sun

Gucci has their new spring cruise bags up on their website and while many of them are nice, none are as eye-catching as the Peggy Top Handle Bag. This particular bag comes in a burnished copper python that is sure to make a sun-worshiper's mouth water. It has a removable shoulder strap, a semi-circular bamboo handle and light gold hardware. The large size, pictured, measures 18"L x 1.6"W x 11.8"H. Price: $3,190.

The Evolution Surf Travel Set includes three different skin treatments that are supposed to help combat the damage that sun exposure does to the skin. Their "intense healing" is intended to benefit even skin that has been overexposed to sun, sea and sand - as it is for many surfers, hence the name. The set includes: Exfoliating Bamboo Microdermabrasion Scrub (1.7 oz.), Smoothing Glycolic Coconut Crème (1.7 oz.) and Healing Day & Night Nourishing Crème (1.7 oz.). We're sure that they don't recommend trying to damage your skin in the sun while using the products, but if they really work, it's a good excuse to go to the beach a bit more often. Price: $440.

In an ideal world, everyone would have at least one skylight looking out into a beautiful, clear expanse of space. As it is, we have weather, pollution and sometimes a second-story or upstairs apartment getting in the way of our would-be view. The Sky Factory's Sky Ceilings solve all of those problems. They are photographs of real skies on special opaque tiles that can be mounted over lights to give a natural, luminous effect. The lighting systems provide "daylight-balanced light," which the body will actually recognize as "natural." Hundreds of ultra-high resolution images are available to choose from, so you can open up your space to the great outdoors - or at least feel that way. Prices vary depending on design, size and lighting options.

[via cribcandy]

Sun Bricks are solar powered outdoor light fixtures that can be built into a brick or stone walkway. Unlike traditional outdoor lights, sun bricks are designed to be flush with the ground, giving the effect of an illuminated pathway, rather than a path that is simply flanked by lights. The bricks also do not require the use of any cables or electricity, since all their power is generated by the sun. Their solar panels can hold enough energy to provide an 8-hour charge to the bricks' amber LED lights. While bricks do look their best in brick pathways where they can blend into the stone pattern, they can be set into the ground anywhere where they will be exposed to sunlight. Price: $60 each.

[via Boing Boing]

Idrolux makes a variety of innovative tanning lights that are designed to work while you shower. According to the company, the presence of water can increase the tanning effects of UVA rays by up to 30%. While there are panels that can be attached to existing showers, Idrolux Symphony, their premium model is the original Idrolux, which is a shower with the patented light panels built into it. The panels come four different colors and custom colors are available, so you can bathe yourself (while you bathe) in the light of your choice. In addition to the tanning features, the showers have a multi-function shower head and an optional massage jet. They all come with a remote control to control the lighting.

All the risks that are normally associated with sun exposure are not mitigated by use of an Idrolux, so the company recommends that exposure be limited to 10 minutes per day.

When I hear "sun lounger" I tend to think of those vinyl-strap poolside chairs at cheap motels that would stick uncomfortably to your skin after sitting in them for five minutes. This sun lounger by Seletti, however, appears to be the exact opposite, in that it is comfortable, stylish and coated in nylon. The sturdy, but flexible frame of the chair can be bent into any position. It may not be quite as artsy as the Ercolina Chaise, but you'll probably get more use out of it, considering that it can be used indoors and out. It is available in cream or anthracite. Price: £149.00.

Sundresses are on the casual end of elegance. Largely sleeveless, they are perfect for garden parties, a lazy Sunday brunch or a picnic at the park. They should be comfortable and easy to wear, but classy at the same time; sundresses are not too casual and should look good with strappy sandals or thong flats. This spring, there are a couple of trends that are showing up in the sun. The biggest one is white. White is the must-have shade for spring dresses. It is flattering and cooling, simple enough to be paired with any other shade and bright enough to be eye catching. Large print patterns and stripes are popular, too, but are definitely coming in second to the simple white dress. Other trends to look out for are dresses with empire waists and fuller skirts, as well as easy-to-wear shirt dresses, all of which can be very figure flattering.

This white Vintage Lace Shirtdress from ABS by Allen Schwartz has a lace overlay over an empire chiffon slip. It is flowy and flirty without being too revealing. Price $230.

With summer growing ever closer, it is time to look into getting some new eyewear. Nike's MaxSight contact lenses, approved for sale in the US by the FDA last year, are specially tinted soft contacts that are designed to eliminate vision distortion and improve sports performance when worn during the day. In other words, they are a contact lens version of sunglasses - and one that won't fall off.

While they were originally designed to be worn by athletes, they are practical and stylish enough to be in demand with the less active consumer as well. The lenses work by filtering specific colors, as well as UV rays, from the field of vision. The two available colors have different purposes: grey-green reduces glare for sports like golfing and running, and amber lenses work best in fast-paced activities with variable light conditions, such as soccer or driving in traffic, which can definitely be considered a sport during rush hour.

The lenses are made by Bausch & Lomb and are available in both prescription and nonprescription versions. Price: $54.95.

[Via popgadget]