need a little support up top), so the same style dress with a halter top is better.  Victoria's Secret has some like this.  I don't really like Victoria's Secret clothes in general, but for a casual beach dress I think it's okay.  This one (below) comes in 4 colors and is only $59.

This one looks great too... it's $98 and comes in 2 colors the great teal color shown below and black. It's a cotton/modal/spandex blend, so the modal will give it really nice drape. And that's (the modal content) probably why it's more expensive.

The Michael label by Michael Kors makes some very reasonably priced and cute shoes.  Check out this one, the "Molly" Platform.  $133 at zappos.com

I like that it's got the slingback so it doesn't fall off your foot. I have a similar Anne Klein pair (without the slingback) that are just so hard to keep on my feet. I also like that they are leather (upper and footbed) but have a rubber sole. I'm not a stickler for comfort, but rubber soles are so much easier to walk in when it's a platform shoe and also are more durable. And in a shoe this price, it's not like you're going to keep them forever anyway, so having a leather sole that you can replace is not that important. It says the heel is 3 3/4", that's great.  I just love how it's so easy to find proper high heels these days (I mean 3 3/4 and 4"), it used to be a lot more difficult. 

Yesterday I mentioned the Hermes Beach Towel as the ultimate beach towel... well start saving now, they've gone up to $510!  A few years ago (ok maybe more than a few - around yr. 2000) they were $400.  I had a beautiful penguin one, but it got left at an old boyfriend's beach house.  Woe is me.  :-(

Their online selection isn't that good, but here are a few that they sell online.  They have many more at the stores, especially the Madison Ave boutique.

Aren't they beautiful! And the quality of the cotton is superb, it's really thick and the towel has nice hemmed edges and is a decent size of 36 x 60". I love the seahorses...want it!

Chanel has released their colors for Summer 2008. 

The collection is described as "The season's most alluring getaway looks with a beautifully edited makeup collection of heat-baked sands, golden browns, sunset bronzes and an array of khakis."  Sounds compelling!  I think Chanel has the best packaging in the business, it's just so elegant.  And their brushes are the absolute best. I'm in love with their "Pinceau Poudre" #6 powder brush... $49 but worth every penny. Here are my Summer color picks.

I really like this bag from the Juicy Couture Spring 2008 Collection.  It's called the Smart Shopper Tote and sells for $250.  It's made of straw and leather with gold hardware and cute nautical charms.  I think I'd wait until Summer to use this though, straw to me has a very Summer vibe.

I want to not like anything by Juicy Couture because I HATE those stupid track suits that say "Juicy" on the butt, what could possibly be more tacky than that? But I have to admit that some of their other designs are very nice and I find myself regularly really liking a lot from their lines.