The official start of Summer is just around the corner, but here in Florida, the season begins much earlier than June 21.
It always takes me a bit longer to get into the habit of Summer dressing; I usually drag my feet until it is simply impossible to wear anything over my bare legs. My warm-weather wardrobe isn’t quite where I want it, and as I mentioned in my last post, I had to purchase a number of things to be ready for the heat.
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Still, I’ve got a few things on my list for the summer, particularly in the shoe department. Here are a few things that caught my eye, both for travel and for home:
SUMMER WISH LIST
A chic mini-dress
I’m currently using a thrifted tunic as my beach cover-up, but this mini-dress* is much more elegant. I love the A-line silhouette and the cutouts at the sides. It’s a bit pricey for the beach, so I would also try to get some wear out of it at home – and in black, wouldn’t it also make a great LBD? (Note, also available in a midi-length with buttons for a bit more coverage).
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Cool mules
I’ve been a fan of Faye’s work for a while (I’m wearing my Sandys as I type!), and as I mentioned in the Spring 10×10, I really would like a pair of her mules. I currently own a pair of suede mules from Nisolo, and while they are beautiful, I don’t think I can get away with wearing light suede. I’m simply too clumsy and don’t have enough time to care for them properly. I plan to keep saving a bit, sell my suede mules, and pick up these in the undyed leather (update: I did – and they are so worth it!).
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A travel-inspired candle
I wear scent every day, and I take great pleasure in scenting my home as well. Lighting candles is an important part of my routine at home, and the scent notes of this one would be enough to transport me back to a magical market day in Aix-en-Provence. While the city was not my favorite French city, the market was unbeatable. I have strong memories of the market’s sights and smells, delighting in the fresh flowers, produce, and cheese available that day. I look forward to reminiscing – without leaving my living room.
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A bold workhorse bag
It’s really important to travel with a light bag that also allows the user to be hands-free to grab handles on the metro or take photos (or, let’s be honest – post to Instagram). It’s also a good idea to find a bag that is easy for you to access, but difficult for any would-be pick-pockets. I like this fiery crossbody* as it would hold a lot without the temptation of over-stuffing. The zippers could be clasped together with a strong, but inexpensive double clasp to help prevent unwanted hands from reaching into your bag. My goal is always safety without sacrificing style.
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A natural beauty
I own a few rings from this Atlanta-based Etsy seller, and I reach for them several times a week. My closet’s color palette is very neutral, and I like the organic nature and subtle pop of color the rose gold and raw emerald provide in this minimalist ring. I can’t wait to add this (and a few others I’ve got in my shopping cart!) to my jewelry drawer.
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Minimalist sandals
I love the simple styling of these sandals. They are well-constructed in Greece and would be an absolute travel workhorse. I think they would look as good with a fancy black dress (or the beach cover-up above!) as they would with jeans and a tank for city exploring. The wing clasp gives the sandals just a touch of something different. I love small details like this in my clothing and shoes. [Edit: I now own and love these, too!]
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The perfect red
My lips get equally chapped in the summer and in the winter, so I like to wear sheer, moisturizing color throughout most of the year. The three colors of Rouge Coco Stylo are better suited for summer than my usual Black Honey, yet come in a similarly-styled slim tube. Plus, how fancy would it feel to pull one of these out of your bag in the powder room?
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A statement tee
I only own a couple of graphic tees (they’re not necessarily my style), but I can’t find anything to disagree about with this one* from Etsy. This would be a great tee to throw on to hit the farmer’s market on the weekend or just to pack to sleep in!
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A fun temp tat
I’ve always loved the look of tattoos and their deeply personal meanings, but I’ve never gone under the needle. I’ve always thought it would be neat to have an outline of the countries of the world and fill them in as I go, but since I’m not cool enough (read: too chicken) to follow through I have to settle for temporary ones. It’s fun to apply one before a trip and have the opportunity to wear something different without committing for a lifetime.
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This is it. This is the product* I’ve been saying they should make for years – a well-made, stylish, pick-pocket-proof backpack. The Bobby Urban Backpack started its life on Kickstarter, and I’m so glad it’s in production. It’s lockable, slash-proof, and has several hidden pockets that would be difficult for anyone but the wearer to reach (you can watch the video to see those features in more detail). The price is slightly higher than other similarly-sized backpacks on the market, but the safety features make it well worth it. They are currently back-ordered, but I’d like to pick one of these up when they are back in stock!
*this item is no longer available and a similar product is linked
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What’s on your summer wish list?
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I need to investigate that Chanel lip balm! You’ve rounded up some great picks–I think summer “blacks” are so chic. I have a black cotton dress I got ages ago that’s a lot more me than a floral print dress.
I’m looking for:
-The perfect muscle T (there are so many close versions, but none that I’ve found that are perfect)
-A pair of fun oval-printed sunglasses
Hmm, I can’t think of anything else! I guess it’s pretty obvious that summer isn’t my season for dressing…
Good muscle tees are hard to find! I love the cut of my 100% Human muscle tank from Everlane, but I’m not sure if the non-graphic version of the tank is the same. Summer isn’t really my season either, but I feel like I have to try a little, what with living in Florida and all. Can’t wait to see what sunglasses you find!
WOW! I love every single piece you selected!
Great post, thanks for sharing!
S