It’s that glorious time of year when its sunny, warm, and all i can think about is my next trip to the beach! Meanwhile retailers are already pushing sweaters and corduroy. It is also the best time to get amazing deals on all the summer looks you’ve been craving and still have plenty of time to wear them.

While there are more than a few summer items I’d love to purchase (including a to-die-for 1950s style halter dress!) I am currently working on purging my wardrobe of all the unnecessary items i’ve accumulated. Getting rid of stuff is actually as addicting as buying new items. As i take a look at old favorites and last years “great deal” that i never wore, i’ve made a pact with myself to be much more conscience about what i buy. It’s a new beginning, like a New Year’s resolution to be a smart, conscious shopper. I want to be the kind of shopper that buys and wears what she loves, getting good use and value from her purchases, instead of picking up an item on a whim or because its a good price. I want to be very careful about what i welcome into my newly clean closet.

So if you’ve got a free weekend, a rainy Saturday or a sick day, i challenge you to take stock of your closet. Think about what you wear and what’s just taking up space. I’m sure you’ll find more than a few things. Take them to good will, give them to a friend or sibling, or make some cash on eBay. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels!

In Between Days

Well Eclipse, the third installment of the Twilight series opens in theaters today, so there are probably about a zillion people camping out for tickets as i write this. I’ll admit i read the books, which are really compelling and much better than the movies, as books usually are. I will go to see the movie though, after the throngs of people have died away. Eclipse does look more promising than the last two movies which were a bit cheesy, especially New Moon.

Being fashion minded, I don’t wonder whether Bella will choose Edward or Jacob (which anyone who read the books knows the answer to anyway), but rather what would i wear if i lived in Forks, WA. Living in such a dreary, damp climate would severely limited my wardrobe options. I guess i wouldn’t need so many swim suits and sun dresses, but since i assume i’d be pasty white like everyone else, at least i wouldn’t have to worry about sun burn! I would be able to rock every piece in Burberry’s collection like their fantastic trenches and wellies. The Curried Favor Anorak, which just went on sale at Anthropologie, would be a must have to keep the rain off and brighten my day. And i guess i would also have to get the new red Chanel bag that comes with a cute little green slicker to keep it dry! All things considered i guess it really wouldn’t be such a hardship after all!

Eclipse

One of the biggest challenges of the summer months has got to be enjoying a day outside while looking fresh and put together. I love being outdoors in the summer, but nothing is worse than becoming a hot, sweaty mess! I spend time getting ready only to have my makeup melt off in a minute and my hair completely disheveled.

My creativity was severely tested last summer while deciding what to wear for not one but three outdoor summer weddings. You would think all this trail and error would make me an expert by this point, but i am still no match for 80% humidity! I did learn a few things though: 1) Hair dressers listen and then do whatever they want. 2) A heavy cotton, belted dress is very uncomfortable after sitting for 1 hour in the hot July sun. 3) A blow out will last approx 3 minutes at the beach.

After many mishaps my best advise is to wear a light, airy dress, put your hair up, and carry a large bag for stashing a water bottle, blotting papers, and a few makeup essentials tucked into a little case with a small ice pack to keep it cool. If you need more advise you might want to track down the girl below who looks “fresh as a daisy” in mid June. For all i know she may have poised for this pic while dashing from one air conditioned location to another. Whatever the case she has definitely managed to look fresh and cool in the heat.

Cool as a Cucumber

Anyone that knows me will tell you, I LOVE shoes!! Forget about classic black and brown when there are Kors red and white stripe canvas platforms, Ferragamo cranberry patent peeptoes, and Burberry plaid espadrilles. But while i have alot of shoes, there are only a few pairs that i would wear all day, run around town in, etc. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could find a collection of shoes that are as comfortable as they are gorgeous, and while we’re dreaming…eco-friendly?

Well dream no longer my friends because they exist! Naya (which means renewal) is a collection of beautiful shoes that look good, feel good and simply are good for you and for the earth. I stumbled upon a sexy pair of sling back peeptoe pumps in a fabulous red called Venom at Zappos. I clicked on the shoes to see more, only to be amazed that not only are these shoes beautiful they feature chrome free leather, a biodegradable latex foam footbed with excellent arch support, And (as if that all wasn’t enough) a bamboo heel and recycled cork outsole!! Well if you’ve ever slept on a latex or memory foam mattress you know how insanely comfortable that is, so imagine walking on that all day. Cork is excellent for traction and shock absorption too.

To top it all off these shoes are sassy and we are not talking flats here. These are platforms and 3″ heels you can actually run in. Zappos isn’t the only place you can find them, Anthropologie carries a few Naya styles, although like their other shoes they don’t display the designers name so you have to know what you are looking for. I also prefer Zappos because of the free shipping and returns. Oh and did i mention Naya is available in N, M and W widths? Truly something for everyone. I have only seen Naya shoes and sandals so i am really hoping come fall they make boots!

Always ahead of the curve, fall fashion week recently wrapped up in Paris. Although i definitely prefer warm weather, nothing beats fall style from the coats to the bags to the shoes. It’s all sharper, statement making and put together. Looking at all the models strutting down the catwalks of Paris, there were three standout designers for me; Chanel, Prada, and Giambattista Valli.

Chanel’s fall collection was inspired by Shanghai and featured completely imaginative and extremely detailed pieces which were truly works of art. Embellishments abounded with red silk shantung boots, moss green sequined bags, and jewels that looked like antique treasures from the orient. One of my fave pieces from the ready-to-wear collection was a saffron sweater minidress with dolman sleeves that has “Chanel” knitted in Mandarin characters across the chest. Each piece was really more remarkable than the next and they will all end up in some lucky gals wardrobe.

Giambattista Valli somehow made tweed, feathers and sheer look amazing together. A mod 60s touch was mixed in with cat eyes, bubble gum pink miniskirts and grosgrain bows all finished off with heavy doses of black. On the opposite end of the spectrum, GV also featured a fur turtleneck dress!

Prada went 50s all the way, finishing off one perfectly structured black a-line dress after another with knee high socks and red patent, pointy toe stilettos. Ruffled hems and necklines, sky high loafers in every color, and patent bow belts abounded. My favorite was their “ikat meets plaid” printed frocks, skirts and coats which came in neutrals, reds and greens. Prada also made a beige cashmere crewneck look chic by cinching one of their sassy belts at the wait.

Fall fashion week was eclectic if nothing else. Everything found its place including 90s minimalism, fabulous fur, opulence (brocade, embroidery, feathers, gilt) and bohemian (aka hippie). With so much to choose from the hardest part will be deciding what to buy. If you must be selective, bags, shoes and updated classics are the best places to put your money.

Fall Fashion Week