23 Summer Essentials

Inspired by Gala's post, I decided to make one as well. Happy first day of summer!

1. Pops of Color

Now is the time to sneak a little bit neon into your life. Hot pink, electric lime, the bright options are limitless. Check out this adorable and bright vintage bag.

2. Dare to try the long skirt

This is my own personal plunge I want to take this summer. I've seen some photos (like the ones above) with the trend pulled off beautifully and I'm officially inspired. I think I'll go with the chiffon pleats route...

3. Find a new hobby

Start painting, begin antiquing every Sunday, learn Yoga, master a cocktail, read one NY Times Bestseller list book a week, learn how to play the guitar, take a cooking class, start a personal project; whatever it is, have fun!  

4. A Getaway

So it doesn't have to be to the Italian coast, but a spontaneous road-trip with your favorite people will do. 

5. An assortment of season-appropriate hats

Ideally I think every girl should have a fedora, a newsboy cap, a knitted beanie, and something with a silk black blow (love the girl up top!)

6. Someone to kiss

As Gala would say, "Preferably someone cute, smart, and 100% worth your time." 

7. A fun clutch 

Mine would be one fit for a mag-pie; clutches are the perfect opportunity to overdose on glitter. 

8. Fresh Flowers
Though it runs expensive, I'm a total advocate for buying yourself flowers from time to time; or hey, here's an idea: plant your own garden!

9. Bust out the polka-dots

Polka-dots are to summer what plaid is to fall. 

10. A Summer Bucket List 

Sleep under the stars, attend a music festival, go skinny dipping, throw a slip-n-slide & margarita party, find the best eggs benedict in your city, read a new book, learn to grill, WHATEVER, just make it your own. 

11. A New Bikini

I've been in love with this swimsuit since I first laid eyes on it and it WILL be mine as soon as I have a bank account that's more than one digit. 

12. A Killer Guacamole Recipe

Such as this one. Making guac with grilled avocados...so genius. You are now prepared for any dinner party. 

13. A Fabulous Pair of Red Heels

One part racy, one party classy, all parts gorgeousness. You'll love them to death, where them forever, and there ain't nothing a woman in a pair of red heels can't do. How about these?

14. Mini Bottles of Champagne

Just cuz. 

15. A Night Out Under the Stars

Join me? We can make these. 

16. A Drool-Worthy Pair of Underwear

With summer here and no AC...let's just say you're not sleepin' in sweatpants. Might as well find something pretty to wear for bed time since any more layers will cause heat claustrophobia. 

17. A Glam Pair of Shades

I'm partial to the cat-eye variety.

18. Something Striped

You know nautical is always all the range in the summer, and bonus points if you pair it with some sequins. 

Probably the sexiest song I've ever heard. Sorry Tweet, but this version murders yours. 

19. A Summer Playlist
I'll getcha started ;)

20. A Plethora of Sundresses
I think there's somehow a misconception that sundresses are a fancy piece of clothing (seriously, I'll put one on to run an errand and my dad'll say, "Whooooa where are YOU going?!"). Not true, they're extremely versatile and wayyy easier to toss on than a pair of shorts and a top. My money's on H&M for having this season's cutest; stock up a-sap. 

21. Regular Brunch with your Favorite People

Whip these up and everyone will love you; they're amazazing

22. A Fun and Colorful New Cocktail

From one of my favorite websites, Fashionably Bombed:

Sparkle-tini

Makes 2

4 strawberries
1 ounce Vanilla Simple Syrup
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
Champagne

Garnish:
2 ounces white chocolate
Sprinkles and/or edible glitter (we like to mix them together!)

In a food processor combine strawberries, Vanilla Simple Syrup and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Prepare garnish by melting white chocolate and dipping rim of champagne glasses into it. Then dip glasses into a plate of sprinkles and/or edible glitter.  Add 1 ounce of strawberry mixture to each champagne glass and top off with champagne!
Vanilla Simple Syrup

½ cup sugar
½ cup water
1 whole vanilla bean (using just the seeds that have been scraped out)

Combine water, sugar, vanilla bean and seeds in a medium saucepan. Boil until sugar has dissolved, stirring frequently. Let sit for at least one hour. Let cool, strain and store in refrigerator.

23. A Summer Mantra:

“Sleep late, have fun, get wild, drink whiskey and drive fast on empty streets with nothing in mind except falling in love and not getting arrested” - Hunter S. Thompson

{photos via 9 to 5 Chic, My Style Pill, Modern Hepburn, Enthusiasm Documented, Note To Self, Dangerously Debonair, Glitter Guide, J.Crew, Big Island Chronicle, Miu Miu, hitched salon, gala darling, bhldn, J.Crew, Patterson Maker, Fashionably Bombed, Laughing Squid}