Beat The Heat With 12 Cool Ideas

I adore the sun, but the heat that it brings, not so much. Summers are way too short in the midwest, so I try to chill in the sun whenever I can. Much of the country is melting from heat right now. If you are, consider this your chance to chill. Think watermelon cocktails, fun floats, after sun soap and more cool ideas. 

Watermelon Tap

Have you ever carved a watermelon into a basket? I did once, and never again. Why bother when you can turn a hollowed out and halved watermelon into the world's coolest drink dispenser. It's perfect for cool cocktails on tap.

Williams Sonoma

Cuisinart Gelateria Ice Cream Maker

In the summer, we all scream for ice cream. As a child, it was a nightly treat. Now you can make your own, as I do. It's so much better.  This little machine is now on sale at....

Sur La Table

Bling20 Goggles & Masks

If you have a little mermaid in your life, chances are she is spending the summer at the pool. This collection of goggles and face masks are the coolest! P.S. there are a couple of styles for cool dudes, too.

Maisonette

Galvanized Metal Stand-Up Cooler
Perfect for drinks on the deck or parties on the patio. The retro vibe is fun for casual events.  Drinks will be ice cold and at the ready. Best yet, it's on sale!

Pottery Barn

NEST New York x Gray Malin Amalfi Lemon & Mint Classic Candle
When the sun is out and the heat is on, why not scent your outdoor space? The limited edition fragrance of these candles and home scented accessories, will take you away on a Mediterranean  holiday. It's a fresh citrusy scent featuring zesty lemon, orange bergamot, fresh mint, and a touch of driftwood. Lovely and wonderful for a picnic.

Nest New York      or  Neiman Marcus

Palisades Outdoor Chair
If you are a beach lover, why not keep a low profile and bring your own chair? This one folds up and comes with its' own built in carrying handles. Now marked down by $100

Serena & Lily

Fun Boy Chaise Loungers

It doesn't get any more summery than a relaxing day at the pool. You might want to get more than one of these fun floats since they are on sale. 

Fun Boy

The Quiet Wearable Personal Fan

What a clever and cool idea! Perfect for gardeners, runners, golfers and more.

Hammacher Schlemmer

Maeve Tropical Wrap Caftan

When summer cocktails call, reach for this chic cotton caftan. A dress is really cooler than pants. Have you noticed? I just love the flowy feel and punchy colors of this summer silhouette.

Anthropologie

After The Sun Soap

The sun is so very good for us if you protect yourself with a mineral sunscreen. On the off chance (it happens to all of us) that you got too much sun, use this goats milk soap. " Its' special formula of clay, aloe and goat milk help moisturize skin while preventing peeling and dryness. The lavender scent leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed."

Beekman 1802 

Vera For Anthropologie Cooler

An eco friendly way to tote picnics and lunches. Best of all it's on sale. What a pretty way to stay cool.

Anthropologie

Juliska Acrylic Salad Servers & Bowl
When it's too hot to cook, serve up a cool crisp salad in this clearly chic and unbreakable bowl. The servers are a perfect match. Ships free from

Neiman Marcus   or  Tuckernuck

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That Summer Feeling

Wedding Wednesday: Say Yes To The Dress!

It's been a while since "Shop This" shopped bridal dresses. It's always fun to do, whether you are planning a wedding or not. So won't you take a walk down the aisle with me? You or someone you know just might say yes to one of these dresses. Word to the wise.... every one of Marchesa's bridal gowns are sold out. You might want to step up your pace if you are getting married within a year.

The Cressida

Flowers are trending this season on bridal gowns, now more than ever. This style is romantic and feminine, not to mention soft and pretty.

Monique Lhuillier

The Beauty Mark Gown

The crystal bow embellishment caught my eye. And you will sparkle coming and going, as there is another bow in front. It's a beauty alright!

Reem Acra

Bow Motif Ballgown

From the Spring 2022 collection. The stunning bow embroidery and corseted bodice creates a look to be remembered!

Oscar De La Renta

Berta 2022

This season at Berta is for the confident bride. You can't be afraid to show some skin or your feminine curves. "The new and very anticipated collection is Filled with intricate, sophisticated pieces of art." Which Berta dress would you say yes to?

Berta

Galia Lahav Bellina 

Dance with me. You haven't danced until you do it in light as air chiffon. My own wedding gown was chiffon with statement sleeves. This is one of my favorites of the edit. Made to order.

Gaila Lahav

Naeem Khan Floral Tulle Gown
Flowers are trending this season. And these on a neutral background are abloom with style. Pre-order now for an end of the year delivery.

Moda Operandi

Houghton NYC Gamila Gown

Always simple, sophisticated, and fashionable, Houghton kept up the trend for 2022. 

Houghton NYC

Gypsy Rose Gown

It doesn't get any more romantic than this. The Gypsy Rose style features exquisite French embroidery layered over floral tulle. The drama comes with the sweeping floral train.

Claire Pettibone

Tadashi Shoji Maven Gown

Clean details in crepe.  This style is perfect for the minimalist bride. The daring open back is highlighted by this fabulous Wolf Back Necklace. Both can be found at....

BHLDN

The Rachael

For the traditional bride. Deep V necks and bows are trending. This dress features both, yet it is a very

 elegant look.

Carolina Herrera

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Wedding Wednesday: Garden Party Perfection

15 Stylish Summer Host Gifts

 

Summer is in full swing, and we are entertaining again. It's time to shore up the gift closet. If you are invited for drinks, dinner, or the weekend, you simply must bring something to show your gratitude. I have some ideas for you. These luxe options begin at $16 but look so much more.  Any one of them will get you invited back.

Gingham Lacquer Tray

Gingham never goes out of style, and the entertainer just can't have too many trays. These are on sale 

Mark and Graham

Marble & Brass Dip Bowls

Here's the best little under $20 gift. They are available in five fab colors. Each one is a luxe look. Fill it up with some mixed nuts for a special touch.

West Elm

Wine Caddy

A good bottle of wine is always a nice idea. Presenting it in a chic woven caddy makes it a gift to remember, long after the wine is gone.

Anthropologie

Wine Soap Set

Your host can now indulge in a splash of bubbly, even if they aren't entertaining. These all natural vegan soaps have been crafted with notes from wine varieties such as citrus for "chardonnay" and berries, plums, and apples for "pinot noir." You are really giving the gift of Happy Hour for every day.

Uncommon Goods

Turkish Towels

One of my favorite things. I own two grey towels. They are so cozy and soft. A perfect gift for those who have a pool, love to picnic, or sit by a fire pit. The price is right!

Kalkedon Towels 

Hello Melamine Plate Set of Six

Say thank you and hello to the outdoor entertainer with this shatterproof set. It includes sayings Hello Gorgeous, Hello Sunshine and Hello Beautiful.

Just darling for a girls night gift.

Sundance Catalog

Real Dill Bloody Mary Gift Set

If you are invited to brunch or a weekend at the lake, spice things up with this all natural Bloody Mary Set. It's been made in Colorado using fresh cucumber water, organic tomato paste, and zesty horseradish and habanero.  The spicy jar of pickles add the garnish. Fun!

Shop Terrain

Joanna Buchanan Bee Straws

The perfect solution for wasteful paper straws.  Not to mention, they will be the only pests invited to the party. Cocktail party chic!

Joanna Buchanan    or    Neiman Marcus

Saucy Bitch Hot Sauces

I couldn't resist these doggone good sauces! Bring this set to your next BBQ. They will level up the flavors of everything! They ship free from...

Bergdorf Goodman

Frantoio Muraglia Intense Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This bottle literally stopped me in my tracks when I came upon it at Bloomingdale's. It's award winning and produced in Northern Apulia from Coratina olives. Also available in rose gold. It makes a stunning gift for any cook.

Bloomingdale's

French Kitchen Marble Cheese Board
Now who couldn't use this? I don't have one. This comes complete with a slicer. Under $25

Crate and Barrel

Cheery Notepads
Voted by Vogue as one of the best stationery stores ever. I agree. Their paper goods are clever, chic, and collectable. I love their notepad sets. They run the range from cheeky, sweet, or monogrammed.  P.S. you'll love their modern notecards for yourself.

Dear Annabelle

Truman Capote's Breakfast At Tiffany's

If you are going to be an overnight guest, this iconic story book is so appropriate and clever. It's done in full grain leather and personalized for your lucky host or hostess in gold.  If you want it unpersonalized, you can order from Saks.

Personalization Mall

Needlepoint Pillow

Here's a pillow with a point! For the person who knows how to pick their battles. Cleverly chic, hand embroidered and backed in velvet, Fun!

Furbish

Candle Discovery Trio

So I have gifted myself with this set, and absolutely loved the scents. You select three fragrances from many choices.  These small candles are terrific for  travel, and come with really good matches. It's a wonderful gift for when you need just a little something. Under $20.

Lafco New York

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That Summer Feeling

What To Wear For The 4th Of July

Summer's biggest holiday is just nine days away. Can you believe it? Hopefully you have some fun plans on the calendar. Whatever you are doing, it's good to have some festive fashion lined up for each activity.  There's way to do it without looking like a walking flag. Here's inspiration for the 

entire family.

BuDah Girl Bangles

Add a stack of stylish accessories to any outfit for some festive flair!

Budha Girl

Beachside Tide Maxi

From beach to bistro, this maxi takes a minimum of effort. If red isn't your color, this style is also available in 8 other stylish shades. Under $100.

Free People

Luminous Halter Gown

Made from a silk linen organza, this is one lovely look. Best yet, it's on sale. 

4th of July wedding anyone?

Zimmermann

Toes In The Sand

Shoes off and ready for the beach. Add some Boat Shoes, and he's good ship to shore. The Striped Tee is perfect for an all American look. The chambray jacket pulls it all together.

Janie & Jack

Mia Mini Fringe Clutch

Mar Y Sol designs affordable and adorable straw bags. This chic clutch is one of them!

Tuckernuck

Smocked Chambray Dress

Perfect for dressing up or down. In sizes 3 months - 12. Just add a red bow.

Janie and Jack

 Peter Millar Style

Versatile performance styles to navigate the scenes of any summer day. Great casual style for the well dressed guy.

Neiman Marcus

Puff Sleeve Tee & Pom Pom Earrings
A good sleeve is everything this season.  Pair it with denim and a statement earring like these. Find the Tee HERE and the earrings HERE.

Tuckernuck

Butterfly Garden

If you are a house guest or have house guests, wear these PJ'S down to breakfast. Butterfly Garden 🦋 is a new silky print and is available in sizes XS-3X

Natori

Double Flounce Tankini Suit

Boston Proper offers the best swim styles for those of us of a certain age. This suit will look fun and feminine way past the upcoming holiday.

Boston Proper

Nina Embroidered Shirt and Shorts

Zimmermann creates the prettiest fashions. The eyelet fabric is just fabulous! Even if you don't do shorts, the blouse can be paired with so

 many things.

Zimmermann

Nice & Nautical
There's no better place to look for a little red, white, and blue than Nautica. And their 50% off sale is better than fireworks.

Nautica

Rhona Silk Pant & Capri Shirt

No one does navy better than Ralph Lauren. These pieces from Ralph's Collection are the very definition of casual chic. 

Ralph Lauren

Capri Shirt.    Silk Pant

Monroe Open Knit Sweater

What a great look for less than I expected. Here's how to wear sleeves without being too warm.

Bergdorf Goodman

Team USA

This year, Polo Ralph Lauren proudly supports TeamUSA with a collection of casual apparel — defined by a palette of red, white, and blue.

Ralph Lauren

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Destination 4th Of July