Case of the Blues

Essie's Bikini So Teeny, $8, essie.com

While I'm a sucker for any red mani (the affinity ranges from bright cherry red all the way to vampy brownish crimson), something about the summer, perhaps its abundance of sunlight and the resulting way the world looks more vibrant, urges me to paint my nails unexpected colors. And although neons have hogged spots as the season's go-to nail polish hues, their brazenness that I once loved has grown boring--call me desensitized by brights. 

My new cool drink of water? Essie's Bikini So Teeny. The name makes my stomach drop (please don't make me put one of those on right now!), but the sweet cornflower-y, periwinkle-y shade is nothing less than soothing. While the polish sacrifices no playfulness, I imagine that this little bottle of blue may be the next most tranquil thing after a lounge by the pool. Then again, the polish doesn't require any sticky sunscreen, so Essie just might win this one.

xo Heidi 

Foot Pop

Sam Edelman Yelena Gunmetal Shoes, $140, zappos.com

This summer, I'm all about buying a few key pieces that I can switch up for different occasions. While loose tees and statement jeans can be easily thrown together (for both day and night outfits), I can't go barefoot all summer--even Chicago's beaches are a little iffy to take on without the reinforcement of sandals. So what's a girl to put on her feet amidst a season of bright patterns and pastel sheers, grungy jean shorts and tailored pencil skirts, tie-dyed scarves and straw clutches? 

Tada! I present to you the answer. Not only are Sam Edelman's Yelena heels versatile (notice the neutral color), but they're sturdy (block heel), flattering (the nude hue lengthens legs), and just a tad bit edgy (shiny silver straps). So whether you're running to S-buck's in a sundress to meet friends, getting drinks in the city in that only-comes-out-at-night bandage skirt, or going to a Mother's Day brunch with the fam, these heels will give you a boost. 

And the best part of all is the endless toe accessorizing options. I'm talking pedicures, people. Any polish color will do, though I'm digging the neon ones to offset the metallic and nude shoe. But amongst my faves below, I've included an admittedly pretty light pink for all you cowards out there. Baby steps.

Butter London Spring 2012 Collection Nail Polish in Slapper, $14

Essie Navigate Her Spring Nail Polish in Ole Caliente, $8

Butter London 3 Free Lacquer Nail Polish in Teddy Girl, $14

Pixi Nail Polish in Bright Purple, $12

POPbeauty Nail Glam Nail Polish in Yellow, $14

All nail polishes available on zappos.com

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Butterflies & Hurricanes" by Muse. Available on iTunes.]