The Long and Short of It

As much as I love skirts, they're sometimes impractical in the summer. (Have you ever tried going on carnival rides in a skirt? It's not exactly ladylike.) Printed shorts are your best bet to stay covered and stylish. Here are four of my favorites:

1. Sunflower-Print Shorts, Alice + Olivia, $200
2. Printed Cotton-Twill Shorts, J.Crew, $60
3. Beaded Dip-Dye Shorts, Topshop, $120
4. Bianca Shorts, Kendall K., $42 with code "baubles" (originally $82)*

*Kendall K. has offered $40 off her spring collection with code "baubles." Code expires on Friday. More information is here.

Today on Bedknobs & Baubles: Color Crush on Lemon

{ 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
   

{ summer lovin' } Sandals

Each year I buy a new pair of sandals and wear them until they're hanging by a thread on Labor Day. For summer 2011, I'm crushing on this pair by Sam Edelman. The only decision left: on-trend color blocking or go-with-everything nude?

Mercury Rising

photo via Punit Sinha Photography

We're experiencing a Wisconsin heat wave with above-freezing temperatures in the forecast for the next week. Thirty-eight degrees isn't exactly beach weather, but it's just enough warmth to make me itch for summer days. And fortunately enough, I'm heading to California this year with my boyfriend for his best friend's wedding. Who cares if the wedding isn't until June? I'd like to start my fantasy beach-ready suitcase now.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Melissa Odabash, Hermione Jersey Kaftan, $325
Lanvin, Embellished Acetate Sunglasses, $126
Echo Design, Graphic Ombre Crinkle Scarf, $38
J.Crew, Jersey Lomellina Retro Bandeau Tank, $115
Anna Beck, Riau Gold Triple Disc Earrings, $163
Diane von Furstenberg, Rialto Sandals, $136
Sea Bags, Small Tote Bag, $95*
Tory Burch, Skinny Cuff with Logo Studs, $95

*The tote bags are made from recycled sails, lending character to the totes and inspiring stories of faraway lands. Basically: the tote is more well-traveled than I am.