File under: to wear with a bit of a tan (fake?), wavy hair, bright nails and a loose, flowy dress like this.

Nine West “Look Global” Sandals, $89

I’m not at all anxious for summer to appear (after last year’s 4 months of furnace-like heat and humidity), but I am looking forward to wearing bright, pretty sandals like this.

Madden Girl “Anzwer” Sandals, $40

I’ve been struggling to dress comfortably in this heat we’ve had the past few days. I feel almost physically ill looking at the thought of wearing denim or anything constricting (including shorts!). When the heat index is at 90+, the only thing I’ll consider wearing is a loose, light dress.

Here’s the typical outfit I’ve been wearing lately: a loose, sleeveless dress (Love21 Floral Front Dress, $27.80) paired with fun sandals (Topshop Bow Sandals, $24). For jewelry, I keep it simple with a bangle (Betsey Johnson Bangle, $35) or watch and a pair of stud earrings (Knot Earrings, $32). Makeup is equally easy! A swipe of color on my lips (Chantecaille SPF 15 Lip Gloss, $30) and waterproof mascara on my lashes (BeneFIT BADgal Mascara, $19). When it comes to hair, I’m not even bothering. Throw it up in a sleek ponytail and be done with it! 

What have you been wearing to beat the heat wave?

I bought this dress right before I found out I was pregnant, and it was a lucky purchase! It’s got plenty of room for expansion. I guess my love for comfortable (err, tent) dresses is paying off!

1. Old Navy Cardigan
2. Target Dress
3. Namaste “Laguna” Handbag (c/o)
4. Flats from CutesyGirl.com

(Not numbered: Michael Kors watch and Charlotte Russe bow ring, see below)

Here’s how to get the look for yourself:

1. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipcolor in Coral Berry, $7
2. Charlotte Russe Ring, $4
3. Dorothy Perkins Flats, £20
4. Xhilaration® Juniors Braided Strap Dress, $25
5. Delias Cardigan, $20
6. Namaste “Laguna” Handbag, $79

See a few more snaps after the jump!

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One of the most frustrating things about high heat and humidity in the summer is the tendency for your makeup to begin sliding (melting!) right off your face. Sweat and beauty products don’t usually mix. But, there are some products you can use that will not only stand up to the heat, but can maybe get you through the day with no creasing, beading, melting, smudging or sliding.

Here are a few of my recommendations…and a few of your own as well:

• Revlon Super Lustrous Lipcolor in Coral Berry, $7 - I’m not usually a lipstick person, but this coral is subtle enough that I don’t feel like a giant pair of lips walking around.
• Dove Go Fresh Body Mist, $5 (suggested by @partypants) - “Keep this in the fridge for a fragrant cool-down.”
• Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $20 - Liquid eyeliner can be tricky to apply, but this applicator feels more like a marker or pen. The packaging doesn’t lie either…it really does stay on all day.

• Sula Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow, $8 - Choose lighter creme-based shades in a matte or shimmery formula, then layer a bit of powder shadow on top for the longest-lasting combination.
• Bumble & bumble Defrizz, $25 - This creme is light enough even for super-fine hair.
• Burt’s Bees Lifeguard’s Choice Lip Balm, $3 - Did you know your lips are one of the most susceptible areas for sunburn? If you’re going to be in the sun for hours at a time, you can’t do better than this lip balm. I used to swear by it during my lifeguard days for keeping my lips moisturized and protected. It’s a white formula, not clear, so your lips can sometimes have a bit of a white hue, but layering a lip gloss or tinted balm over top will solve the problem.

• e.l.f. Essentials Shine Eraser Blotting Papers, $1 (suggested by @kayerey) - “They’re $1 for 50 sheets!”
• MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50, $30 (suggested by @ellemnop) - “This primer reduces oil and shine, plus has SPF 50. I always put it on before all my other makeup.”
• Covergirl Outlast Lipstain, $8 (suggested by @kayerey) - I’m so glad Kathryn mentioned these lipstains because I love them too. If you’re a little intimidated to try a bright lipstick shade, start off with a stain instead. It’s a lighter wash of color that looks far more natural.

• NARS Illuminator in Laguna, $30 - Adding some color to your face with a creme-based product looks more natural in the summer. Avoid powder bronzers, which can crease and run. A little dab of this on your cheekbones, chin and the middle of your forehead just looks like you spent a bit of time in the sun.
• Maybelline Waterproof Lash Stiletto Mascara, $8.50 - I’m a new convert to this lengthening mascara. (I use it in conjunction with a curling mascara.) Purchase the waterproof brand to avoid the raccoon eyes look brought on by the humidity. 

Here are a few other suggestions I got:

• Cover Girl NatureLuxe Balm, $6.50 (suggested by @kekoenig) - “It’s so light and sheer but still adds needed color to my look!”
• Almay’s Wake Up Hydrating Makeup, $13 and Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation, $8 (suggested by @ashleychauntel) - “Almay’s Wake Up Hydrating Make Up is probably my favorite find ever!” 

What are your favorite beauty products when it’s 90+ degrees outside?

It’s not a great summer if I don’t wear out at least one pair of cheap, trendy sandals. Here’s a few options for you to try out…and all are $25 or less!

1. ASOS Patent Leather Sandals, $21
2. Shannon Leopard Strappy Sandals, $20
3. Dreams “Glynn” Sandal, $23
4. Forever21 Woven Sandals, $15
5. Target Pleated Canvas Sandals, $25
6. Forever21 Beaded Sandals, $23
7. Delias Jelly T-Strap Sandals, $10
8. Zigi Soho Sandals, $25
9. Aldo “Reinart” Sandals, $25
10. Miss Me “Finch 5” Sandals, $23
11. Target Braided Flats, $15
12. Union Bay Beaded Sandals, $20
13. Wet Seal Gladiator Sandals, $16.80

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve just gotten settled on the beach or by a pool and realized I’ve forgotten something important, like my book or my sunscreen or even my sunglasses. Once I’m settled in on my towel or lounge chair, the last thing I want to do is get up and go back to the car or room or wherever to procure that important thing that apparently wasn’t important enough to remember the first time.

It’s not like I just do this at the beach, either. I manage to forget something important any time I’m packing for anything. It drives me crazy. To fix the problem once and for all, I started making “TO PACK” lists in the Notes app on my iPhone to save myself much time and angst. Even the smallest, most obvious things go on these TO PACK lists and I’ve taken to making TO PACK lists even when doing day trips or…beach/pool trips.

Here’s what’s on my TO PACK list for the beach:

1. L.L.Bean Seaside Beach Towel, $29.50 - Love the lobster!
2. TopShop Striped Cover Up, $36 - The best cover ups are ones that can be worn inside a building (for lunch, shopping, whatever) in a pinch.
3. Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm, $7 - Ugh, makeup at the beach! But, if you need a bit of color, this is the way to get it.
4. John Masters Organics Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray With Lavender, $17 - After you’re done swimming, scrunch a bit of this in your damp hair and go.
5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 45 Aerosol Sunscreen, $10 - Maybe the lightest sunscreen on the market.
6. Nalgene Leakproof Water Bottle, $10 - Don’t get dehydrated!
7. Booth’s Tahitian Monoi Dry Oil, $7 - After you’ve been in the sun, a little dry oil keeps your skin looking glowy.
8. Goody StayPut Elastics, $3.99 - Always carry hair ties. Always.
9. Tilly’s Floppy Hat, $15 - An oversized hat is glamorous and functional. Must have.
10. Forever21 Sunglasses, $5.80 - Love the tortoiseshell print.
11. Kate Spade Kindle Covers, $85 - Keep your Kindle safe in a cute cover.
12. CALYPSO St Barth for Target Straw Bag, $25 - Carry it all in here!

awesome-everyday asked you: Hey Jaclyn! Love you/your blog/your fashion choices, etc…

I was wondering if you knew of any spectacular summer hats for under $20 and maybe some awesome linen maxis for under $30 (I’m a size 10 or 12)? I’m trying to find something good for watching outdoor music in the sun!

Thank you!
<3

One of my favorite summer outfits is wearing a loose, comfy maxi dress with a big floppy hat. It’s so chic, even if you’re just at home. But, if you happen to be heading off to the beach for the weekend or going to a summer concert, this outfit combo can’t be beat. Throw on some sunglasses, pack some goodies and enjoy!

1. Target Cami Maxi Dress, $20
2. Forever21 Color Swirl Hat, $13
3. Forever21 Ikat Maxi Dress, $25
4. Target Floppy Hat, $13
5. Forever21 Embroidered Lattice Maxi Dress, $23
6. Forever21 Wide Brim Hat, $13

To celebrate the unbelievably crappy, hot weather we’ve been having this week, I thought I’d try and focus on the things that are GREAT about summer instead of the things that I hate about it. (If you’re curious, what I hate is almost everything except what’s on this list and the ability to swim outdoors.) I’m Canadian, what can I say?! This humidity feels like it’s draining my soul. 

[Target Stripe & Crab 12-Piece Dinnerware Set, $20]

[Slurpees available at your local 7-11 store.]

[Old Bay Seasoning, $3.80]

[Check your local H&M store for availability.]

[Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF 110 Spray, $10]

[Find a local vendor near you.]

[Jergens Natural Glow, $9]

[Check your local farmer’s market or grocery store!]

What are some of your favorite things to eat, buy or do in the summer?

valerina asked: Hi Jaclyn! Recently I’ve become aware of my abundance of dresses, skirts, and pants, but there are scarcely any work tops to be found, sadly. I live in the deep South so I have to retire my cardigans from May until October. I’m looking for some inexpensive short-sleeved or sleeveless tops that are work appropriate but not dowdy. I need to re-stock my closet! I’m short with a small chest and larger in the hip/thigh area. 

This was always a huge pet peeve of mine. It’s much easier to find good dresses and skirts that were summer-appropriate than to find a light work top that’s not matronly.

Here are my suggestions:

• If you have access to an H&M or a LOFT store, start there. Both are likely to have lots of inexpensive tops that will work for you.
• Target will also have some good options for you. Some of my favorite work tops came from Target! (And I always got asked whether they were LOFT or Banana. Nope!) 

As for online shopping, your best bets are smaller boutiques like Vestique and Francesca’s Collections. These stores will have unique, eye-catching pieces at affordable prices. I want to mention one of my personal favorite online shopping spots for cheap, trendy work tops/sweaters: Love 21. 

Here are a couple of my picks:

1. Vestique Top, $34
2. Forever 21 Silk Top, $22
3. Vestique Top, $34.50