Summer Reads

TGIF! The work week is coming to a close which means its time for one of my favorite summer activities…hitting the beach and getting lost in a great book! Reading, especially while at the beach hearing the wave’s crash in the background, is very relaxing and the perfect way to wind down from the office hustle and bustle. This summer there seems to be tons of great novels I’m finding it hard to pick just one. Currently, I have two lists that I’m slowly picking my way through the “must read list” that features more hard hitting serious novels and the “beach read list” which as you can imagine highlights chic lit at its finest.

I’ve included my lists below and would love to hear what’s on your lists. Do you have any great novels you can recommend? What’s on your summer reading lists? Oh and if you’re a book-alcoholic like me check out www.goodreads.com it’s a great site for book-lovers!

“Must Read” List:

1. Tinkers – Paul Harding
2. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake – Aimee Bender
3. The Help - Kathryn Stockett
4. Still Missing – Chevy Stevens
5. Innocent - Scott Turow

“Beach Read” List:

1. Heart of the Matter – Emily Giffin
2. One Day – David Nicholls
3. Best Friends Forever - Jennifer Weiner
4. Belong to Me - Marisa de los Santos
5. A Vintage Affair - Isabel Wolff

Summer Fashion Statements

I find summer to be a relaxing and fun season. There’s nice weather, family BBQ’s, vacations and playful yet classy summer clothing. For me, summer is a time to make bold fashion statements the best way I know how…with an amazing accessory! I like to make sure that my accessories can go with any outfit, transition from day to night and carry from the beach to a backyard BBQ or possibly a fancy night out! My top choices are large (and numerous) bangles, over-sized sunglasses, cute sandals and big floppy hats. Each has their benefits from sun protection, to comfy footwear to classic chic style. So how do you accessorize in the summer? Do you have a favorite piece or must have fashion accessory?

Layering for the Summer weather

It is hot outside! And the AC is officially on at work. I need layers that I can put on and take off throughout the day, but still look nice! My favorite Chadwicks page is ‘Shop by Outfits’. It gives some great layering ideas in addition to some easy outfits to put together. These along with my Turn-it-Around Tank and I can create outfits for cool days in the office and still step outside for a quick lunch and a few rays of sun without melting!

Spring and Summer Trends

Spring and summer trends for 2010 have started popping up everywhere. The most dominant trend that I’ve seen while out shopping this past weekend is the nautical trend. From stripes to polka dots, and even floral prints, these red, white, and blues are being showcased in many retailers’ windows and displayed in the front of their stores. I personally love the nautical trend because it reminds me of the beach and vacationing. Here are a couple of my favorite nautical items from the new Chadwicks catalog. The Pleated Shift Dress 39.99 (left) Nautical Knit Dress 39.99 (right) To get these looks and to check out even more nautical looks click here! What spring/summer trends have you been seeing out there?