The summer cool down: A/C turned to the max.

SUMMER DRESSING AND AIR CONDITIONING

I love my husband and children very, very much. I love my parents and siblings too. I have many friends on both coasts that I love like they’re family.

But the truth is, my first love is air conditioning.

When I was a third grade teacher, I taught a unit on creative inventions. The first night’s homework assignment was to make a list of the top 10 inventions of all time (in their opinion). My example, of course, was air conditioning. The other genius inventions on my list included: hair straightening, ziplock bags and post-it notes. Let’s be clear here on my feelings; I love a cool breeze on the beach and always try to be as close as possible to a body of water. (I will never ever understand why some people sit on the beach all the way near the parking lot and far from the water’s edge?). I like driving in a convertible as long as it’s in constant motion, so the wind is basically always “on.” But, if I’m stopped at a light and it’s my choice, I would choose to put the top up and blast the air conditioning, immediately. Needless to say when putting the top up isn’t possible, I am that woman who’s blasting the AC top down. (If my husband reads this - I’m apologizing in advance but it’s better then lying, right?) I like the very cold, very fake, freon infused air. On top of the annoyance caused by super high electric bills, my husband also hates fake, cold air and therefore we battle: windows down …. fresh air streaming through the car; windows up …. temperature set at 63 and the forced air power on level 5 (back and forth all the time). This is something to consider if you are single and thinking about coupling. :)

In stark contrast to my love of air conditioning, I love, love, love to be outside. If I could air condition the exterior of buildings and the streets, I would do that. I love eating outside at restaurants; long walks by the shore; sightseeing in cities; and in general being “out and about”. Part of my love of LA is because there is very little humidity and MANY days in the 70s. While I’m on the east coast, and temperatures are on the rise (along with humidity at times), it’s super important that I dress for summer weather.

So…. what are my go to summer looks to keep things cool and versatile?

See below for a few of my favorites:

Look # 1

Tee: IKKS tee also available at WEST

Skirt: Similar look here from the Wellground by Flannel and here by BA & SH

Shoes: Hermes

LM: “I’m really picky on skirts but when they are shaped for my figure I grab them, especially in bold colors and prints. I am wider in the middle, so I like flared or A-line skirts, especially when it’s pleated with an extra flounce. If you have a tiny waist, you would probably like one that is fitted in the waist and then has straight, flared silhouette. (Like these featured pleated skirts!). Here, I paired the skirt with a V-neck graphic printed tee, which I find is a rare item to come across.”

Look # 2

Dress: (Similar look) save: Rachel Zoe Silk Blend Dress; splurge: Stella McCartney One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Shoes: Victorie Sandal (clear shoes are TRENDING!)

LM: “I love the lines of this maxi dress. It’s got a great shape and halter neckline. It’s super lightweight, a flattering color and subtle print but …. not really bra friendly, which can be a challenge. My favorite trick in this situation is: adhesive bra/body tape— easy as stick on, 1, 2, 3 and done. With subtle floral printed dresses and skirts, unlike solid colors, they hide all my bumps and curves with the slightly distracting pattern. With this printed dress, just add a pair of clear, strappy shoes and you have a complete outfit!”

Look # 3

Top: Vince Square-Neck Textured Floral Camisole (on sale at Neiman Marcus!)

Jeans: AG Adriano Goldschmied Etta High Waisted Wide-Leg Crop Jeans (Available in WEST store)

Shoes: Pedro Garcia

LM: “If I’m going to wear full-length or capri jeans during the day in the summer, I would break out the lighter denim. This is not my typical style but most new denim is high waisted and wide leg. Paired here with a really light and summery tank and crazy asymmetric earrings that I like to wear with a very open top.”

Look # 4

Top: (Similar look) Monrow V-Neck Tee

Pants: (Similar look) Missoni High Rise Knit Trousers

LM: “I love fun summer pants, and these are comfortable!! All stretch. I can’t wear things that are too thick or too tight in the scorching summer heat. A V-neck tee is clearly the answer to all your summer fashion concerns and leaves your neck open for some fun summer jewelry.”

Look # 5

Jeans: (Available at WEST) Moussy Bowie Jeans

Sandals: Valentino

Belt: Gucci

LM: “Sometimes, I just need to put on my favorite jeans by Moussy (perfect for cooler summer nights) paired here with a sheer top and some very summery sandals to keep the look light. It’s subtly sexy yet effortless.”