June 2010

Remember Rumpelstiltskin, the character that spun straw into gold? While that example is a little far fetched, straw is a pretty amazing material. It’s transformed into all sorts of things like bedding, thatching, packaging and of course, summer accessories. Not bad for an agricultural by product.

BeBe

Straw has been woven into hats since antiquity to protect against sun stroke. Some of the Asian styles are the least changed forms of head wear in history. A straw fedora is a terrific way to shade your eyes and add a bit of edge to your summer wardrobe.

Nordstrom

Straw totes are a spin off of baskets, which are some of the oldest items woven from straw. The earliest baskets found date back 12,000 years- talk about timeless!

Talbots

What better way to carry your ID, keys and lipgloss all summer than in a seasonal clutch? Wicker is a sturdier weave than straw and lends itself perfectly to structured clutches.

Next Monday is summer soltice, the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. With 12 hours of daylight at the equator and 24 hours of daylight in Norway, it’s a long day to dress for. Summer varies so much by location- lightening bugs in the east, Santa Ana winds in the west- you’ll need to plan your outfit accordingly.

Travel Smith

If you happen to be somewhere where summer storms are common, you’ll want lightweight rain protection. A short belted trench will let you appreciate thunderstorms from the office or the backyard.

Eddie Bauer

Planning to ring in summer where it’s cool and dry? A moisture wicking active wear jacket will transition you from warm afternoons to brisk nights without a wardrobe change. The fitted style is equally chic with skirts and shorts.

J Jill

If worshipping the extended sunshine includes warm temperatures for you, a button front, tunic inspired shirt is a terrific option. Wear it over a tank top and leggings, as a bathing suit cover up or with slim pants to give your shoulders a break from the sun.

Shirt dresses may quickly become your new best friends. They go with everything and can be worn to anything. And, with all the variations, it’s almost like a “choose your own adventure” dress. You can have sleeves or not. Slim skirts or full skirts. Full length placket or a half length placket. Let’s not get started on the fabric options- with everything from wool to chiffon, there’s a perfect one waiting for you. The only thing that is required is that it has a front placket and a collar. The rest is up to you.

Moschino

Utterly decadent in silk with extended shoulders and embroidery details, this one is sincere nod to the 1940s original style. When the weather cools off, slip black tights and a longsleeved undershirt underneath for warmth and wear it all winter.

Gap

Part of the fun of shirt dresses is their chameleon nature. A chambray version can be just as feminine or a little bit grittier. Try wearing it open as a lightweight jacket over slim pants and a tank top.

Talbots

Office, graduation, BBQ, cocktail reception…in black lace, there is no occasion you won’t have the perfect dress for. Dress it up with heels, dress it down with flat sandals. Mix it up with a different colored slip underneath.