The Lesbian Lion

10 Ways to Keep Your Cool This Summer

Summer months are here again and that means bright, sunny, sweltering days for our own personal enjoyment (not). Chances are you're going to be looking for ways to keep cool and comfortable (and always chic!) without having to spend too much time indoors with the AC blasting because what's fun and summery about that? Nothing at all! So here are some ideas to help you beat that heat and enjoy the summer of '13!

Forever 21

Crop tops are super trendy right now and a great way to keep cool during the summer! This top offers a little bit more modesty than others while being super cute and versatile. You could wear this top with anything from a comfy pair of jeans to a floral mini skirt!

Easy Styling Ideas: Wear this top during the day with a short floral skirt and throw on a denim jacket as an effortless transition into night OR wear with a pair of loud print shorts or pants and a chain-link necklace for a majorly chic style statement!

Dillard's

There's nothing like a bright minty hue to freshen up your summer day! This piece is awesome because it can be worn day or night, heavily accessorized or with absolutely nothing--it caters to whatever mood you're in!

Easy Styling Ideas: Throw on a pair of wedges and chunky bangles for a casual look OR wear metallic strappy sandals with a statement necklace in a matching metallic tone or complimentary color like fuchsia!

Zara

The sun's out, the temperature's up, it's time to break out the short-shorts! Enough said right?

Easy Styling Ideas: Wear with a loose-fitting linen top to keep casual and cool OR wear a trendy crochet tank and neutral-colored fedora for a little bohemian flair (can you say perfect music festival look?!)

Zara

Wear it to the beach, wear it to the pool, wear it to the store... This tunic is so versatile and pretty that you could wear it anywhere!

Easy Styling Ideas: Dress it up with a chunky black, bronze, or gold necklace and wedges OR keep it simple with flip flops or t-strap sandals.

Zara

Classy? Edgy? Both! This sandal combines the best of both worlds. The feminine and edgy styles are complimentary to each other while giving every look that little extra chicness and shine.

Easy Styling Ideas: Wear these beauties with a colorful sundress OR a white lace or printed romper for a more playful take on the look.

Amazing. That's the first word that comes to mind when I think of these ICE drinks and that's coming from someone who's not a fan of carbonated drinks! These beverages taste awesome and are super refreshing, perfect for a hot day!

H&M
Everyone needs a great pair of shades right? What's even better than the killer shape is that they're only $8 bucks at H&M! I'll take two, please.

Victoria's Secret
I love this stuff. I really, really do. I saw it on some fashion magazine website (I can't remember which one) in an interview with Miranda Kerr where she said she loved it. Now, she is a Victoria's Secret model so I was worried she'd be a little biased... or contractually obligated to say that! I decided to give it a go anyway and it is some great stuff. I'll use it to refresh my curls after a long day or between washes and it instantly gives them bounce and a beachy look. It's a definite must for summer!

I actually use this too! Okay, so my list is getting a little biased here but it's just these two I promise! I bought this perfume awhile ago and--I'm really embarrassed to say-- I never used it because I couldn't figure out how to get it open! The little bar holding the decorative "S" hanging off the side of the bottle keeps you from pressing down and spraying the perfume and I tried every which way of getting that thing off (except for the RIGHT way of course). One day I dropped it and it just fell off. Turns off there's an small opening on the side that I never noticed because it completely blends in!

Anyway, when my blonde moment finally passed and I was able to use this perfume, I discovered that it has a light and feminine scent. It's delicate and flirty and is just the perfect little refreshing boost during long summer days!

H&M

Last but not least, you need an awesome swimsuit. I know, it's a no-brainer for summer but it would have been silly to leave off the list! This year there are tons and tons of really cool and unique prints out there, which is really exciting, so feel free to experiment and find one with a little bit of a wild side!

Thanks for reading!

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lalam0606

Primping All Proper

Getting ready for summer is no easy task. We're baring more skin, looking more "natural" and working with less layers and actual clothes to achieve that perfect style. So what do we do to make sure we're pulled together? Primp up! Between the hair care, pedicures (and what to do if you're to busy to get that done), getting that perfect braid and that perfect make up for your "natural look" without spending a fortune there's a lot to do! This week's roundup has a good mix of where to get all your beauty needs, and where to find the perfect accessories to go with that simple summer dress!

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

  • Afternoon Social: The Best Drugstore Beauty Products
  • Beauty & Bits: 3 New Hair Oils to Try Now
  • Beauty and Sass: forget your sandals summer looks
  • Burgundy & Whispers: How to Look Good in Shorts this Summer
  • Et Ressureexit: Inner self's mask
  • Fashion Is Evolution: Eclectic Personal Style Cheat Sheet
  • Fashion Tag: What do you think about... Jumpsuits?
  • For Sure J'Adore: Easy Summer Hair: Braids
  • The Girl with the Bun: How to Dress in Monochrome
  • Miss Sassy Girl: Get Fashionable Shoes Under $20
  • Ms. Fabulous: DIY: How to Make a Punk-Inspired Beaded Cluster Ring
  • My New Favorite Outfit: How to Wear White Jeans
  • Rose & Pine: Arm Candy: 50 Bracelets for Spring for Under $50!
  • Tangles & Chains: Stack ‘em up: How to Wear Multiple Rings
  • The Fashion Co: DIY: 3 Great Shoe Makeovers ( Great for Summer!)
  • The Urban Lioness: 10 Ways to Keep Your Cool This Summer
  • Undercover Dress-Up Lover: Style Icon: Ramona Flowers (Scott Pilgrim)
  • Via Morgan: 5 Ways to relieve tension b4 Blogging
  • Wild Beauty World: Beauty Inventions: The Hair Dryer
  • We Are Ready Made: Model: More than a Woman
SPONSOR: Summer Denim Shorts at Shopbop Sevens, CoH, Siwy, JBrand, Rag & Bone, A.N.D., Joe's, NSF, James Jeans, & True Religion Shorts