The very best accessory for summer. . .

Hello Readers!

Yesterday was the first day of summer. It didn't feel like summer. . . until I stepped outside into the heat and humidity that I instantly recognized as the St. Louis summer. Yep, it's back- bring out your linen skirts and shorts, paint your toenails, and don't forget to wear sunscreen!

By now, you are probably wondering "Laura, what is this very best summer accessory that you speak of?" Well, this accessory is the perfect companion for nearly every summer endeavor, as we venture into vacations, muster the discipline to stay inside at work, and catch the occasion rays of sunshine by the pool- a book!

This could be a novel, a biography, a book you've been meaning to read, a book you've already read- just pick up a book and READ. Engage your mind, gain fresh perspectives, learn something new!

In the photo below, I am holding one of my favorite "academic" books, Speaking Into the Air: A History of the Idea of Communication by John Durham Peters. My "summer accessory," however, is What Americans Really Believe by Rodney Stark. More details about my outfit are below:

John Durham Peters Book: The University of Chicago Press

Off-White V-Neck shirt and Teal Lace-Trim tank top: American Eagle Outfitters (last season)

Charcoal Embroidered Skirt: American Eagle Outfitters (this season)

Brown Flip Flops: Reef

This outfit is perfect for a summer day. . . a breezy skirt, knit cotton shirts, flip flops, and a summer read! This outfit could go to the park, family gatherings, a corner cafe. . . you get the picture.

OK Readers, remember to read, reapply sunscreen, and rehydrate on a regular basis!

Update! As Seen on TV. . .

Good Evening!

You may recognize one of the dresses in the picture above. . . My friend and fellow grad student, Emily, wore a smashing dress to a recent girls' night out (featured in my last post). Earlier this week, while watching abc family's The Secret Life of the American Teenager, I spotted Emily's dress on the show's protagonist- Amy Juergens! The following day, I informed Emily and she told me that she purchased the dress at Forever21. So, for those of you who admired Emily's dress, or saw the dress on television- now you know where to find it!

I love, love, love spotting clothing in public or television that I've seen in stores or online. Usually, I can only name clothing from AE, Abercrombie, Banana Republic, Martin & Osa, J.Crew and occasionally Marc Jacobs. This is the first time I've recognized a friend's clothing item on television (how exciting!), but I will continue to keep my eyes open for more "as seen on TV" matches.

Emily, this post is dedicated to you and your flair for fashion!

Girls' Night Out: Fashion, Fondue, and SATC 2

Good Evening Readers!

Last Wednesday, this lovely quartet (Erin, Me, Angela, and Emily) hit the town for a night of fashion, fondue, and Sex & The City 2. While the movie didn't win a place in my top ten, it was a great movie to see for our outing. We started the evening at The Melting Pot on Delmar for Fondue and then moved the party to a nearby movie theatre to "catch up" on the lives of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda (and by catching up, I mean watching the movie).

I looked forward to this night for many reasons, one being that it was a great time to wear a neglected dress from my wardrobe. This particular dress is a mini dress from White House/Black Market (Spring 2008) and it is paired with a thick, black belt from Banana Republic (Fall 2009); my green pendant from Target; and a black, floral headband from J. Crew (Spring 2010). Hidden from the photo are a pair of very comfortable black satin peep toes from White House/Black Market.

I would like to point out the cute outfits of my friends (good job ladies!). Erin went for a glam-safari look with dangly hoop earrings, a gold sweater with a brown belt and very cute olive-green cargo pants. Angela's outfit is mostly from The Limited (the have a great work collection right now, and if you are a student or educator you can receive a discount), and I think Emily bought her dress during a recent trip to Southern California.

What a fun summer night!

P.S.- While I did not watch the SATC series or the first SATC movie, out of curiosity I took a "Which SATC character are you" quiz (three quizzes, actually), and I found out that I am most like Charlotte. She seems the most like me, and I absolutely loved her wardrobe!

Question: if you could raid any character's wardrobe from SATC 2, who's wardrobe would you raid? Carrie? Samantha? Charlotte? Miranda?