Summertime, and the living is easy...

Currently listening to: "9 to 5" by Electrik Red

'Sup, kiddies!

Summer is finally here, and though you've probably been rocking short shorts and bathing suits for a good month and some change now, it's time for your essential summer wardrobe. I'm trying to be thrifty, so right now it's essential for me to only buy the things I seriously need---HELLOOOO?! We're in a recession! So here's my list of things every Seizurette needs for the summer. 

A Rockin' Day-To-Night Sundress. Summer is all about ease and comfort--and not having to change clothes just because you're going from the beach to the club. Enter: the dress that translates from day to night in a snap, and just with a quick switcharoo of accessories. I love this dress from T-Bags (now only $122.50 at theoutnet.com!) because you can pair this with gladiator or metallic sandals for day, and switch to platform heels at night. Plus, it makes a great swimsuit coverup. Which brings me to my next point...

A Sexy Swimsuit (That You'll Actually Feel Comfortable In!). It's that time again to stress about your summer swimsuit. I think the best way to pick out a great bikini is to be realistic. If your boobs are too big for bandeau, forget it. If you're disproportioned from top to bottom, there's no need to get a one-piece. I find that bandinis (bandeau + tankini) work for everyone because they cover up those problem areas but still manage to show a little skin. Halters are also great for big-chested gals because you can adjust the ties and make sure you don't fall out. A universally flattering choice? This one, $33 for the top, $21 for the bottoms, from Victoria's Secret. 

Ridiculously Obnoxious Shades. I love the sun, if for no reason, just so I can throw on a pair of shades. They protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, and can make or break an outfit. I own these ones from Pucci and am rarely caught without them when the weather gets hot. 

Sexy Shorts. I'm not talking I-just-helped-my-mom-in-the-garden shorts. Remember, summer is all about translating looks from day to night with ease. I like anything that can make you look dressy without having to actually wear a dress, not that I don't like dresses. But being able to change your look just a smidge can make you feel so much better. How about shorts that you can actually pair with heels and a cute top and wear to the bar or club? These beauts from Urban Outfitters, $48, are Levi's so you know you're going to get that comfort. Plus, you can wear them with sandals and a triangle bikini top on the beach, or with statement heels for those hot nights out. 

Watermelon Lipstick! Sounds crazy, I know. But it's the color of Summer 2009--I promise! Here's why: It's universally flattering because it's not quite red, not quite pink, but rather a mixture of both. Let's face it--both colors are extremely hard to find on their own, but mixed together they rock! I'm liking Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor in Sweet Tart. 

Kickass Nail Color. It's all about bright colors right now, so your manis and pedis should follow suit! Leave the plums, navys, and blacks behind and go for bright pinks, colors, and even bright green! Right this second I'm wearing Pure Ice Nail Polish in Wild Thing (which took me all of FOREVER to find at Wal Mart!). Another cool thing to try? Mixing and matching toe and fingernail colors, like green on fingers and bright pink on toes!

Sexy Perfume. Anything that smells like the essence of a tropical summer equals instant sexiness. I love Victoria's Secret's Very Sexy Now perfume (we get a new scent each summer) because it has notes of coconut in it that are just to die. Plus, if you're in a financial bind, you don't have to buy the eau de parfum-- you can get the mist. It's cheaper, and because it's hot outside the scent will be stronger anyway! 

And don't forget sunscreen, ladies OF ALL COLORS!!! Skin cancer is more prevalent than any of us realizes, so please stay safe this summer. 

I also want to give a shout out to my buddy Clare Bear! Check out her blog, http://clarewbrown.wordpress.com/. It's absolutely beautiful and awesome! 

Ta ta, 

B.C.