A friend of mine was lamenting the fact that her closet was a wreck, and as a result, she was having a difficult time getting her summer wardrobe together. After leaving her high powered job, she had lots of “work” clothes, but very few hang out with the kids clothes.  She asked, “What do you wear in the summer that’s casual?”  My first response was “NOW THAT’S AN EASY ONE.”   Could it be that we all gravitate to uniforms because they are both familiar and mindless?   Here is my classic summer uniform…most of which is stuff that will be trashed by Summer’s end… it looks like this:

Michael Stars T-shirts. We heavily endorse these tops at StyleBluePrint.

Absolutely, a passel of  Michael Stars T-Shirts. They have free shipping offers about once a month so  JUMP ON IT.  In my closet I have: 2 white, 2 black, a brown, and a charcoal grey.  They look fabulous with skirts, shorts, and even under a business suit with pearls.  One size fits all at $31.00 a tee.

Next, on to Target to get a couple of skirts or even better: skorts (Liza hates skorts, I love skorts.  I don’t get her: how can she not embrace these?).  I found my favorite blue jean skort there a couple of years ago.  I finally tossed it when the zipper broke.  If Target does not fit you or ALL THE SMALL SIZES ARE GONE, head to Old Navy.  They have skirts in various shades of denim and white.  If you hit Old Navy at the right time, it can be a gold mine.  Also, while TJ Maxx fails in the skirt department, they do a great for active wear with plenty of work out pants and tennis skirts.   Did I mention that I absolutely can NOT stand capri pants?  But, I know they are a mainstay for many; the clam-digger length is more my style.

Athleta Sunburst Skirt; $49 www.athleta.com

Next, splurge on a great fitting skirt or skort from Athleta. For those of you that don’t know, the GAP just purchased them.  The BAD NEWS  is we now pay tax on online purchases, the good news is….NOT SURE YET.  Maybe that they stayed in business? Let’s hope the prices go DOWN, with the quality staying fab. I have truly loved most things I’ve ordered from this catalog.

J Crew Stretch summer weight bermuda. On Sale: $39.50

J Crew Tissue Ruffle V-neck; $32.50

Shorts: I like the Bermuda, longer style.  J Crew has a stretch bermuda and I always buy a couple each summer (and they always have some fun tees that you could look through as well). If you want another splurge item, buy a pair from Tory Burch or your favorite higher-end designer.  I know: they are shorts, but the pricier ones WILL look better and will see you through a few casual cocktail parties as well as moments of just needing to look pretty darn cute this summer.  A nice short can pull you through many functions in this modern world and need not be constrained to the poolside.

J-41. STyles range from $89-$99. available from www.athleta.com or J-41 website.

FINALLY, Look on the j-41 website for the cutest casual shoes in the history of America. I have several pairs and continually receive compliments.   Not only are they happening with style, but they are made from 100% recycled and recyclable packing.  I love the soles since they are also from partially recyclable rubber with a cool road map on the inside soles.

Donald J Pliner Glair Sandal. On Sale Zappos. $175-$193

My partner for this site would kill me if I didn’t put down her favorite all around, go with everything, yet pricey shoe for summer: The Donald Pliner flat Glair Sandal. And, it really does carry you from day to evening, casual to dressier.  And, it is comfortable enough to make you doubt your Reefs or Rainbows.  The metallic color goes with everything.  They are last years model, so they are on sale at Zappos for $193.  Other colors are as low as $175.

Now you are outfitted and good to go for Summer.  Don’t forget your sunscreen.  Hmmmm, you still need that coverup though…..more later in another post!

Right after we launched Styleblueprint my good friend called and said, “I just found an incredible new store in Brentwood.  You should write about; it ’s called BLUSH.” Well, I had never heard of Blush and my radar is usually tuned into new stores around town.  Maybe it was the Brentwood, strip mall location (next to Target!) or perhaps the name BLUSH, but I found myself driving down to 37027 with an armor named SKEPTIC.

I peeked in the window, INTERESTING. I walked through the door, AMAZING. The clothes looked like they should be in a LA boutique and guess what?  Everything is 50-70% off.

Owner, David Harris, calls his store “3 men and a boutique” since the original investors are ALL men.  With his significant connections in the retail business, Harris left the mortgage business to start Blush.  All the merchandise is current season with lots of overstocked labels:  BCBG, Laundry, Cheetah B, Kay Unger and his own private labels: Pasha & Kismet.

The wall of shoes says it all: this store is dream come true.  Currently, the major draw is Carlos by Carlos Santana ($30-$50 a pair).  I also found Joan & David, Donald Pliner and Cole Haan.

His collection of evening gowns is fantastic.  My favorites are the the blue Nicole Miller (reg.  $600/Blush $220), the red Adrianna Papell (reg $220/Blush $89) and the gorgeous green Tadashi (reg. $388/Blush $149).  David is pretty CUTE  too… Don’t you agree ?

If your daughter needs a prom dress or you need a dress for the gala season upon us, I would stop by since David is expecting the arrival of a 100 or so new dresses next week.

There are great sundresses, jeans, tops, jackets and fabulous cocktail dresses. The two shown here  are under $70 with shoes to match.

Girls, this place is for real.  Real Style. Real Deals.

Blush

782 Old Hickory Blvd

Brentwood, TN 37027

Ph:  376.2999

I hate all those “get to know you “ questions.  It’s only been in the past two years that I’ve had a favorite color: orange.  But, some days I like other colors better.  I don’t have a favorite song, group, book, movie or for that matter a favorite friend.  I like a bunch of things and don’t want to limit myself to just one.  Now, I do have a favorite day of the week: the day my housekeeper comes. It doesn’t matter if she switches on me, it’s still my favorite.  I also have discovered that I have a favorite time of day: 6pm.

6pm: please take note shoe lovers.  Zappos has been pretty quiet about this site.  It is their outlet site.  Yes, all the Donald Pliners I want….on sale.  Yep, their dumping ground is located at www.6pm.com So, now that I know this, when the clock hits 6:00 p.m. I have a happy thought in the middle of suburban mayhem.

And yes, the site has all the other things that Zappos now sells: apparel, handbags, accessories.  That’s all good and fine, but I go there for the shoes.

I just ordered 4 pair for my kids and 2 for myself.  I need to stop.  The economy is in the tank but I am giddy.  Zappos on sale.  I hope this gives you a favorite time of day. 6pm.