Summer Sales

Summer is my time to think less about getting dressed and ideally wear fewer clothes. I want to spend my time in tanks, kaftans and tunics and keep things as simple as humanly possible. With that, things may be a bit slower around here but I promise to share critical info as I have it and always answer any fashion questions that you throw my way.

As for critical information, there are a few important sales to note right now, happening in the muggy 518 and online. Take a look:

Marika Charles Summer Clearance Sale - June 25-27

Cesare and Lili "Private Sale" - Through July 20th
- Monday 20% off of ANY item
- Tuesday 20 % off of ANY tee
- Wednesday 20% off of ANY dress
- Thursday 20% off of any pant
- Friday 20% off of any top
- Saturday 20% off of any accessory

JCrew.com - 30% off of all sale items

Easy Breezy

Easy Breezy by upstateandpersonal featuring Trina Turk tops

Summer's arriving with a bit of a splash this year but I'm quite sure that it'll be hotter than hell in no time and we'll all be wondering how to look cute while staying cool. Enter one of my perennial favorites: the peasant blouse. It comes back year after year, and for a good reason- its a comfy, cool style that most women can wear well. I have a handful of them in my closet, most are of the white gauzy variety with some sort of tonal or embroidered embellishment. Pair them with jeans, shorts, cargo pants, almost anything. If you've got one that's particularly billowy, pair it with a narrower bottom to balance things out. Need more length? Throw on a longer tank underneath. My personal list of things to avoid - elasticized sleeves, empire waists and the funky, 70s off the shoulder thing. But that's just me. Easy? Easy.

Give it Away Now

There are just two days left in our supremely exciting Mode lip glaze giveaway! Just post your favorite local style or shopping tip in the comments area below or become a fan of Upstate and Personal on Facebook and leave your comment there.

Speaking of giving things away, my wonderful sister-in-law just informed me that the fabulously cute Marias sandals about which I posted a month or so ago are now on sale at urbanoutfitters.com, I've got a really tough decision to make.

Go Bananas

The Bat Phone just rang and I received this very important message: today (Thursday), Friday the 11th and Sunday the 13th, Banana Republic is offering 25% off all full-priced items in-store and online!!! (Actually, their online store doesn't have the weird Saturday exclusion). Their new-ish Design Director, Simon Kneen (designer of my all-time favorite bronze silk dress that will sadly never fit me again unless I remove some ribs) is trying to do some interesting things at the B, and I think he's been moderately successful. So, if you've had your eye on anything there recently, now's a good time to strike.

ps - don't forget, the Mode cosmetics giveaway continues through this weekend. Just post your favorite shopping / style tip (online or local) in the comments area below to enter. Bon chance!

A La Mode

Sorry for being asleep at the switch ladies, May and June are INSANE in my world. Have no fear, I'm back with a wonderful giveaway to share and news of a neat local cosmetics company that's making headlines (and swell beauty products). MODE Cosmetics, based right here in the 518, is offering a pair of their new Lip Glazes to one lucky Upstate and Personal fan. These cuties are made here in the Empire State from natural ingredients (sweet almond oil!) and without animal testing. Mode's products are also minimally packaged to avoid waste, and the lip glazes make the perfect addition to your summer beauty routine. What's this routine, you ask? Minimal, minimal, minimal... think: tinted moisturizer/ a sweep of bronzer, mascara and a pop of gloss on your lips. That's it.

So what's a girl need to do to win this killer, local beauty loot? Simply post your favorite local or online style or beauty tip in the comments section below or on the Upstate and Personal Facebook page. I'll have my uber-honest husband pick a random winner early next week. Click here for more info on this great local company, or check your local Hannaford or Price Chopper for their products.

To Jean or Not to Jean

Find me on Polyvore

Jean shorts - our moms wore them in the 50s, and the 60s. Many of us wore them in the 80s, then again in college in the super grungy early 90s (with tights, natch) and now here we are in 2010 ... do we or don't we? To jean (short) or not jean (short) that is the question... and let me tell you 'tis far nobler to wear what works than to suffer a fashion tragedy. That said, they' are incredibly versatile and practical so maybe its really a question of HOW and not IF.

My pick is this pair of Red Engine 'boyfriend' shorts or something like them. Understated, comfy, and a far cry from the...er... "WT" Daisy Duke cousin that's given them a bad name. Of course I'm not going to really drop $100 plus on a pair of neatly rolled-up cutoffs, so I'll grab the Old Navy version instead. My advice is to go with something mid-thigh, with a looser cut (like a boyfriend cut). Skip the frayed edges and the pockets hanging out below and for God's sake, cover your butt (and then some). I'd pair with a detailed belt and long-sleeved t-shirt or woven top and a pair of flat sandals. Less is more. Trust me.