LAST MINUTE BEACH WEEKEND DRESSES!

MORE FAB SUMMER FROCKS FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT, DARLINGS!

Clockwise, from top left: Chio Intrigue dress, at mollybrownswim.com; Tibi Talitha shift, at shopbop.com; Christopher Deane Thompson amethyst print dress, at singer22.com; and Radendoro Rhama dress, at ravinstyle.com.

Enjoy!

TEA TIME

GARDEN PARTY GLAM

Whatever happened to the proper afternoon tea? I believe it’s high time we resurrected this English pastoral delight, not simply for its refinement, but because of all the lovely accoutrement that accompany it! [Carved watermelon photo at upper right by Michael Ternchine for the New York Times; watermelon flower with golden beet butterflies at lower right by Jimmy Zhang].

First, as the hostess, you will need a lush outdoor living space or patio, replete with flowering bushes, delicate blooms, and overstuffed ottomans. Next, every gal needs a deliciously wrought tea service, like this scalloped set by L’Objet from Bergdorf Goodman. Be sure to have homemade scones (try the oatmeal currant ones I found at www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/105754) and a variety of Twinings teas on hand for your guests.

Now, for the most important aspect of any sunken garden fête: your attire. May I recommend an utterly girly sundress, perhaps strapless and/or floral?

Anthropologie always has a sumptuous and varied selection, like this Maeve Campo de Fiori dress at right, a full-skirted blue floral sleeveless frock with a wide black waist sash.

Or, if you prefer a leaner silhouette, opt for this Tracy Reese Persian Thresholds dress at left, which features a fitted knee length skirt with kick pleats. CoutureCarrie adores the sophisticated paisley design and strapless neckline!

For a less traditional but still decidedly feminine take on the teatime trend, choose this diaphanous long-sleeve Chloe dress, in muted floral tones. The asymmetrical hemline and sheerness add interest.

Finally, if you have the means and you really want to stand out (you are the hostess, after all!), pretty please wear this incredible gold-leaf adorned cream-hued frock by Asprey. The voluminous skirt, tightly cinched waist, v neckline and cap sleeves would make Alice in Wonderland jealous, and delight the Mad Hatter no end! Runway footage courtesy nymag.com.

A suggestion for the ladies who lunch: always use an opportunity where you know you will be seated for the majority of the event to showcase your tallest, spikiest heels, like these gorgeous Alessandro Dell'Acqua d'Orsay pumps in magenta and beige, with unique leather ankle ties (at left, available in the Designer Boutique at shopbop.com).

As for accessories, Couture Carrie thinks this Juicy Couture Garden Party Ring (at right, for purchase at Bloomingdale's) just divinely perfect for the occasion!

And what properly stocked designer handbag (like this Zac Posen woven "pumpkin" bag at right, in soft ivory pebbled leather, on sale at shopbop.com) would be complete without an elegant handkerchief? Dab at those tears of joy or combat your allergy symptoms with this playful pink plaid pocket square at left. (borrowed from the boys, but who cares?). Find it in the menswear section at silkpashmina.us for a mere ten dollars!

POSH PICNIC

In the manner of Déjeuner sur l'Herbe (Claude Monet, 1865), dine al fresco in style! Gather your friends, some oozy brie, a baguette or two, and a bottle of slightly chilled Pinot Noir . . .

The proper attire is essential to the enjoyment of a lovely picnic. I would opt for a comfortable, breathable sundress, preferably knee-length, with a full skirt. Be sure to wear boyshorts underneath so you can toss a Frisbee with your pals without fear of Britney exposure! Of course, you should tuck a cashmere throw into your tote bag, along with a lightweight cardigan. The Pashmina, while no longer an appropriate fashion statement, does provide elegant warmth, either as a shoulder wrap or chic blanket.

To guide you on your quest for the perfect picnic attire, I have provided a sample outfit from Cynthia Steffe's Spring 2008 show (at right, courtesy nymag.com). I love how this sundress has pockets! See below in this CoutureCarrie post for an extensive list of the best sundress purveyors!

While Manolos would look adorable with your Milly frock, they simply aren’t practical for grass and sand. So go with a chic gold flat sandal. I just saw the most fabulous pair in the Alloy catalog for less than twenty dollars! Or try this inexpensive Urban Outifitters option, the Helena Gladiator sandal, pictured at left. If you must wear heels, a platform huarache is acceptable, but only if it’s Louboutin.

Keep your accessories low-key and practical. No one wants to go hunting for your dangly earrings in the damp grass after dark! Opt for chunky bangles (like these "exotic" bracelets at right, just $14 for a set of 6 at spiegel.com!), a simple gold chain, hoop or stud earrings . . . you get the idea.

You and your crew will also need a beach blanket. I personally LOVE a double towel, or a couple of these chic Missoni printed terry throws (photo courtesy instyle.com/shopping).


SUNDRESS GO-TO:

Calypso

Forever 21
Lauren Moffat

Lotta Stensson (yellow strapless jersey dress picured at right, available at bluefly.com)
M Missoni
Mara Hoffman
Milly

Nicole Miller (tunic at lower right, also at bluefly)

Old Navy
Rachel Pally
Rory Beca
See by Chloé
Shoshanna
Splendid
T-Bags
Tibi
Tocca

Tory Burch
Trina Turk
Vince
What Comes Around Goes Around

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Now it’s off to the park! Bon appetit, and happy shopping!