Tees for Change keeps it positive
I’m at the beach this week, which means nothing but swimsuits and t-shirts. So this week at Fashion Find, I bring you a few of my favorite tees — because if you’re going to wear a tee, you might as well make a statement.
Tees for Change makes the softest, most comfy tees ever, from bamboo and organic cotton. Each is emblazoned with a positive phrase (my tee says today matters, which I love). Their slogan is “sustainable tees on a mission” — and for every tee you buy, Tees for Change plants a tree. It’s a small gesture, but one that matters.
Their tees are well made and incredibly comfortable. And of course, if you want to preserve both your tee and the environment, you can hand wash and air dry (although they do well in the machine, too).
practice kindness organic cotton tee, $32.00.
Tips for shopping the mid-season sales
Hello, it’s finally summer! Time for barbecues and long days at the pool and cocktails on the porch. Which means that your favorite retailers have to clear the floor for the fall looks. You know, because you don’t need a swimsuit in July, you need a winter coat!
It’s a stupid system, I know, but it can work to your advantage. Mid-season sales are a great time to shop for two categories of things: basics and trends. Sale prices give you a chance to stock up on basics (shorts and tees and tanks and swimwear) that you know you will need this summer AND next. Sales also let you test trends without breaking the bank.
But keep in mind: no matter WHAT you buy, don’t be seduced by the sale price. You’re not SAVING any money, you’re only SPENDING less, and it is only money well spent if you WEAR what you buy. Ask yourself this: would I have paid full-price for this? If the answer is no, then step away from the sale rack; you’re better off spending more and getting something you will really wear.
Gap suede thong sandals, currently $17.99. These qualify as a basic.
J. Crew upgrades, you benefit (but be patient)
J. Crew is in the process of upgrading their web site; what you can see of the new site is quite lovely. HOWEVER, it is loading painfully slowly, which is kind of a killer if you are someone who likes to browse there daily.
Like me.
Fortunately, the nice people at J. Crew are making it up to us: for a short time (I have no idea how long, but certainly RIGHT NOW!) they are offering free shipping to compensate for the poky slow web site. Enter code FREESHIP at checkout and you’re on the road to some cool new duds, without the hassle of paying to have the box sent to you.
You might want to grab a snack before you start browsing, though — the site is loading VERY SLOWLY. In fact, you might want to make a cocktail and just relax a little.
Corossol jeweled sandals, $325.00. Not even free shipping makes these an option, sadly.
Libby Dibby skirts are like getting two for one!
I’m obsessed with suitcases right now; I’m packing for back-to-back trips and it’s wearing me out. I’m struggling to pull together all the right things in as little space as possible.
What I need are a couple of Libby Dibby skirts.
The idea behind Libby Dibby is simple, yet brilliant: each skirt is reversible, which means that you can wear it multiple times in the same week or trip without looking like you’re repeating an outfit. The prints are fun and funky, and typically both prints share a common color scheme, which means that you can ALSO pack a limited number of tops, thus keeping your suitcase light.
Libby Dibby skirts wrap around, which means that they are ideal for postpartum moms who are still carrying a little extra; the wrap part falls in the back, though, which eliminates the chance of random flashing often associated with wrap skirts. And because they are a simple A line, they are flattering to every shape.
Libby Dibby skirts are available in sizes S to XXL, for about $70.00. But that’s TWO skirts, remember, so really they are a steal.
Old Navy tanks keep you cool for less
The tank top is perhaps the most useful piece of clothing in your closet; the right tank can be dressed up or down, worn layered or on its own. And fortunately, you don’t have to spend a mint to find the right tank.
The secret to a great tank top is fit; you want one that is long enough to keep your midsection covered and wide enough to keep the girls under wraps. And while you could spend a fortune on a chichi tank from a designer label, there’s no real need; tanks wear out no matter what you pay for them, so opt for the least expensive option you can find.
I’m a big fan of Old Navy’s tanks, because they are affordable and they fit well and they hold up nicely through about four seasons. By the end of the summer, mine are not really fit to be seen on their own, but they’re still useful as a layering piece, under a sweater or jacket. The next summer, I toss the worn out ones into the pool bag as cover ups and start over with a new batch.
Old Navy layering tanks are available in sizes XS to XXL, in a wide range of colors. Currently they are $5.00 each if you buy two or more at oldnavy.com, but the color selection is limited; they will cost a little more in store, but you will probably find more selection.
Jack Rogers thong sandals: The flip flop grows up
It’s summer, and there’s nothing better than tossing off your big winter shoes and letting your toes breathe. But just because it’s warm doesn’t mean you can go around in flip flops — at least, not in those rubbery ones; keep those for the pool and beach. For grown-up outings, go with a pair of Jack Rogers Navaho thong sandals
Jack Rogers sandals are a Preppy staple for summer. Made of soft leather with just a wee heel, they are a flip flop that is nice enough to wear to the club. The also have a campy, retro look that works well with this summer’s sheath dresses.
Jack Rogers Navaho sandal, available in six colors at Nordstrom (and at least a dozen other places on the web) for about $89.00.
Lands’ End Crossgrain Canvas Tote is the ultimate beach bag
One of the best parts of summer is spending an entire day at the beach or the pool. It’s the perfect getaway, because you are compelled to unplug and relax. But while a day on the water means leaving it all behind, you still need to haul a LOT of stuff with you, particularly if you have kids.
That’s where Lands’ End comes in.
The Lands’ End Crossgrain Canvas Tote is perhaps the ideal beach bag. It’s huge, for starters, big enough for four towels, six pairs of goggles, two snorkels, and enough diving toys for an army of kids, among other things. It has great pockets — three small ones inside that are just the right size for sunscreen and tissues and your wallet, and one on the outside that will keep your cell phone away from the wet stuff. The inside also has one long side pocket with a strap, for things you want to keep separate from the rest of the jumble, like your magazine or book. And it has the all-important key hook, because who wants to dig through a bag this size looking for the car keys at the end of the day?
Not me, I’ll tell you what.
The Crossgrain Tote is made of sturdy canvas that stands up on its own and dries easily. It comes in four gender-neutral color combinations, which means that your husband won’t have any excuse not to take it — and the kids — to the pool on his own. And the straps are the perfect length for hand or shoulder toting.
The Crossgrain Tote retails for $39.50 and can be monogrammed for an extra $5.00.
Luxury Liner gives you a little extra coverage where you need it most
There’s nothing worse than planning the perfect outfit only to have it undermined by your underwear. Visible panty lines are bad enough, but what about those Girl Issues that sometimes crop up?
You know what I mean.
For days when you need a little extra something between you and the world, try the Luxury Liner — it is essentially a bikini (or thong) with a panty liner built right in. And I know how weird that sounds, but trust me — these are the BOMB. They are comfortable and sleek and yes, the weird liner thing really DOES help keep you fresh all day.
That’s probably more than you wanted to know.
Luxury Liner underwear are available in three styles and four colors, in sizes small to large, for $19.00.
J. Crew printed beach tunic brightens up your apres swim
I’m always hesitant to buy a swim cover-up; most of them look a little frumpy, honestly, and then there’s the whole issue of investing in something that only gets worn for a very brief time (from the car to the pool, for example, or only in the summer).
I think that’s why I love this particular tunic from J. Crew so much — I can see this working long after the pool is closed, with some skinny white jeans and sandals. And the bright color and floaty fabric make it perfect for actually WEARING to the pool — full coverage without the warmth and weight of the typical terry cover up.
J. Crew printed beach tunic, available in XS - L, and currently on sale for $39.99. Also available in four solid colors for $29.99 (if prints aren’t your thing).
EnviroSax helps you get green
I love bags, of all sorts; a great bag is the perfect marriage of form and function. And EnviroSax totes take this up a notch, with reusable totes that you can fold up and keep in your big bag, for those toting emergencies.
EnviroSax are made from renewable and sustainable materials, and they come in bright colors and cool prints. Each sack folds into a wee roll that can live in the bottom of your regular bag, for grocery runs or kid clothing emergencies; they are also available in sets of five, for easy storage.
Currently, EnviroSax has teamed with the American Cancer Society to create a limited edition pink tote that will benefit breast cancer research. To order, visit The Hope Shop; bag retails for $10.00.
Pictured: Flora sack, $8.50.
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