Set A Summer Table: Stylish Casual Dining

I think we all get a bit lazy in the Summer.

Just because we are taking our meals outdoors,

doesn't mean we have lost our sense of style.

Here's how to set a Summer table that's not 

only chic and casual, but practical, too.

As featured in Hamptons Magazine,

Serena and Lily's Printed Birch Trays

are a perfect platform for drinks, food,

or trinkets in the foyer.  At these prices,

they also make fab hostess gifts.

Serena and Lily

Amalfi Lobster Plate by 

Thomas Paul

Bring the vintage vibrancy of the Amalfi Coast

to your seaside or stateside table.

Burke Decor

Amalfi Side Plates By Thomas Paul

Mix and match these vintage designs with

your own dishware.

Burke Decor

Boatman Geller's Personalized Wrought Iron Melamine Plate

Have it your way with these handmade 

monogramed plates.  Elegance for the terrace.

Layla Grayce

Slate Placecards

One of my fave finds.  Let me count 

the ways to use these organic accessories.

Nordstrom's

Black River Stone Placemats.

 Love these indoors or out. No washing

or ironing necessary!

Viva Terra

Bormioli Rocco Ypsilon Jugs

Raise the bar and set the table with all

the colors of the rainbow.  Use as vases,

individual wine carafes, water...whatever!

So much fun for a small price.

Bloomingdales

From ship to shore, these silver plated

Conch Shells will add a touch of the sea

to your meal. Use your imagination as

their uses are endless.

Zhush

Paper Table Runner by Cake

Genius idea! Take your style with you, wherever you go. A recycled kraft-paper runner printed with charming vintage flatware graphics makes an eco-friendly update to your everyday table.

Nordstrom's

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler 

Set of 3 Ceramic Nesting Trays

add a pop with print & pattern.

JC Penny

My Drap. 

Your answer to casual chic dining and drinking.

Cotton napkins and placemats come on a roll in every color under the sun. 

Read all about them at

Amazon

Nautical Dinner Plates

              The perfect Summer serverware

from ship to shore.

One Kings Lane

Coed Chic: All Things Stylish For Back To College

If you or a girl you know is heading off to college, here's the 411 on all

things chic she needs to get thru the semester in style.

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Chic & Comfy Bedding

Your bedding says everything about you,

and it's your biggest area of the room to

decorate. Might as well have fun!

Vera Bradley now has perfect sets

for dorm rooms (in extra long, too)

The best news, is that the bedspreads

ar reversible. Now a girl can change her

mind and her look with ease!

Pick your pattern at Vera Bradley

Jonathan Adler's Happy Chic Bedding

is just too much fun. Find solid shades

as shown above or prints that pop!

JC Penny

The Catalina Duvet Cover and accessories

just pops with juicy colors! The duvet

will reverse to a tangerine. It's bright

and right for a dreary dorm room.

Echo Designs

Those twin dorm beds are not comfortable!

And a coed needs her beauty sleep.  I highly

recommend purchasing a feather bed or

some type of topper.  This Comfort Classics

is on sale now at

Designer Living

Dorm Room Storage

Those closets are tiny! What's a coed to do with

all of those clothes? Joy Mangano to the rescue.

Her Huggable Hangers and  storage systems

are a girls best friend! See it all at

HSN

Save space and boredom with Way Basics

storage cubes. They come in a multiple

of fun colors and configurations. This one

makes a great nightstand.

2Modern

Happy dots stash away everything

from toiletries, text books, socks and more.

Fabric covered bins at

Target

Geek Chic Things

Silicone Bluetooth Keyboard

A chic and simple way to turn your tablet or smartphone into a laptop on the go. 

C Wonder

Jonathan Adler's Honeycomb Sleeve 

for Laptops. It's ultra padded and affordable 

with Free Shipping at

Layla Grayce

You've invested in a Tablet for her...now make sure she keeps it safe with Kate Spade's Bryce Tablet Tote. It will go with everything!

Zappos

Orla Kiely Flower Medium 

Laptop Sleeve

is fun in a cult fave print.

Muse Ten

Book Bags

All Under $100

Cynthia Vincent's Printed Tote

makes an artistic statement, no matter

what's her major.

Shopbop

Distressed faux leather 

Carry-all bag 

with paisley lined interior. An expensive

look for the price.

Need Supply

Big Buddha 

makes the best bags for less.

This faux leather lovely comes in three

color ways at

Nordstrom's

Get the look of a designer bag for a fraction of the price. The PICINISCO does the trick at

Aldo

Find More Backpacks Here

backpacks

Monday's Mohair Moment

Mohair. One of the featured fibers for Fall and Winter 2013/2014. I remember my first mohair dress. My father surprised me with it.  It was white and oh so special. This fine fabric makes for a soft silhouette. And I, for one, am happy to
see it back in vogue.  
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Mulberry Mohair Pullover
as seen on the runway and in
Harpers Bazaar

Girogio Armani
The whisper soft mohair bolero pairs well
the the shiny charmeuse blouse 
and printed pants.
Neiman Marcus

Alexander Wang
Melange Jacquard Top
Love this soft sparkly sweater.
Shop Bop

Orla Kiely 
Mohair Mix Sweater with 
Silk Detatchable Collar
ASOS

H and M's first ever Paris Runway Show
was a smash hit.  This is my fave look.
It will hit the stores September 5th.
H and M

Missoni 
Cropped Cardigan Jacket
A great piece to own and to wear with 
denim or diamonds.
Forward by Elyse Walker 

Carven
Fancy Knit Sweater sets a modern mood.
Barney's New York

ERMANNO SCERVINO
Wool-Alpaca Blend A-Line Knit-Coat
Stylebop

DELPOZO 
Mohair Coat
Good luck finding this fabulous frock.
I believe it is sold out. Found it on
Moda Operandi

Dolce and Gabbana
Crystal-Embellished Tweed Ballet Flat
Barneys New York

Alexander Wang
This fuzzy sweater is a plush look
Nordstrom's

Patricia Del Castillo
This one of a kind Scarf is such a pretty piece
Shoptiques

Emporio Armani
Mohair Flaired Dress
Luisaviaroma

Emporio Armani
Boatneck Sweater. Tough girl chic.
Luisaviaroma

Lollapalooza: Fab Festival Fashion

Heading to Lollapalooza? It's Chicago's biggest party in the park, and one of the country's most fashionable festivals. Here's what to wear:

Somehow, the vision of boots always comes to mind when I think of outdoor festivals. Love how this Alice and Olivia Short and Blouse is styled.  Get the look at
Saks

ASOS Maxi Skirt in Floral Print
ASOS

Avoid the blazing sun with this long sleeve (but scooped back) maxi. And thanks to the Spandex in the dress, you won't be a wrinkled mess at the end of the day. Super affordable.
Forever 21

For girly girls who just want to have fun.
Get the look at
C. Wonder

KAS New York Bryn Dress.
Love the muted colors. It will look pretty against the green grass of the park.
Pink Mascara

FP ONE Imperial Palm Pintuck Dress.
How comfy! Perfect for catching some rays. Sold Exclusively on line at
Free People

Festival 101: Keep your hands free. The Bop Basics Raffia Backpack will match almost anything.
Shop Bop

Tequila sunset anyone? Young Fabulous and Broke's Maxi Dress is made of the softest jersey. Comfy chic!
Neiman Marcus

Silky Floral Shorts.
Dress up your daytime look, yet still be appropriate for anything.
ASOS

Channel your inner flower child. Cult's Gaia Rose crown is both 
whimsical and chic.
Swell

Who wears short shorts? A Ralph lauren girl does! Denim and supply Island Floral Mini-Short
Ralph Lauren

Flower Power
Chicago's weather can be a fickle friend. Be prepared for anything with this waterproof tent by Alite Designs.
Free People

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Get All of the 411 on 
Lollapalozza
Here