Summer Host & Hostess Gifts

{ Via: The Well Appointed House }

Even though Summer has just begun, the calendar is already filling up. And who doesn't love a patio party or barbecue? You simply can't come empty handed even if you do bring a dish. Something for the host or hostess is always appropriate.  No matter if you are invited for alfresco cocktails, a pool party,  or a weekend at the shore, there's something here for all of Summer's most fun occasions. Order today to get something in time for the 4th.

Rosé All Day
Everyone likes a stylish coffee table book. If he or she loves Rosé, they will actually read it, too. Of course you can make it extra special by adding a bottle of
 Whispering Angel.
Shopbop

Morning Glory Gardening Tool Set
These floral finds make getting one's hands dirty a pleasure. Under $25 and the perfect gift for the horticulturalist hostess. 
MacKenzie-Childs

Safe-T Designer Fire Extinguishers
I just love this brand of designer fire extinguishers.  There is an extinguisher for any theme and decor you can think of. Your host will actually want to proudly display this. And you'll get the party started when you walk in with this design. Very cute, clever, and practical!
AHALife

Cast Iron Oyster Pan
Grilled smokey oysters are just the best. Next time you are asked to bring an appetizer, bring this, and of course, some fresh shucked oysters to go with it. The crowd will roar. Leave the pan for the your host at the end of the party. I bet that they don't have one.
Sur La Table

Set Of Two Embroidered Hand Towels

The preppy hostess or anyone with a powder room will love these 100% cotton hand stitched towels. Very luxe looking.

The Well Appointed House

Flameless Outdoor Candles

A brilliant gift for the outdoor entertainer. Gift just one or a grouping, in colors of your choice. Thanks to you, the party doesn't 
end at sundown. 
Pottery Barn  Or  QVC

Lobster Everything!
Invited to the shore? Bring any of these  Thornback and Peel pieces. There's lobster trays, aprons, tea towels, place mats and more.  Or of you are having a low country boil,
 get them for yourself.
Amara

Multi Pocket Market Tote
For your urban host or hostess. City dwellers walk to the market almost daily. Since some cities, like Chicago, charge for a bag, this makes so much sense. What makes this tote terrific are the many pockets. A nook for the carton of milk, and even a special place for wine.
 It's genius.
Food52

Vegetable Garden Markers
Sturdy enough for outdoors, but pretty enough for the window sill inside. Hand made from brass and copper, this set is perfect for the host or hostess with a green thumb.
Beekman 1802

Hand Painted Floppy Straw Hat
A personalized hat for your most stylish hostess. It's a playful gift that any girl 
would love.
Mark and Graham

Beach Day Cocktail Napkins
"Inspired by birds eye view photography, these embroidered linen napkins will transport your guests to lazy Summer days." I don't know anyone who couldn't use more cocktail napkins.
Alchemy Fine Home

Bennet Picnic Basket Set
What a fabulous basket! Perfect for women or men, because everyone loves a picnic. It comes with everything you see. A lovely gift if you are a weekend guest.
One Kings Lane

Sunnylife Lucite Backgammon Game
Games people play! If you are staying for the weekend, your gifting budget should be increased. This stylish set not only looks good, it's waterproof, too. Perfect for poolside parties. I don't even have a pool, and I would love this gift.
Anthropologie

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Spring Hostess Gifts

Wedding Wednesday: The Spring 2020 Gowns Of Your Dreams

{ Via: Vera Wang }

If you are planning a Spring 2020 wedding, surely you are dress shopping now. I purchased mine the same month that I was engaged. And if you can believe, I bought the only dress that I tried on. Who does that? And unlike the girls on "Say Yes To The Dress," there was no entourage, just a girl with a clear  idea of what she wanted to wear. If you are dress shopping or just dress dreaming, here's inspiration for what's to come next year. 

Oscar De3 La Renta Spring 2020 
Look #5
Dreamy and dramatic. Looks like oversized bows are still trending for next Spring.
Oscar De La Renta

Vera Wang Hyacinth Asymmetric One Shoulder Gown
Vera's theme for Spring 2020 and her 30th anniversary was simply enchanting.  As always, her designs are unique and undeniably beautiful.
Moda Operandi

Cushnie Bridal
The Alex is so very sleek and sophisticated.  A perfect choice for a second time bride. LOVE!
Moda Operandi

Carolina Herrera Lourdes Jumpsuit
Chantilly lace and a lot of grace even in a modern pantsuit. This is pretty wonderful for the bride that dares to be different.
Moda Operandi

Anne Barge Something Blue
This collection is classically chic with exquisite detailing in refined silhouettes. Love the pockets.
Zsa Zsa Bellagio

Markarian Aura Gown
Fabulous for the minimalist bride. That skirt
 is everything.
Moda Operandi

Monique Lhuillier

Like Vera Wang, this collection was presented in an enchanted garden. It's meant to be a captivating fantasy. This gown with the sheer cape reminds me a bit of Juliet.
Monique Lhuillier 

Love Shack Fancy Irene Gown
Something for the beautiful boho bride. 
It's budget friendly.
Moda Operandi

Vera Wang Camelia
Just ethereal! The movement of this gown is so gorgeous. And I don't mind the flower one bit.
Moda Operandi

Christian Siriano Tulle Gown
I just had to add a black dress to the edit. You see, my own Miss Shop This plans to wear black at her wedding. Which means I can't. But it is her special day, so be it. This is fabulously fun!
Moda Operandi



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Wedding Wednesday: Ooh La La Lingerie

What To Wear For The 4th Of July

{ Via: Habitually Chic }

Summer's biggest holiday is just ten 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 flag yourself. 

Here's inspiration.

HERE:  12 Festive Finds

Navy Stripe Sport Maxi

This is what you wear to the parade. Show off those arms that you have been working on all Winter long. Loving the metallic stripe. It's a fun look at a reasonable price.

Boston Proper

Small Woven Basket Tote

Totes adorbs....as they say. Shiny red patent leather adds a spark of fun to this pretty but practical bag.

Frances Valentine

Off The Shoulder Marguerite Blouse

A flirty find that's under $100 and washable!

Tuckernuck

Sensi Studio Laced Up Hat

This season it's all about straw, and this style does not disappoint. How cute is this?

Moda Operandi

Pensacola Tasseled Midi

This little dress could have many lives. I would wear as a swimsuit cover up, yet it goes out to lunch or dinner easily, too. You won't believe the price. You can buy one in every color and not spend a $100. A good buy!

Lulus

Lizzie Fortunato Earrings

This chic Corsica style takes red, white, and blue to another level. A dressed up look that also looks good with denim.

Intermix

La Vie Eyelet Jumpsuit

Utilitarian meets femininity with an overall eyelet pattern. Pretty paisleys also finish the look of this white on white wonder.

Rebecca Taylor and/or Shopbop

Zimmermann Stripes

Just add white!

Shopbop

Mara Hoffman Blanche Jumpsuit

Comfy chic. Wear this over your swimsuit, home lounging or at any patio party. Just darling, and made from organic cotton.

Everything But Water   or   Shopbop

Breezy Cover Up

Crinkled cotton gauze creates a chic cover up or tunic top. The fabrication will keep you cool by the pool.

Soft Surroundings

Sonia Rykiel Paris Maxi

Any little miss size 6, 8, or 14 will be ready for all the summer celebrations in this 

darling dress. 

Childrensalon

Ralph Lauren Boys

We weren't preppy parents. I do find, however, all American boy looks like this, rather irresistible. Shop the collection at

Ralph Lauren

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Sitting Pretty Outdoors

Saturdays At Shop This

{ Via: Gray Malin }

It's the first weekend of Summer.  How will you spend it? Last weekend was busy for us, and this weekend will be low key.  Hopefully the menu calls for a little vitamin D from the sun. Before you get in gear for your own weekend, here are some fun links to dive into.

Under Cover: Some of the best cover ups anywhere. Shop the edit at Net-a-Porter.
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The one place you are forgetting to put sunscreen: Your scalp! Here's an innovative product that will protect your part ~ SUPERGOOP Poof Part Powder. And no worries, it is a mineral sunscreen, so you are not hurting yourself with those nasty chemicals.
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4 Pro Hosts Share Their Top Dinner-Party Tips: Terrific tips for your table, the food, the drinks, and all of the elevating essentials.
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Fave find of the week: This MacKenzie-Childs Boheme Hammock. Don't you just want to savor Summer in it?
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Last Saturday, I danced all night at a fabulous wedding. The Kitten Heel shoes I wore were by J Renee, a little known brand that certainly are affordable and comfortable. Best yet, they come in wide sizes, too. You might want to check them out this weekend. It's always fun to pick up a new pair that do not break the bank.
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Only one day left to the Cult Gaia Handbag Trunk Show. I promise you that these are the most unique bags you have ever seen. 
I want all of them!
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Baubles for Sale: Look to Baublebar for some really cute Summer jewelry. All sale items are $20 and under.
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Getting away this Summer? Barney's Warehouse has some really good looking Luggage from Bric's at amazing prices.
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Outdoor Decor: If you have a patio, porch, or balcony, these fluted concrete pots and urns are super sophisticated and on sale.
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Summer is for sunny days and sparkling nights. Here's a great list of 90+ rated sparkling wines all at under $25. Perfectly priced for Summer parties and host gifts.
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And Finally.....

The world lost a most interesting woman this week. I found her fascinating. Perhaps we all can take a lesson from Gloria. A little bit of vanity keeps us on our toes. Thanks for the jeans, Gloria. I loved mine.