Newport News Battenberg Lace Blouse $29
Look like a lady even if you’re wearing it to this weekend’s beer pong tourney. It’s a blend of linen and cotton and has the prettiest Battenberg lace. (I’m not so sure what that is, but I’m a fan.)
SPLURGE of the Week: Kate Spade Rubber Tote $95
Sure, it’s pricy for a rubber bag. But it’s sturdy and it deters stains like a champ — anything that sticks can be easily wiped off or hosed down. Sandy beach supplies, muddy garden tools, the random bits and pieces that accumulate daily at the bottom of my purse? Please. I challenge you to find another designer bag that makes that claim. (It also comes in white.)
Candlelight Garden Party Hairpins $8.50
Add a little pretty to your coif with these handmade hairpins. They’re made from glass and shell flowers on copper-plated bobby-pins, and while they may not cover up a bad-hair day, they could at least distract the viewer from noticing.
Urban Outfitters Strappy Skimmer $38
I think my I’d consider it one of my greatest acheivements in life thus far if I discovered a shoe that was both appropriate to wear to a cocktail party (without evoking stares of horror) and . . .wait for it. . .comfortable. It can’t be done, you say? Well I have pretty high hopes for these strappy leather flats. It’s a flat people!! But the snakeskin-esque pattern is fancy enough to ensure they don’t look like–gasp!–sensible shoes. Armed with these babies I’ll be able to stay at twice as long. So next up on my greatest achivements list: an undereye cream that makes it look like I’ve slept for more than three hours.
As seen on delight.com!
Day-Lab BMX Tote $25
A silk screened image of a BMX bike on this 100% cotton tote inexplicably reminds me of Paris. So if you see me cruising around with brie and baguettes peeping out of my bike bag, don’t be surprised.
Anthropologie Eyelet A-Line Skirt $40*
With an eyelet lace hem and a grosgrain ribbon tie at the waist, this pretty a-line skirt is a summer staple. Another perfect piece to wear on vacation to Greece. Or to the beach or to the park or to work. You get the idea.
*Down from $118.
Tommy Hilfiger Cotton Lawn Skirt $35*
This sweet summer skirt reminds me of something Alexis Bledel wore in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. (She spent the summer visiting her grandparents in Greece, and her wardrobe consisted of casual yet ladylike pieces. Or so I’ve heard, anyway.) I’d pair it with a white button down or something else awesome. It also comes in “Dark Summer Red” which is more of a pink and looks just as perfect for visiting your grandparents in Greece.
*Down from $69.
Ballard Petite Monogrammed Tote Bag $19*
I have fond memories of my first lunchbox. A few days before first grade, I hand-picked a glorious yellow Cabbage Patch Kids number from among the rows of Snoopys, Smurfs, and Barbie Dolls. Sadly, I’m not sure where that lunchbox is now, but I have a worthy replacement these days. The Ballard petite monogrammed tote bag is made of natural jute with leather handles, comes in an impressive choice of colors, and features a zipped top closure. It’s understated, distinct, and a slightly more elegant alternative to my plastic fantastic. (Which is not to say that I don’t still miss it!)
*Price includes 3 letter monogram.
As seen on delight.com!
The Body Shop Passion Fruit Body Scrub $3
Chock full of natural ingredients, including (duh) passion fruit oil, this body scrub smells delish. Blend up a daiquiri, grab a book and use it in the tub. Then close your eyes and pretend you’re at a tropical spa. If you have a good imagination (and the daiquiri is made correctly) this plan should work fabulously.
Julie Garland Gold Nuggets Earrings $22
In a time when bling is so ubiquitous that even babies and dogs are rocking it, these delicate citrine and sterling silver earrings are a refreshing alternative. No offense to Diddy, but you can still make a statement without literally spelling it out in diamonds.
