[Summer in the City] Spanish Moss 

Crochet + Fringe Top H&M Lace Shorts Strawberry Shoes Aldo Clutch Vintage

Sometimes, it is easier just to shoot what your friends are wearing because they do it better. In the summer, especially summer in the city, I get caught up in my uniform so I'm not much to look at (unless you fancy denim + t-shirts until you die). I always love Lauren's interpretation of trends; she's current but still integrates her personal flare. Instead of piling on loads of necklaces and bracelets and wearing beaded flats in the spirit of what's "in," she wore only two gold pieces and a healthy glow. The best accessories are the ones we already have folks, our skin and our hair. 

[Summer in the City]  Accessories that work 

I'm not sure as to where everything is from in this image but I do know, I really want/need a Nixon watch unless of course, Michael Kors thinks he can do better.

[Summer] OPI Mani + Pedi Delights

On my fingers: San-Tan-tonio  / On my toes: Samoan Sand

Some of my favorite summer beauty treats to myself are manicures and pedicures. When I have my nails done, it is akin to having that statement piece of jewelry or overly opulent blouse or dress for some young women. Unfortunately, you won't catch me sporting all of the trendy nail styles (i.e. shattered, ornate rhinestone decorations ala Harujuku) as I'm pretty basic with my color and technique. I prefer my natural nails to synthetics, mainly because synthetics destroy your natural nails -- that, and I have really nice natural nails. Also, the wide variety of neutrals offered by OPI will certainly keep me in nail lacquer heaven for quite some time. The above two images are of my current summer favorites by OPI: Samoan Sand and San-Tan-tonio. I know I don't have the most beautiful feet in the world but they are mine and clearly, haha, I own them. 

"I fell in love with the girl at the rock show."

[Alexa] Dress Nightcap Bracelet David Yurman Watch Nixon [Me]  Turban Headband Lavela Dress American Apparel 

[Broke in the City] Diane von Furstenberg Sample Sale 

Diane von Furstenberg Bairly Louche Dress & Ilse Skirt 

Today was the first day of the bi-annual Diane von Furstenberg Sample Sale. Unfortunately, the sale was every bit of crazy that I'd been reading about online. Women would push you "out of the way" in order to browse the racks, remove garments from "your area" or your hands if they were particularly bold and let me not forget to mention the women with infants. In the great city of New York, where plenty of new mothers are jobless spendthrifts with  foreign nannies, I cannot understand bringing a child into the wilderness of a DVF sample sale. I witnessed children being knocked around like balls in a pinball machine so that their mothers could try on a dozen looks at a time. Fortunately, I went prepared: I wore baggy denim shorts, an oversized t-shirt and flats. I also brought a bottle of water because the space where the sale was being held was hotter than the devil's ass hole. Luckily, I left the sale with the two darling pieces that you see above. I probably won't return until the next sale (sometime later this year) but I do know what to expect in the future: ravenous shoppers. 

[Contest] Sperry Top-Sider Summer Share Sweepstakes 

I can't think of a better way to spend the summer other than with friends, seaside and in an amazing summer share. Thankfully, the team over at Sperry Top-Sider shares my enthusiasm for fun in the sun and is hosting an amazing giveaway with me, TheQueenofHearts! 

First, enter to win Sperry Top-Sider's Summer Share Sweepstakes here. The grand prize is a 1 week summer share in Nantucket, MA with up to 5 friends! Seriously, how cool is that? 

Additionally, I'll be giving away a free pair of Sperry Top-Siders to one lucky female or male TheQueenofHearts blog follower! Simply follow my blog, my twitter and/or my bloglovin' for an entry.  I will select a winner at random from all available entries. Good luck and let's get ready for a happy summer in style!

[Summer Mystique] American Apparel Tricot Side-Tie Bikini

Bikini Top & Bottom American Apparel 

Summer is finally upon us folks so you know what that means: beaches and bikinis! Well, for you guys anyway because my summer will be spent studying for the bar exam. I shot Lauren while we were in Costa Rica this year in American Apparel's Tricot Side-Tie Bikini. I was impressed with the Tricot's ability to maintain its vibrant shine after repeated trips to the saltwater beaches of Manuel Antonio. But the Tricot is not for the shy, with a high-cut bikini bottom and barely there triangle top, you'd better be ready to put your best body forward.