Summer is a time to relax and relish time with family and friends. That time can be spent on warm weather vacations near the beach or the shore, or, best of all, in your own little corner of the world. At the height of summer, I like to take the time to indulge in my most coveted things: great books, good wine, lovely flowers and the frills that fill my home. The best part? I can enjoy them with those I love, or, best of all, on my own.
TOAST EACH OTHER!
I love when guests stop by during warmer weather. It’s a perfect reason to gather! So out comes the glassware and carafe of light rose wine, an ideal light treat with a splash of lime – all perfectly served on a tray. Nothing fancy, just the perfect way to spend a warm night in July.
Green Polka Dot Tray, $72; Bee Glasses, $12 each and Bee Wine Carafe, $28. All available at E.I. Home, 4453 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, 610.985.0767, eihomeonline.com
ADD A POP OF COLOR.
I’m a sucker for all things bright and bold. Color is spectacular, and what better time than summer to enjoy all the options? I often find myself using accessories as bursts of brightness – great printed clutches, bold jewelry and my signature bright lip, courtesy of my very favorite Nars lip gloss.
Fair Trade Fabric Printed Clutch, $29; Floral Beaded Necklace, $79; and Rifle Notebook, $12.95 set of three, available at Hello Blue Bird, 609 Penn Ave., West Reading, 610.750.6642, hellobluebird.net. Nars Larger-Than-Life lip gloss in Place Vendome, $26, available at Bell Tower Salon Spa and Store, 18 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing, 610.372.6379, belltowersalonspa.com
CELEBRATE HOME.
I’m a hometown girl – always have been, always will be. People spend all summer getting out of town or going away. Why not stop and see what is going on right here in the RDG? Each month, there is something new to do or a new place to visit. So get out and about and show some pride in our city.
Reading Pillow, $70, available at doubledutch.storenvy.com. PA Ink I Pretzel Reading Tee, $25, available at GoggleWorks Store, 201 Washington St., Reading, 610. 374. 4600, ext. 104, goggleworks.org. Sidewalks: A Journal for Exploring Your City, $16.95, available at Hello Bluebird, 609 Penn Ave., West Reading, 610.750.6642, hellobluebird.net
BE SUN SAFE.
Who can resist sun and sand? I know I can’t. And on beautiful summer days, I take full advantage of sitting outside and soaking up the rays. But my sunscreen and oversized hat are never far, because while I love a good tan, being healthy and safe is even more important. Nothing less than SPF 30 will do. Apply generously and look on the bright side of summer.
Fantasie Bathing Separates, $66 top and $40 bottoms, available at Lilibea’s, 613 Penn Ave., West Reading, 610.685.6685, lilibeas.com. Oversized Black and Tan Striped Hat, $39, available at Bell Tower Salon Spa and Store, 18 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing, 610.372.6379, belltowersalonspa.com. Coated beach bag, $128, available at E.I. Home, 4453 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, 610.985.0767, eihomeonline.com
JUST A TOUCH.
Sun-kissed and fancy-free, summer makeup needs to be easy, pretty and light. Sheer shades of peaches, pinks and creams are perfect for hot temperatures, and Nars has amazing items, like the Multiple that fit into my multipurpose lifestyle. It can be used on cheeks, lips and eyes – a true make up trifecta.
Nars Multiple in Orgasm, $39; Trio Eye shadow in Ramatuelle, $45; Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Never Say Never, $24; Larger than Life Lip Gloss in Spring Break, $26. All available at Bell Tower Salon Spa & Store, 18 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing, 610.372.6379, belltowersalonspa.com
2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1.
Is it form over function? Function over form? To me, they are equally important. That’s why I love clothes that not only look good, but also can function as multiple items. Take this dress/skirt, for example. It’s like getting two outfits for the price of one. Change up the accessories and it can go from day to night with just a minor adjustment.
Patterson Kincaid Posey Convertible, $159, available at Bella Jules Boutique, 700 Penn Ave., West Reading, 610.208.0600, bellajulesboutique.com. Patterned Shoulder Bag, $58, available at Hello Bluebird, 609 Penn Ave., West Reading, 610.750.6642, hellobluebird.net. PA Dutch is Clutch Postcard, $2.25, available at Hello Bluebird, 609 Penn Ave., West Reading, helllobluebird.net
A FEW FAVES.
Collecting is one of my favorite hobbies. I only surround myself with things I love. Right now, some of the things that I am collecting include: vintage amber glass (found at antique markets in Adamstown), jewelry (doesn’t hurt that my day gig is at the sparkling Sorrelli) and inspiring typography (like this gem from the fabulous local artist Melanie Linder). Having these things around me makes me happy, plain and simple.
Share Our Name Lettering Print, $20, available at etsy.com/shop/spreadthelove. Vintage Amber Glass Bottles, $3 to $20, available at Shupp’s Grove, Adamstown. MiMi by Sorrelli Jewelry, $39 to $180, available at Sorrelli, 220 W. Main St., Kutztown, 610.683.5668, sorrelli.com
FRESH IS BEST.
Flowers make everything better. A true indulgence of mine is to constantly have fresh flowers in my home. It’s a treat to myself each week when I’m able to pick up a fresh bouquet from my friend Susan at Petals on Penn. My floral fascination has expanded – to cookies. That’s right, lavender cookies from local organic bakery Fields and French Hens at the Fairgrounds Farmers Market. Sweet, simple, light, refreshing, divine…the cookies never last as long as the flowers.
Mixed flower bouquets made to order, available at Petals on Penn, 4056 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, 610.678.4488, petalsonpenn.com. Organic Lavender Cookies, $1.25 each, available at Fields and French Hens Organic Bakery, Fairgrounds Farmers Market, Reading, 610.929.3429. Green Leaf Bowl, $16, available at E.I. Home, 4453 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, 610.985.0767, eihomeonline.com
LONG ON STYLE
Dresses are my go-to piece during the summer. This fabulous teal number will be spending a lot of time out and about. The fit and fabric are light and airy, but still extremely stylish. The long, bright gold necklace and platform huarache heels are great accompaniments.
Teal Tunic, $99, available at zara.com. MiMi by Sorrelli Gold Chevron Gilded Lily Necklace, $364.80, available at Sorrelli, 220 W. Main St., Kutztown, 610.683.5668. sorrelli.com. Brown Leather Huarache Heels, $89, available at The Bon Ton, Berkshire Mall, Wyomissing, 610.376.8171.
BY AMANDA DIETRICH ZEIGLER | PHOTOS BY TANIA COLAMARINO, AMA PHOTOGRAPHY
