Are you spending time on the beach, out at the lake or even just relaxing by the pool this summer?
Are you planning on taking your cell phone, MP3 player or even just a book with you?
Let’s think about what happens when sensitive electronics (or even just paper) get exposed to water, sand or even sunscreen.
Not a very pretty picture, right?
Luckily, there are options!
Packing your sensitive gear into a waterproof bag allows you to still enjoy it, but keep all those pricey goodies safe.  And there are some really cute options too.

This small tote is actually designed for stashing your wet …read more

Straw totes are great casual bags for summer fun.  Especially when they come in candy-colored hues!
Pack them for the beach, a picnic or a trip to the farmer’s market – they’re perfect for casual summer trips.
But not everyone has the budget to spend $195 for a tote, like this rope-handle tote by Elaine Turner.

image: Nordstrom
Love the color, can’t quite do the price?
How about $24 for this sweet straw tote – complete with a polka-dot ribbon?

image: Ika’aka

Booties always strike me as being more of spring/fall kind of shoe, but even in the heat of summer they’re still showing up all over the place.
So why let those glizty accented sandals have all the fun?  Booties can be ornamented, studded or sport bows, just like summery sandals.
Don’t believe me?  Check out some of these fun bootie picks!

Your booties can wear jewelry too, like these booties from Jean Paul Gaultier.

Feeling prim and proper?  Accent your booties with a net bow, but amp up the sex appeal with gold lame leather from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Walk on the wild side …read more

It seemed appropriate to go with the classic combination of red, white and blue today.
But red, white and blue what?
Well… it’s perfect sandal weather in my neck of the woods – so why not find a fun, summer sandal?
Not only did I find a wearable strappy sandal, the “Patio” by Stuart Weitzman comes in quite a few lovely patent leather colors – including red, white and blue!

I hope my American readers are having a lovely long weekend – and if you’re not from the USA, have a great Monday
images: Zappos

Are you heading to the beach this Memorial Day long weekend?
And do you have the right beach tote…
Marc Jacobs has put together a sleek, lighthearted beach tote, complete with canvas hat, flip flops and a towel.  Perfect for enjoying the sunshine while making a style statement!

The clear tote is accented with a Miss Marc character and crinkled patent trim.   It’s generously sized to keep your sunscreen, water bottle and book all close at hand and ready for some relaxation.
image: Saks 5th Avenue

While I’m on the topic of fun summer accessories, why not check out some cheery jewelry too?
These earrings are light, easy to wear and don’t take themselves too seriously – perfect for hot summer days and long evenings!
Go floral with these goldtone hoop earrings from Kate Spade:

Add some color with faceted glass stones from Lauren by Ralph Lauren:

Turquoise is one of my favorite summer stones and these hoop earrings from Juicy Couture feature little polished turquoise beads, accented with a gold heart:

images: Nordstrom

I always feel that summer is the season to really lighten up and have fun with your shoes.
I rarely feel like sporting a pair of boots accented with sparkly crystals in November – but in July?  Bring on the sparkly sandals!
Here are a few light-hearted picks – wear them with a smile and a sunny attitude!
Giuseppe Zanotti is almost guaranteed to make sandals that will put a smile on your face.  Check out these fun, sparkly, strappy sandals:

Butterflies on your toes?  Why not?

Embroidered cork butterfly sandals from Bettye Muller.

Celebrate the summer with sunflowers on your shoes with the “Sunshine” by …read more

My first official summer activity is going to occur this weekend. I’m going to head out of town and float down the the river in black inflatable tube for five hours in the incredibly hot Spring Texas heat. Top priority: getting a sun tan, but not getting sun burnt.
For the past few seasons I’ve worn raffia cowboy hats to cover up my face to avoid getting burned. Of course cowboy hats are awesome, I’m in Texas! But, cowboy hats are not just for cowboys and cowgirls anymore!
Wearing this Melissa Obabash Raffia Cowboy Hat ($120) with a maxi dress or some …read more

Piperlime is holding their massive summer sale right now!  Which means that you can get cute summery sandals like the “Tiki” by Matisse:

For $55 instead of $75

Fresh & summery… and on sale!

These cute faceted bracelets are new in stock at Bluefly, from Viktoria Hayman.

They’re also available in pink…

And a soft peachy-orange – all hot colors for spring/summer.   I think these would be cute with a short sundress or a crisp white blouse!