HOT SUMMER NIGHTS: CREATING THE PERFECT DATE NIGHT

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your favorite fun activities to do with your significant other. We all know life can get busy and sometimes relationships unintentionally take a back seat to daily duties. The best way to keep the romance alive is to find interests that delight you both and make weekly plans together on the calendar. Connecting with your love doesn’t necessarily have to cost a lot of extra time or money– it is the meaning and thought behind them that counts. Creating small moments and memories are often the things we remember most. We’ve gathered a few fun activities to get you started. Take a look below, get creative, and start planning the perfect romantic summer for two.

START YOUR MORNINGS TOGETHER

Kick start your day by simply sharing your favorite coffee beverage together each morning.  Whether brewing your own “cuppa joe” at home or driving to your local coffee shop, this is a great way to connect with each other before the day begins. On weekends or your next day off, slip into comfy lace and plan your own “B & B” getaway with breakfast in bed. Check out Rachael Ray’s “Breakfast in Bed” recipes and start planning your next morning together with a little “R & R.”

ENJOY NATURE AND EXERCISE

With the nice weather ahead, nourish your spirit in nature AND do a little exercise to benefit the body as well. To avoid any bickering, pick an activity that you BOTH enjoy doing whether it be riding bikes in the park, jogging down the street, golfing on the greens, hiking up the mountain, or swimming at the beach. And why not look stylish for your honey at the same time in a chic pair of printed shorts and sunshine yellow top. Best of all,  nature and exercise are rewarding yet free of charge.

PLAN A PERFECT PICNIC

Why dine inside when summer’s sunsets offer the most romantic of backdrops? Step right into your own romantic “Hollywood” film set with a lovely picnic in the park for two. Pop open a bottle of champagne, enjoy a basket of goodies, spread out a lace crochet throw, and bask together in the glow of twilight.

Look lovely for your love in a simple yet romantic lace dress and a favorite pair of sandals, tousling your natural hair with a little Bumble and Bumble surf spray for carefree “beachy” waves.

COUPLES CAMPOUT

Speaking of the outdoors, another favorite summertime activity to plan together is a weekend “couples campout.” Whether for overnight or an entire week, pack your favorite “boyfriend jeans” and hiking boots, and enjoy getting “lost” in the woods. Spend quality time walking the forest trails, swimming the refreshing lakes, roasting marshmallows over an open fire, and drifting to sleep to the sound of the wind through the trees. You are sure to create moments you will never forget.

RELEASE STRESS

One of the best ways to feel connected while taking the stress off daily living is a “couples massage therapy.” Check a listing of your local spa and massage centers or book a private session from the comfort of your own home. For a true getaway experience, book a luxury resort hotel for a night that offers couples’ massages and spa services. Afterwards, order room service and enjoy a private candlelit dinner for two in his and hers organic spa robes.

BE KIDS AGAIN AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK

Don’t take yourselves too seriously. Create laughs and re-live your carefree childhood days with fun at your local country fair or city’s amusement park. Don your favorite summer dress, pack on the sunscreen, and stroll the Boardwalk of carnival games with your sweetheart. Enjoy ice cream and hand spun cotton candy, ride the roller coaster, laugh in the fun house, and end the day with a romantic kiss atop the ferris wheel. Bring a little innocence back into your relationship the Summer.

ENJOY A MOVIE DATE NIGHT

Throw on your favorite “LBD” (little black dress) and hit the town together in style. Nothing is quite as romantic as a walk hand in hand down the street to your favorite movie theater. Feel the giddy excitement of first love again as your hands graze sharing popcorn for two and you snuggle down into your seats as the lights dim.

Throwback to a time gone by and go to an old fashioned drive-in movie. Pack up your favorite snacks, toss in some cozy blankets, don your favorite comfy jogger pants and tank, and get ready for a romantic evening under the stars. Check your local listings for the closest drive-in near you and create a night to remember.

No need to spend a lot of cash. Create the perfect movie night at home on your own couch, TV, and plenty of “movie theater” snacks. A favorite “movie date idea” with extra cuddling incorporated is a “scary movie date” complete with your comfiest tee, homemade popcorn, a little red wine, “death by chocolate” cupcakes, and a cozy “scary movie snuggle blanket.” No problem with a little romance tonight.

END THE DAY TOGETHER

Finally, wherever your day takes you, don’t forget to end the day together. Whether you take a walk on the beach, meet for a late dinner, or watch the sunset, spend the last few hours of the day side by side. Relate the details of your day, tell a funny story, share your thoughts, listen to each others’ dreams for the future, and most of all, enjoy each other.

Whether dining at the finest restaurant in town, camping out in nature, or enjoying a movie night at home, you can create the perfect “date night” this Summer. Fancy or simple, outside or inside, extravagant or cheap, the goal is to create personal memories to last a lifetime. We here at Posh at Play know you are brave enough to create your own Summer to remember. And remember no matter what, be confident, be fabulous, and always be feminine.

LACE TO ROMANCE YOUR SUMMER

 From the rompers at Elie Saab, to the dresses at  Stella McCartney, to the jackets at Roberto Cavalli, romantic lace was a hit with designers this year. As Summer approaches, NOW is the perfect time to add a little romance to your lifestyle. Whether it be a new dress for a summer wedding, curtains for your cabana, or trim on your denim shorts, we’ll show you quick and easy ways you can capture this season’s dreamy mood.

LAZE AWAY IN A LACEY SUMMER SUNDRESS

Nothing says “Summer” quite like your favorite lace sundress. A classic strapless maxi is the perfect way to get into a romantic mood everywhere you go this Season. In addition, this style flatters EVERY body type, so no need to “suck in” while you enjoy your activities. Great as a swimsuit cover up to twilight dinner on the beach, your lace maxi is the perfect summer dress solution.

BEAUTIFY THE BEACH HOUSE

And speaking of the beach, summer is the perfect time to bring a little romance to your getaway beach house or pool cabana. Grab a pair of custom made sheer lacy curtains direct from Scotland for the living and bed room windows to diffuse the sunlight for a romantic glow.

 Don’t have the luxury? Tie pairs of lacy sheer layers across your house’s porch awning or trade out your shower curtain with long panels of the fabric. Light Ralph Lauren’s Ocean Lane seaside candles across the rooms, and you’ll feel forever “on holiday” whether at home or away at your vacation house.

HOST A LACY AFFAIR

Now that you’ve romanticized your home, it’s time to entertain. Scatter a few lacy pillows around the living room, lay a table runner to hold the plates of appetizers and desserts, and fill lace goblets full of your homemade refreshing, cool white wine spritzer. If the weather is nice, take the whole affair outside for a garden picnic. You could also wait until twilight, the most romantic time of day, light a few lanterns, and host a drinks and dinner party outside. However you choose to host your guests, they will appreciate the romantic touch you bring to the event.

 Provide a bit of whimsical fun at your next garden party by decorating your trees with lovely pastel colored balloons. For directions on how to create your own Summertime fantasy, see Joann’s DYI project.

DON’T FORGET COLORFUL LACE

Finally, don’t forget that lace doesn’t come in just white or ivory. Take advantage of the Season’s jeweled ruby reds, emerald greens, sapphire blues, and violet purples. Rev up the romance with a red lace crochet area rug, perfect for a romantic candlelit dinner or evening at home. Or use as a throw over your favorite couch for summertime snuggling.

ACCESSORIZE IN LOVELY LACE

After you have finished beautifying your surroundings, it’s time to concentrate on YOU. Take a look at our favorite ways to add a touch of romance with lovely lace accessories.

Why not add a pair of  white lace Tom’s to your summer wardrobe? Easy to slip on and off and comfortable for all day wear, these classics will become your new best friend. They pair perfectly with your favorite swimwear, denim cut offs, cropped pants, romper, or lace dress for comfy yet trendy style. Your hostess feet will never tire in Tom’s.

Invited to a wedding this summer? Tom’s are the perfect gift for the beautiful bride. She’ll appreciate wearing these after the ceremony to keep her tootsies dancing all night long.

From Balenciaga’s designer lace shopper  to Rochas structured purse to Victoria Trading Company’s vintage clutch,  there’s a perfect lacy bag to fit every taste. Forgo the heavy leather, and go feminine flirty this season.

Compliment your summer style with unique lacy dangle earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings. At Etsy, you can scroll through thousands of one-of-a-kind lace jewelry selections, and at the same time, support talented artisans from around the US.

Last but definitely not least. Cover up with a midnight black lace shawl, perfect for Summer’s weather. Your lace shawl is perfect paired with shorts for daytime fun, layered over your favorite cocktail dress at twilight, and doubled as a nighttime robe in the evening.

GET CRAFTY

Need a place to hold all of your pretty lace jewelry? Get crafty this summer and follow our d0-it-yourself instructions on making your own jewelry holder.

What You’ll Need: Vintage frame, lace trim (from a fabric store), staple gun or super glue

How To: On the backside of your vintage frame, position lace strips evenly down the frame. If your frame is made of wood, use staple gun to attach in place. If it is ceramic, use super gun or a hot glue gun. If lace strips protrude past the frame’s edges, simple trim with scissors.

Simply and easy, yet your friends will be impressed with your lovely lace DYI project.

Whether you accessorize yourself, your surroundings or BOTH in lace, take this Summer to add a little femininity to your lifestyle. It’s simple, easy and after all, we all could use   a little more romance in our lives. And remember, no matter what we here at Posh at Play want you to be you, be fabulous, and always be feminine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPRING’S NEW NEUTRALS

 

From Valentino to Dior to Ralph Lauren, we’re loving this year’s NEW neutral color trend. Get in touch with your feminine side this Spring and start including quartz rose, serenity blue, soft peach, neutral beige, and creamy ivory into your wardrobe collection. Romance is key this Season. Take a look at our favorite outfit styles and start shopping the trends today.

AT THE OFFICE

Start your week off right and carry the soft neutral trend to the office with you in style. Start with a neutral colored knit pencil skirt from St. John’s Collection paired with Hale Bob’s sleeveless draped satin blouse or  ivory long sleeve silk blouse and classic Christian Louboutin pumps, designed to accentuate and elongate the leg line. Or if you are feeling daring, go with a white embroidered mini skirt from Hale Bob. Keep up with Spring’s fluctuating weather patterns and top your look with an ivory Bolero jacket from Hale Bob on chillier days. Accessorize in style with a Tory Burch black satchel bag and matching cat eye sunglasses from designer Tom Ford. You are sure to catch your co-workers’ attention in the office this Spring.

ERRAND DAY

Your romantic side can shine through even on “run of the mill” casual errand days.  Air dry your hair, tousle, and lightly spritz with a touch of Bumble & Bumble’s surf foam spray for a “no nonsense,” easygoing style. Next, grab a pair of stretchy, comfortable taupe ultra suede pants from Hale Bob topped with Rag & Bone’s ivory sweatshirt and chic leopard print ballerina flats from Salvatore Ferragamo. Strap on your blush pink cross body bag, swipe on a drop of all natural lip balm from Grown Alchemist, and you are ready to step out on the streets in style.

LUNCH WITH THE GIRLS

Why not be trendy yet comfy in soft muted pastels on your next lunch out? Start with Spring’s trendy distressed look, updated for 2016 on the skinny leg silhouette. We like True Religion’s stretch white skinny jeans topped with Chloe’s luscious vintage Victorian pink chiffon blouse, trending on the runways through Fall 2016. For chillier days, accessorize with a soft beige shawl coat from Harris Wharf London, or BCBG’s lace trench for a more structured style. Top off your look with Kate Spade’s sweet pink bucket bag and matching lace up sandals from Steve Madden. You’re sure to get the girls gossiping this year with your “easy breezy” beautiful Spring style.

DATE NIGHT

Surprise him with a little romance as you include the soft colors of Spring into your nighttime activities. From Gucci to Caroline Herrera, get in on this Season’s pretty pleated skirt trend seen on this year’s runways. Get the above look with Tibi’s strappy pleated swing dress or go with Tahari’s fit and flare dress for a more classic silhouette. If you’re a “girly” gal, Hale Bob’s sweet sleeveless pleated tank dress will suit you to a “T” paired with your favorite strappy heels or gladiators. And finally, for the inner Hollywood “diva,” make a grand entrance in the luscious floor length ivory empire dress NEW from Liberty Garden. Simple, classic, Boho, or dramatic, there’s a perfect pleated dress style just waiting for you.

BEACH DAY

With lace and “Boho chic” all the rage, now is the time to add a few of Spring’s “essentials” to your wardrobe collection. Perfect for the beach topped over your favorite swimsuit or paired over your “go to” tee and shorts outfit, be sure to add this Season’s favorite lovely lace Kimono jacket. Light enough to prevent bulk yet thick enough to provide a little warmth from Spring’s fluctuating temperatures, Liberty Garden’s ivory lace Kimono is the perfect jacket option for you this Season. Another favorite Spring jacket option is the “Boho chic” poncho. Slip on Liberty Garden’s black or ivory laced fringed poncho over your favorite poolside attire, or pair over Citizen’s of Humanity’s ivory shorts, Hale Bob’s white lace tank , and Free People’s tall gladiators for the quintessential “festival girl” style. Or, complete your day of fun in sun with Liberty Garden’s long sleeve lace tunic on chilly Spring days or off the shoulder lace tunic from South Beach swimsuits during summer’s heat wave. Kimono, poncho, or tunic, there’s a lovely lacy cover up option to suit your Spring style.

GARDEN PARTY

Unsure of what to wear to your next garden party or Spring wedding? You can’t go wrong in a creamy ivory or peachy pink lace dress, suitable for any occasion casual to dressy. We like Hale Bob’s ivory lace pencil dress with this year’s off the shoulder trending silhouette style. Go with the long sleeve two-toned dress or white lace strapless maxi paired with Topshop’s lace up blush pink wedges for little “Boho chic” flare. If classic is more your style, grab Hale Bob’s ivory floral A line dress accessorized with Badgley Mischka’s floral embellished open toes pumps and matching leather clutch from Tory Burch. Classic or Boho, mini or maxi, you’ll look lovely in lace this year.

NEUTRAL NAIL COLOR

This Season is all about “do it yourself” beauty and what better way to usher in Spring’s neutral colors than with an at home manicure makeover. Our favorite is the Red Carpet Pro manicure starter set, featuring your own LED lights, nourishing cuticle cream, prep nail sanitizer, base coat and top coat enhancers, plus nail polish remover and application purifying cleanser. Grab Salon quality nail polish in soft peach cream and in minutes you can enjoy weeks worth of nail beauty. Invite the girls over, brew some detox tea, and relax for an afternoon of nourishment, fun, and style from the comfort of your own home.

NEUTRAL MAKE UP

Don’t just stop at nail beauty. Continue Spring’s neutral color scheme trend into your daily make up routine this Season. Start with Urban Decay’s weightless ultra definition foundation, add a blushing cheek stain from Tarte,  a swipe of bareMinerals’ natural volumizing mascara, and finish up with MAC’s soft sheer nude lipstick inspired by designer Zac Posen. To compliment this year’s carefree, “unfussy” style, treat your tresses to a little extra loving care with natural remedies for damage control. Two of our favorite “hair masks” can be found conveniently right in your kitchen. First is the Avocado and Peppermint hair mask, made by mixing one avocado, a tablespoon each of olive oil and honey, and sprinkled lightly with peppermint tea to stimulate your scalp and offer intense refreshment to your locks. Our second favorite, used to treat damaged follicles, is the Milk and Honey hair mask, made from one cup of whole milk and a teaspoon of honey. Let hair soak in the mixture for 15 minutes, and then rinse and shampoo. You’re sure to turn heads your way with your natural glow this Spring.

Get in touch with your romantic side and look for Spring’s softer neutral pastels in pinks, peaches, blues, and beiges. Coupled with silky lace, ruffles, and pleats, this Season is all about embracing the feminine ideal and enhancing the womanly figure. Take our fashion ideas and adapt them to fit your perfect style and unique personality. Be you, be fabulous, and always be feminine.