Skorting the Issue-Vesper Skort in Lapis by Horny Toad

Ready to ride, walk or run. Vesper Skort in Lapis by Horny Toad.

Summertime means getting out there and having fun...where ever you can find it. That may mean a hike through the woods with lunch afterwards at a little open air cafe.  It could also mean bicycling to a local spot for a picnic or day at the beach.  Where ever you go, I say, look cool and chic!

That's why I was so impressed with this super comfy, stretchy Tencel blend Vesper Skort by Horny Toad.  Here's the garment description from the HT website:

Vesper Skort
For those whose love of a good mini skirt equals their love of travel, play and movement, the Vesper Skort is like an answer to a prayer. Perfect for a game of Frisbee or tennis, a bike ride across town, a round of golf or even a heated Scrabble match, it can also be dressed up and taken out to dinner. Made of our favorite year-round knit blend of silky Tencel®, soft cotton, durable poly and supple spandex, the covered elastic waistband has an internal drawcord and internal shorts have a 3" inseam.

Secrets Under the Skort
I like that the shorts underneath are well constructed and have their own secret pocket in the front for cash, a credit card or energy gel. The fabric is SO soft and I like the way the waistband stays flat without rolling. The fabric does not wrinkle. We did not iron the skort, it was just taken from the bag and put on and as you can see, BOOM!  Easy care, ready to wear after you unpack it.

Bicycling, walking, running, the Vesper Skort's got you covered.

Run Don't Walk
Why limit yourself to spandex shorts on or off the trail or bicycle? There have been times (long in the past mind you), where I've gotten on my bicycle for a training ride but wanted to stop at the coffee shop or market along the way. Walking into a public space with skin tight shorts simply draws WAY too much attention.  With the Vesper Skort You can have all the freedom and comfort of shorts but look very stylish once you finish your workout.  Hey, you never know WHO you'll meet!

Taking along a helmet? GLC's Guilden Carry All can handle it!

So the next time you plan to head out for the usual run or bike ride around town, think about putting on an easy to wear skort like this. You'll definitely turn heads and in a GOOD way!

Vesper Skort in Lapis by Horny Toad. Bicycle Bags by Basil

 Vesper Skort C/O Horny Toad

Shore Pleasures: Carve Designs, Fossil Bags, Mossimo Heels CA Style

Shore Dress and Maddie Button Knit by Carve Designs

Beach glamour from California incorporates a laid back attitude with a real appreciation for the outdoors. They days are warm but as soon as the sun goes down, the party is just getting started. You can transition right from the beach to a local club or dinner with ease. That's why this outfit is so versatile from morning to evening. Here's what's up with this sweet California chic style:

Shore Pleasures - CA Style

Hat: Scala Collezione Cowry Shell Hat - Dorfman-Pacific of CA
Dress: Shore Dress in Orient Blue Carve Designs of CA
Top: Maddie Button Knit in White by Carve Designs of CA
Purse: Vintage Crossbody Bag by Fossil
Shoes: Mossimo Perl Cage High Heel Sandals - Target

 
Scala Collezion by Dorfman Pacific Hats of CA
A hat can be the perfect friend, keeping the sun off your face and hiding swim hair problems on the beach! I purchased this straw hat in a resort store at Harrods in Atlantic City, NJ. I have several Dorfman Pacific hats but this is the finest straw one I own. Beautifully crafted, it's a must for a day on the beach.

Dorfman-Pacific Hat - California Styling

Shore Dress by Carve Designs of CA
I like the loose, drop-waist look of the Shore Dress and the adjustable drawstring front allows you to pick the length of the spaghetti straps! The waist is likewise subject to your own ideas as it has built in ruching and elastic.  Add a wide belt or a statement necklace like this cloisonne perfume holder below and you can seriously dress it up for a night of clubbing.

Beautiful cloisonne perfume holder statement necklace with Carve Designs Bikini.

Maddie Button Knit
When the sun goes down on Malibu, you can be comfortable and warm. This cover is made of a light and airy knit and can be worn over your swimsuit, Shore Dress or your cut-offs heading out for some ice cream. 100% cotton knit, it has a snap front, two front pockets and fitted sleeves that can be pushed up.  It packs down extremely well so there's no reason to test the night air without cover when the temps dip.

Maddie Button Knit Cover

Crossbody Bag by Fossil
To transition from the shore to the club or dinner is simple by adding a sweet little crossbody bag like this black leather one from Fossil. Just enough room to hold your cell, keys, a few credit cards and a bit of cash, sling it over your Shore Dress and dance the night away!  Small but mighty, it has so many sections and pouches for it's tiny size. This is a vintage bag but the closest current Fossil Crossbody would be the Stanton Women's Traveler below.

This Hinged iPhone case fits in the Fossil bag

Mossimo Perl Cage High Heel Sandals - Target
I picked these up at Target and really liked how great they felt when I first put them on. They are really comfortable for having a heel this high ("4 inch) but what I like is these are a bit edgy in a relaxed way.  The woven caning accents and the zipper in the back is super slick. Not just sexy but it makes getting in and out of the shoe super easy. These are nicely padded in the ball area and just look amazing for a night out. Expect the bouncers at the door to let you in wearing these!

Mossimo Perl Cage High Heel Sandal - Target

Similar to my vintage Fossil Cross Body Bag:

Fossil Stanton Women's Traveler Crossbody

Beach Chic: Helen Kaminski & Horny Toad Nantucket Style

Beach Chic Picnic-Horny Toad Dizzie Dress in Nectar

Summer means backyard barbecues, picnics by the pool and trips to the beach. Yes, pack your swimsuit but be ready for time out of the water too! Sometimes we don't plan ahead but when you do, YOU will be ready for that impromptu shopping trip or tour around the resort town. I've spent such beautiful days in Sag Harbor, Long Island to Nantucket Island, Mass. shopping along the village streets and this is how the classy ladies pull it all together:

Beach Chic Outfit

Hat-Crocheted Raffia Sun Hat, Helen Kaminski of Australia
Dress-Sizzle Sun Dress in Nectar, Horny Toad 
Knitted 3/4 Sleeved Topper in Coral, Cotton On
Shoes-Earth Vista Wedged Sandals in Alpaca, calf leather available at Nordstrom

Helen Kaminski Provence rollable, raffia hat

 Helen Kaminski Hats are handmade in Australia using natural raffia. These are crocheted so the unlike a woven hat, is more airy while allowing maximum sun protection on the beach. I purchased this hat at Nordstrom after my previous hat blew into a swimming pool at a party and wilted!  I asked for something indestructible that would not die if water hit it. The sales women pointed me to these hats.
Helen Kaminski Crocheted Raffia Hats pack easily as they are rollable. Practically bulletproof, it's the last sunhat you'll ever need to buy.

Naturalizer Penny Handbag in Orange Leather is the perfect travel & touring bag

Horny Toad Dizzie Dress in Nectar
This sundress is so lovely and comfortable, you're going to want to leave those cut-offs and tee shirts behind. Not too dressy but perfect for a warm summer day. Add a 3/4 sleeved topper once the sun goes down or for a little extra coverage in the sun. Dizzy Details include comfortable straps, a gathered back, front placard and darting for a fitted shape around the bust-line. The peachy-coral color ways compliment most any complexion with a blush of color and you can dress it up with a pretty necklace. Two generous pockets keep this dress fun and casual but very practical for a day out.

Back of the Dizzie Dress by Horny Toad

Earth Shoes: Vista Wedge Sandals in Alpaca, genuine calf leather. These sandals are made for comfort but you would never know just looking at the details and styling. This is a very balanced wedge sandal made for walking on the beach and off into the sunset afterwards. The lining of this sandal is so soft, cushioning your steps on the sand or sidewalk. I really like the tan tones of the Alpaca which nearly disappear into your own tawny legs! So show up with a beach chic look for your next summer outing as this outfit shows both styling and comfort.

Vista Wedge Sandals by Earth Shoes are available at Nordstrom

Picnic Glamour Hamptons Style: Craghoppers

Craghoppers SolarShield & insect repellent separates make any outing amazing.

THE HAMPTONS, LI: Here is a cool but polished look that's perfect for the beaches of South Hampton, NY. I've spent many happy summers on the pebbled shores of the Long Island Sound and this outfit is perfect for really any inlet beach but especially those on the Island.  Here's why.

Craghopper's

Amelie with UPF 40+

Craghopper's hails from the UK and makes very fashionable, well made outdoor, travel and resort-wear. One of their innovations is the NosiLife line which includes insect repellent built into the fabric itself. This repellent action is good for up to 70 washings, basically the life of the garment. Added to that is SolarShield offering a UPF of 40+ sun protection. Many of the beaches facing the Long Island Sound have HUGE biting flies. We used to run into the water and stay submerged to avoid them! Clothing like this can be your best friend for a beach picnic or outing where you plan to spend some time out of the water. Sunburn and biting insects will no longer be an issue at your next picnic or outing!


Top: Amelie in White with chest pocket and SolarShield UPF 40+
Maxi Skirt: NosiLife Catilin in Brown with insect/solar protection
Scarf: Pistil Designs
Leather Sandals: Maeve by Naya
Bag: Victoria's Secret Amber Fragrance Gift Set

Do some resort shopping in Sag Harbor in this Gabriella dress!

Craghopper's NosiLife Gabriella Dress
The good news is that you don't have to give up, fashion, style or comfort when spending time outdoors. This Gabriella Dress combines sunblocking, moisture control and insect protection all in one smart outfit. It is fitted under the bust-line, has cap sleeves and a v-neck so it's quite flattering for all figures. Soft, stretchy and ready for anything, it packs and travels well.  Dress it up or down with a belt, scarf, etc. these are great choices for a day at the beach, a summer picnic or BBQ. No one will know your secret, only that you look fantastic!

Gabriella NosiLife Dress in Litchen Green

Hat & Scarf: Tinsley Fedora and OKeefe scarf by Pistil Designs
Bag: Guilden Carry All in Bone by Give Love Cycle
Shoes: Maeve Sandals by Naya available at Nordstrom

Craghoppers Collection c/o Craghoppers UK

Visibly Fashionable: Vespertine NYC Vesp & Flashy Wear

Vespertine, NYC's NEW Vesp reflective vest in Lime. Singlet by Gore Bike Wear, Skort by Terry.

Bike Lane, NYC: Now that summer is here along with NYC Bike Share, the Bike Path & Greenways are humming with activity. These special areas seem to never quiet down as you can see people riding, running and skating along all times, day and night. Florescent colors make up some of the new Hi-Viz wear you are seeing lately in response to people wishing to be seen by motorists even during daylight hours.

Back of Vesp. Bicycle Helmet by Lazer

Vespertine, NYC had the idea of making reflective-wear which can easily pass for fashionable accessories. Their new Vesp, which I have been wearing over the past few weeks is perfect for use on the bike when you want to be seen. During the daylight hours, the florescent bright colors are visible from very far away.

Cycle-Ready Vesp: Gore Bike Wear Signature Cap and Synergy Organic Cotton Tank Dress

 At night, the 3M reflective materials reflect light like crazy, making it easy for cars to see you.
This is the description of the Vesp from the Vespertine NYC Website:

"This chic, light weight VESP is perfect for an early morning jog, a dusky walk, evening cocktails, a late night bike ride and everything in between. Bright colors and 360º of reflective material provide excellent day and night time visibility. A longer versatile roomy cut fits over anything from a bandeau top to a winter coat. A built-in stuff pocket means it stores breezily in your bag, car or locker plus the new mesh side pocket is perfect for your phone, keys, cash, etc...
The VESP Eco Lime is made from water resistant 100% Eco-circle recycled/recyclable polyester with the most reflective 3M Scotchlite Material on the crossing straps, signature V-neck, around the bottom edge and the adjustable tie closure."

Beaded Vesp in Citron showing its night reflections

Haute Reflecture
The idea of wearing light reflective garments is nothing new, but Vespertine NYC has taken this to a whole new level with reversible vests and other fashionable items that light up the night. All of their garments are made in NYC and the variety of pieces can easily grace any haute couture runway.  What's cool is the Vesp can go with you in your handbag as it stores in its own attached pouch.  I went shopping using my bicycle and when I stopped to go in the store, took off my Vesp and stored it in my Elements Shoulder Bag along with my helmet.  No one knew I arrived by bike but everyone could see me en route.

The Vesp stores in its own little pouch

Flashy Wear
Once again the Hi-Viz colors get the attention of motorists and pedestrians during the day and the reflective materials alert all to your presence at night. I also like to make sure to have lights on my bicycle and on me.  You can wear blinkies like these from Road ID. These Super Nova LED Lights are extremely bright and can attach to your shirt, helmet or zipper pull as shown below on my Carve Designs Zipper Line Hoodie:

Super Nova LED Lights on a zipper pull and my wrist for night-time flash

Be Seen at the Night Spots
So if you are out running, walking or cycling at night, you can add an extra layer of protection with a reflective Vesp and Super Nova blinkie lights. A sure way to be visibly fashionable.

C/O Vesp in Lime via Vespertine, NYC