Summer styled

I always try to wear as little as possible in the summer while still looking appropriate and stylish. I decided to show you three easy outfits for the season, and while putting them together all I was thinking about was hot and humid New York summer. If you've ever been to the Northeast in the summer then you know what humid heat is (this was the hardest adjustment for me compared to a relatively dry summer in Ukraine). So I use several small tricks to help me bear summer's heat, like wearing light breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes, avoiding dark colors and wide belts.

In the past couple of years I've acquired a new trick: a maxi dress (or skirt)! It's such a wonderful instant and easy outfit (No.3 below) that will keep you comfortable on those hottest days. And, of course, you can dress it up or down, accessorize it depending on the occasion. To find your perfect maxi dress for this summer I would suggest checking out Anthropologie and Piperlime - they have a great selection!

In regards to my other outfit suggestions: in No.1 I love the bright pencil skirt and a peplum top, and No.2 outfit - is really my go-to summer uniform: shorts (this season I'm all about white denim shorts) and a flowy silky blouse (you can make a more monochromatic outfit with a white blouse).

Outfit details:

No.1 -  Anthropologie peplum top, Peter Som for Anthropologie pencil skirt, Zara heeled sandals, J.crew clutch

No.2 - Anthropologie blouse, Anthropologie denim shorts, Kate Spade sandals from Piperlime

No.3 - Sanctuary maxi dress from Piperlime, Anthropologie sandals, J.crew clutch and panama hat

Summer in NYC

Do you live in NYC or are you planning to visit this summer? It doesn't matter because below are 5 great ideas on what to do in the city for resident and tourists alike.

The Public theater has been producing Shakespeare in the park since 1962 with some really amazing actors and absolutely for free. The feelings that you have from watching Shakespeare plays under open night sky in Central Park in the middle of New York City  - are... truly unique. This year The Comedy of Errors is playing during June, and Love's Labour's Lost, a New Musical in late July - mid August. To get tickets: sign up for the random drawing online, stand in line at Delacorte theater for a noon distribution of tickets (some people come at 6am!), or come around 7pm for a stand-by line (I had the most luck with this option). More info at www.shakespeareinthepark.org

La Marina - amazing open space cafe/bar/restaurant right on the Hudson river with beautiful views of sunset. It's all the way uptown in Manhattan but if it gives you more motivation for a long train ride: Leonardo di Caprio and queen B have been spotted here ;) More info at lamarinanyc.com

Governor's Island 'Jazz Age Lawn Party' - go back in time to the roaring 20s, learn popular dances from the beginning of the 20th century, dress up and enjoy it in Great Gatsby style. To get to Governor's island jump on a free ferry (more details here) and to get tickets to the jazz party go here.

Syfy movies with a view.There are tons of free movies all over NYC this summer, and I'm excited to check out outdoors movies at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. It's a perfect summer evening activity: friends, movies, park, views of downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge. For movie schedule go here.

Picnic in a park. Have a picnic at any park in NYC. Small picnic, elaborate picnic, lunch picnic, just a snack - whatever kind of picnic but take advantage of city parks this summer to recharge. If you want to eat in Central park, you can grab take-out from anywhere or stop by Whole Food on 59th and Columbus Circle (in Times Warner mall) or on 97th st. and Columbus ave. (they have wonderful salad, hot and desert bars). 

Picture sources:
Shakespeare in the Park / La Marina / Governor's Island Jazz Age Lawn Party / Syfy movies with a view / Picnic in a park