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    9 Things to Do This Summer (on a Budget)

    Maybe this isn’t exactly the summer we had in mind (read: canceled vacations and closed beaches), but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of this year. Because you deserve the very best that the season has to offer, we’ve partnered with Gilt City to bring you major discounts on all of our summer favs that can be enjoyed from the comfort (and safety) of your own home.Gilt City is an online shopping and lifestyle website that offers insider-level access to major deals on experiences in your area, top brands, and beyond. To quote Norah Jones, “it’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy.” Oh yeah, and it’s majorly discounted too. Read on for nine things to do this summer, and check out Gilt City for our favorite brands and experiences at a lower price. 

    So you’re wearing flip-flops and open-toe sandals more than booties, and you can no longer hide a bad manicure or chipped polish behind gloves and mittens. Painted and groomed nails are as essential for summer as a cute swimsuit and a faux tan, but they’re not always easy to maintain. Not only is painting your nails at home more affordable, but it’ll be safer this summer as well. Thanks to Gilt City, you can score major deals on high-end nail care brands that will leave your fingers and toes looking pretty all season long. Try MiniLuxe Nail Kits for up to 42 percent off nail kits, or Deborah Lippmann for 50 percent off nail treatments, colors, and more. 

    Fall fashion is fun (the plaid!), but I’m partial to summer clothes. Light fabrics, effortless styles, and pretty colors make this season’s clothing chic without having to try too hard. Revamp your 2020 summer wardrobe with crisp basics, lightweight shorts, and pretty dresses you can throw on (because the hardest decision you make all day should be whether to have a glass of rosé or an Aperol Spritz, not what to wear). We love Joules for effortless styles and summer basics, and thanks to Gilt City, you can get 40 percent off full-price items (yes, really!), and an extra 20 percent off of sale items. Revamping your summer wardrobe with the best items of the season doesn’t have to break the bank. 

    I love coffee as much as the next girl, but there’s something about warmer weather that motivates me to fuel my body with only the best. Instead of reaching for the second cup of coffee or an afternoon americano (which comes with coffee jitters and caffeine crashes), I’ve been opting for matcha, which is a powder made of concentrated green tea leaves. You get the boost of energy without crashes or jitters, plus up to 33 percent off MatchaBar with one of the packages from Gilt City. 

    The #1 most Instagrammed accessory of summer? A pool float. Whether you’re booking a weekend away at a nearby lake or you’re lounging by your aunt’s backyard pool more often than you’re in your own home, a pool float that’s as cute as your swimsuit is a necessity. Try the Giant Swan Float that went more viral than the “Renegade” Dance on TikTok, or the Seashell Float that helps you live out your wildest The Little Mermaid fantasies. Get up to 43 percent off fashion girls’ favorite pool floats and accessories at #GETFLOATY when you purchase through Gilt City. 

    Sure, wine tastings are fun and cheese boards are always a crowd-pleaser, but if you want to really impress your friends, host a dessert tasting instead (yes, I did get this idea from Kyle Richards’s infamous party on season 7 of RHOBH). Not only is it fun, different, and creative, but who doesn’t love desserts? Give the people what they want and surprise your significant other with gourmet versions of their favorites, or have a few friends over for some cake and chill. Using Gilt City, you can score up to 36 percent off award-winning sweets from Mini Melanie, shipped to your door (be warned: the Oreo Sprinkles Cookie Cake will make you drool). 

    Summer means more energy and longer days. With all the extra time you have after the workday is over, turn off the TV (sorry, Netflix!) and tap into your creative side. Michaels is our go-to store for everything you need to make a scrapbook for your college roommate’s bridal shower present or to get materials to try out a free sketching class on Youtube. Gilt City is conveniently offering 25 percent off any online purchase (available for delivery or curbside pick up). With a discount and easy delivery (or pick up), there’s no excuse to keep putting off that mood board you’ve been telling yourself you’ll start or picking up a new hobby like painting. 

    One of the best parts of the season is fresher, brighter flowers, so why not make the most of summer by buying yourself a pretty bouquet (because self-love is a good enough reason for any indulgence). Plus, a fresh bouquet of your favorite peonies or sunflowers will not only freshen up your home and show off your style personality, but it will feel like a little extra luxury (and you deserve it!). Get up to 35 percent off bouquets from Bouqs when you order online through Gilt City. Plus, a major bonus for our Everygirl brides: you can also score almost $100 off towards any wedding floral package.

    Laundry is a chore, but upgrading to the right products can make it feel more like a luxury. With better options (and insane discounts), you no longer have to settle for laundry care that’s bad for the planet or bad for your skin. The Laundress has been saving us from dry cleaning prices and stains on delicate fabrics (like cashmere and silk) for years, and Gilt City is offering 40 percent off their eco-friendly detergent and laundry care. This season is the perfect time to freshen up bed sheets, wash the linen pants and swimsuits you never get around to dry cleaning, and turn laundry into a luxury (all while being friendly to the environment). Win, win! 

    Winter is meant for cozy accessories, warm throw blankets, and lit candles. Summer, however, is the perfect time for brightening up the home with fun accessories and bold colors. Make the most of the season by adding a standout piece or two that will draw a whole lot of attention and revamp your space. And what’s brighter and bolder than a trendy neon sign? Name Glo is a go-to for high-quality custom designs and Insta-worthy accessories (my personal favorite is the Mini Stand “Yes”). Yes, they’re investment pieces, but only at Gilt City can you get them for 50% off. I mean, can you even resist a deal this good!?

    This post was in partnership with Gilt City, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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    10 Items to Wear When It’s Over 90 Degrees (But You Still Want to Look Cute)

    I don’t know how it happened so quickly (I’m still confidently writing “May” as the current date), but we’re officially nearing the end of summer, when faux tans are flawless, swimsuits are in constant rotation, and the temperatures are hot (like fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk kind of hot). Since we can’t always stay at home with our head in the freezer and still want to look cute for Zoom meetings, errand-running, or socially-distanced hangouts, we have some tricks up our sleeves to look cute when the temperatures start soaring. Here are 10 of our go-to items to wear when it’s way too hot to wear anything else.
    1. A breezy skirt

    Source: Wait You Need This

    When it’s so hot that you start sweating the second you step outside, you might feel tempted to go for shorts again. However, a breezy, loose skirt is not only a little more airy and cool than a pair of shorts, but will look even chicer. Pair with any tee and your go-to sandals. 

    2. Overall shorts

    Source: @accordingtomandy

    If your denim cut-offs have been worn every day for the past two weeks and you’re lacking style inspiration, switch to a pair of overall shorts instead (it also doubles as a super cute bathing suit cover-up). Bonus tip: when it’s even too hot for a tee, try a sports bra or crop top underneath. All the cool kids are doing it! 

    Abercrombie & Fitch
    Beachy Romper

    3 colors available and 30% off!

    3. A graphic tee

    Source: @gabrielegz

    Graphic tees are not only in style but are a timeless staple in the wardrobes of cool girls everywhere (and will be a way bigger upgrade from your typical basic tee). Style it tucked into denim shorts with a thick belt and your chunkiest booties for an outfit that’s as cool (literally) as it is edgy. 

    4. Statement earrings

    Source: @missalexlarosa

    You know when it’s so hot that you need to put your hair up in a ponytail or a bun just to survive the heat? A pair of really chic statement earrings will make the updo look like a style choice, rather than a there’s-so-much-sweat-on-my-neck-it’s-not-OK kind of choice. 

    5. Culotte Jumpsuit

    Source: Fashion Jackson

    When you don’t feel like shaving your legs (because we all have those days), the answer to wardrobe conundrums on the hottest of days is an of-the-moment jumpsuit with flared, cropped pants. Wear with strappy heels for a dressed-up look, or sandals for a daytime affair. 

    6. Crop top

    Source: @kayla_seah

    I know what you’re thinking: crop tops!? I haven’t worn one of those since my last frat darty! But hear me out. Crop tops are no longer reserved for college freshmen and Britney Spears superfans who never left the 2000s. Crop tops are ladylike, stylish, and mature. Oh, and they’re perfect for staying cool in hot weather. To rock the trend in a more grown-up way, pair with high-waisted shorts, pants, or midi skirts, and keep the neckline on the higher side.

    7. Lightweight button-up 

    Source: @lolaomonaija

    A long-sleeve might not be the first thing that pops in your head when you walk outside and think, oh sh*t–it is freaking hot. However, a button-up in a lightweight fabric like cotton or satin might be better at hiding pit stains than typical T-shirts (just saying!). Tie it up, roll the sleeves, and wear with a pair of shorts for the easiest, breeziest outfit ever. 

    8. Long sundress

    Source: @petiteelliee

    What do you wear on a socially-distanced date or a backyard barbecue when it’s 90 degrees outside? You don’t want to sweat too much (duh), and you also want to look good without, IDK, passing out. The answer, of course, is a breezy, flowy, sundress. Shorter mini-skirts are typically tighter, and therefore more restrictive. A flowy dress that hits at the knees or goes to midi length will not only allow for more air circulation (super important when thigh chaffing is at risk, AKA the case for the vast majority of human women), but will look pretty for any occasion. 

    9. Linen Pants

    Source: @missenocha

    There’s something about linen that reminds me of luxurious summer vacations in the South of France or the coast of Italy (not that I frequent there, but I’d imagine I’d wear linen pants if I did). Linen is perfect for summer because it’s a lightweight fabric that absorbs sweat. Wear with a tee or over your bathing suit as a chic cover-up. 

    10. Embellished sandals

    Source: Hello Fashion

    When all else fails and it’s so hot that you can only manage throwing on a tank and denim cut-offs, no worries: statement sandals have your back. No matter what you’re wearing up top, a pair of sandals with a bold print, embellishments, or seasonal fringe will show off your style. 

    What are your go-to pieces when it’s really hot outside? More

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    12 Trends LA Girls Are Wearing While Staying At Home This Summer

    If there’s any city to look to for style inspo when you’ve been wearing leggings and a T-shirt for the past five months, it’s Los Angeles. Of course, it is the city that is home to every Kardashian and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast, but it’s also the city that has nailed the effortless-but-trendy and relaxed vibe that’s so iconic to southern California. There’s no vibe better when you cannot be bothered to wear pants, but you’re tired of having both nighttime and daytime pajamas. Here are 12 trends that the ladies of Los Angeles are wearing, even while staying at home this season:
    1. Boyfriend Bermuda Shorts

    Sorry Daisy Duke: while short shorts will always be a staple in our summer wardrobes, the it-denim of summer 2020 is knee-length, distressed, and slightly baggy. It’s like mom jeans, except warm-weather appropriate. Wear yours with a fitted tank to balance out the bagginess, or a feminine floral to make them more fashion-forward than grungy. 

    2. Silky Pieces

    By now, you’re probably over your sweatsuits and basic tees, and you need something a little lighter than fleece or cashmere. The fix? Silky pieces that look as luxe on Instagram or Zoom calls as they are comfortable to lounge in all day. There’s a reason it was a go-to for Elizabeth Taylor: wearing silk is the next best thing to wearing nothing at all. 

    3. Neon Colors

    Summer is always the season where we pull out our brightest colors, but this summer, we need an even brighter boost. Neons are no longer just for accessories or details; LA girls are doing bright colors from head to toe. Think citrus shades, neon accents, and electric combos. 

    4. Ribbed Dress

    Call it the athleisure trend or call it the stay-at-home order, but everybody is wearing ribbed. The ribbed tank took over our Instagram feeds, ribbed knit became the unofficial hero of 2020, and now, the comfy fabric has made its way into our summer wardrobe with easy, breezy, fitted dresses. 

    5. Pajama Sets

    For all of you Everygirls that could never get enough of a good pajama set, good news: they’re still going strong. Trade your flannel for more stylish and seasonal fabrics like jersey, cotton, or linen. Oh, and if you really want to do PJs like an LA girl? Pair with your favorite bling (no one would ever guess that you woke up like this). 

    6. Head-to-Toe White

    Fashion bloggers and style stars are so obsessed with white this season, I’m predicting the all-white trend will extend past Labor Day (screw the rules!). Try mixing off-white or cream with stark white, or wearing all of your coziest white pieces at once (trust me, it’s a fool-proof formula). 

    7. A Puff-Sleeved Blouse

    Even if your version of “getting dressed” meant joggers and a T-shirt for the past five months, it’s never a little too late to spruce up your work-from-home (or grocery-shopping) uniform with an of-the-moment trend. Trade your typical tee for a puffed-sleeve version, and you’re Instagram-ready. 

    8. Feminine Florals

    Florals? For spring (I mean, summer)? Groundbreaking. Miranda Priestly may not think it’s revolutionary, but women in LA are still rocking summer’s favorite print from the comfort of their own home. Luckily for us, floral prints are as pretty, bright, and comfortable as ever.

    9. One-Shoulder Dress

    OK, so what do you wear when you want to look like you have your sh*t together up top (like say, for a Zoom meeting), but can’t be bothered to be anything but comfortable on the bottom? That’s right: a flowy, one-shoulder dress. Plus, you’ll look hella chic when hosting your friends for a socially-distanced barbecue. 

    10. Shoulder Pads

    The ’80s are back, but this time they’re way more practical. A relaxed tee with a shoulder pad has been worn by so many it-girls, it’s basically the item of the season. Of course, that’s wonderfully convenient since it’s just as comfortable as the old camp T-shirt you’ve been wearing for days now (yep, I see you). 

    11. Knotted detail

    When in doubt, make a knot. No, that’s not a sailor’s motto; it’s wardrobe advice (OK, yeah, that was cheesy). Fashion girls everywhere are knotting their tops (and skirts!) to add more interesting detail to an otherwise simple outfit. Buy a knotted top or tie your favorite loose T-shirt or button-up. 

    12. Printed Bike Shorts

    What can’t bike shorts do? Not only are they extremely versatile and one of our favorite items to work out in, but they’re officially a wardrobe staple outside of the gym (or you know, the yoga mat on your living room floor). Dress up a printed version with a basic tee and ladylike accessories. 

    What’s your favorite of-the-moment trend to wear at home? More

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    These Summer-Friendly Loungewear Sets Are Here to Cure Your Isolation Blues

    It is day 1,394,888(?) of quarantine and I am challenged to find the words for how I feel. “Stir-crazy” doesn’t seem to cut it. “Bummed” doesn’t do it justice. Truly, the only word I can use to bring light to my current emotional state is “blah.” In an attempt to add some *zest* to my life, I’m channeling the Tiger King period of isolation. You know, the part where we all emptied the grocery stores of yeast to make bread, questioned who killed Carole Baskin’s husband, downloaded Tik Tok after we promised ourselves we wouldn’t, and waited anxiously for our cozy, winter-friendly loungewear sets to arrive. I won’t say that I’m tired of my March-friendly lounge sets, but I will say this: summer is upon us and I am sweating. It’s humid as hell in Chicago and as much as I’d like to walk around naked at all times, I have windows and my across the street neighbors simply do not need to see that. My solution? Finding the cutest loungewear sets on the web that are hot-weather approved and cute AF. Read on to shop the summer-friendly sets I’m adding to my cart to bring joy back to my quarantine:

      More

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    25 Pieces of Breathable Workout Gear Because We Can’t With This Heat

    Whether you’re generally an outdoor workout person or not, the past few months have probably forced you to be one. Gone are the days of freezing-cold gyms and cool towels being placed on our foreheads by a yoga instructor after a brutal yoga class—these days, our exercise options are limited, and usually, that means taking them outside.Lately in Chicago, it’s been 90-something degrees every day (with a typically high dose of humidity), which means we’re sweating through everything on our bodies quicker than we can complain about it being hot out. Thick leggings and workout tanks are no longer an option—we want our workouts to be as enjoyable as possible, and that means wearing lightweight, breathable clothes.
    Ditch the days of finishing your workout with dripping wet clothes stuck to your body—these pieces are made for the heat.

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    The Simple Summer Fashion Staple You Didn’t Know You Needed

    I was mindlessly clicking through Instagram stories a couple of months ago, when suddenly one slide got my attention. I clicked backwards to watch it again and turn my sound on (a true honor, if you ask me). A small fashion blogger that I follow was talking about the shirt she was wearing. It was everything you could ask for in a top: fitted but flattering, comfy but stylish, and most importantly, it was $8! Needless to say, I ordered two right away—and my obsession with this wardrobe staple was born. Allow me to introduce you to the perfect basic for summer 2020: the fitted ribbed tank. Not only is it my most-worn (by far) item of the season, I’m seeing them popping up everywhere from Instagram to Pinterest—and the ladies wearing them are always looking chic as hell. While it might seem like an obvious choice, trust me, the right basic tank is truly an outfit game-changer. 
    If you want to look chic while staying home and staying comfy this summer, this option is perfect. Dress it up with trendy jeans or denim shorts, or keep it casual with sweat shorts or leggings. A basic like this is so versatile, you’ll need one in every color.
    Here are a few of our absolute favorite ribbed tanks (that you’ll want to add to your cart immediately):

    Slim Fit Tank Top

    This is the tank that started it all. I have three, and I need many more. The cut is extremely flattering, and the material is comfortable and super high-quality. It comes in 10 colors and is only $8!

    View this post on Instagram

    …hello?
    A post shared by ✿ Erica ✿ (@nrdy.grl) on Jun 25, 2020 at 3:18pm PDT

    What is your favorite wardrobe staple this summer? Share it with us in the comments! More

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    The Best Affordable Home Decor at Target

    If I were to honestly pick a single place to forever spend the rest of my days, it would be a Target store—no questions asked. It’s got what I want. It’s got what I need. As my eyes travel around this big-box retail haven, I know I’m home. From lounging on its lush mid-century modern accent chairs to piling up my cart with all of the Hearth & Hand™ dinnerware and candles, Target is essentially a meditative retreat for this home decor-obsessed gal.
    Given the amount of time we have spent at home over the past several months, many of us have gone through the same thought process of what it would be like to upgrade our abodes’ aesthetics without having to splurge on thousands of dollars worth of total revamping. If staring at the same decades-old ornamental vase has become tiresome for you, too, perhaps it’s finally time to add some new eye candy to your living room, kitchen, bedroom, and more, without having to break the bank. 
    If you’re ready to up your home decor game, scroll through our favorite Target finds that you’ll want to add to your cart immediately to give your home that budget-friendly sprucing it deserves.

    Lamps

    Rugs

    Furniture More

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    The Breezy Summer Dresses You’ll Want to Wear Constantly

    A couple of weeks ago, I woke up and went to get dressed, only to realize that every single pair of my running shorts were dirty. These days it’s my instinct to throw on a pair of comfortable shorts and some kind of T-shirt or tank top, so I was left with two options for my work-from-home attire: jean shorts or a dress.I love jean shorts, but I wasn’t about to spend all day sitting at my desk in them, so a dress it was. I chose one of my light, whispy white numbers, and after basking in the joy of having no form of pants on and doing a little dance, I couldn’t help but think, Why didn’t I start doing this sooner? I felt like a million bucks throughout the day—rather than the $1 or $1.50 I’ve been feeling like in my loungewear lately—and the best part? At night, I still hadn’t changed, and I ended up falling asleep in it before I got around to putting my pj’s on. A piece of clothing that makes me feel like I’m living my normal life and that can suffice as literal pajamas? Let me toss all my other clothes out the window and hoard my closet with exclusively dresses for the rest of my days.
    All dresses aren’t considered equal when it comes to comfort, but any lightweight, breezy dress is, dare I say, one of the most versatile things you can buy. Wear ’em on a date or for a walk around the block or hell, to work from home for the day, and you’ll be comfortable while resisting the urge to twirl around from dusk until dawn—and what other piece of clothing can you say that about? We rest our case. More