5 things I love about this summer.

1. Braids

For frizz prone hair, braids are sometimes the only solution to the 100% humidity problemo.

It gets your hair out of your face and can potentially look really polished.

If you don't know how to braid... try getting on youtube.com and watching some tutorials, and start practicing!

2. Parasols

Fact: 80% of visible skin aging is caused by sun exposure

As far as I am concerned, the sun is my worst enemy. So why not get yourself an adorable parasol to shield your pristine skin from it's evil ways. I got mine from Pearl River, which generally stocks a fun selection of hand painted parasols for under $10.

3. Faux Tans

I have been in the practice of artificial bronzing since approximately the 7th grade... and even I still have an occasional user error... But if you must, and sometimes you do... this is by far the best at home product I have tried. My only recommendation is that you wear rubber gloves underneath a wash cloth mit... because it stains your hands like no other... and that is NOT a good look for anyone.

If you want to splurge, Suvara spray tans are like magic.

It was truly a flawless tan that lasted about a week, but the price tag is close to $100 a session... compared to the St. Tropez tanning mousse that is under $40 from Sephora, and you can probably get 10 - 15 applications from it...

4. Alexandra Rothwell Beaded Earrings

I am obsessed with these earrings! I actually own the pair all the way to the right.

Every pair is one of a kind, hand crafted, color consulted... and absolutely amazing.

They are great for all seasons but so much fun for the summer!

Check out her website

www.AlexandraRothwell.com

and oogle over them like me...

5. Retro Swimwear

Old School Bikinis and maillots... I need not say more.

this is mine... which I found at Enz's in the East Village.

5 things to love about THIS october.

INDIAN SUMMER!

Sam Adams Octoberfest...

mmm. get it while you can before they switch to winter lager.

anything pumpkin spiced...

Crunchy leaves...

Even though they are hard to find in these parts... I still love that sound.

& Glee ala Rocky Horror

moisturize.

I know that I can be a little bit dramatic... but I am being dead serious when I say that this lotion changed my life. I first discovered it when I was a taking a ceramics class in college and any moisture that I had left in my hands was sucked out by the clay... plus the seasons were changing... it was really awful.

There really is nothing as good as this stuff. You only need a pea size amount and it absorbs quickly and isn't greasy at all... plus if you have excess on your hands, you can run it through your hair to get rid of static (but just a little). Seriously buy this if you get dry, cracked skin in the winter. It costs like $7 at Duane Reade which is stupid, but I think most other places it costs around $4.

Nivea kiss of shine gloss, is really great for moisturizing too. Not sticky at all and has a really great shine. It's perfect for over lipstick too. Costs about $4 at any drugstore.

Rosebud salve is another great gloss for the colder months but since it's in a pot you have to stick you're finger in it, and I'm over that. But still a great product. Costs about $6 at Sephora or Urban Outfitters.