Yesterday I was talking about how summertime always awakens my love for anything nautical. Today I want to talk turquoise. Like the nautical trend, my love for turquoise always intensifies in the summer and holds strong through the fall, where it mixes nicely with autumn’s jewel tones. My love for it always begins with stones and trickles out to the color in general.

There’s something very bohemian and carefree about turquoise. It makes me think of bare feet, grassy fields and long dresses. I have no idea why. But because of the vibe I always get from it, I’m particularly drawn to turquoise pieces that are handmade.

So, without further ado, here is my little handmade turquoise round up:

Brooklyn Thread

Golden Plume

Xtra Virgin

Delezhen Charmed

Blue Soul Designs

Nava Glazer

Jenni Jewel

Something about summer awakens a nautical craze in us ladies. Maybe it’s the promise of sea breezes or the longing for a scenic boat ride. Maybe it’s the easy, breezy style. Whatever the reason, once the weather turns warm, nautical looks are everywhere.

I’m certainly not complaining. I absolutely love the fresh, classic feel of a nautically-inspired look. With a combination of a few basic ingredients, anyone can pull off this trend.

dress :: headscarf :: cardigan :: ring :: earrings

By combining two or three of these details (there’s no need to pile them all on at once–you’re not trying to slam the theme home!) you can create a look that screams summer casual. Best of all? Nautical styles can easily transition into fall with a little bit of layering.

clockwise from top left: white, cobalt, hot pink, black, blush, blue

I always swoon a little when I see a pair of lace shorts, whether in a store or online–especially when said shorts have pretty scalloped edges. There’s something so feminine and pretty and somewhat unexpected about them. I guess it’s that you expect to see lace on lingerie and the occasional camisole, but shorts? Not so much.

Some people find them a little much. They think they’re a little too much like lingerie. I’m not about to traipse around town in lace hot shorts, but if they’re long enough I’m all for them.

Still, I don’t own a pair–yet.

Where do you fall on the lace shorts continuum? Are you a lace shorts cheerleader or do you think they’re just for harlots?

The start of my daughter’s summer vacation has me scrambling to rework my schedule this week. I may be a little short on time, but I managed to put together a little bit of inspiration for your feet!

I don’t know about you, but summer makes me think of easy, breezy footwear. I want something flat and strappy that can take me virtually anywhere. These cute sandals would work at the park just as well as out to brunch with some friends. Don’t you agree?

clockwise from top left: Sam Edelman, $64.95 / Coconuts, $65 / Corso Como, $129.95
Not Rated, $29.95 / Lola Cruz, $225 / Nicole, $49.99

My daughter’s swimming lessons are starting up a week from today. This realization has kicked  my swimwear fears into high gear. Last summer I had just had my little bean and decided that I was only going to focus on finding cover ups that could take me from place to place. I was all about girl power and body acceptance. While I’m trying to stay on that train this time around, my needs are definitely completely different.

Last summer I was keeping one eye on my nervous five-year old in the pool while trying to rock my newborn and keep her asleep to avoid too much sun exposure. This summer I will have a much more confident six-year old who is already talking about adventures in the deep end and a 15-month old who fears nothing. I fully expect to be run ragged and am OK with that (chasing wild children counts as a workout, no?). The one thing I’m concerned about  is eliminating the possibility of a wardrobe malfunction.

I declare this year my Summer of Coverage. I’m not looking to be matronly. I just want to make sure I have some pieces that won’t leaving me pulling and tugging and fearing I can fall out at any moment. Because really, who needs a nagging fear of wardrobe malfunctions in the back of your mind when you’re trying to wrangle adventurous water babies?

1 Old Navy maxi cover up / 2 Splendid terry dress / 3 Lauren by Ralph Lauren swimdress / 4 Jantzen swimdress / 5 Old Navy striped cover up / 6 Athleta caftan / 7 Old Navy boyshort / 8 Old Navy shorts

Have you found swimwear or cover ups that you swear by? My hunt is in high gear and I would love and and all recommendations!