Favorite Things: Summer in the City Edition
by habituallychic
05 . 29 . 08
Memorial Day always heralds the beginning of summer in the city even if the calendar still says spring. My office has already begun summer hours and the rising temperatures are necessitating a change of wardrobe and accessories so I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite things that help me get through summer in the city.
First up are dresses. The one above is from Vera Wang Lavender Label but any dress will do as long as it keeps you cool and comfortable. Just throw it on and run out the door and then smile smugly at all the men wilting in their suits. Looking good is the best revenge! 
One minute you’re sweating outside and the next you are freezing to death in an arctic office. My favorite solution is the summer weight cashmere cardigan from J. Crew. Pick a color, any color. Chances are they have it and the best part is that they are thin enough to stash in your bag when you go back outside.
I’m like a Magpie when it comes to shiny shoes and I have a special weakness for gold. They look great with tanned feet and Jack Rogers makes one of my favorite pairs. I consider them a classic and I love the fact that you can wear them every summer and not worry about them ever being out of fashion. They’re definitely on the preppy side but I think the gold makes them a little more St. Tropez than Nantucket.
If you’re going to wear a dress, you better make sure your legs are up to par. Everyone always asks me how my legs look so tan and I always admit my secret is Estee Lauder Go Bronze Tinted Self Tanner for the Body. The tint makes it easy to apply and the color looks very natural. But some people swear by Neutrogena and other Clarins so by all means figure out what works for you but just make sure you rub in and wash your hands. There is nothing worse than seeing badly applied self tanner streaks and orange palms.
We’ve already had one hazy, hot and humid day this week and my hair would have looked much worse were it not for Phytodefrisant. I love it so much that I buy the large economy size otherwise I’d look like Monica in Hawaii! There is nothing chic about frizzy hair.
I’ve already mentioned my summer perfume, Mimosa by Calypso, before but the deliciousness of this clean scent bears repeating. When everyone else is smelling not so fresh, you’ll be smelling like you just stepped out of the shower. It’s worth keeping a travel size in your bag for when you have to sit next to some Sweaty McPherson on the subway. You’ve been warned!
The very best part of summer for me is reading a lite book in the park or on the beach all day! I have a friend going through a divorce right now and she can attest that it’s no party but the book, The Divorce Party, is getting great reviews. It’s set in Montauk so even if you’re stuck on the subway reading it, you can dream about being at the beach.
And if all else fails, you can always call in sick and go lay out in Central Park. Just make sure you wear sunscreen so you don’t get caught!
We’ve already had one hazy, hot and humid day this week and my hair would have looked much worse were it not for Phytodefrisant. I love it so much that I buy the large economy size otherwise I’d look like Monica in Hawaii! There is nothing chic about frizzy hair. I’ve already mentioned my summer perfume, Mimosa by Calypso, before but the deliciousness of this clean scent bears repeating. When everyone else is smelling not so fresh, you’ll be smelling like you just stepped out of the shower. It’s worth keeping a travel size in your bag for when you have to sit next to some Sweaty McPherson on the subway. You’ve been warned!
The very best part of summer for me is reading a lite book in the park or on the beach all day! I have a friend going through a divorce right now and she can attest that it’s no party but the book, The Divorce Party, is getting great reviews. It’s set in Montauk so even if you’re stuck on the subway reading it, you can dream about being at the beach.And if all else fails, you can always call in sick and go lay out in Central Park. Just make sure you wear sunscreen so you don’t get caught!
26 Comments
You work different hours in summer?
Reading your blog always makes me miss living in NYC! In a good way!
please explain “summer hours”? i don’t think we have them…
Thanks Jordan! You can visit anytime!
Suzy, My office closes at 2:00pm every Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Some companies close earlier and other give their employees every other Friday off. Most do it since people leave early to head out to the Hamptons. Gotta love New York!
Christian, You have “summer hours” everyday!
I’m a big fan of self tanner too – I like the spray – easy to do by yourself and no palm tan.
I love these posts the best!! Yes, the best part about summer is throwing on those light dresses! Is there anything simpler or more fabulous?! (Okay, yes, shoes.)
I even had a bonus last week when I found a brand new Narciso summer dress that I had FORGOTTEN I’d even purchased. Good grief – that’s what happens when it’s way below zero in February in Chicago and you need a pick-me-up… Naturally, I wore it immediately!!
PS – I’ve also just started reading The Divorce Party – so far, so good.
Have a great weekend.
Where can I find the Vera Wang Lavender white dress?
Mrs. Blandings, I have yet to master the spray self tanner so I stick to the tinted cream. I might have to try again.
Alice, I can’t believe you forgot about a Narciso dress! Talk about shopping your closet! How fab!
I also should have known you were reading The Divorce Party. You’re always on top of new releases. I hope you like it. I might pick it up today.
Have a great weekend!
Anonymous, I bought mine at Bergdorf’s but I didn’t see it online but maybe if you call them, they can help you!
Thanks for all the tips… especially the defrizzing hair product… I have had that Monica hairdo many a times… I will have to check into that.
Oooh, I might have to try out the Estee Lauder brand. Neurogena works wonders, but it smells so awful!
How does the E.L. smell?
Fifi Flowers, it’s a lifesaver!
ChicSeek, I think there is a faint smell but I don’t even notive it. I’m probably immune since I use it everyday!
I’m totally jealous that you have summer Friday!!! I’m dreaming of that on a day like today.
I just found your blog and love it! I have never really tried the self tanner and I am a bit skeptical about the color. Is the Estee Lauder really a good color for the white legs with no tan at all? I need something I don’t want to tan.
April
Perfect post to kick off summer. Seeing the sheep’s meadow in central park says it all – makes me miss summer in the city, although when I was living there I couldn’t wait to escape every weekend.
Love all your “products”. At the moment I use Ralph Lauren “Blue” but will be trying your “Mimosa”!
Great picks, Heather!I Love the Jack Rogers sandals especially. I always enjoy your insightful humor and honesty. Have a great weekend!
I am going to go out and try the Estee Lauder. I have one I like, but it does have that sickly sweet odor. Perhaps Estee has mastered this. Great group of summery htings! Puts me in the mood to go shopping! and relaxing in the yard.
I miss summer friday! My newish job does not have them. Boo.
I got a free tube of Phytodefrisant from some event and LOVE it! I had wavey thick hair and have tried everything under the sun, this is the best de-frizzer out there.
Heather! I went out last weekend and bought the Estee Lauder tanning lotion….I am looking forward to trying it out! Thanks for the tip! 🙂
Amazing. I want to move to NY even more now!
Amazing. I want to move to NY even more now!
A tip with the self tan: I use mine adding one drop to my body lotion every day. So I get a very nice natural tan and I don’t miss parts.