Style Lush

The Perfect Beach Chair

By Tara

I know it's pretty late in the season for this, but the end of summer usually means an end of summer clearance sale on all things beach related, so maybe it's really the PERFECT time for a post on beach chairs?

(Plus, I am actually at the beach this week, so I have sun and sand on the mind. You may commence hating me now, if you'd like...)

May I present...the greatest beach chair in the history of beach chairs?

Not only does this chair recline completely, but it also comes with a cooler on the back and backpack straps to make carrying it easier. And although it's kind of expensive if you buy it through Tommy Bahama ($65), I found the same one in solid colors at Costco for only $25.

I should probably go back and buy about four more before they're gone, shouldn't I?

(photo credit: tommybahama.com)

Fun Summer Activity: Kayaking

By Rebecca

I just had the kind of weekend that was so fun that when I came into work Monday morning I almost couldn't remember what I was working on when I left. It's almost the end of summer (sob) and it's been really hot here (high 90s), so we've been spending all our time at the beach, diving into the 70-degree ocean.

And true to form, we went to the beach on Friday afternoon and Saturday. But on Sunday, we decided to try something different. We loaded up the kids, packed a cooler of snacks, covered ourselves in sunblock... and rented kayaks!

We went to Southwind Kayaks, which is right in the middle of Newport Harbor and Newport's Back Bay. We rented two double kayaks, so each of the kids could ride in front and the adults could do the majority of the paddling. They provided life jackets for both the kids and the adults.

Me and my four-year old daughter, taking a quick paddle break in our bright green kayak

We spent an hour paddling around the canals in Newport Harbor. I had kayaked once or twice before, and it took me a few minutes to get my paddling stroke down, but it's easy enough for a beginner to do. If I can do it, anyone can! It helps that the water in the harbor is really calm.

It's definitely a workout (two days later my shoulders and arms are a bit sore still), but it was such a great way to be active with the whole family and enjoy the last dregs of our summer. Having children who are old enough to enjoy activities like this is just amazing. I hope they remember this kind of thing as fondly as I know I will.

Shorts is a state of mind.

By Manda

I don't know about you, but I am wearing shorts this summer like it's my JOB.

And guess what? I'm of the short-legged variety. I have an, er, "athletic" build. That's right. I have stumpy legs. AND I WEAR SHORTS. I have always felt that if I was going to get away with shorts I had to have perfect, long legs with zero jiggle (so? I was doomed to burn up in capris and long shorts all summer long).

Maybe it's because I now have two children. Maybe it's because I'm in my thirties now and I value vanity less than comfort (dude, it's hot! I do not care if my legs are hanging out!). Maybe I'm just way more comfortable in my own skin now than I ever was at any size. I'm a size 10 right now, just so you know. I have been a 4. I have been a 14. And when I was a size 6-8 and had no babies and had toned, 20-something runner legs? I wore only those Bermuda shorts that come all the way down to the knee. I would like to go back in time and slap myself. (Why just last summer I wrote about my shorts phobia!)

Whatever it is, I like it! I don't have perfect legs and I do not care! I wear my shorts and I like it!

My favorite shorts this summer are these Old Navy Perfect Khaki Shorts (3 1/2 inch). They have a little cuff and are a little stretchy, soft and yet structured, and (in my opinion?) are actually quite flattering. Who knew that shorter shorts actually make shorter legs look longer?!

I have the rifle grey, black, and navy blue. And since they are now on sale for ten bucks? I'm probably going to get a few more!

So tell me, are you shorty-shorts-phobic? Why? Or why not? 

 (photo via OldNavy.com)

Swim Fins

By Beth

Do you have a kid?  Does your kid like to swim?  You need to get your kid some swim fins.  We have two pairs, and every time we arrive at the pool I am immediately swarmed by neighborhood kids asking for a turn with our swim fins.  They make you faster, they make you more bouyant, and to hear the girl children tell it very nearly turn you into a mermaid.

Here's the catch, to be the swim fin hero of the family/neighborhood pool, you are going to have to shell out a bit.  The hard plastic ones found at my beloved Target are very likely to be a disappointment or outright rejected.  Too flimsy, plus they hurt.  We have two types, and my little wannabe Olympians have approved both.  

First up, the TYR crossblade training fin.  (TYR makes great goggles too, should you have a wannabe Olympian of your own.)

Our second recommendation are the Speedo rubber swim fins.

Both popular with my own kids and most of the neighborhood as well.  Now, I've linked you to Amazon here, but my last bit of advice is to hit a swim supply store to buy your fins.  Most swim stores will let you try the fins on in the bathtub (fresh water only please, once they hit chlorine they are no longer returnable) and then exchange for another size as needed.  Since you are using them wet, the option to try them on wet is definitely worth actually driving to a store.

(Photo credit: amazon.com)

Nail Polish and the Professional Woman

By Rebecca

Until recently, I have been primarily a nude/pale pink nail polish type of gal. And I still am, to some degree—I love how chips don't show and I love that you look polished but not "out there." But lately, there's been an explosion of beautiful, colorful nail colors that I absolutely love for summertime. Here's one I can't get enough of: Ole Caliente by Essie. It's the most gorgeous orangey, pinky red. Exhibit A:

 

And exhibit B, another Essie color called Go Overboard:

Fantastic, right? But here's my dilemma. Is wearing these colors on my hands...professional? I feel very conspicuous with one of these colors on my hands, but it might just be me and my (overly) conservative nature. Am I overthinking this, or is there something to it?

What's your opinion? Do you wear bright/noticeable nail colors to the office?

{photo credits: amazon.com}

Bringing Vacation into Everyday Life

by Lawyerish

I recently spent a week at the beach with my family, and since we got back I have been having some...trouble readjusting to days that do not involve long, leisurely bike rides; hours reading on a soft green lawn; and copious amounts of ice cream.  I also wander around my apartment feeling uninspired by our decor, especially our living room, which is done in respectable, yet seemingly drab, shades of taupe and brown.  Where are the airy ceilings, the beadboard accents, and the anchor-print throw pillows of our rental house?

Here are a few things that I think I might do to breathe a little beachy life into our workaday, city lives:

Buy a hydrangea plant.  

(A small, potted one, to be precise.)  I am certain that I will kill it within moments, but at least for a little while I can pretend that I have a yard with perfectly blue-blue flowers in it.

Re-accessorize our living room.  

(Not so much with the zebra print, but you get the idea.)

Really, I'd love to redo our whole living room and have a bunch of bright-white built-in cabinetry installed instead of the heavy dark wood stuff we have now, but I will settle for an airier couch and some summery pillows and throw blankets.  For now.

Rent a bike.

I felt so alive riding a bike on vacation, and within blocks of my home there are at least two places to rent a bike.  I don't have to do it every day, but now and then I need that rush of wind over my face and that sense of soaring that only a bike can provide.

Spend time near the water.

I live within less than a five-minute walk to one smallish reservoir, and about a 20-minute jog to the Hudson River.  Neither is a beach, which would be much more ideal, but they're both water, after all, and just seeing open sky reflecting on a glassy surface and hearing the rhythmic lap of waves (however small) is head-clearing.  

Take a walk.

I tend to spend my entire workday indoors, because I bring my lunch, and I prize efficiency over nearly everything else.  I tell myself I don't have time to go outside.  As if a ten or fifteen-minute walk is going to kill my productivity for the day?  No.  At least twice a week, I'm going to force myself to go outside.  I don't have to go get coffee or do anything else -- I just need to go outside and breath non-air-conditioned air and look up at the sky.

How about you?  How do you bring the spirit of vacation into your daily life?

{Photo credits: mine, except living room from countryliving.com}

How to survive as a runner in the summer: An amateur's guide.

By Manda

So running has kinda become my thing ... marathons to be exact. I ran my first marathon back in March and am currently training for the Chicago Marathon in October. This is strange territory as I have spent the past 4 years of my life being a) pregnant b) nursing small babies c) chasing toddlers and preschoolers and d) eating cookies. Not a lot of room on my schedule for exercise! Alas, I am currently between pregnancies (although I still have the preschooler and toddler, hee hee), and my house is sadly bereft of Oreos these days. Therefore I run.

(You know? I've never been good at math, but that doesn't all add up exactly right now does it?!)

ANYWAY! I'm enjoying running on a regular schedule! It gets me out of the house, alone!, in my own head space for 30 mins to an hour about 5 days a week. It's fantastic, and truthfully I'm mentally and physically better for it. The only current problem I have these days is the hot summer weather. This week was particularly dreadful heat-wise as it was nearly 90 degrees by 10 am one day! Guys, I live in Southern California and am spoiled. I prefer a more temperate 65-70 degree sea breeze run, mmkay? BUT STILL! Did you know that it's usually blistering hot in Chicago come marathon time? That's right, the marathon happens in October ... but I observed several people collapsing on the course last year from dehydration and heat exhaustion. It didn't look pleasant and it's my goal to NOT become one of those poor folks this year when I attempt the race.

SO! Here's how I keep myself healthy while running when the temperature is skyrocketing. Also please note I am not a doctor or a professional athlete. I am a regular person who does what's right for herself. Please do the same for yourself. And consult a doctor before beginning a new exercise regime.

1. Hydrate. DUH. Everyone says this. But does drinking two cups of coffee before you run count? Yes, I suppose so, but it's probably not enough. About 15 minutes before I run I like to chug a cup of water with an Emergen-C packet. I get mine at Trader Joe's or Target and they are AMAZING. If you're not a Gatorade kind of person (like me) this might be up your alley. After I get in from running I also drink a recovery drink, usually a scoop of protein powder mixed with water. We like Muscle Milk at our house (mmm chocolate, available in huge bags at Costco!), but Target also makes an excellent generic if you want to try it out without spending a ton on a 5 pound bag. You can also add this stuff to your smoothies. I just put a scoop in a mason jar with water, screw on the top, shake it up and glug. Good stuff.

2. Sunscreen. Don't leave home without it. Neutrogena makes an excellent spray sunscreen that I buy for the kids and use on myself. Also available in bulk at Costco! Make your list!

3. Eat something. If you're a morning runner (like me) don't make the mistake of going out on an empty stomach in the heat. I used to do this ALL the time and would get all light-headed and loopy. Your body needs fuel. Because I am going on some long-butt training runs, I need food in my stomach when I leave and I usually need to carry a Gu with me. A small bowl of cereal or oatmeal, a granola bar, try different stuff and see what works for you. I wouldn't recommend bacon and eggs though!

4. A hat or sunglasses. For most of my running career I've been a hat kind of lady. My hair has been super short for a while and I needed to keep it back out of my face. As a bonus, the hat kept the sun out of my eyes! Now that my hair is barely long enough for a ponytail, I can pull it back and forgo the hat, which is much cooler. I use these little Goody elastics that get a good grip on my fine hair and keep it back. I'm currently wearing my giant bug sunglasses from Forever 21 when I run, but would like to get a nicer pair of sport glasses. Any suggestions?

5. Skip the underwear! I cannot believe I just wrote that, but heck, I recommend it! I got tired of sweating (quite literally!) my butt off under my knee-length running tights and one day just ... skipped them. I haven't gone back since. Give it a try! For scientific research! A lot of running shorts have briefs built in anyway. I cannot tell you how much of a HUGE difference this made.

6. Get yourself a pair of shorts. Now listen, I KNOW. We don't all have little runner legs, even though we runs lots of miles. FINE. Maybe we're not going to look perfect in a pair of shorts, but you know what? Swallow your pride. It's hot. Get yourself a comfortable pair of lightweight shorts. I myself recently purchased a pair of those 80's flyaway side shorts because I was so tired of my shorts creeping up my crotch when I ran. THEY ARE AWESOME. I look ridiculous. But I do not care and neither should you.

7. Listen to your body. If it's blazing hot, you feel like you're going to barf and your heart is about to jump out of your chest? Stop for a minute. Slow down and walk. Don't be a hero! My mantra on a lot of my runs is "JUST GET HOME." And yes, I have to walk some. I try to limit myself to walking for 30 seconds, or I choose a spot up ahead to walk to and make myself start running when I get there. If I'm in a cool shady spot and I need to stop for a minute, I do. No pride. Just don't stop for longer than a minute or two. Your body will start quitting on you if you do and you'll lose your momentum.

8. Carry water with you. I got one of those goofy hydration belts for long runs and I LOVE it. I asked a lady runner out on the beach path if she liked her belt and she gave it a huge thumbs up, so I bought a Fuel Belt. You can also get water bottles to hold in your hand that have straps, or just take a regular old plastic bottle with you. If you're going to be out for a long time (more than 5 miles), take water or Gatorade or something with you.

9. Make an upbeat playlist. Somehow all the running playlists got deleted off my iPhone this week so I've been running to the most EMO music EVER on shuffle. I love Ryan Adams and Patty Griffin just as much as the next person, but I do not want to hear a slow song with a metaphor about rain when I'm about to melt into a puddle on the sidewalk, thank you. "I'm Sexy and I Know It" will do just fine. Viva summer anthems!

10. Get your run in before lunch, the earlier the better. I hate to say it, but now's the time to set your alarm and get your run in before the kids wake up. It's cooler and easier on your body. Not that I do that ... I usually walk my daughter to school and leave the boys at home to play trains at around 9:30 am and get my run in. But sometimes it's already pretty hot by that time and mid-run I'm wishing I'd banged it out before the sun was out in full. Maybe next week!

How do you beat the heat when you exercise outside in the summer months?

Old Navy Bathing Suits for Women (Ridiculous Deal Alert!)

By Rebecca

As I've discussed before, there are particular areas where I am willing to pay a little more for quality clothing... but bathing suits? NOTSOMUCH. I would rather have three different suits that I could rotate than have one really nice one. Maybe someday, but now, since 90% of my pool time is spent sitting on the concrete edge watching my kids like a hawk, scuffing up the rear in the process? Thanks, I'll take the cheapest suit I can find! 

Enter Old Navy. I have several two-piece bathing suits I've bought there that have actually lasted decently, when you consider that I have paid $10 per piece. And that deal is available now! Go check it out!

I think this tankini is my favorite: 

There are tons of cute options. They don't have as many one-pieces as I'd like to see, but there are lots of different tankini and bikini styles that range from modest to more daring, depending on your comfort level.

Do you spend $$ on swimsuits? Or are you a cheapskate like me?

{Photo credits: oldnavy.com}

Chicago: Neighborhood Festivals

By Sara

Chicago is usually known for its blustery winter days, untrustworthy politicians, and the best crosstown baseball rivalry in the country (oops, sorry, New York). What you may not know is that summer in Chicago is the best kind of summer. We get four months of gorgeously sunny days and that first whiff of warm air brings everyone out of hibernation. After a long, freezing winter, the layers are shed and the windows thrown open. What you may not know about Chicago city proper is that it is divided into neighborhoods and everyone loves to declare their neighborhood to be The Best Neighborhood in all of Chicago. 

Every weekend, all summer long starting in May, these neighborhoods throw street festivals to prove their superiority over their, well, neighbors. Over 400 neighborhood festivals take place celebrating:

FOOD

RibFest, Roscoe Village Burger Fest,Taste of Lincoln, Taste of Randolph, Guinness Oyster Fest, TASTE OF CHICAGO (obvs)

MUSIC 

Chicago Folk and Roots Festival (n/k/a Square Roots), Blues Fest, Chicago Jazz Festival, Wicker Park Festival, Do-Division, Hideout Block Party

CULTURAL HERITAGE

The 57th Annual Ginza Festival, Fiesta del Sol, Chinatown Summer Fair,Taylor Street Festa Italiana

LOCAL ARTISANS

Ravenswood Remix, Design Harvest Festival

and our city's favorite pasttime...

BOOZING

Wrigleyville Summerfest, Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party, Retro on Roscoe, Pride Fest, basically any of the 400 street festivals. 

Loud Loop Press showcased 12 of the best neighborhood festivals here and I happen to agree with many of the choices. If you're in town for a weekend between May and September, look for a neighborhood festival and I guarantee you'll have a GREAT time. Or if you're local, get off your couch and venture to a new-to-you neighborhood to check out the eats, drinks and tunes. 

(all images courtesy of Google Images)

Orange County, CA: Non-Housewife Summer Fun

By Rebecca

I live in Orange County, which despite what the Real Housewives would lead you to believe, has quite a lot to recommend it. I'm actually from San Diego (Cardiff by the Sea, HOLLA), but I've lived here in the OC for almost 13 years, so by now this feels like home! For my Hometown Week post, I wanted to mention a few things to do if you happen to find yourself here. 

(I am resisting the urge to say "THIS IS HOW IT'S DONE IN ORANGE COUNTY!" which, if you were a fan of The OC, you will recognize.)

1. Rent a Duffy boat in Newport Bay. This is my #1 recommendation for tourists because it is easy, fun, and affords you one of the best views of Newport Beach. Duffy boats are electric boats that are easy to drive and you can rent them by the hour. It is so much fun to grab your friends and family, a pizza, some appetizers and some wine (duh) and drive around the bay for an hour or two. We do this at least once every summer and everyone loves it.
   
   
   
   
   
2. If you have kids, visit what's locally known as the "dinosaur park." This park is in Laguna Hills, which is not exactly a tourist mecca, but it's a really fun park for kids. Stop at the Starbucks right across the street for something cool to drink while your kids climb on the "fossils" and explore the equipment.
   
   
3. Go shopping at Modern Romance. This is one of my favorite local boutiques! There are several of them, and one is conveniently located right by my office. Not convenient for my bank account, though, because this boutique has a great mix of higher-end knitwear brands (such as Michael Stars and Splendid), cute ,and beautiful, affordable jewelry. It's one of the places I love to wander into on my lunch hour and browse.
   
   
4. Go to the beach! Orange County has a lot of stunning beaches and this is one of our favorite things to do here. We are fond of Crescent Bay in Laguna Beach, pictured here:
   
   
   
   Is that pretty or what? Crescent Bay is easy to get to, has relatively calm, clear water, and restrooms! There are also tidal pools nearby and you can see Sea Lion Rock from the beach. Not surprisingly, Sea Lion Rock is a rock just offshore where sea lions congregate. It is a very creative and original name.
   
   
5. Visit the Dana Point Harbor. This is another great place to visit as a tourist. You can walk along the marina and enjoy the names people give their boats (this is what I like to do, at least). You can also rent sea kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to explore the harbor. There is an amazing bagel shop at the harbor called the Coffee Importers. Both the coffee and the food are phenomenal there. It's a frequent weekend treat for our family.

Honestly, I could go on and on. Orange County has a reputation for being conservative and snobbish, and in some places that's deserved. However, it is also full of wonderful people and if you know where to look, you'll find a family-friendly, laid-back beach town with tons to do. Plus, you can't beat the weather. (Sorry, Texas.)

(Photo credits: duffyboat.com; lagunabeach.com)