Penny pinchers take note

I was strolling up Broadway from 8th Street toward Union Square the other afternoon and noticed sale signs in almost every shop window. It's been a crazy summer workwise, and with the big move to Brooklyn, this city girl has been holding onto every dime. I realize that I had almost missed my favorite time of year... the Mid-Summer Sale Season. You don't have to live in a big city to make the most of this moment. Manufacturers from coast to coast are peddling their wares at major discounts from now into the next few weeks, to clear out space for fall pieces. And I'm not just talking about beach-y tunics that you won't get any wear out of. Here's some of what I found online. Happy clicking, my little cheapskates!

The Perfect Pant

A bold pocket in front and expert tailoring makes these 3.1 Phillip patch pocket pants a great choice for busy fashionistas. Take them in black from Indian Summer (eyelet blouse) through fall (light cashmere sweater) into the winter (ankle boots, heavier sweater, scarf). Treat yourself to the white and sky blue, too... both of which will look lovely for the rest of this summer and next year, too!

Original price: $395

Sale price: $118

Where to buy: shopbop.com

Last-Chance Bikini

You've watched your diet and done your crunches and you have six more weeks to flaunt that beach bod. Why not do it in a nearly-naked suit from Nanette Lepore? This color scheme and pattern works on all skintones and the top will flatter the flat-chested and support curvier girls too.

Original price: $77 and $79

Sale price: $54 each

Where to buy: bloomingdales.com

Little Black Dress

This A.L.C. "Twisty" knit dress is a wardrobe staple perfect for every circumstance imaginable--from a job interview to a night on the town. Classic, sexy, and chic.

Original price: $390

Sale price: $249

Where to buy: nordstrom.com

A Timeless Classic

Is there anything that makes you feel instantly pretty, polished, and perky like a white shirtdress? Levi's created this one exclusively for Opening Ceremony. Wear yours with bare legs and ballet flats or black tights and chunky platforms.

Original price: $180

Sale price: $126

Where to buy: openingceremony.us

... Or, on the topic of dresses, what about...

Something Sweet

Pale yellow might not be your hue... but pale mustard will work on almost anyone! Check out delightful little printed frocks like this one from Peter Pilotto at Opening Ceremony. This mostly-jersey number has a longer hem in back which makes you look instantly taller and thinner. It offers a hint of sex appeal at the underarm but plenty of coverage for a bra, and the conflicting geometric scheme allover creates a friendly, girly vibe... sans floral. Are you in love?

Original price: $740

Sale price: $296

Where to buy: openingceremony.us

Glittery Sh*t-Kickers

A chunky pump with attitude and glitter? It's love! ASOS is your online go-to for affordable runway styles, but their clearance shoe section is out of control right now. These London Rebel suede-and-glitter numbers are so fabulous you can wear them to dress up (and punk-up) nearly anything. I'm seeing them with a chiffon mini dress and wild hair. But anything goes!

Original price: $103

Sale price: $68

Where to buy: asos.com

Curly You

The oppressive heat and jaw-dropping humidity are enough to throw any girl into a tailspin (or a high pony, at least), but what about those of us with curls? It can take at least two products, one hour, and two high-heat tools to achieve a straight look in this weather, and once you step outside, frizz is a sure bet. My friend Steph has the most lovely natural curls, and for months I watched as she straightened them or tossed the whole head of hair into a high bun. Recently, my curly girly has embraced what's rightfully hers, and all of Manhattan takes notice as she struts down the street.

Steph's words of advice for filling out fine curls: avoid gel. Especially in summer heat, gel can weigh hair down, giving it an unappealing, stringy look. Steph uses two drug store purchases--first a palmful of "Big Sexy Curls" mousse throughout, followed by a quick blowdry on low with a diffuser, and finally an all-over spritz of "Big Sexy Hair" volumizing hairspray. Done!

Total styling time: 10 minutes. Impact: Unforgettable.

My girl with her curls, out on the town mid-summer

Island View



Talk about Bermuda shorts.
Love this look!



Readers, I have deserted you. I was on a brief, much-needed vacation in Bermuda with my mom and younger brother and the WiFi was spotty at best. We have returned with tans and a smattering of natural highlights. We dined on beef carpaccio, super-fresh salads, roasted tomatoes, and gluten-free spaghetti in a variety of seaside preparations. We snapped photos, sipped swizzles (the signature drink of Bermuda), and made dear friends with the entire staff at our glorious resort. And though we didn't shop, not for a single stitch, we were all affected by the lax, island fashions and summer-sweet casual approach to dressing on the beautiful island of Bermuda. Black knee socks paired with yellow shorts and a blazer, anyone?



Little bro lightens up by pairing his navy blazer with a white v-neck

My sister-in-law bought me this headscarf at a Calypso sample sale
two years ago and I never felt cool enough to wear it until yesterday.

Mama pairs her black Magaschoni slip dress with heavy liner, straight hair,
and a high-low mix of jewelry including diamonds, plastic beads, and a fuscia enamel bangle.



Scored these on sale for a mere 5 bucks at Urban pre-trip