Show a Little Leg!

Summer weather means we ladies finally show a little leg! (Can you hear the cheering and clapping from the gentlemen?) I'm not one to love wearing shorts- after all, when you get a little older, the upper thigh just doesn't age well. So, whoever invented the Bermuda short should be kissed.

The best part of the Bermuda short (or sometimes called the "walking short") is the length allows for appropriate leg coverage, while there is great versatility in owning a pair. You can wear them casual for a day walking along the beach, an afternoon lunch or even to the office. It's all about the fabric and color combination, and this season, you will see lots of options to choose from.

This is a great pair for a casual afternoon- the subtle pin stripe is adorable! I am showing the back side because it's important to avoid pockets for these shorts. It slims the whole look. Pair it with a polo or embellished t-shirt, a colored sandal (you don't have to wear blue) and you'll look as fresh as a Newport morning!

Or I'm loving the new suiting options for this cut! Talbots got it right by featuring the jacket/short combo with a tailored top for a professional, crisp look. I can just see this with a great neutral heeled sandal (preferably patent leather) and some kind of colored accessory- a necklace, a pin, a great scarf maybe?

However you choose to wear the Bermuda, just remember- it's the perfect way to show a little leg!

Pin Attire

For any sorority girl out there (yes, I admit it, I am), you know what "pin attire" is. I often like to accent an outfit with jewelry or a pin, and with these great new ones I've found- I'm tempted to add them to canvas purses or bags, too! Here's a few of my favorites:

The Lobster Claw (honestly, this is so adorable)
The Sailboat
The Seagull

It seems that LLBean caught onto the same trend as Lands' End Canvas by creating a "signature" line, which looks similar to those nautical, New England styles that are iconic in Maine. I've liked how each of these lines have included some classic summer designs, while adding some spice to traditional wear. The pins above are a great example. Remember, you can add them to any sturdy fabric (steer clear of silks and rayon- you don't want to puncture or tear that). I'm already thinking of how to add the lobster claw to my beach bag...

The Santana Knit

Well, friends- it's official...I'm working at a lovely little department store (which shall remain nameless per the request of the HR department) where I'm selling St. John. Let me say, after two days of our orientation and training on the registers (thank GOD for a touch screen!), I'm feeling pretty darn excited.

Here's what I learned today: the Santana knit is St. John's signature fabric, which is a careful blend of rayon and wool that has been intricately woven to create this amazing knit that has definite texture, but the softness is to die for. The COOLEST part: no alterations are done as we know it. The knit is "blocked" which means it's steamed at incredibly high temperatures to either shrink the fabric to a smaller size, or stretched to a larger size. One of my new co-workers was telling me this amazing story of a woman who bought a size 12 jacket and had it blocked to a size 16 to fit her perfectly!

I'm definitely looking forward to what else I learn about the product, and maybe I will pique your interest about my designer label! Don't worry...I won't spend all my $$ here :)

Sale Time!

With Memorial Day weekend ahead, I felt like I should at least blog a little about up coming sales and what you should be looking for. Here's a great site for coupons from merchants all over. If you don't shop this weekend, you're crazy- it's just a perfect time to get in the summer time mood!

Five things come to mind that are hot sellers during this weekend:

• Patio furniture
• Grills
• Fans/AC Units
• Pool accessories
  
• Beach cover up/ Summer clothes

I was doing a little online research about how to make the best deal during the weekend, and I came across this great little article. May it serve you well as we celebrate Memorial Day, Monday, May 31st!

I Wear My Sunglasses At Night

Faithful readers, I apologize I have been so MIA! The travel gods have taken hold of me, and while my journeys were incredible on so many levels, I am tired...and well, hoping to get back into the routine of blogging, shopping and anything else that makes me feel good.

I was thinking of ways that I could decompress from all my travels (which may be hard while I am blogging in the middle of one of the craziest gates at Logan International Airport), but I was reminded on my ride here of how I need to find time to create a little sanctuary, especially in the midst of chaotic times. Which lead me to think about what gives me rest...the ocean...which then led me to thinking of sitting outside...and since this is a blog about shopping...I went to a necessary item for all outdoor activity: SUNGLASSES!

Until recently, I have never been a supporter of buying designer sunglasses. I always thought I'd lose them, scratch them, drop them, forget them....you name it. And then reality set in. I RARELY lose things; I am super careful with my property, and I honestly covet some designer styles. So, what the hell? Break a few rules, Maria. So I'll protect my eyes, gear up for summer, and seek out someplace oceanic for me to wear them :)

The key to a good pair is fit and style. Depending on your face shape (oval, long and lean, round, etc.), you can identify which shape looks best and most comfortable on you. A few key points:

• Make sure they don't slide off the bridge of your nose when you lean down. They need to fit snug enough that they don't move.
• Make sure the style doesn't overwhelm your face. The larger frames that are trendy now can be fun, but remember not to look like bug eyed :)
• Look for frames that complement your skin tone. I saw a very fair blonde woman trying on these jet black frames- it made her look even more pale, and didn't make her look very approachable.
• Be careful with gradient lenses: they may look trendy, but sunglasses are supposed to protect your eyes from the sun! The darker the lens, the more UVA/UVB rays you deflect.
• Always put them back in their protective casing. This is how they get scratched! Even if you buy a cotton wristlet to keep them in, it's worth it.
• And if you simply can't keep track of your sunglasses...don't invest in full priced eye wear. Marshall's or TJMaxx often have designer styles at discounted prices. The new Nordstrom Rack (in Natick for my MA readers) has some fantastic ones at good prices!
  

While I decide which ones I want to splurge on, you can see the ones I really like...

The AviatorThe Jackie OThe RayBan Classic