In the summertime, as sleeves become short to non-existent, I like to wear stacks of bangles as my main accessory. Mixing colors and materials, you can create a unique, casual look with bracelets, customizing the mix to suit your outfit, mood or occasion.
Rectangular platters are a great thing to have on hand when entertaining. They work better in small spaces than most round or square platters and you can piece them together to make a larger presentation if needed. I loved this rectangular tray in my favorite color combo {blue & white} that is wearing our first set of wristlets. It’s one of 3 Raza Platters from Crate and Barrel which are now on sale{!}. Also on the platter are gorgeous green figs, which are so delicious and beautiful in the summer, as are the black figs that are now coming into the markets, I can’t wait to use them in my favorite Greek Chicken Salad.
I was trying to think of a way to show you some of my favorite circlet combos, thinking you’d grow tired of seeing my wrist over and over again, so “modeling” these assortments are some of my other favorite things that I thought you may be interested in pursuing this summer, including plenty of links so you can shop as you please with ease.
Rectangular platters are a great thing to have on hand when entertaining. They work better in small spaces than most round or square platters and you can piece them together to make a larger presentation if needed. I loved this rectangular tray in my favorite color combo {blue & white} that is wearing our first set of wristlets. It’s one of 3 Raza Platters from Crate and Barrel which are now on sale{!}. Also on the platter are gorgeous green figs, which are so delicious and beautiful in the summer, as are the black figs that are now coming into the markets, I can’t wait to use them in my favorite Greek Chicken Salad.
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| The smaller wrapped beaded bangles on the left are from Tanzania; the blue string and silver beaded bracelet is a friendship bracelet I received in France; the bracelets with the larger blue and white porcelain beads I bought at an antique market in Tokyo. This market was wrapped around a giant reservoir that was absolutely filled with massive pink lotus blossoms in full bloom…I remember that incredible sight everytime I wear these. |
When travelling, I’m always on the hunt for interesting new wrist wraps to add to my wardrobe. Back at home, bracelets from afar serve as wonderful souvenirs. Also, my friends and I like to pick up “friendship bracelets” to share from our travels.
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| These bracelets are easy to wear since they are on elastic cords: a friend brought the evil eye bracelets from Greece, the skulls were from the market in St. Tropez and the Sapphire and silver bracelet I found at one of the amazing Indian jewelry stalls at the market in Ventimiglia, Italy. |
But, you don’t need to pack your bags or carry a passport to put together an exotic looking mix of armlets. Import stores like Cost Plus and trendy stores like Forever 21 and American Eagle offer plenty of fun, ethnic looking bangles you can indulge in at very reasonable prices.
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| The blue twine bracelet with bells is from this wonderful little store in Finaleborgo, Italy, the blue and gold beaded band is from Tanzania and the gold wristlet is from American Eagle. |
I’m so impressed with the striking patterned plates available in Melamine these days! These Tavira melamine plates from Crate and Barrel caught my eye immediately. When I saw them I thought they were each carefully hand painted, but on closer look I realized, they were melamine. I can’t wait to use these fantastic, non breakable beauties on my summer tables.
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| The square bamboo bracelet are long~time favorites that I found at Cost plus imports, the carved agate medallion piece was also a Cost+ find. The wood bead and bone piece is actually a necklace, but I double wrap it on my wrist, it’s from the market in St. Tropez. |
A new bracelet discovery I’m loving this summer are these preppy, nautical anchor bracelets by Kiel James Patrick, he also designs coastal inspired bags, belts and neckware. These are great items to give because the gift packaging is so wonderful, the crisp blue and white gift boxes are lined with nautical charts, and the merchandise is wrapped in tissue paper in the same pattern. Each box is tied up with divine cotton twine.
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| The shells on the left are actually meant to be a pony tail holder, I found them on a rounder at the drug store; the knotted cord and anchor piece is from Kiel James Patrick. |
I’ve been pairing this new find with the first set of bracelets I think I ever wore, these bronze bracelets from Jack Boyd. These were very popular when I was in high school and college, did you ever wear them? If so, I think it’s time to dig them up and dust them off, because they go so well with the bronze anchor on the KJP pieces. Here’s what I’ll be sporting on the Fourth of July…
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| The red, white and blue beauty is by Keil James Patrick, and the bronze bracelets are by Jack Boyd. |
I’m sure this triple milled Michel beach soap is a fabulous lather, but I like the packaging so much, I doubt I’ll ever really know for sure. It’s sitting upon another Raza Platter from Crate and Barrel.
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| These Tanzanite strands and Lapis Lazuli medallion bracelet are from the market in Ventimiglia, Italy. |
Chilled rosé has become a summer staple, especially when I can find it in the traditional fish shaped bottle.
When we were in Africa on Safari years ago I learned about “Lucky Beads”, red round seeds that drop from a particular tree. I found one while there and was desperate to find more, but to no avail. What a surprise to find this bangle of them {the bottom strands} in the personal care aisle at my local Whole Foods many years later!!
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| The skull bracelet on the top is from the market in Ventimiglia, Italy, as is the ruby and silver piece below it. I’m not sure where the coral colored piece is from; and the lucky bead strand on the bottom is the one I found at my local Whole Foods Market. |
These cocktail napkins looked perfect for any summer outings, so I stocked up on them. They call the color juniper, I’d call it aquamarine. But, whatever the name, they are on sale now too, so do click on napkins to order a few packets of 20 for $2.95 if you like them.
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| The jade bangle was given to me in Japan, and I can’t really recall from where the other 2 came. |
I love to preserve foods throughout the year and especially in the summer. So when I saw an offering of Weck canning jars, my very favorite of all time, also at Crate and Barrel, I stocked up. I love the straight, clean lines on these vessels.
I try to have a supply of canning jars at the ready at all times, so that if I find fruits or vegetables at their peak I can preserve as soon as possible, without having to go out to find jars that I like.
You can also order them from Amazon now, I’m giving the links to the amazon site for what appears to be sizes I’m featuring {please be sure to double check}.
I’m not sure what I’ll put in these larger Weck Canning jars, probably brandied cherries and/or peaches.
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| The orange beaded band is from Tanzania, the evil eye strand is from Greece, and the two lower glass pieces are from Turkey. |
When canning jars are used for serving beverages it sets a fun, casual tone for any gathering, which is perfect for summer. Here’s an easy way to have a “signature cocktail”, inspired by a classic Italian summer dessert, ready to serve for your next party.
Put a few fresh peach slices in a canning jar like this Weck canning jar, fill the jar with a crisp Pinot Grigio then put it in the refrigerator to chill for a couple of hours. Make one for each guest. Just before the guests arrive pull them out of the refrigerator to serve. The peach gives the crisp wine a lovely, soft, ripe flavor.
Preserved citrus is so easy to make at home and once you’ve tasted the difference, you will never settle for the store bought version again. Slices of the tenderized zests of these preserved fruits is a wonderful way to wake up your favorite salads or fish and chicken dishes. I filled this smaller sized Weck canning jar with preserved lemons, I’m keeping them in my refrigerator to give as hostess gifts. Preserved limes are also a cinch to prepare and will add a different twist to your summer dishes.
You can also have fun making your own custom jewelry pieces. My daughter and her friends have been into beading lately, so I’ve been stocking their trays and have snuck in to make a couple of necklace~bracelets for myself. I call them Sea Strands, because they are sea inspired and perfect for wearing to the beach. Below are of couple my “creations”.
You can order most of these beads from Jewelry Supply, they were strung on this silk cord, which has an attached needle, making the whole process very easy. Sea Strands can be wrapped around the wrist multiple times or used as a necklace, long or short {depending on how many times you wrap it around}. There are no clasps, so that you can have some of the pearls hanging down your back after tying them. I store them on pieces of driftwood so they can’t get tangled.
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| This Sea Strand is made with baroque pearls and cut shells. |
I don’t know what I love most about this Sea salt & rice flower candle from Anthropologie, by Illume, the packaging or the scent; but it’s been a wonderful addition to my kitchen this summer.
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| The robins egg blue and gold beaded bangle is from Tanzania; the skull, pearl and sapphire bead Sea Strand is my creation. |
Okay, that was a lot of information! Thanks for viewing my favorite things, please contact me or leave a comment if you have any questions.
What things are you enjoying this summer??
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