As the city’s temperature begins to hint at the sweltering summer to come, it is necessary for one’s look to follow suit – sandals replace boots and the search for a perfect bag for all those weekend beach jaunts becomes a priority. In order to best enjoy all a New York (and its environs) summer has to offer, it is best to be prepared with a cute swimsuit or that perfect pair of sunglasses before they are actually needed. To aid in this endeavor is this guide to summer chic from head to toe.
First on the list is SHAUNS, a California-based eyewear brand committed to great craftsmanship and charity work. Their products are made in small, family-owned factories in the Italian Alps, which ensures something unique and well-made. For summer 2013, their sunglasses ($160+) come in a variety of shades, from a light gold reminiscent of the sunsets of Sonoma Valley to a vintage tortoiseshell and sharp, modern black. As if this were not incentive enough to splurge, the company matches all purchases with a pair of eyeglasses and a vision exam for someone in a developing country. To buy: select Neiman Marcus stores and ShaunsShades.com.
As for clothing, Spanish company Massimo Dutti’s women’s line offers a variety of dresses, blouses, and accessories with a casual European flair that is perfect for summer. The line contains a mixture of classic summer styles, such as the white lace dress at left (above), and bold patterns and colors, as seen in the dress to the right. With simple lines and beautiful details, the collection is just right for day or night. To buy: Massimo Dutti boutiques and MassimoDutti.com.
If looking for an alternative to the skimpy string bikini, consider the mid-century style swimsuits on ShabbyApple.com. The website is run by Mormon women who wish to look cute while respecting their religion’s laws, and the result is a reliance on delightful vintage silhouettes that will surely stand out poolside. To buy: ShabbyApple.com.
Finding a suitable pair of sandals is challenge enough; factor in all the walking that New York requires and it becomes almost impossible to find something comfortable and attractive. Enter Worishofer, a German footwear brand that has recently enjoyed some popularity among young celebrities and hipsters alike. Their shoes are actually orthopedic and thus, quite literally, granny chic, but a few steps in them are all the convincing one really needs. They come in a variety of styles and colors, from the Tan/Green seen above to more conservative shades. To buy: various retailers and Zappos.com.
Beautiful clothing deserves an equally pretty bag in which to travel, such as those made by Fairchild Baldwin. The line is the product of Jill Fairchild, the daughter of John Fairchild of W magazine and Karen Baldwin of Michael Kors. The weekend duffels are a perfect mixture of fabrics – the cotton is lightweight and appropriate for the summer months, while the leather straps are sturdy and add some structure to the bags. To buy: FairchildBaldwin.com.
Happy shopping!
