Summer is here! Well, at least it certainly feels like it. And in honor of this breathing weather that were having I'm interrupting our week focusing on color, to prep my beach bag. Summer may not be officially here, but hey, at least I'll be ready. Will you?




1.Stella McCartney Sunglasses2.Superdry sandlesi3.Deborah Lippmann Nail Polishi4. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizeri5. Bobble Filtered Waterbottlei6.Beau Soleil Beach Bagi7. Apple iPodi8.Missoni beach toweli9. Philip B Beach Mist10. Eugenia Kim Fedorai11.Vogue Australia


Mom (on the left), one summer not so long ago.

Yesterday's post about the Jimmy Choo/Marilyn Minter collaboration got me thinking about the sexy spread of Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon's apartment in the August 2010 issue of Harper's Bazaar. I was drooling over her posh digs-and I still am! Tamara is a powerful business woman, doting mother, and on top of it all, quite a sex symbol. Her recent nude photos shot by world renowned photographer Terry Richardson underline that title of sex symbol...meow! Here are some shots of the Jimmy Choo powerhouse:






Love this shot! Tamara is sprawled out on her perfectly tufted sofa with a backdrop of...count them...SIX Guido Mocafico Serpens photographs chowing down on what appears to be a happy meal.






Mellon are her daughter lounge in their swanky entry-way that is lit with a neon sign by artist Terence Koh. A girl after my own heart, I was in the midst of designing a neon sign for my Guest Bedroom when I saw this!







Mellon has your average, run-of-the-mill home office...NOT! This Jansen desk is just as glamorous as Mellon herself. I wonder what kind of sumptuous shoes she dreams up sitting here.






I love the citrus palette along with the dark chocolately hues found in Mellon's Living Room. It's the right combination of bright, cheery, yet sophisticated.





Cozy and chic. Enough said.





A shoe closet fit for...well, I guess fit for the owner of Jimmy Choo!





Make sure the kids aren't around! Here's the vixen posing sans clothes on her very own sofa for photographer Terry Richardson (note-this was not part of the Harper's Bazaar spread.) The happy meal has been replaced very appropriately by an ash tray and that kitten...well...meow.

How is it that it only takes us a few seasons to forget how to acclimate to the other seasons??? I always forget how much STUFF that a family of three needs during the summer! From carrying anything from snacks to sun tan lotion, it's important to have the perfect beach tote to ensure that all belongings are accounted for and stylishly being held. Here are a few of my personal faves!



Here's the bag I just bought for the summer. It's called the "Goldie" by Beau Soleil and it's made out of 100% undyed cotton canvas and undyed recycled rope handles! The only downside is that it's on back order until July 15th. I want it now!



LeSportsac is always a brand to rely on! This great-sized, durable "Erika Contrast Tote" looks tough enough to withstand the sand and maybe even a two-year-old!



Talk about a conversation piece. Not only does this Sea Bags Large Surf Tote draw attention for it's cool "SURF" detail, but it's also made out of 100% recycled sails.



Free City is one of my favorite brands because it's made in the U.S.A, and it's also pretty darn cool. I love this casual Life Nature Love Tote for a quick trip to the store or a long day at the beach.



Now here's the way to tote in style. This Pucci Foresta Print Beach Tote is entrancing. No need to fear, it's made of coated canvas to keep it's precious Pucci surface clean and safe!



I love this J. Crew Seaside Tote because it's so versatile. It's neutral enough to work with any outfit (or swimsuit for that matter) and the gold handle adds a nice flair!



No one says sand and surf better than Roxy. This Wild Side Bag in Hot Lava Pink is so fun and I like the fact that is has a closure so no sand comes home with you.