You don’t get contrast like this until the summer time. You don’t get unbelievably hot temps that are quelled with a simple vanilla ice cream cone. You don’t get up at 6am to go running and beat the heat, but stay up til 1am the next morning because the times with friends are just too good to miss. Playful prints and bright colors are suddenly acceptable in a city whose “spirit outfit” is black.

Summer is just about the sweetest juxtaposition to me. In New York, I’ve learned you can leave Grand Central station and be at the beach in 40 minutes. A real, live beach with waves and crackling radios and lifeguards who whistle at the slightest foot swum too far. It was here, at Far Rockaway Beach, that I found those long, slow shadows that one can only see at a little past noon in the dead of summer. Give me a green wall and keep me in these shadows (and sun) ALL. SUMMER. LONG.

*Shopping Note – Everything I’m wearing is either old or not available online. Lots of similar below!

Wearing: Sweatshirt – Alternative Apparel (similar). Shorts – Aerie. Sandals – Nicole Vacarelli (similar). Backpack – Target. Necklace – Maison Scotch (similar). Headband – Nordstrom (try it in a print!).

Now, put on your pineapple pants, and go live! That’s an order.

Peace, love, and serious tan lines.

– Haley