A Much Needed Vacation

So, my last mini-vacation to San Fransisco wasn't really a vacation -- it was so short and jammed-packed with activities that when I got back home I felt I needed a vacation from my vacation. Well, the time has come for a week of doing absolutely nothing. The last two months have been non-stop for me. Work has kept me extremely busy with late, late nights, into the morning days and weekends spent trying to catch up on lost sleep.

I think it finally hit me early this morning, around 5 a.m., while I sat staring at my work computer wondering when the Legislature -- that which provides me my daily work -- would get their work done. I realized I needed a break. I needed sleep. I needed boredom. I needed to just lay in bed in the morning and watch the entire Today show. I needed to finish the book I've been reading for six months, and start the others I have been wanting to read for the past year. I needed to not blow dry my hair, wear makeup or heels for one whole week. And, I needed to do all this in as little clothing as possible.

So here's my plan. Bikinis all week. Bikinis all under $30. Ahhhh, vacation. Yeah!

From l to r: Old Navy, Target (blue & green bikinis) and Victoria's Secret

And this is where I'll be wearing them...

Giving the Cold Sholder

I really like this new trend of the eighties throwback to the one-shoulder dress. It reminds me of a sophisticated take on the off-the-shoulder sweatshirt from Flashdance. It is an alluring look -- just-enough-sexy without being obvious. I prefer the shorter, slim, curve-hugging one-shoulder dresses, which look more modern than the long, flowing kind that tend to look like you are wearing a toga.

Here, with my designer inspiration piece, are a few one-shoulder dresses that take the trend and gives it a twist of chicness.

Designer Look

Pailette Dress, Michael Kors, $1995


Bargain Looks

Ivory Taffeta One Shoulder Dress, Aqua, $168

Georgia Dress, French Connection, $168

Hide Tide Dress, Mod Retro, $74.99

I'll Have the Gellato!

It has been officially summer for about a month now, and with temperatures reaching ridiculous high numbers in the Southwest (I'm talking 115, people!), I'm nearly ready for the season to end. The only thing that keeps me going is the bounty of gelato-colored fashions cooling off my senses. The scrumptious blueberry-colored shirts, tart tangerine frocks and shockingly bright lemony shoes are giving me a sugar high just thinking about them. So, you too can bask in the yumminess of summertime colors, here is a sampling of some delicious looks that go from gelato joint bargain buys to get your own gelato joint pricey.

Picnic in Paris Dress, Mod Retro, $54.99


Rave Review Sandals, $50; Sweet Petunia Necklace, $48 (both Anthropologie)



Terasina Dress, Anthropologie, $118


Turnaround, Seychelles, $64.99; Windflower Necklace, $38



Halter Twist-Front Dress, Badgley Mischka Platinum Label, $520


Nelly, Via Spiga, $109.99; Flora Shapes Necklace, Anthropologie, $48

Daydream Believin'

I've had quite the hectic work week -- non-stop activity and some very, very long hours at work. But as I saw the light at the end of the tunnel, I kept thinking about how great it would be to escape this hellish week by finding a remote island, where I could bask on a beach, sipping a Mai Tai and doing absolutely nothing.


Of course, this was only daydreaming, as I was awakened to the realization that my crazy week wasn't quite over. But that short mental vacation helped ease my weary, computer-hazed eyes and gave me a small pick-me-up for what may lay ahead. And even though my impossibly, delicious beach vacation is highly unlikely, I can still pretend by looking the part.

Here are some great beach-bum looks that ooze that relaxed, do nothing because I'm on vacation look.

Metallic-Gauze Swim Cover-Up, Old Navy, $24.50

Boyshort set, Victoria's Secret, $20


Linen Knot-Front Dress, J.Jill, $54.99

Nautical Geo Tank Dres, Echo, $68