Alexandra Cassaniti

Alexandra Cassaniti is a California-based clothing and accessories designer who can do no wrong in my eyes. Cassaniti's arsenal includes rad pencil cases, backpacks, and bike bags [! see above] among loads of other things, all featuring one of her cool patterns [think messy hand-done stripes, yesterday's newspaper headlines, and rainbow paint splatters]. Cassaniti's items are often convertible [backpack] or extremely practical [sup, bike bag] but still contain her signature laid-back, cool style. Cassaniti also has a line of [surprisingly affordable!] sunglasses--pastel frames plus lenses with designs like triangles and X's. The line also features plenty of appropriate gear for the surfing folk, like a neoprene beret and surfboard covers. Check out all her goods here.

A Hummingbird

It's August, again. With a soft wind gently ruffling the hem of your skirt summer may seem like it's coming to a close. But while the days get a bit shorter there is still time to enjoy the last twinkling bits of sun. Go out for ice cream with frineds, stay up later watching fireflies dance in the night. If you've been working hard all summer take some time to enjoy the nice weather and go to the beach. Wear your flowerprints. In these troubling times it's easy to take for grant-it the simple marvels of summer. My suggestion: enjoy the season, slip on a pair of sandals and enjoy some pear ice tea!