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

Naturalizer Penny Leather Handbag ORANGE is the New Black

Summer 2013, NYC: I'm so ready to celebrate summer! Now you may be more familiar with Naturalizer shoes for their unparalleled comfort but their leather handbags are of equal beauty and quality.

This season, add a pop of color with this luxurious color way trending in orange.  All of the top designers from Hermes to MK (Michael Kors) are making similar bags in this rich color as a bold fashion statement. Personally for me black is blah for summer and fall so this was a refreshing change from the darker tones of winter. 

Naturalizer's Penny Handbag in Orange Leather & Italian Silk Scarf

From the Office to the Hamptons
What I like about this handbag is it's fine crafting and versatility. It's roomy enough to fit a file folder for the boardroom but pop on a little silk scarf and it's ready for vacation travel. In fact the leather itself is very close to being fine luggage quality. Like well made luggage, it has metal feet and metal reinforcements on the straps. There is an outside pouch for your cell and a slit/lined pouch in the back.

Above: Interior of the Penny.  Below Camelia Flower Makeup Bag by Chanel.

The Penny Handbag is richly appointed inside and out with a beautiful textile lined interior. The inside pouch is ample but the center zippered pouch is genius. It acts as a natural divider, keeping your purse contents in their place. There's a pouch for your sunglasses and what-nots but I like to pop my car keys in there for quick access. I like the magnetic center clasp that keeps everything together as this is the perfect bag to mix business and pleasure. Here are some other features of the Penny:
The Penny Handbag Has:

• Top zip closure
• Front and back pockets
• Interior features open and zipper compartments
• Textile lining
• Shoulder straps with an 8 inch drop
• 13 1/2 inches long X 10 inches high X 6 inches wide

 
 

Naturalizer Penny Handbag on a rainy day, this bag can hold its own in bad weather.

I paired this handbag with Earthies Solerno Too Wedges in Spice available at Nordstrom

C/O Naturalizer whose marvelous shoes I have purchased for many years and Earthies, a new level in comfort.