Fourth of July Picks: Festive Flair

I'll be celebrating the 4th in our nation's capital with my family. Our plans call for a backyard BBQ, and I can't wait to get to the grilling, feasting, and basking in good company. If you too are barbecue-bound, I've rounded up some festive accessories to pack along for the occasion.

A Steven Alan striped beach blanket to take the party to the lawn (picked one of these up last year as a picnic/beach blanket and it's an absolute dream -- highly recommend), $48.

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The perfect cuffed jean shorts: Mother The Cuffed Short Shorts, $185 @ Shopbop.

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Festive fingers: RGB x Need Supply limited edition nail polish in 1996, $16 @ Need Supply:

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A pair of red tipped navy slip-ons to kick off: Vans Authentic Low Pro sneaker, $42 @ Need Supply.

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A tote to cart around snacks and a bottle of vino: Diane von Furstenberg Laragh Tote in red/white, $185 @ Shopbop.

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Electric blue sunnies to light up a happy face: Super Sunglasses Basic Sunglasses, $117 @ Shopbop.

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J. Crew Spring Things to Melt Your Snow Fatigue

More wintry weather is on the way. As we continue to be buffeted by storm after storm indefinitely into the future and the snow piles high around us, I have devised a new coping strategy that involves just ignoring it, in hopes that it will grow bored and just go attention-whoring elsewhere.  So! Let's shift our focus to new Spring covetables from J.Crew, shall we?

Linen henley tank, $68.

Woven mesh bracelet in antique gold, $50. Also available in antique silver.

Cutler & Gross sunglasses #0930 in dark turtle, $420.

Photos: www.jcrew.com

Found: The Perfect Winter Shades

Sunglasses are a year-round staple for me. Just as they protect my peepers from the blinding brightness of a summer's day, they also prove to be an effective shield against biting, tear-producing winds come winter. Finding a pair that looks cold-weather appropriate, however, can be a bit of a challenge. Ironically, Super's "Summer Safari" Basic is just what I was looking for. I have a pair in grey and can't tell you how many times people (both men and women) compliment or ask me about them. They're a great shape and a steal considering they're hand crafted with Zeiss lenses. The unique print adds a touch of fun to your outfit on a dull, dreary winter's day.


Super Summer Safari Basic Wayfarer in Multi, $153 @ NeedSupply. Unisex.

 Photos: www.needupply.com

Fantasy Friday: Chloe Dionee Folding Sunglasses

In which we shop with imaginary money and indulge our fanciest fancies.

This week's Fantasy Friday post is dedicated to one Clare Vivier. She has no idea who I am, or that she's been providing me with a steady source of inspiration ever since I happened upon her wonderful blog. I love, love, love her taste. At the moment, I'm living vicariously through her newly acquired Chloé Dionée foldable sunnies, the sight of which delights me on a level you can't even imagine. They fold up(!) and are housed in the most adorably chic case I have ever seen. Wouldn't you just love to hold this pretty little oyster in the palm of your hand?

They retail for $398 and are available in tortoise/gold, as seen here in Clare's pictures, or black/silver. The latter is currently available on Shopbop.

 Photos: www.seevivier.blogspot.com

Eyewear Obsession: Han Kjobenhavn

While perusing the men's offerings at Blackbird, I fell hard for these brown gradient frames by Danish eyewear and apparel label Han.


Han Wolfgang Frames in Cola, $175.

The Wolfgang also comes in several other colors, including a really nice Tortoise . . .

. . . and is also available as sunglasses, which make an excellent alternative to Ray Bans.

Photos: www.blackbirdballard.com

Eyewear Obsession: Balenciaga's Round Red Sunnies

How to survive a hot, sticky New York summer in style? With a touch of old-school glamour, courtesy of these drop-dead gorgeous Balenciaga babies. The clear, vintage 70's frames feature red and gold accents and are available as sunglasses (shown) or with clear lenses. I can't seem to stop daydreaming about them. The price is a bit hard to swallow, but consider that it's an incredibly unique, distinctive piece -- a collectible that your unborn, style-savvy progeny will be thrilled to inherit someday.

Balenciaga Red Round Frame, $395 @ Silver Lining Opticians.

Photos: www.refinery29.com

Summer Scheming: Building an Outfit With Steven Alan's Red Gathered Tank

The howling, gale-force winds that have descended upon NYC had me hiding indoors for the better part of the weekend. It was probably for the best, as my recent shopping excursions have left me penniless. I did get to log in a fair bit of online window shopping, however, and I'm now saving up for several items that have whet my shopping appetite anew, like this adorable picnic-checked top from Steven Alan, which inspired me to dream up the perfect summer outfit.


Red Gathered Tank, $118 @ Steven Alan.

It would look so, so good on dark blue jean shorts or cropped skinnies. High-waisted Hotpants, $55 @ Topshop.

Add  a pair of espadrilles, or these vintage-inspired basketweave flats. They've gotten rave reviews all around. $28 @ Urban Outfitters.

Finish the look with brown or tortoiseshell sunnies, but in a modern shape to keep the look from going too retro. With their modern take on the cat-eye shape and pitch-perfect combination of milky vintage brown plastic frames and grey-green lenses, Karen Walker's Number Ones are just right. $170 @ Gargyle. Get 'em while they last.

Photos: 
1) www.refinery29.com
2) www.topshop.com
3) www.urbanoutfitters.com
4) www.gargyle.com

The World Through Honey-Colored Glasses

I've been a longtime aviator addict, and this spring, I'm ready to banish my steady in favor of something new. These semi-transparent frames from Super are refreshingly different, and just the right price. The beautiful, amber-gold hue would look so pretty in the sunshine, which I hear is finally making its way back to these parts this weekend.

Have a glorious weekend!

Super Basics Colony Dark, $155 @ Moxsie.

Super People Colony Light, $155 @ Moxsie.

Photos: www.moxsie.com