What to Wear: Summer Braids

On a hot summer day, nothing says cool like summer braids!  They are versatile, pretty and always chic.  We've offered up a few styles to get you through even the steamiest August day.

Maggie

Julia

Allie

For our social butterfly, Maggie, we have a darling crown of thin braids to keep her hair neat and pretty for a summer wedding or a picnic in the park.

For the beach, surfer girl Julia sports two french braids.  This classic style can withstand the biggest waves Ogunquit Beach has to offer.

And sweet Allie likes to spend her days riding horseback or turning cartwheels and with one sleek french braid she is ready for anything.

What to Wear: Summer Hats

Let's talk hats, summer hats.  They serve many purposes sun protection, fashion statement, cure for a bad hair day.  However, finding one that works for you can be tricky.  You really need to "try on many hats".  We say let's make an afternoon of it.  Here are some of our favorites:

Floppy Terry Hat
Vivid Pink
(Juicy Couture, $38)

Perfect Summer Hat for Women
(Dorfman Pacific, $22)

Glenna Hat
Straw with Black Tie
(Chico's, $39)

Seersucker Bucket Hat
(Brooks Brothers, $58)

What to Wear: The Essentials, Part Three

These are the final classic pieces to complete the look and you will be reaching for them time and time again.

The Classic Black Pump
Mary Jane Pumps
(Anne Klein, $60)

The Classic Eyewear
Metal Aviator Sunglasses
(Armani Exchange, $60)

The Classic Timepiece
Square Dial Watch
(Anne Klein, $55)

What to Wear: The Essentials, Part Two

More essentials for a classic style, courtesy of our fashion contributor Kate Torrey.

The Classic Leather Handbag
Iris Shopper
(The Sak, $89)

The Classic Overcoat
Belted Trench Coat
(Calvin Klein, $128)


Check back tomorrow for some great must-have pieces to complete the look.

What to Wear: The Essentials, Part One

With our busy lifestyles, the question "what to wear" can be an exasperating one.  But if we take our cues from fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, simple is best.  In fashion there are the classics and the trends and those lovely ladies always built their wardrobes around the classics.

Our fashion contributor Kate Torrey will join us this week with her picks for the "essential elements" that never go out of style.

The Classic White Shirt
Platinum French Cuff Shirt
(Jones New York, $69)

The Classic Black Pant
Boot Leg Pant
(Anne Klein, $79)


Check back tomorrow for two more essential picks from Kate.

Ann Veronica Totes

Time to put the leather bags away for the season and find a sweet tote to inspire us for the warm carefree days of spring and summer.

We think we've found one in Ann Veronica's colorful and whimsical line of handcrafted bags.

Each 100% cotton canvas bag is hand-silkscreened and hand-sewn in Maine. Their eye-catching designs are vibrant with colors like raspberry sorbet, butternut, tangerine, scarlet, and blue ice.  So delicious!

If you are in Cape Elizabeth, you can visit their retail shop or click HERE to find these lovely totes near you.

Blackberry Hill Designs

In Ogunquit yesterday, we took in some of the Patriot's Day festivities.  The weather was less than cooperative but as we sought shelter in the craft tent, we discovered a wonderful Maine jewelry designer.

Blackberry Hill Designs handcrafts "jewelry with a bit of whimsy" and we were immediately charmed by their Scrabble Tile Pendants.  The pendants are made from recycled scrabble tiles featuring custom graphics coated with resin to give them a brilliant shine.

With so many cool graphics on display, it was hard to choose just one, so we chose two.

Check out Blackberry Hill Designs at one of their upcoming arts and craft show appearances.

Acorn slippers

We love Acorn slippers.

"Comfort on Earth" is the Lewiston based footwear company's mantra.  Their 2010 spring collection is full of color with a multitude of eye-catching styles.  And their weatherproof soles make them wearable indoor and outdoor.

We're partial to the ballet slipper.  Think Audrey Hepburn.

Puddleton Rain Boots by Ranger

We plan on making a splash this spring in these colorful and stylish Puddleton rain boots from Ranger.  Available in a vibrant array of solids, stripes and prints, we may have to sport more than one.

Puddles, mud - no problem.  These charming kickers are 100% waterproof and clean up with just soap and water.   So pick a pair, any pair and get splashing.

Click HERE for a retailer near you.

Buy online at MUCK BOOTS ONLINE.