Lilly Shorts: A Must-Have for Summer

Last Friday before we took off for Nashville, I jetted over to our local Lilly store and purchased a fabulous pair of Callahan shorts in the "Hotty Pink Fallin' in Love a Little" print.

(Seriously, who comes up with these names??)

Super-cute shorts, I have to say. I sported these on 4th of July with a navy top, creating a somewhat patriotic ensemble (the shorts appeared more red than pink from a distance). In fact, I wish I had brought these along on the trip to Nashville and worn them to the concert. The fabric is very light-weight and is welcome attire in this heat and humidity.

What are your favorite go-to outfits for staying cool in the summer?
Images courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer and Life's A Beach

Summer Joy

Summer is… running through the sprinkler, slurping on popsicles, yelling "Marco! Polo! at the pool, catching lightning bugs, playing Ghosts in the Graveyard, listening to the sound of crickets and locusts, camping in the tent in the backyard, falling asleep with pool-soaked hair, waking up in the morning and doing it all over again.

Ah, to be a kid during summer. What says “summer” to you?

It’s Thursday, folks, which means the three-day weekend is almost here, as is my journey to see U2. Did I mention that I'm going to the U2 concert? I did? Well, I'll say it again: I'M GOING TO THE U2 CONCERT!!  Can’t wait to see my Irishmen.
Image from houstonculturemap

Post-Holiday, Pre-Vacation

Did you have a nice holiday weekend?

We spent time at the pool, grilling outdoors and catching up with my sister-in-law who was visiting from Charlotte, N.C. She's such a sweetie and arrived bearing gifts, including an early birthday present for moi, the Lilly "Later Alligator" watch set.

Thank you, A. It's perfect! In fact, I'm wearing it yet again today and have already changed out the band for the second one that came with it.

Well, my wish came true for less rain and more sun. Not only has the sun made an extended appearance, but it's been in the mid-90s in these parts. Our time at the pool over the last few days was well spent.

So, Memorial Day has passed and we're into the official summer season, which means Hubby, the kids and I are about to start our vacation. Can't wait! Hubby asked me last night if I was ready. Ready, yes. Prepared? No. I have my OCD list ready and will check and double-check throughout the week.

Any suggestions on must-have items for summer and vacation? Fashion, accessories, books? Do share, would love to hear!

P.S. - Thanks again to those who helped troubleshoot the issue I was having with Blogger - Miss Flo, you're a gem! When you use a free service, I guess you're at the mercy of it. May have to look into a different service at some point, if these types of issues continue to arise. We'll see.
Image from brookemcc.tumblr.com

Summer Wish List

I am on a shopping moratorium, and I really mean it this time. With us closing on our new house in late July, beginning payments on Miss E.’s new school next month and other general debt, I really have to put a halt on the spending. Because, you know, there always seems to be more month at the end of the money.

Any hoo, if I didn’t have a self-imposed (okay, Hubby may be pushing hard for this as well) moratorium on shopping right now, here are a few summer items that the UPS man would likely be delivering to my doorstep.

New polos from Vineyard Vines – VV is currently having a Family & Friends sale for up to 25 percent off any purchase. Just enter the discount code FFSUMMER10 at checkout (Believe me, it shows great restraint on my part to have a discount code in hand, yet not make a purchase). I love the Five-button Fiona polo, as well as the sleeveless polo. Too cute! My MSL, Ms. A., recently purchased the Gold Coast Halter Polo in Sailor’s Red. Adorable!

Blue Waters Patchwork Shorts – Another piece of VV apparel. Sensing a theme here?

Balance Runners – Title Nine offers these running shoes that are good for the road, as well as trail running. If I had a pair of these babies, I'm sure I would be more inclined to run each day. You don't believe me? Yeah, me neither.

A new Life is Good T-shirt – How about this one for the Fourth of July?

Nantucket Basket Purse – This version of the Nantucket Basket Purse is available on etsy by the Up My Sleeve Boutique. Pricey, but such beautiful work. Wouldn’t Miss E. and I look adorable sporting Mommy & Daughter versions? (Uh, don’t worry, I won’t be doing that.)

So, dear readers, what items are on your summer retail wish list?
Images courtesy of Vineyard Vines, etsy, Title Nine and Life is Good

Summer Gear

Not sure about where you live, but it feels like spring took a quick exit and summer has arrived and settled in. It’s been in the high 80s, close to 90 degrees this week. Luckily, the pools open this weekend and our vacation is only 3 ½ weeks away – woo hoo!

So, with the warm weather I’ve been thinking about flip flops, sundresses, cute summery tote bags and other accessories that scream “It’s summer, baby!”

I love Eliza B flip flops. Stylish and comfy, you can customize your flips for a look that suits you to a “T.” Eliza B also carries items for that special guy in your life, such as needlepoint and hoof pick belts, among other items.

I’m old-school when it comes to the perfect summer tote for the pool and beach: L.L. Bean canvas Boat and Tote bag. The boat & tote withstands the test of time. I have a large navy and white one that we fill with towels, sunscreen, snacks, diapers, you name it. Although, I now wish I had ordered the extra long straps so that I could sling it over my shoulder.

As far as summer clothes, I love what Title Nine is featuring right now. I’ve been wearing my Title Nine yoga shorts a lot lately. I wish I had a job that allowed me to wear these types of clothes all of the time, or the fitness level and amazing life where I could actually be featured in one of their catalogs. You know what I’m talking about: “Julie is sporting our Hybrid Tunic. She is a brain surgeon, champion surfer, has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and in her spare time, volunteers at orphanages in third world countries.”

So, dear readers, what are you must-have accessories or clothing items for the start of the summer season?
Images courtesy of Eliza B, L.L. Bean and Title 9