Outfitted

A peplum top is an easy way to look polished. Visit Bedknobs & Baubles for detailed photos!

{ Sartorial Summary: Top - Anthropologie; Pants - Express (hemmed to ankle-length); Shoes - Kate Spade; Necklaces - Vintage, c/o JewelMint; Purse - c/o OASAP; Ring - c/o OASAP }

{ inspired by } the beach-ready tote

With the perfect mix of pink and tangerine, Kate Spade's beachy tote is my summertime muse for color-blocked outfits.

1. Pinwheel Tank, Anthropologie, $68
2. Espadrilles, Kate Spade, $225
3. Enamel I.D. Bracelet, Tory Burch, $75
4. White Shorts, Topshop, $76
   

Anthropologie Somerset Cape

Oh, c'mon Rachel Zoe! I adore you, but did you really have to feature Anthropologie's Somerset Cape in this morning's Zoe Report? I had dutifully added it to my autumn wish list (to patiently e-stalk to the sale section) and now I have to hope it doesn't sell out before I get my hot little hands on it. Sigh.

On Vacation at Coco+Kelley

Photo via Veer

Cassandra at Coco+Kelley is taking some time off this month and has asked for vacation-related guest posts. See my New England fantasy escape here.

For this outdoorsy ocean escape, I'd keep with the nautical theme, opting for crisp cottons and relaxed knits. Here are some of my top picks.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Thread Social, Wool Boucle Sweater Dress, $180 (sale!)
Emitations, Sirena's Gold Anchor Necklace, $34.95
Delia's, Collin Hoodie, $39.50
Kate Spade, Senora Shell Earrings, $64 (sale!)
Anthropologie, Stone & Cloud Skirt, $49.95 (sale!)
Amazon, Moby Dick by Herman Melville, $10.10
J.Crew, Lugano Leather Suitcase, $1,800
Kate Spade, Vanna Espadrilles, $146 (sale!)
Boden, Breton Bikini Top and Bottom, $23 and $20 (sale!)
Saipua, Saltwater Soap, $8

If you'd like to submit your own dream vacation plans, click here for details.

In the Jungle

In Crocodile Dundee, the wardrobe for Linda Kozlowski's character consisted of easy khakis, linen and a breezy silk scarf to wrap around her hair. Since watching the movie recently, I've been toying with the safari trend - and if I can't fill up my Passport this summer, I may as well dress like a world traveler.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Roberto Cavalli, Oversize Tunic, $494 (sale!)
Catherine Weitzman, Gold Coral Disc Pendant Necklace, $115
Anthropologie, Pyramid-of-Fire Chandelier Earrings, $38
Newport News, Wood-Framed Clutch, $25 (sale!)
Tory Burch, Striped Web Reversible Logo Belt, $225
Kenneth Jay Lane, Large Animal Print Bangle, $36
Jayson Home & Garden, Vintage Trunk, $695
BCBG Max Azria, Khaki Paisley Matte Jersey Halter Dress, $102 (sale!)
Catherine Weitzman, Gold Coral Reef Bangle, $170
Delia's, Jamie Shorts, $29.50

Free Shipping at Anthropologie

I do quite a bit of my shopping online. I like the rush of placing the order, waiting in anticipation, and the excitement when the plain brown box finally arrives. I love ripping through the packing tape and tissue paper to finally touch the coveted item.

And I absolutely refuse to pay shipping and handling charges.

This kept Anthropologie off my online shopping radar because of their exorbitant rates. Until now. If you sign up for an Anthro Card (no worries, it's not a credit card) and link it to your online account, you'll get free shipping on all orders now through September 7, 2009. You can sign up for an Anthro card here. You should receive your card number via e-mail within 48 hours and they will send you a card in the mail within the next week or so.

Here are my top picks from their Web site:


(Pictured clockwise, starting from upper left.)

Galaxy Knob, Small, $10
Stormy Night Earrings, $148
Shoofly Shell, $78
Ruffle Racer Bralette, $48
Ruffle Racer Bikini, $44
Artichoke Votive, $12
Azalea Silt Planter, $38
Bungalow Dress, $278
Ukrainian Egg Ring, $38
TokyoMilk Wrapped Soap, $11
Pitch Pine Creamer, $14.95 (sale!)

Orange Crush

I've been absolutely fascinated with orange lately and not just because it's Hermes' trademark color (although that's reason enough to admire the hue).

The real reason I love orange is for its versatility. Orange is optimistic and energetic as the weather warms, yet is equally appropriate for autumn. And it's arguably one of the few colors that manages to retain an air of modernity while celebrating its retro appeal.


(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Anthropologie, Fruiteria Lamp, $228
William Yeoward, Avington Orange Place Setting, $200 - $395
Anthropologie, Decorative Daisy Earrings, $28
Tracey Reese, Printed Crepe Chemise Dress, $345
CB2, Zombie Tumbler, $3.95
Bottega Veneta, Woven Box Clutch, $1,150
J.Crew, Cotton-Cashmere Ruffle Cardigan, $68
Ariella Collection, Adjustable Multi Prong Ring, $78

She Sells Seashells

Once I spy the first crisp white and navy stripes of the year, my heart skips in anticipation of summer.

The nautical trend continues to resurface, but let’s face it, the last thing any of us need is another striped tee shirt. Instead, reinterpret the trend this year with pieces that simply nod toward the sea.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Banana Republic, Silk Strapless Dress, $175
Ice.com, Cultured Pearl 14K Gold Threader Earrings, $75
J.Crew, Solid Silk Garland Cami, $88
Anthropologie, Sound Mooring Skirt, $49.95 (sale!)
Kate Spade, Sea Island Scallop Bracelet, $95
L.L. Bean, Tidepool Boat and Tote (Medium), $30
Banana Republic, Turquoise Dome Ring, $49