Clinique Happy Summer Spray, $60

As you’ve probably noticed with my last few blogs, I’m antsy to get summer started. I want the warmer weather (although the past few days have been stellar on the East coast), the sunny brightness, and the carefree mood that defines the season. So what better way to usher it in then with a new fragrance. Because a light, frothy, uplifting scent just puts you in a much better state of mind, and gives you a jumpstart into the airy months to come.

That’s why my latest spritz is Clinique’s Limited Edition Happy Summer Spray, a sparkling version of their best-selling Happy fragrance. The playful floral blend has notes of apple and white flowers, tinged by a base of amber and musk. They’re all punctuated by a top note of bubbly citrus, giving the scent a lighter,  fresher feel than the original. I’m also loving the psychedelic floral print on the flask, which will look pretty and super summery on my vanity table. Who needs to wait for summer? Mine starts right now.

Goody Quik Style Paddle Brush, $11.99

One of my bigger summer dilemmas (among many) is that post-pool or ocean swim, I emerge kinda like a wet dog, with long hair dripping and all askew. I’ve tried to eliminate the knotty tangles with a wide-toothed comb and a good towel rub, but still–my locks get frizzy and frazzled from all the friction, and take hours to dry in the salty air. But good news to those who suffer from hair drama like mine: Goody has come up with a uniquely clever brush that aims to eliminate a lot of the water and smooth out your tangles in a few strokes.

The Quik Style Paddle Brush is genius, combining towel-soft, highly-absorbent microfiber bristles with ball-tipped ones to detangle and smooth. Brush it through, and the water gets zapped up instantly, cutting 30% -50 % off drying and styling time, say consumers who tested it for Goody. Which means, yes!–my hair will be dry before cocktails. No worries about the brush getting ooky in my beach bag either; the microfiber bristles are anti-microbial, inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew, while side airflow vents allow for faster drying time between uses. I’m in, and considering this my newest beach bag must-have, up there with SPF and a good read.

1. The Caftan:  I love this style because it’s the most forgiving no matter what your body shape, and looks exotic chic, like you just got off the plan from Bali. Choose one with drapey, flowy sleeves, in a wild print or sheer solid, making sure the length falls just below your bum; the less fabric on the body, the more flattering, because it skims your shape without adding extra bulk.

Theodora Callum Serengeti Scarf Cover-Up, $195

Mikoh Morroco Cover Up Caftan, $100

2. The Tunic: This versatile piece gets plenty of wear on an off the beach, and is especially at its best when you’re on a packing budget that’s limited to what you can fit in your carry on. Throw it on over a pair of white jeans and add a statement necklace and heels, and you’ve got a going-out for dinner outfit. Swap out your flips for a pair of bejeweled thongs and long, beaded earrings, and you’re ready for drinks by the pool. Plus, petites and long-torsoed types look swell in a tunic, thanks to its straight lines.

Pim + Larkin Printed Swim Tunic, $59

Vineyard Vines Tropical Cover Up, $118

3. The Drawstring Dress: It’s cute, it’s comfy, and perfect for lazy days by the shore. The drawstring flatters by defining your waist, and with its short or sleeveless styles, is a cool, unfussychoice when the temps start to soar. Go nautical with New England stripes, pick a pretty, small print, or go bold with a single color. Either way, this is the style that’s most like a simple, casual dress, and is just the thing to throw on when you’re at a loss for what to wear.

Merona Red Drawstring Coverup, $17.99

J Crew Drawstring Striped Tunic, $88

Splendid Golden Blossom Body Lotion, $29

I’ve long been a fan of anything from the super-soft t-shirt line Splendid, that has spun a unique blend of cotton and modal fabrics into lounge-y lifestyle wear for women, men and kids. Just wearing one of their languid tees, flowy maxi dresses or laid-back pants and I immediately sink into the same relaxed mode as the clothes. They’ve applied that same philosophy to shoes, including striped cotton wedge espadrilles and comfy flat flips. And now, they’re moving into body products, aiming to make the skin you are in all the time as soft as one of their signature tees.

There are five prods, including a wash, lotion, butter, scrub and hand cream, in three yummy scents–grapefruit, golden blossom and coastal musk. Each contains a hydrating and skin-softening blend of cotton extract and pure ingredients, like shea butter, avocado, macadamia or almond oil. Like the tees, they are all easy-to-wear formulas, instantly absorbing and giving you continuous, skin-transforming results that are oh-so-supple and buttery smooth. Which means after rubbing it in, you’re relaxed and soft, just the way life (and your skin) should be.

RD Style Open Stitch Pullover, $69

Yes, the temps are rising, but there’s still that slight chill in the air. This always presents a style dilemma, and I prep with a stack of the ubiquitous colored shawl wraps to ward off the goosebumps. Yet, in my more casual, jeans-and-a-tee look, a wrap seems, well, kinda oldish. That’s why I’ve been on a hunt for the  loose fitting, open weave sweaters that are filling the store racks and shelves this spring. I”m loving them in the light and airy neutrals–like tan, white or cream–and how they’re just the thing to pull over a  basic tank and colored jeans, an all white ensemble or even black. The weaves can vary, going from tight to loose, but either way, they look swingy, fun and as fresh as the weather. Come summer, I’ll wear one to the beach pulled over a bathing suit and shorts, and then swap the suit for a tank for nighttime bbqs; much more versatile than the wrap. Plus, in cardi and pullover styles, they’re your vacation basic. Herewith, a few to try in every price point:

Brandy and Melville Abelia Pullover Sweater, $95

Fever Open Stitched Draped Cardigan Sweater, $34

Velvet By Graham and Spencer Tianna Crochet Pullover Sweater, $141

Alberta Ferretti for Impulse, One-Shoulder Sleeved Dress, $99

I’ve been on a quest to find a perfect dress for a wedding at the end of June. It’s a garden outdoor affair, and starts late afternoon, so I’m ruling out the darkish cocktail dresses and seeking out color of print–anything that says fun, flirty yet wedding worthy. Scouring online this past week, you would think I”m obsessed–well, kind of.

But this search may be at its end, since having zeroed in a designer to fulfill all my wardrobe needs that day-Alberta Ferretti , who’s known for show-stopping couture dresses with clean modern lines in colors that are as bright and bubbly as a glass of prosecco. Luckily, she’s created a very wallet-friendly capsule collection at Macy’s of the drapey, feminine dresses she’s famous for . The ultra-pretty designs evoke a summer on the Amalfi coast,  drinking in the scent of the lemon trees and mimic their more expensive counterparts (that boast price tags that often run in the thousands).  I’m loving the floral prints, lacy tops (ok so not wedding worthy, but still), gorge one-shoulder styling and flowy maxi.

Decisions, decisions–since it’s limited edition, I have to hurry and scoop one up soon. I”m mulling each over and over in my mind, while picturing myself in the different styles; yet I’m not calling this an obsession by any means. Yea, right.

Alberta Ferretti For Impulse V-Neck Maxi, $99

Alberta Ferretti for Impulse for Top High Neck Long Sleeve Lace Blouse, $79

Steve Madden Strawburst Sun Tote, $98

With the warmer weather inching its way in, time to lighten  the daily load. The chevron straw  design instantly says summer, while the unexpected black trim and gold hardware give this tote a dose of chic. Steve Madden Tote, $98.

India Hicks Island Living Hat Box, $98

A trip to the islands, well if you could do that for mom, go for it. But if that’s only the gift of your dreams, give her a dreamy substitute.  India Hicks Island Living Collection for Crabtree and Evelyn brings all things beachy whereever you are. The four-piece set of Spider Lily scented body cream, body lotion, shower gel and eau de toilette evokes an idyllic white sand beach with sparkling blue water, the perfect escape, even if it’s only in the tub. The cotton hat box comes in handy when a real vacay is planned. India Hicks Island Living Hat Box, $98.

Motives Essential Lip Kit, $35

Smile! This sleek lip kit with nine skin-flattering tones is a makeup must-have, and eliminates the I-can’t-find-the-right-lipstick dilemma. Motives Essential Lip Kit, $35.

Staring at Stars Crocheted Cardigan, $54

Skip the traditional sweater look and give mom an easy update: Throw this open-weave, draped cardi over jeans and a tee, wear it over yoga pants, or dress it up with all white. She’ll reach for this over and over (and think of how thoughtful you were too). Staring at Stars Crocheted Cardigan, $54.

Jergens Natural Glow and Protect Daily Moisturizer

Back from a Caribbean vacation and boy, it was a blast. The seas were blue, the sky was sunny and I relaxed more than I had in years. To boot, I’ve got  the sunny glow of an islander, albeit a mostly faux one (full disclosure here: I did a spray tan before I left, slathered on sunscreen, and never left the shade).  Luckily, the bronze-y tone can stay put with these latest self-tanning  tools and tricks. Now, if I could only keep up the relaxation mode.

Earth Therapeutics Purest Palm Body Brush, $9.99

1) It’s a steadfast rule that before you begin any sunless tanning session, you need to exfoliate. Smooth skin makes a much better canvas for applying a self-tanning solution, and ensures you won’t have dark patches and an uneven glow (all telltale signs you’re faking it).  A dry brush gets the job done quickly and is mess-free, and can be used pre-shower. Brush your skin in light strokes, step into the shower, and apply a moisturizing body wash  to make sure the dry spots (like elbows, knees and ankles) are properly hydrated.

2)  Jergens is the king of gradual sun-free tanning, so it emerges in a natural-looking state (as if you went on vacation). The latest entry in their ever-expanding line of moisturizing glow potions, is Natural Glow and Protect, with SPF 20 (above). I brought this with me and slathered it on each morning. The trick is to put it everywhere so as to ensure proper self-tanning and SPF coverage, let it dry for 10 minutes, and then put on your suit. The light tint deepened as the days wore on and kept my spray-tan from fading.

Kate Somerville 360 Face Self Tanning Pads, $45

3) I’ve always been a fan of Kate Somerville, the go-to skin guru for all celebs and wanna-bes in LA. Her all-over self-tanning wipes puts creams and mousses to shame, thanks to their easy-to-apply, bring-with-you-on-vacation portability, and the fact that they give a subtle, sun-kissed tint. Her latest for this season is the 360 Face Self Tanning Pads., enriched with face-saving ingredients. It fits over your hand like a glove, and then you immediately swipe it on–tha’ts it.  It’s got built-in exfoliators and a moisturizing cocktail of peptides, to ensure a smooth, even complexion, and rest assured, you’ll sport a healthy, pretty glow in as little as two hours. Plus, no messy hands–just toss it in the trash when you’re finished and you’re good to go. Brilliant!

Beyonce in Givenchy at the Met Gala last night

The stars were out last night, and I’m not talking about the ones in the sky. Fashion was front and center at the Met Museum in NYC, and celebs, models, sports stars and designers took a turn up the red-carpeted steps to celebrate the latest installment in the Costume Institute, honoring the works of fashion icons Elisa Schiaparelli and Miucca Prada.  Beyond the glittering, sculpted gowns and daring mini dresses (hello Gwyneth!), the night showcased gorge hair and makeup looks too.

For all out winner of best dressed in my book, Beyonce takes the prize hands-down. Not only is she owning that fab sheer beaded Givenchy gown–um, did she even give birth?–but her sleek hair, subtle smoky eye and coral lips were spot on. With such a show stopping gown, Beyonce kept her hair and makeup look to a minimum, with beautiful, natural results. So most of will probably never have the occasion to wear such an ornate ensemble, but you can steal her hair and makeup look, with these little helpers:

EW YORK, NY - MAY 07: Beyonce Knowles attends the "Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations" Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick Tropical Coral, $8.95

Nexxus Spray Straightening Smoothing Sleek Memory, $12.50

Mally Beauty CityChick Smokey Eye Kit Runway Collection, $40.00

Watch Yours By Loren today on HSN

Don’t miss Loren Ridinger present her gorgeous Yours By Loren jewelry collection today on HSN from 2pm-4pm EST. Some popular items like this Yours By Loren Ladies’ Ceramic rosetone bracelet watch is back in stock! Get some great Mother’s Day gifts or splurge on something for yourself. Either way, you don’t want to miss this spectacular event!

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