Espadrilles for Summer

When the time of year arrives that I can wear my flip flops every day of the week, night or day, I am a happy girl. Don't get me wrong - I love my tall heels, but flip flops are where its at during the summer - my toes love to be free and at the end of the day, there is nothing more comfortable.

But, if I had to pick a second favorite shoe for the summer months, it would be espadrilles! I have long had a love affair for these Spanish shoes - they are so unique and original with the rope and jute soles. They come in flat styles, wedge styles - and the fabrics and variations used to make them are so wide ranging.

I've never actually owned a pair of flat espadrilles (although I have had plenty of wedge versions), but looking at these, I am thinking I need to invest in a pair...

Blue Stripes - Kate Spade, Multi-colored Chevron - Missoni, Green Stripes - Kate Spade, Blue Sandals - Marais, Satin Espadrilles - Lanvin, Colored Print - Missoni, Silver Espadrilles - Delia's, Print Espadrilles - MiuMiu

I think I have to have the striped pair from Kate Spade - although, I do adore the ballet-slipper look of the pair from Lanvin!

There are plenty of adorable wedge versions out there too...

Braided Espadrilles - Christian Louboutin, Multi-colored Espadrilles - Missoni, Black Ankle Strap - BCBG, Red Stripe - Bettye Muller, Brown Leather - Ralph Lauren, Tan Suede - Unknown, Nude Closed Toe - Asos

Which ones are your favorite?

xoxo

Summer Essentials

Summer is here...well, in most places it's arrived already- in Seattle, its still on its way. As bitter as it makes me to wake up and see rain or gray skies in June, at least it gives me more time to prepare for summer and shop for all those summer essentials that one just must have for the warmer months. I've rounded up some of my summer favorites below, check them out!

Essie Summer Nail Colors, Emilio Pucci Beach Towel, K.Jacques St Tropez Sandals, Smith's Rose Lip Balm, Nars 'Cap Ferrat' Eyeshadow Trio, Beach Star Cover Up, Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair

Summer calls for perfectly pedicured toes, and to that end, I am in love with the summer color palette from Essie - I just bought the Jamaican Me Crazy shade at Target! Also needed for summer -  a stylish beach towel for laying by the pool or the ocean - the graphic prints from Pucci are eye-catching and fun. As pink is my favorite color, I will also need some hot pink sandals - and don't forget the lip balm to keep lips from getting chapped in the sun. Summer is also a great time to try brighter and bolder colors on your eyes - this palette from Nars would look great against summer skin and kick a date on a warm summer night, up a notch. Finally, since I tend to air dry my slightly frizzy hair more in the summer, I am going to need something to keep it smooth - can't wait to try the Smooth Sailing option from Federic Fekkai!

Jonathan Adler Totes, Gucci Aviator Sunglasses, Cara Accessories bangles, Rag and Bone Fedora, K Jacques St Tropez Sandals, Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, Rebecca Minkoff Pouch, Melissa Odabash and Bronzette Swimsuits

These cute totes from Jonathan Adler are brand new and are a colorful and playful way to tote your fashion magazines to and from the beach or pool. I am partial to the Acapulco design! I don't normally wear jewelry to the beach, but I would definitely stack up these colored stone bangles come evening time with a little white dress. If you can't get to the ocean, you can at least fake 'day at the ocean' hair with the texturizing Surf Spray from Bumble and Bumble. The Rebecca Minkoff pouch is the perfect size to fill with lip balm, sunscreen, and a few other makeup essentials, and toss in your tote for the day. Finally, these two swimsuits are my favorite of the season - I am big into the bandeau tops at the moment - no tan lines on top. Don't you love that purple color?

Anya Hindmarch Tote, Tocca Sunscreen Wipes, Bobbi Brown Beach Oil, Clarins 'After Sun' Lotion, Marc by Marc Jacobs iPad Case

 Couldn't you just see taking this Anya Hindmarch tote aboard a sailboat for an afternoon of fun in the sun? I can! Let's not forget the most essential summer item of all - sunscreen. I hate the mess of applying sunscreen, but I am going to give these SPF 30 towelettes from Tocca a try this summer. Luckily, I love the scent of suntan lotion - it reminds of being a kid, of summers at the lake with my family and so many happy memories - I would slather this body oil on in the evenings just to smell like suntan lotion still - after a day in the sun! I am also a huge fan of the After Sun lotion from Clarins - extra moisture and conditioning to make your tan last as long as possible. Last but not least, a pretty purple case for my (imaginary) iPad that I dream of taking to the beach with me...someday!

What are your summer must-haves?

xoxo

The Little White Dress

 My latest obsession is the Little White Dress. Forget the Little Black Dress - right now, its all about the LWD. Whether you're pairing it with flats and a fedora this summer, or black tights and wedges this fall, its an incredibly versatile piece to have in your closet - and with all the options and styles out there right now, you could even have more than one option. Besides, what looks better with sun-kissed skin than a crisp, fresh white dress?

Emerson Made and The Sartorialist

Dress it up with heels or down with flats, the LWD makes it look like getting dressed was easy, breezy and effortless - doesn't it just give off a cool, laid-back, free-spirited vibe?

Shopbop - Nanette Lepore, A.L.C., Tibi, Velvet, Torn by Ronny Kobo and Dallin Chase.

Truly, I could fine a place to wear each of these dresses. The floaty and romantic Nanette Lepore would be perfect for a bridal shower. The minimalist short-sleeve number from A.L.C. would be just right for a day at the office, and the hot little one-shoulder dress from Torn by Ronny Kobo would be the perfect thing to wear dancing on a summer night with the girls. If only wishes came true...

Sources Unknown

I love that each of these lovely ladies paired her LWD with a great jacket - it really makes the outfit, don't you think? A cropped black leather jacket to make it a little tougher, a little more rock-n-roll, a green military jacket to keep it casual, or a tan leather jacket for a more bohemian feel.

Sources Unknown, Rachel Bilson

And as if the white dress options above weren't enough to captivate your mind, here are a few more gems!

Shopbop - Rachel Pally, Free People, Patterson J Kincaid and Alice and Olivia

A Little Black Dress will never go out of style, but this summer, its taking a back seat to the LWD in all its forms and styles. Which one would you pick?

I will take one of each please, thank you.

xoxo