3. Happy Hour shoes
Even if the only drink you're having is iced tea, the idea of wearing some sort of heeled sandal — even a small kitten one — is reason enough to shave your legs and do a pedicure ASAP. Low- and medium-heeled slides in black and nude skin-tone shades have replaced pumps and high heel sandals for elevation and dressiness. Try a pair of sophisticated slides like the Lauren Ralph Lauren Whitni Scallop Sandal in Nude ($110, zappos.com) with scalloped straps, the Steven New York Link Slide Sandal in black ($119, dsw.com/en/us), an elegant thong style like the Vince Camuto Cannetta Sandal in black ($89, dsw.com/en/us) with a kitten heel or Faryl by Farylrobin Pamela x The New Nude Collection in Camel Nappa Leather ($85, zappos.com) with a block heel. The latter comes in five skin-tone shades for the leggiest look.
(Clockwise from top left) Mugler Angel Nova Eau de Parfum; Versace Dylan Turquoise Eau de Toilette; Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Spray
Macy's; Sephora (2)
4. A fabulous perfume
After months of diffusers, candles and face masks we're back into wearing and sniffing perfume. Since online shopping or even scent strips are not as compelling as a real-life whiff, this is your big chance to start over. If you've been curious about a best-selling scent, a new designer fragrance or just want to indulge in a new bottle of your favorite, do it guilt-free. Try a new fruity floral like Mugler Angel Nova Eau de Parfum ($75 for 1 ounce, macys.com), a light beachy citrusy scent like Versace Dylan Turquoise Eau de Toilette ($84 for 1.7 ounces, nordstrom.com) or the power-floral Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Spray ($85, sephora.com).
(Left to right) Lauren Ralph Lauren Print-Scarf Debby Drawstring Bag in Vanilla/Lauren Navy; DKNY Maria Shopper in White/Lemon; Michael Kors Aria Large Shoulder in Optic White
Macy's (2); Zappos
5. A wear-all-summer white bag
A sharp white leather bag has the same go-with-anything versatility as black, so for once go for it and don't worry about stains! Choose a neat shoulder tote or drawstring style roomy enough for essentials plus extra sunglasses, water and sunscreen in white leather or straw. A style with a secure closure and or inner pockets, like the Lauren Ralph Lauren Print-Scarf Debby Drawstring Bag in Vanilla/Lauren Navy ($193, macys.com), the DKNY Maria Shopper in White/Lemon ($139, macys.com) or the Michael Kors Aria Large Shoulder in Optic White ($198, zappos.com) can accommodate all and keep your ID, phone, wallet and cards secure.
(Left to right) Eloquii Off the Shoulder Ruffle Top in Jelly Bean; Who What Wear Women's Puff 3/4 Sleeve Smocked Peplum Top in Green; CeCe Off-the-Shoulder Floral Chain Embroidered Blouse in Golden Hour
Eloquii; Target; Zappos
6. A super-romantic blouse
Is this an item you need? Probably not. But who cares if it'll elevate your jeans and make you feel like the heroine in a PBS drama. Instead of a stack of tees or a classic button-down, start dressing to frill in standout tops. Choose one with puff sleeves and a square neck like the Who What Wear Women's Puff 3/4 Sleeve Smocked Peplum Top in Green ($30, target.com), or some off-the-shoulder tops for sultry days or nights like the Eloquii Off the Shoulder Ruffle Top in Jelly Bean or On Fire ($55, eloquii.com) or the CeCe Off-the-Shoulder Floral Chain Embroidered Blouse in Golden Hour ($99, zappos.com). Practical, frivolous and fun!
(Left to right) Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream; Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream; Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream
Nordstrom (3)
7. A cult-favorite skin cream
After years of drugstore moisturizers — good, bad and pretty darn fantastic — we're still wondering if those big-ticket items are any better. Our beauty bucket list has a few fantasies — like getting the best haircut of our lives or having our old brows microbladed back — but this dream can come true right now. Opt for the smallest size available if you're on the fence (it is a test run!) and invest in a classic like Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream ($95 for 0.5 oz., nordstrom.com) or the newest cult favorites Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream ($170 for 1 oz., nordstrom.com) or the Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream ($29 for 0.5 oz., $64 for 1 oz., nordstrom.com). Then cross them off your wish list.
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