Ten picks for summer goodies.
Camping Canines
***image1***
Dogs can hit the trails in style with
Dog Bag
, a pop-up pup tent designed just for four-legged friends ($40-$167). Made of durable mesh and Teflon-like fabric, it comes complete with its own storage backpack and rain kit. This must-have gear is available at Zoe & Guido's Pet Boutique (1441-C Paseo de Peralta, 988-2500) and comes in five sizes. Don't forget the
Gulpy
($11), an all-in-one water bottle with built-in belt clip that unfolds to create a small water dish!
***image2***
Fringe Benefits
It's fringe this year, folks, on everything from hairstyles to lampshades to clothes. Grab an entire outfit flaunting those fringy edges. Ranging in various, yet similar styles, this
comfy, lightweight collection of pants, tops and jackets
is made of 100 percent crisp, white Peruvian cotton with pintucks, white-on-white embroidery detail or other tonal accoutrements and can be found at G. Designs-Natural Fashions (in the Santa Fe Arcade, 60 E. San Francisco St., 988-7436). Pants are $65-$70, skirts are $58-$70 and tops range from $49-$75.
Picnic Paraphernalia
***image3***
Tropic of Capricorn (86 Old Las Vegas Hwy., 983-2700) has
everything you need for a successful picnic
, including a
portable table
($117) for two. Because there's nothing romantic about lugging this stuff in an old pillowcase, get a
backpack
or
insulated tote
($18-$99) pre-stocked with necessities like napkins, plates, silverware, cutting board, corkscrew and wine glasses.
***image4***
Ich bin eine travelin' toy
Moon Rabbit Toys (in the Plaza Mercado, 112 W. San Francisco St., 982-9373) has quite an assortment of toys to occupy kids on the road, at a restaurant or just hangin' at home. An amazing, bright and well-made
collection by German toymaker Habe
comes packed in tins (some small enough they double as a keychain, $4 and up) and include such classics as checkers, Yahtzee and chess with play pieces that resemble cute wooden animals and gnomes.
Thems the Breaks
***image5***
Add a little pop and lock to your next company picnic:
Learn how to breakdance
and bust out some sick head-spins and L-kicks. This is especially good for board members and executive staff for showing your worker-peeps and IT-homies that you're down with all that's hip, yo! Moving People Dance Centre (2536 Camino Entrada, 438-9180) hosts
lessons
on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Summer session is $70 or drop in for $13.
Summer Lovin' Yourself
It's time to heat things up in the
***image6***
bedroom with naughty necessities from Au Boudoir
(614 Agua Fria St., 983-7700). The
Climax Fruit Bomb lubes
($13) have a convenient pump and pleasing taste. The
Candy Mini Massagers
($10-$13.50) are travel-friendly and come with cleverly named candy wrapper storage cases, like Toot-z-Pole and BetterFinger. This hedonistic hideaway stocks up for every type of private play.
Boy Meats Grill
***image8***
Grilling is getting less macho and more high-tech with the
Vermont Castings Signature Gas Grill
series, $399 and up at The Firebird (1808 Espinacitas St., 983-5264). These striking grills can be built into the patio and have cool features like back-lit dials and a pop-up light for 'q-ing at night. Rotisserie, warming trays and double burners make it simple to move your entire kitchen outdoors.
Tan Your Toes
Show off a sweet summer
***image9***
pedicure with a little help from
Juicy Couture's "Newport" flip-flops
($50). Decked with signature logos, ribbon thong and an adorable dangling, bejeweled charm, they come in black, brown and pink with green. Scoop up a pair at Indigo Shoes (in the Santa Fe Arcade, 60 E. San Francisco St., 982-7600) and prepare for juicy compliments.
Beyond BluBlocker
***image10***
Snag a pair of
Judith Leiber sunglasses
that will set you back $700-$900 at Optical Shop of Aspen (201 Galisteo St., 988-9510). These specs are gorgeously etched with flowers or hieroglyphics and adorned with crystals and small iconic cameo-thingies and come in must-have colors and shapes to suit every style.
***image11***
O! Tanning Balm,
O! Tanning Balm…
How Lovely Are Your Melanins.
A pale face is a sure sign of a homebody, but a crispy, peeling face is the sure sign of a potato chip. Where's the happy medium?
Lancôme's Flash Bronzer
($28.50) is the best way to get a tan and maintain it without exposing yourself to harmful rays and floppy hats. Its simple airbrush/multi-angle design make application foolproof. Get it at The Cos Bar, (131 W. Water St., 984-2676), though you should still wear a sunscreen over your faux tan and find a cute hat to ward off the high noon sun.
