Dream Vacations: Greek Islands

I think it has something to do with the blanket of white stucco buildings overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea, but looking at photos of Greece always seems to draw me in and sweep me away to a mystical place where I begin to understand why the Greeks worshiped gods like Dionysus and Aphrodite.

The islands surrounding mainland Greece feel like a time capsule from a long forgotten past. They evoke a sense of tranquility and seclusion that you can't find in many other places. And with that feeling of serenity comes a relaxed sense of style -- soft and flowy fabrics, contrasting colors playing off the whites and blues of the surrounding scenery, and fashions reminiscent of times past.

It's a place that can be describe as simply dreamy. Hopefully someday, I can make that dream come true. But in the meantime, my fantasy includes these cool, refreshing looks that could take me from lounging days on a blindingly white patio to crisp nights under the stars with my very own Adonis.

 Free People, Sleeveless Embellished Gauze Tunic, $29.95, Anthropologie, Nexus Top, $29.95; Ann Taylor LOFT, Linen Cargo Pants, $59.50

Newport News, Eyelet-Trim Surplice Sundress, $74; Free People, Embroidered Ruffle Hem Dress, $89.95

Victoria's Secret, "Very Sexy" Bandeau top & Low-Rise Tanga Bottoms, $50

Piperlime, Rocket Dog Endear, $49

Dream Vacations: Amalfi Coast

During my short hiatus from posting -- which was not, unfortunately, due to being on vacation, but in fact due to long hours at work and a slight lazy streak -- I started to wistfully think about my impending two week vacation. I wish I had planned a dream vacation somewhere magical, romantic or exotic. Alas, I did not. I'm sticking around town, maybe taking a stay-cation at a local resort or heading up north for some cooler temps. But, that hasn't stopped me from my dreaming.  And, so, for the next few weeks, I'll be taking you through a fashion journey of my dream vacation locations.

First up -- the Amalfi Coast. Maybe it has something to do with the movie Under the Tuscan Sun, but the look and feel of this place seems magical. The idea of being perched up on a mountain's side, overlooking a cerulean sea, with tan, deliciously hot Italian men walking around, seems, well... like a dream come true.

 Positano, Italy

Finding a style that fits this idyllic place had me a bit stumped -- there seems to be more to their milieu than beaches and mountains. It seems to be a place that is unencumbered by life's expectations; a place that doesn't take itself too seriously and enjoys the beauty of simplicity.  So, with that in mind, here are some looks that I think evoke that spirit of the Amalfi Coast.

Day Look

 Anthropologie, Captured Embers Tank, $29.95; Max Studio, Pinstriped Shorts, $28

Evening Look

Anthropologie, High Seas Dress, $69.95

Beach Look

dELiAs, Grecian Halter & Foldover Boyshort, $45


Sandals for every look

Naturalizer, White Leather Tipton Shoe, $39.99

Wadda Ya Have to Say About That?

The message tee: they're fun, they're witty, and some are just plain ridiculous. Whatever idea, mood or attitude you'd like to convey, there is a message tee for that. If they weren't frowned upon at work, I'd wear one everyday. It would be a succinct way to let people know how I'm feeling that day. This may shock some people, but sometime I like to think that I'm a woman of few words. Yes, I have a tendency to yap on and on about politics, the Real Housewives of NYC or the rude driver that cut me off on my way to work, but sometimes I'd rather not talk... or be bothered to communicate with anyone, for that matter. So, I think a daily rotation of message tees would be awesome!

Monday: Don't Talk to Me Because It's Monday, and I Wish it Were Still the Weekend.

Tuesday: Smile and Nod, and Then Move Along. I've Got Work to Do.

Wednesday: It's Ladies' Night. I'll Be Leaving Early and Don't Try to Stop Me!

Thursday: Don't Kill My Friday Eve Buzz with Talk of a Late Afternoon Meeting.

Friday: It's Five O'clock Somewhere, So That Must Mean Closing Time!!!

Okay, so maybe in my dreams I could actually wear these to work, but in the real world, I'm sure I'd be handed a pink slip at my first attempt. But... that doesn't mean you I can't take a cue from the message tees and adapt their quirky uniqueness to more suitable attire. Many message tees have become less literal and more visual -- that is, they display graphics that covey certain messages. And, even better, those graphic tees have also gone the way of conveying a certain look through embellishments.  Below are examples of the quintessential message tee, the graphic tee and the embellished tee. And the next time I'm feeling a little tight lipped, I'll let my fashionable tees do the talking...

Keep Calm V-Neck Tee, Little Paper Planes, Urban Outfitter, $24; Owl Always Love you Tank, Mod Cloth, $22.99 (currently out of stock); Tree Love, Loyal Army, $26; Crystal Flower Corsage T-shirt (not available anymore, but link is to a comparable shirt), LOFT, $39.50.