Summer 2011

Tips

Quick Tip: Try Using Fans Instead of Air Conditioning at Night

Isn't this retro-looking fan adorable?

Isn't this retro-looking fan adorable? I have a couple fans in this style at our house and love the way they look — and the fact that they help cool the house effectively on the rare, hot Summer days in the Bay Area.

Did you know that you can actually use electric fans to supplement your air conditioning system? Instead of running the AC all day and all night, try using fans during the night to pull cool air into your house. Then, pull down the curtains and shades in the morning to eliminate sunlight pouring into rooms and warming up your house. With these easy steps, you can often delay turning on your air conditioner during the day and eliminate its use at night in many areas of the country.

Have you tried using fans instead of — or in addition to — air conditioning in your home? Interested in buying the fan shown here? It's the Deco Breeze Retro Table Fan ($47).

Travel

What to Pack for . . . Basel, Switzerland

>> Right now, in a gorgeous medieval city on the banks of the Rhine, Art Basel is in full swing.
What to Pack for Basel, Switzerland

>> Right now, in a gorgeous medieval city on the banks of the Rhine, Art Basel is in full swing. With over 300 international galleries showcasing the best in modern and contemporary art, it's a festival so global and all-encompassing that Vogue has dubbed it "the most beautiful temporary museum of the world." But what to wear to a gathering of the world's most aesthetically discerning patrons? Pieces that could be subtle little works of art themselves, naturally. Architecturally folded skirts, graphic-print dresses, and statement accessories — click through to see our packing list.

Shopping

Prints Charming — Chic (and Cheeky) Printed Sandals and Wedges

>> Put a little lightness in your step with these 22 super-Summery shoes.
Buy Printed Sandals and Wedges Summer 2011

>> Put a little lightness in your step with these 22 super-Summery shoes. We spotted printed wedges and sandals on the Spring 2011 runways, and now they've turned up at the Resort 2012 presentations as well (Givenchy, Mulberry), we can pretty safely say that this is a trend that's not disappearing anytime soon. And why not? Printed shoes are an easy way to add color (and a bit of levity) to even the most basic outfit. Click through to shop our selects, including the Loeffler Randall x Suno pair at left.

Net-A-Porter

The Exclusive Erdem Capsule for Net-a-Porter Is Now Online

>> Seven Erdem pieces — all featuring vibrant, Summery prints — are now available exclusively online at Net-a-Porter.

>> Seven Erdem pieces — all featuring vibrant, Summery prints — are now available exclusively online at Net-a-Porter. Ranging in price from $670 to $1,630, the mini-collection includes a cross-back day dress, two silk crepe blouses, a pansy-print mini-skirt, zippered capri pants, and a floral biker jacket. "It has the energy of the Spring/Summer 2011 show, but is more focused on day dresses," Erdem explained to Vougue UK. "It's all about fresh, young pieces!" Click through to see the complete selection.

 

 

Travel

Where Would You Like to Travel to Next?

You've probably embarked on many adventures and travels over the years.

You've probably embarked on many adventures and travels over the years. As I reflect back on mine, a couple of them truly stand out. To me, the best trips are the ones that let me recharge and relax. I also appreciate having the right travel buddies along with me.

One of my favorite travel experiences was a trip last year to Honolulu. I spent my days relaxing on the beach and tried my best not to pack a full schedule. I think we probably did about one to two touristy activities per day. By the time I came back to the office, I was already relaxed and ready to jump back into the daily grind. It was truly how I envisioned what a perfect vacation would be like.

I'm now ready to set out on my next journey! I was looking for ideas when I came across Frommer's list of top travel destinations in 2011. Some of the destinations they mentioned sounded quite interesting:

  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Santiago
  • Puerto Viejo
  • Taipei
  • Hokkaido
  • Ponza and the Pontine Islands
  • Kent Coast

For more top places to visit in 2011, read on.

Shopping

Go Green — Our Top Turquoise Jewelry Picks

>> There's something about turquoise jewelry that feels so right for Summer — particularly this Summer.

>> There's something about turquoise jewelry that feels so right for Summer — particularly this Summer. In range of sea-like hues that can't help but conjur visions of oceanside getaways and exotic adventures, this stone's got serious warm-weather style power — and, coincidentally, just happens to look great with a tan. See below to shop our picks for gorgeous turquoise jewelry to wear this Summer, and beyond.

 

Shopping

Proenza Schouler's Latest Online Exclusive — A Beach Bag and Towel

>> Heading to the beach?

>> Heading to the beach? Starting tomorrow, you'll be able to bring a little locale-appropriate Proenza Schouler with you: a sporty beach bag ($485) and a graphic-print beach towel ($145) . The waterproof bucket bag features bungee-cord drawstrings and straps, and comes in a choice of two colors: black and blue. "It’s definitely the kind of bag our friends, guys included, would carry to the beach. We’ve ordered two for ourselves,” Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez said. Both pieces are available exclusively on ProenzaSchouler.com starting tomorrow, June 9. [The Moment]

Shopping

The Best Beach Coverups For Summer

>> Not to say you shouldn't show off that amazing one-piece swimsuit or cute bikini, but for those times when you're out of the pool and not yet ready to put on real clothes, we suggest you elevate your postswim ensemble with options such as a silk printed cover caftan from Mara Hoffman, a bonny yellow dress from Vix, or a fancier bright teal dress from ASOS.
The Best Beach Cover Ups For Summer 2011

>> Not to say you shouldn't show off that amazing one-piece swimsuit or cute bikini, but for those times when you're out of the pool and not yet ready to put on real clothes, we suggest you elevate your postswim ensemble with options such as a silk printed cover caftan from Mara Hoffman, a bonny yellow dress from Vix, or a fancier bright teal dress from ASOS. The options are endless, but we edited it down to our 12 favorites — peep them all in the slideshow.