A Sunny Outlook

You might recall a few months ago, Joshy and I headed West for a week’s vacation. Despite being in the throes of some serious morning sickness at 13 weeks pregnant, I had a blast enjoying all that Napa has to offer (well, all but the wine!). The food was divine, the scenery idyllic, and watching my husband accidentally get drunk at lunch on day two was a riot. But I think it’s safe to say my favorite part of the trip was relaxing by the tranquil pool at our hotel, enjoying an iced decaf and a good book. But I looked a little ridiculous, because I was wearing both reading glasses and sunnies. Yes, this happened:

It was like magic a few weeks after we returned that I discovered the solution to this embarrassingly bad summer style issue. Meet ICU Eyewear, my new best friend on vacation, or any time I find myself reading outside. Ranging from $23-$25, these affordable shades offer 100% UV A and B protection plus they’re magnified for easy poolside reading. I receive compliments on mine every time where them, which is often — since I’m making the most of this gorgeous summer by spending my afternoons outside.

In my estimation, these are a honeymoon must-have — they make a fantastic gift for the bride-to-be or for yourself! Stuffing goody bags for your bridesmaids? Throw in some ICU’s. From sleek black wayfarers to tortoise and aqua cateyes, there’s a style to fit every girl’s aesthetic. Pick your magnification and stop by their site NOW because they’re now offering 10% off sunglasses and reading glasses through September 1st. Don’t let your Labor Day look like my Napa holiday. Make the chic choice that lets you actually read your book, too. Happy shopping, my sweets!

The full line of ICU Eyewear is available here.

For Your Leading Man

As the last courting gesture, many couples like to gift each other something special on the morning of the big day. Joshy and I tapped out our financial reserves helping toward wedding costs and saving for our extremely extravagant honeymoon, so we agreed to simply do hand-written letters. But a part of me wishes I could go back in time and offer up a small physical surprise, too, as I’m such a present person and so is my beloved. With your upcoming nuptials in mind, here are my hottest picks for your last courting gesture, organized by his style. Happy shopping, brides-to-be!

Rugged with an upscale nod. I can’t get enough of Kaufmann Mercantile’s handmade pewter flask and leather case. With a bit of cowboy sensibility and a serious dose of masculine sexy, your guy will get a kick out of this chic gift. It’s great for toting to the next wedding you attend, but he’ll probably start using it the night of yours! The sheath is sourced from Glasgow, handcrafted by a company specializing in traditional Scottish kilt belts and accessories. $104 for the 4-oz. set, store.kaufmann-mercantile.com.

Vintage debonair styling for a night out. You’re not the only one who loves a little luxury. If your guy’s got an eye for exquisite things, a Tiffany watch is a stunning surprise he’ll adore. I’m a big fan of their Gallery watch in stainless steel with a black leather strap. Gatsby-esque drama dresses up a classic color combination for a timepiece that enhances his evening look. Engraving? I love a simple monogram, but you could also go the wedding-related route with, “Till the end of time.” Watch, $3,350, tiffany.com.

Preppy meets whimsical for your handsome adventurer. On our honeymoon, the one thing Josh bought himself was a new Villebrequin suit. He’d wanted a second for a while, and when we wandered into the tiny village of Porto Ercole to find that their only real shop was this, we decided it was a sign. Watching him select his favorite was truly comical and took a total of about three hours including multiple re-entrances to the store. Dress up your dude’s honeymoon wear with one of these luxe suits and he’ll be so thrilled. This airplane-print stunner is a great choice as you embark on your first trip as husband and wife. Moorea “Air” print swim trunks in navy, $250, us.vilebrequin.com.

Casual and comfy for the cutie who loves to chill. Post-nup, you’ll both be exhausted. Whether you’re jetting off somewhere, or heading home to revel in the glory of having survived your wedding, chances are your man could use a nap. Indulge his laid-back style with a great hoodie that’s a splurge he’d never buy himself. I am a massive fan of Jack Spade and find their duds wear well, wash well, and will keep your man feeling snug while looking chic. Jack Spade Dean Indigo hooded sweatshirt, $198, bloomingdales.com.

TOSS: My New Obsession from R. Nichols

We all know this girl loves a good candle. I couldn’t help but fall over myself in glee, therefore, when one of my favorite companies came out with a new scent and design especially tied to weddings. Artfully called TOSS, this sweet candle has a girl-centered POV, with the focus on that special iconic moment when the bride tosses her wedding bouquet. I’ve always loved taking part in this fun tradition.

Right before the toss at my wedding — notice my bridesmaid Jackie poised for the moment! (She ended up splitting it with the other girl in pink).

Featuring a whimsical design with the bride hurling her buds backyard to a line of waiting single ladies, the graphic is just perfect for a coffee table, kitchen island, bedside table, or boudoir. And even though I’m already married, this is just the type of gift I would have loved to receive for my engagement party, bridal shower, or wedding. It also doubles as a sweet token the bride can give to her ‘maids.

Not only is the packaging on this piece absolutely lovely, in a white-and-black box tied with a cerulean bow, but what’s inside is a true treasure. R. Nichols candles are like little works of art, each offering up its own special graphic to draw in the eye. But perhaps even better than the pretty canister (which you can reuse, by the way) the scent of TOSS is amazing.

R. Nichols describes the scent profile on this one as “a pure and innocent bouquet of the most beautiful white flowers… White freesia are embellished with sprigs of lily of the valley, orchids and stephanotis. Hints of white peony and creamy rose petals are scattered through the fragrance for textured femininity. And notes of jasmine blushed with pink and budding red currant blossoms add a touch of soft rose color.” I couldn’t capture it better. Open this candle and with closed eyes and you’ll imagine you’re sniffing the most beautiful wedding bouquet. Speaking of beauty, it’s designed so that as your candle burns, the playful exterior design will be illuminated from within. Just lovely!

For a little something extra, invest in this charming pair of luggage tags for the bride- and groom-to-be. We might not be headed on another honeymoon anytime soon, but Josh and I plan to use these on our next couples’ trip anyway. Such a sweet gift for the couple — and one that will continue to make them smile for years to come. Candle, $32, and luggage tags, $6 each, available at R. Nichols.

Mama’s Day

With all your wedding planning insanity, isn’t it lovely to have this weekend to look forward to, when you can take a break and thank Mom for everything she is and everything she’s done? My stylish mother (along with my incredible sister-in-law) planned my entire wedding, so I think the debt of gratitude will take several years to pay off. No matter what she’s done for you lately, Mom deserves a beautifully written card and some lovely flowers. But a gift can’t hurt, either. Here’s some of what I’m loving this year:

We all know how comfortable Crocs are, but were you aware that these days, they’re looking pretty fly, too? These boat shoes will be a dream-come-true for Mom as she can sport them with just about anything in her summer wardrobe while her feet breathe easily. $55, Crocs.com.

What girl doesn’t love a little pampering? Your mama will adore this skin-softening sugar balm body scrub from Josie Maran. With a fresh, sugary-clementine scent and a blend of healing oils, her skin will glow for summer after each use. $28, QVC.com.

Or, indulge Mom’s love of cosmetics with a full kit of my favorite LORAC makeup essentials. Valued at $98, the Mother’s Day Collection includes summer-perfect Lip Lustre Gloss, Cobra mascara, new Alter Ego lipstick, PRO Powder cheek stain, and a baked eyeshadow trio so she can create many looks. Plus, it’s only $32, making it a no-brainer. Available through May 11 on loraccosmetics.com.