Tuesday Blues

It’s dreary, slushy, and snowing on this April Tuesday in Denver, which means I’m over here dreaming about lounging by the pool and road-tripping with the windows down, the warm wind in my hair.

And while I’d repeat every item on last year’s post, 12 Things to Look Forward to This Summer (especially summer hours, al fresco dining, and farmers’ markets—can’t wait!), this time around I’m lusting over these five warm-weather finds to sport this summer.

Cross Your Heart:

I’ve had the same bathing suits for far too long. You know how the elastic bands and ties get all crispy and lose their flexibility? Yeah, all of mine are at the breaking point.

I’ve been pinning these types of bathing suits for a while: the classic bikini style, with a twist. They wrap around your ribcage like a ribbon but still don the bra-like top. I love this look—so feminine and stylish… and you’re not committing yourself to some hella weird tan lines. This last point is the main reason I won’t go for those super-cute one-pieces; I already have a gross runner’s tan and I don’t need any more random lines.

I like this sea-foam-green one from Beautiful Halo and this Tidalwave one from Nordstrom. Want!

Celebrate the State:

This summer will mark one year of living independently (in my cute little Wash Park apartment) and finally discovering my own personal relationship with Colorado and how it fits into my identity. I’ve fallen in love with some many wonderful things about the Centennial State—the mountain backdrop, the culture, the fitness community—and that’s why some (more) Colorado-inspired workout gear is high up there on my summer wishlist.

On my radar is basically everything Colorado Threads makes. Their M.O. is handcrafted, organic active wear for “enthusiastic wanderers and mountain-top yogis.” I already have their Colorado Flag Ugly Christmas Sweater Hot Pants (above) and now I need something suited for the warmer months. Yes, I said need.

While yoga isn’t my cup of tea (I’m tempted to say “yet”), all of Colorado Threads’ clothing is, particularly these: Magic Mountain Scoop Top, CO LOVE Tank, and the Colorado Flag Yoga Shorts.

Bag It, Please:

Speaking of “enthusiastic wanderers,” I’ve been bit by the travel bug. I have plans for some serious vacationing with the man this summer, and a good bag is turning into a must.

I’ve had my beautiful Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Large Saffiano Leather Top-Zip Tote for exactly two years now. It was a gift to myself to celebrate landing my dream job—and I’ve carried it with me everywhere, everyday, for over 720 days (that’s 365 x 2). It’s time to think about something better fitted for travel and adventure in the great, wide somewhere.

Enter basically any bag by MAHI Leather. They’re vintage leather totes, duffles, satchels, and more, designed in London and made in India. Each style is named after a prestigious university or reminiscent of world travel in some way. And they all scream “editor-on-the-go,” which is right up my alley. I especially love The Cornell,  The Yale Clip-Up, and The Victoria. I can totally see these over my shoulder as Nick and I taste-test chocolates in Telluride or across my chest messenger-bag-style as we bike through wine country. (A girl can dream…. and it might become reality.)

More than just baggage: The reason why I’ve gravitated toward this company is that they donate $1.50 from the sale of each bag to FRANK Water, a UK-based charity that’s helped over 300,000 people gain access to clean water since 2005. (MAHI is named after the Mahi River in India, a river many consider sacred, in a country where 103 million people lack safe water.) Pretty cool.

Feast Your Eyes:

I am terrible with sunglasses. I break them, lose them, scratch them, abuse them… which is why I usually buy a cheap pair from Target and replace them accordingly. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t fantasize about having a pair for a special sunny occasion.

I love the Warby Parker concept, although I haven’t tried it yet (and it applies to all types of glasses). You order 5 pairs for free, try them on in the comfort of your home, and then you decide in 5 days which ones you want to keep. Sounds a bit like Stitch Fix for sunglasses.

If I were to do it, I think I’d go for The Laurel, Aubrey, Madison, Pearl, and Raglan.

Exposure Therapy:

I know I’ve lived in Colorado for a while now, but you can’t take the flip-flop love out of a Florida girl. Back in Ponte Vedra and Gainesville, I wore sandals and open-toed shoes every day of the year. Here in Denver, it’s a much shorter lifespan for toe exposure. In past years, I’ve taken that to mean I shouldn’t invest too much in gorgeous sandals. But that’s what a wish list is for.

Free People’s Mont Blanc Sandals are probably my number one choice. They can be casual and dressy, depending on how you style them. Just, gah. I also am smitten by these Lace-Up Suede Sandals from J. Crew (above).

Le sigh. Perhaps my wish list will come true before Labor Day! Here’s to hoping.

What are you pining for this summer?