As beautiful and comfortable as shirt dresses are, at times they can be too casual and subdued lacking a powerful presence within a classic style. Leave it the the designers of Emilio Pucci to take a simple silhouette and combine their colorful signature print to create an unmistakably striking and versatile dress. Pucci's Orchidea Shirt Dress is made of cotton with a stretch satin weave and features slanted side pockets and rolled cuffs for a casual feel, while its belted waist accentuates a woman's curves and creates a dressier aura. Whether you wear it with stilettos or flats, the Orchidea Shirt Dress will make you stand out from the rest. Price: $1535.
LaROK was started in 2004 by the same fashion house that brought you the high end denim line 7 For All Mankind. Since it's debut it has been steadily starting trends and gaining quite a following. This adorable sequined tunic is versatile and comfortable, it can be worn alone as a breezy sundress or over leggings as a long tank top. Fans include Ashley Tisdale, Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan. Available in black, blue and grey (shown in grey on Ashley Tisdale), Thehipchick.com has it in all three shades, for $220.
Every summer has it's own set of "must haves," and this summer is no different. Portfolio.com has come up with their set of 'can't do withouts,' and it's a mix of luxurious exclusives available to a limited few. Like tickets to the 2007 Hamptons Social that go for $15,000 each, Hermès' newest version of its 1928 Cape Cod watch in a limited edition of only 10, and a tote or trunk from exclusive Parisian luggage-maker Goyard. What's on your "must have" list for this summer? What about this upcoming fall?
Lounge, sit, recline, whatever you do, do it outdoors. Here's a fresh crop of some of our favorite options for your summer seating needs. Some old favorites and some new things we are absolutely in love with.
The Paige Collection is one of my favorite accessory lines from Cole Haan. I find that particular line to have timeless appeal while still reflecting the trends of today. Made of leather with hand crochet leather detailing, the Paige Crochet Clutch emanates the balance of sophistication with everyday casual use. Who says you have to lug around a over-sized tote to be fashionable? The summer is being on the go, soaking up the sun and not having to carry around so much stuff. The Clutch features an interior pocket, magnetic flap closure and is lined with a cotton and linen blend. Bag dimensions: 13''L x 5 1/4 H x 2''D. Price $130.
The new sunglasses from FriezeFrames certainly aren't subtle but that's what makes them so fun. The sunglasses set with Swarovski crystals have a retro-chic Old Hollywood type of style that seems perfect for lounging poolside and flipping through gossip magazines. Designer Rhonda Spiegel found design inspiration in her collection of 1950s rhinestone-studded pieces. Each style is named for a Greek or Roman goddess (and Pegasus, the horse, for some reason). The six frames come is a variety of luxe colors and are also available as eyeglass frames. The sunglasses sell for $240 per pair. The above pair is from the Ceres line.
We've covered a lot of grills at Luxist over the past few years. Here's a look at some of my favorites as well as some new toys. Whether you prefer the colorful mosaic of the Kamado grill, the charmingly wavy Sculpture grill or you want to skip the grill all together and go for a table with a grill in it, these are most intriguing grills on the market today.
For kids who have parents that can afford it, long gone are the days of riding to summer camp on a hot loud bus that smells like peanut butter and sweat. Many families are instead going the route of private jet flights, thanks in part to charter company Revolution Air assigning more than 20 jets to just that purpose this month. Costing about $8,000 per flight, most families choose it to both save time and make for a special experience. The designated jets have specialized menus featuring chicken fingers and ice cream, and it's such a treat for some they're opting to fly instead of taking a bus ride of almost the same length!
We all have things that consistently appeal to us, and I always find myself drawn to art that represents the seasons. These 4 Tree of Enchantment Glass Orbs, designed by Stephen Kitras, are hand blown with a "trunk" in the center that branches out into the orb. Meant to represent winter, spring, summer, and fall, spots of jewel tone colors form the leaves of the trees (or in the "winter" one it could be snow) in corresponding colors like greens for spring and browns/golds for fall. The whole set would look beautiful hanging together in a bright window, or one alone switched out every few months. 6" diameter, $45 each.
The summer sun is one of the best parts of the season, but unfortunately also one of the greatest hazards. Staying in the shade isn't always easy, but having a Tuuci Razor Shade Platform might make a difference. Some of the inspiration behind this design from Dougan Clarke came from the idea that sitting under an umbrella can sometimes be frustrating as the sun moves throughout the day and your area of shade gets smaller and smaller. But this tilted assymetrical canopy spins 360 degrees so you can easily keep comfortable all morning and afternoon, and it's built of sturdy materials intended to last through the weather. $1500.
Before there was Diana, it was Princess Grace of Monaco who captivated the world. The elegant American actress who won the heart of a prince was one of the world's great icons of style and grace. This year is the 25th anniversary of her passing and a wide variety of activities and events are planned including an exhibit this summer at Monaco's Grimaldi Forum followed this fall by a special tribute exhibit and a first-ever auction of some of her personal belongings at Sotheby's New York to benefit the Princess Grace Foundation-USA. From July 12 through September 23, 2007 at the 43,000-square- feet Espace Ravel in the Grimaldi Forum Monaco, memorabilia including private letters, dresses and fashion accessories, sound recordings and film clips will be on display. Sotheby's New York will hold a tribute exhibition October 15 - 25, 2007, with an auction at the Princess Grace Foundation-USA Awards Gala on October 25.
Luxury hotels in Monaco are offering The Grace Kelly Years packages, featuring tickets for two to the exhibit, a VIP welcome in-room (including newspaper, fresh fruit, flowers, and a bottle of chilled Champagne) and breakfast each day. It is available at participating Société des Bains de Mer(SBM)hotels, from July 12–September 23, 2007 for $540 to $985 per night, depending on hotel.
Part futuristic and all trendy, Dolce & Gabbana Shield Sunglasses will certainly set you apart from the rest. The plastic frames are detailed with silver toned D & G cut outs on either side. They are so bold and have such presence that you could literally wear a top, jeans, heels and these glasses will set off the rest of the outfit. As an added bonus, the oversized frames will help to cover any all night partying that you may have done. Also available in black. Price: $265.
In the spring and summer it seems like there is so much more to carry in your bag. You don't have to carry around gloves and a scarf but you are also more likely to head out for the day and not look back. You need some room. This leather and canvas bag from Boyy fits the pill. It has a long zipper pocket at the front and a cute little welt pocket on the back. Metal feet so it can stand on its own at the cafe table, short double handles for swinging jauntily and a 15" main compartment zipper so that you can find things quickly. The interior has a pop-art lining, 7" zipper pocket, and 2 patch pockets. It sells for $365 and comes with a dust bag and detachable shoulder strap.
The hot days of summer are fast approaching, which means those days where the air in the office is stuffy and sticky and you can't seem to find relief no matter how high you crank the AC are on the way also. But maybe the Propello desk/table fan will help you stay productive on those miserable days? Available in two neutral colors, this light blue and a darker gray, the fan blades are made of soft natural rubber (so they can't hurt you) and it's all but completely silent with the finest "johnson electric" ball-bearing motor inside making things go 'round. Sells for $140.
When I think of patterns that are fashionable and wearable, polka dots doesn't usually end of up the list. I suppose they can convey a young almost child-like feel but then in that same respect can convey a care free and fun spirit. When I came across these sandals by Fornarina, I could instantly picture an outfit with them, which really surprised me. But, they are fun and could be worn with virtually anything while adding a splash of color. This summer be comfortable and fashionable with Fornarina's Flat Polka Dot Sandals. Price: $120.
As beautiful and comfortable as shirt dresses are, at times they can be too casual and subdued lacking a powerful presence within a classic style. Leave it the the designers of Emilio Pucci to take a simple silhouette and combine their colorful signature print to create an unmistakably striking and versatile dress. Pucci's Orchidea Shirt Dress is made of cotton with a stretch satin weave and features slanted side pockets and rolled cuffs for a casual feel, while its belted waist accentuates a woman's curves and creates a dressier aura. Whether you wear it with stilettos or flats, the Orchidea Shirt Dress will make you stand out from the rest. Price: $1535. 
Before there was Diana, it was Princess Grace of Monaco who captivated the world. The elegant American actress who won the heart of a prince was one of the world's great icons of style and grace. This year is the 25th anniversary of her passing and
Part futuristic and all trendy, 
