must haves

May marks the official kickoff of all things Summer-worthy, and this month, we can't wait to slip into an endless array of easy, effortless dresses, breezy tops, and fun skirts and shorts. With that in mind, our May shopping list highlights the aforementioned in a refreshing array of floral prints, stripes, and chic basics to carry us through the warm seasonal shift. Additionally, we're amping up our accessory game with wear-everywhere d'Orsay flats, statement clutches, and sleek high-heeled sandals for those evenings out on the town. Click through to shop all of our editors' May must haves now.

Once May rolls around and warmer, sunnier weather is in sight, there are plenty of reasons to swap something out of your makeup stash and indulge in something new. This month, our beauty editors are swooning over everything from gorgeous new scents and luminous BB cream to lush skin and body treatments. Find out what's hot this month now.

May is the month to celebrate your special pet. From the excitement of the Kentucky Derby to the cuteness of baby ducklings, May begins with Save the Rhino Day and closes with Pink Flamingo Day, with several other animal-related holidays and events throughout. Check out this collection of cool must haves that commemorate National Pet Month and all the other special days in May.

Some of our favorite authors are out with new novels this month, just in time for the beginning of beach season. The Da Vinci Code's Dan Brown is taking on Dante's Inferno, while the author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns is back with a book that travels from San Francisco to Kabul. There are also a number of promising memoirs and nonfiction titles out this month. Click through to find out what we're adding to our reading list.

Hop in! This month, with school wrapping up and the weather showing off, we're taking a road trip: destination unknown. Pack up gadgets to keep music blasting and devices working, and don't forget some crafty geek resources to ward off endless highway boredom. Start planning your journey with our essentials for a Spring getaway.

Balmy, beautiful May weather has us itching to entertain more often; thankfully, we've found a handful of new products that'll make it a breeze. From making homemade crackers and dips (with help from a handy cookbook), to whipping up batch after batch of vegan, gluten-free cupcakes, and even shaking up exceptional cocktails with a sense of place, these foodie finds will be indispensable in our efforts. We suggest you follow suit.

May is here, and with it comes Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Derby Day, and Memorial Day! In other words, we'll have plenty of reasons to celebrate and a few great excuses to relax. Whether you're looking to spruce up your patio or add festive flair to your decor, we've got you covered. Keep reading to see the items we can't get enough of!

Is it possible that Spring's finally here? It's certainly feeling that way, and with warmer weather in the air, we sense our overall mood changing. Helping it along are some fun new finds for the month of May. Among our favorites for the month are a new DVD by one of our all-time favorite kiddie show characters (here's a hint: he's fuzzy, red, and speaks in the third person), an adorable pint-size raincoat from an iconic design house, a cookbook from the sons of one of TV's most well-known chefs, and more. Check out our must-have items for the month of May, and tell us which ones you're adding to your shopping list!

Even when you have a limited amount of space, certain living essentials help make life easier. And these pint-size versions of their bigger counterparts are perfect for those with cozy living quarters.

Along with helping out around the house, most of these picks are budget-friendly and cute in any decor. Click through for a collection of the cutest mini essentials for your small living space.

The countdown to Summer has begun, and while you may have visions of hours of carefree fun in the sun, our picks will help make sure you're staying safe while doing so. We've got stylish orthopedic wedges for weary feet, a nongreasy zinc sunscreen to block harmful rays, and a delicious chia snack that you can take with you on the go for when hunger strikes. Read on for all of our must haves for May!