Stars and Stripes

Memorial day is a few days away and thus begins the summer season of outdoor entertaining and patriotic festivities. I head to the Cape on Friday and am looking forward to barbecues, white jeans and most importantly some red, white and blue! As meals move outside I thought it only appropriate that I highlight some great ideas for tablescaping Americana style.

I adore sunflowers (and pretty much all yellow as is probably apparent) and like the idea of always using flowers, fruit or items that are unique to your area when dressing the table.  The lemons below add a personal touch and dimension to the table.

Minimal, yet perfect. I wouldn't add a thing and would love to pull up a seat!

                                          

Don't worry about everything being perfect- the oversized tablecloth on this table adds some great flair and won't intimidate your guests!

Some lovely linens to use as a jumping off point...

*Courtesy of D. Porthault, Horchow, Anthropologie, Pottery Barn

Fun plates that you could mix and match to create a playful and fun place setting...

*Courtesy of Anthropolgie,  Bloomingdale's, Horchow, Pottery Barn

I like using a bunch of different size and shaped glassware to add a little individuality to each setting...

*Courtesy of Anthropologie and Horchow

If you're looking for a great dessert to make this weekend - try out Barefoot Contessa's flag cake. My friend, Katie, baked this deliciousness for the 4th of July and it was a major hit! Plus, it makes a terrific centerpiece...click here for the recipe.

J.Crew does basics right on Net-a-porter

I was doing some browsing of my favorite online retailers and am loving the J.Crew basics that they exclusively produced for Net-a-porter. So bummed that I did not purchase this chambray bikini last week, but I will keep it in mind should my other J.Crew suit not work out.

I think these t-shirts are definite must-haves, they look absolutely delectable! 

Another J.Crew collaboration done right. I expect good things to come as this partnership grows...possibly expansion of the J.Crew Collection line? It seems like an obvious fit to me!

Put a ring on it!

During the summer I tend to cut back on the amount of jewelry I wear and try to get more bang for my buck with strong statement pieces. You never know when you could find yourself outside catching some rays and the less clutter the better! My go to is a statement ring. It can brighten up any outfit and add a bit of pizazz and attitude to your casual summer style. Some great finds at even better prices are below:

A personal fave - turquoise...

Keep it clean, keep it silver...

Embrace the sunshine, whip out the pinks and corals...

Prrrrrada

Want to make a fashion statement the next time you head to Whole Foods? Step it up a notch with one of Prada's new "B.Y.O. Bags." A genius way to strut your stuff eco-style. The bags are extremely light, constructed from the traditional Prada fabric (translation: easy to clean!), and printed in prints from the Prada archives. 

Speaking of prints and Prada, Prada's aptly named "Print Collection"is now hitting stores. Inspired by the 1950's and Mad Men, Prada has created a single silhouette and produced it in a series of prints from the archives. Channel Betty Draper in one of the flared skirt dresses with a cinched-in waist and a pair of delicate ballet flats. Top your look off with a classic quilted bag complete with the signature Prada chain. Best of all the prices are relatively sane - for Prada at least- as dresses are priced between $650 and $725 and the ballet flats are $360. 

Kate Bosworth wearing one of the limited edition dresses...lucky lady!

Just because...

Not only do these two look adorable together, but Michelle Williams is the epitome of being effortlessly chic! Her make-up is simple and natural and with no jewelry the dress is able to steal the show. This is an amazing silhouette on her and paired with a nude pair of wedges that elongate her legs she looks much taller than her tiny frame is in reality. The dress is part of Suno's Fall/Winter 2010 collection. Suno's frocks are available at Barney's and Opening Ceremony. Scoop one up and create your own "scene stealer."