The cold shoulder

It seems like everyone is wearing this popular summer sleeve in some variation.

There are so many styles to choose from

it's easy to find one that suits, if you like the trend.

I found the short sleeve version seems to work best for me,

the longer 3/4 and full length sleeves seem to swallow up my small frame.

Don't forget your sunblock when wearing this style,

or you may end up with very warm and sunburned shoulders!

First, a floral print A-line cold shoulder dress.

This style, with the thin and sheer off-the-shoulder ruffle is pretty versatile,

 since it is actually layerable.   

I wore this dress earlier in the season with a forest green cardigan over it.

Worn here with a fuchsia bag with gold tone earrings and cuff bracelet

Neutral pointed toe gladiator lace up flats to finish

This cold shoulder top is made of pink shirting fabric 

with a ruffle across the bodice that extends into sleeves.

Worn with a favorite circle print straight skirt that I have loved for many years.

1960's pink patent clutch

and circular silver tone jewelry to follow the circle theme

Tan suede wedge lace up espadrilles to finish 

This last casual look is made up of a bright rosey pink cropped blouse 

with ruffled short cold shoulder sleeves 

Worn with a pink and white gingham handle bag

and a sea inspired star fish necklace and dolphin bracelet

Denim wedge peep toe lace ups to finish.

I think these are cute, but not very comfortable for me.

  They will probably be consigned before the season is up!

Any tips you have found helpful in wearing the cold shoulder style?

Linking up with  Visible Monday

Emergency car boot kit

My car has a mind of it's own these days.  It's very independent.

  I find it veering off onto the beach road, on a Sunday afternoon,

diverted away from the path of the "to do" list destinations.  I can't blame the car,
I don't want to go to Home Depot, either.  

The road to sea breezes, lapping waves and blue sky
 as far as the headlights can see, beckons in a very persuasive way.

In order to be prepared for these deviations, a new box has been installed in the car boot.

  Move over jumper cables and flares, be gone snow shovel and ice scraper,
there's a new kid in town.

  The "emergency trip to the beach" kit is here.

I am very fortunate to live near beautiful beaches that are open for all to enjoy.

One of them has a public launch for small water craft 

like windsurfers, paddle boards and kayaks.

You can also take lessons and rent equipment for the day.

Below is part of  windsurfing lessons in session.

You can paddle board,

or just sit on your board and soak up the rays and the wonderful view.

Here, two kayaks rest on the beach near an Osprey nest

Swimmers and boarders enjoying the shallow water

This is a popular place to go to unwind, meet up with friends,

 have a picnic or celebrate a birthday or milestone.

Although there is a lot of activity, it's a happy lively noise.

This is a close up of an adult Osprey and her two chicks,

nearly grown and soon ready to leave the nest

It's a great place for children to play and explore the shoreline

and to wade in the surf

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer!

Wide leg crops

Wide leg cropped pants have become a popular silhouette,

 but I have to say, it is a challenging one for me

Here are three of my more successful tries

Maybe I will do a later post of my outfit fails with this pant style

because there have been a few!

First is a black and white polka dot jumpsuit with wide cropped legs

Worn here with a coral fitted blazer to give the outfit some shape

  

Accessorized with my black and white striped handle bag

and simple structural silver tone jewelry

Platforms from heaven to finish.  I have had these for seven or eight years

and although I don't wear them that often, they have gotten a lot of use this season

I don't know what it is about them, but they are super comfortable

Next, another cropped jumpsuit, this casual one with thin navy and white vertical stripes

with a matching sash tie belt

Worn with two fun vintage accessories

A yellow 60's handle bag, and yellow 60's and orange print neck scarf

Betsy Johnson yellow flower earrings

Finished off with more navy and white stripes with these wedge heel espadrilles!

The last outfit pairs a graphic Greyhound dog tee

with Ginkgo leaf print black and white wide leg crops

Wide pink belt with silver drop earrings and 

a chunky 50's silver tone expandable cuff bracelet

Pink and striped tassel clutch and the same pair of trusty platforms from the first outfit

I'm interested to know how others style this type of pant!

Linking up with Visible Monday 

Shoe be do

This season's summer sandals are so fun and festive,

and insanely cute! 

 I adore the pompons and bright colorful straps on these flats

and the lace ups with pompons and a cork footbed on these

Also loving the orange color and open circle design on this pair

Slides are really big this season and these are anything but ordinary-

in a multi-colored reptile print!

A richly embroidered pair with a chunky block heel

More fantastic slides!  This time flats with a comfy foot bed

  embellished with faux fur, embroidery and metallic bows

These are my favorites (so far)

Next, is a great pair of wildly printed loafer mules

and these very elegant

metallic silver slingback loafer flats

Send a positive message from your feet!

These are so adorable

And these!  I want both pairs.  The world definitely needs more love <3 p="">

More summery embroidered motifs

On nautically inspired slip ons

and floral lace up espadrilles

 I am looking for shoes similar to the ones below

Light neutrals with a low block or wedge heel

I like these

and these

And I especially like these

At DSW, they also had the most adorable and tempting
pineapple print accessories

and this light wash fringed denim mini bag that I contemplated

Always a fan of Betsey Johnson

They have some bags from her figural collection-all darling!

Lastly, some dressy sandals I admired. 

 These are so pretty and feminine, with a reasonable heel height.

I so love these, (but not with a reasonable heel) :(

 Betsy Johnson's in rose gold and glitter

This is truly a season of statement shoes

meant to be seen and admired!