WINTER GET AWAY: SUNNIES

A winter escape is not complete with out a pair of sunglasses.  Since I was very young I have had a bit of an obsession.  I am one of those people who has sunglasses on even during the grayest days of winter.  They are on when I ride the T.  And they are always on before I step foot out the door.  Some might call me a diva, but I just find them to be a great fashion accessory.  For this reason, I have a difficult time visiting any sunglass store without trying on every pair.  And I usually end up with at least two new pairs that I want to add to my collection.  This happened just the other day.  I was "walking through" the Sunglass Hut, when I discovered these incredible new Ray-Ban Wayfarers.    These Blues Brothers classics have been updated this season with a bit of colorful retro flare. "The Original Wayfarer Fleck," are available in an array of colors...making it difficult to choose just one pair.  www.ray-ban.com

Images via Ray-Ban.com 

SUMMER ESCAPE: MAR Y SOL

If you're planning a trip to the beach, a straw bag is absolutely necessary.  I personally prefer a straw bag over a canvas tote, because you don't end up lugging sand home.  I have a variety of straw beach bags in my closet; bags with dyed straw, decorative weaves, and printed stripes. I also love to substitute a leather handbag for a straw bag in the summertime, creating a sophisticated and casual look for a quick shopping trip or an afternoon lunch.  

One of my favorite sources for straw bags is Mar Y Sol.  A friend of mine introduced me to this company a few summers ago, when she arrived wearing a unique straw bag with wide handles.  As a straw bag enthusiast, I quickly asked where her bag was from.  Mar Y Sol provides a collection of finely made straw products created by local artisans of Madagascar.  In addition to promoting the use of  sustainable materials, Mar Y Sol enables local families to gain economic independence, and helps to preserve the tradition of local craftsman.  With a collection of unique designs ranging from classic straw bags to small clutches, this is a favorite summer source. 

Check out shopmarysol.com for other great styles
Images via Mar Y Sol website 

WINTER BLUES: ESCAPE

The sun shines brightly as I lie on my bright pink beach towel.  Warm sand falls between my toes, as a light breeze carries the scent of salt and sunscreen. This is bliss.  It is warm and there is no where else I'd rather be.  Suddenly, this world is pulled away from me, by the unwelcome sound of my alarm clock.  6 am has arrived and I am brought back to reality.  Outside you would never know that it is morning.  Darkness engulfs the city.  A glimmer of frost coats each skeleton-like branch of the tree in my courtyard.  A closer look, and I can see large white snow flakes spiraling from all angles of the sky.  Across the way, the other apartments are asleep from the night before.  I slowly try to gain the motivation to get out of my cozy bed.  I turn on the television and I am instantly greeted by a friendly voice.    “Good morning!  It’s going to be another cold one!  We will only see a high of 18 degrees, but it will feel like -10. Snow and wind gusts reaching up to 40 miles an hour will continue through the day and into tomorrow.” Another brutally cold day has arrived and I ask myself once again, why do I put myself through this?  The wicked winter blues have hit me, and the feeling of walking through an endless dark tunnel, with no sign of light, sinks in. 

Some beat the winter blues by escaping to an exotic location; where you can walk on white sandy beaches, swim in cool-aid blue waters, and sip on fruit topped cocktails.  For those of us who are unable to get away or are already feeling the effects of the winter blues, looking at cheerful sunny images is sometimes helpful.   Here are some exotic sunny blue pictures to help you get through the wicked winter blues.

Images via Pinterest and Tumblr