Creamy Margarita Popsicles…truly a work of evil genius.

The evil geniuses (muhahahah!) behind this boozy frozen treat are the folks at Host the Toast.  And not only does the lime slice make the popsicle prettier, it also stabilizes the stick and limits dripping.  So this Memorial Day Weekend, skip the dessert and offer your barbecue guests a treat they will truly appreciate.

Splendid Eiffel Melange Dress ($118)

Hello, breezy, sleeveless jersey dress.  This frock is perfect for a post-pool, outdoor dinner consisting of grilled meats and side dishes whose primary ingredient is mayonnaise.  Unless you intend to play some kind of outdoor sport at your Memorial Day events.  For that, I recommend shorts.

If you like the style but aren’t crazy about the brick-red, the dress also comes in aqua.  This hot pink dress and this striped jersey dress also have a similar cut.

Want a sleeve? I love, LOVE, this 3/4 striped dress with fun details.  I also like this short sleeve swing dress ($37!) and this block print Boden dress with short sleeves.

Plus size? I love this flirty black and white print dress and this inexpensive Target frock.  Petite? This dress is very similar to the one above and this Dillard’s short sleeve dress could also be worn on casual Friday.

I love three things about this cocktail: 1) How refreshing it looks, 2) Sangria is my favorite and 3) I get to use a melon-baller to make the garnish.  (When I was 10, my Nana ran a commercial kitchen and she used to let me make the watermelon baskets for the fruit salad. Early-90s haute cuisine at its finest.)

The recipe for Watermelon Sangria (and the photo) comes from the fine people at Food & Wine.  I think it would be perfect for a baby or bridal shower, or an al fresco brunch.  Now, where did I put that melon-baller?

Round of Applause Dress ($108)

I love the vintage simplicity of this bright pink frock.  I would probably take a seam-ripper to the tiny bows on the neckline, but that’s a small matter.

If you prefer a dress that’s more flirty and fun, I actually like the lacy cutouts on this Max & Cleo frock.  But if cutouts aren’t your thing, I like this dress with a pleated skirt and embroidery on the bodice.

Shopping in the under-$100 category?  You can buy this breezy dress or rent this gorgeous lace Milly dress.

Petite? This pretty Ralph Lauren sheath is great for work or dinner on the town.  Plus-size?  I love the texture on this Calvin Klein dress.

I’m not typically a fan of basil, but last week, I had a Basil Limoncello Martini at Poste and fell in love.  So I think that this lovely weather we’re having calls for a pitcher of Orange and Basil Mojitos from Dine and Dish.  They look so tangy and refreshing.

Eliza J Orange Maxi Dress ($158)

This dress is perfect for sipping cocktails on the patio.  I love the bright color and swingy shape.  But if you’re not feeling a maxi dress, this orange fit and flare sundress is also a good choice.

I also love this silk Tibi dress even though the price gives me a headache.  This short sleeve DvF dress is more affordable (yay, sale!), and depending on where the length hits you, could be worn to work.  And if you’re just looking for an inexpensive dress to wear on the weekend, this $30 Old Navy caught my eye.

Petite? This 70s-style halter dress is nice. Plus size? I love this Tahari dress for work or play.

The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, and while I’m a bit overwhelmed by the fact that it is already May, I can’t wait to sip a mint julep and watch the race.  Preparing a proper mint julep is a skill.  You need to mix just the right amount of mint, sugar and Bourbon to make it perfectly, and people usually skimp on the mint and overdo the sugar creating a julep that tastes more like bad cough syrup.

Luckily, the folks at Esquire have a guide to creating the perfect julep.  So whether you’re headed to a party or sitting on the couch with a cocktail in hand, give this drink a try.

Ted Baker London Floral Dress ($295)

This floral dress is pretty and charming, and perfect for a summer party.  I love that there is a lot of print, but that it’s still not overwhelming.  Pair it with a pink clutch and a great wide-brimmed hat ($58!) and you’re all set.

I also like this floral shift from Madewell, this brightly colored Kate Spade and this unaffordable but gorgeous Giambattista Valli.

Looking for something under-$100?  This graphic, waterlcolor print is nice. This Juicy dress has a fairly simple floral.  And this Modcloth dress comes in a monochrome palette, but has a lovely cut and print.

Plus size? I love this sleek shift and this full-skirted dress.  Petite? I like this blue and white floral, and I love the classic pattern on this cap sleeve dress.

Today is my Friday, so I’m giving myself a night and day off from the blog.  I intend to drink margaritas and read a book and go to bed early.  I couldn’t be more excited.

Have a safe and happy weekend!

xoxo, Belle

This post is in no way meant to encourage self-medicating with alcohol.  But sometimes, all a woman needs is a tasty cocktail and a cool breeze to forget her troubles.  Sandy beaches don’t hurt either.

Featured in Island Magazine, this cocktail, The Painkiller, originated in the British Virgin Islands at the Soggy Dollar Bar.  It is a mix of rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice with a dash of nutmeg.  The cure for what ails the weary island traveler.  Sound like just the thing to help you forget your troubles and acclimate you to island life.

Because this is a tropical drink, it would be welcome poolside (kiddie pool or in ground, matters not) or at a barbecue with some jerk chicken and grilled pineapple.  However, it’s kind of a shame to waste this cocktail’s restorative power on anywhere that isn’t a tropical oasis.  So let’s talk about swimwear.

Sea Folly Ruffle Bikini ($72, $56)

This suit, with its bright color and ruffled details is gorgeous and fun, but I ask you: When did swimwear become so expensive?

This purple bikini with open-work details is lovely, but $240 worth of lovely, it is not.  And this crisp white one piece costs as much as a monthly car payment on a Volkswagen Passat.

So how do you save money on something that you will only wear a few times per year?

My search for a new suit starts at discount retailer 6pm.com.  I adore this bright pink bikini with ruffled trim, and this one-piece suit has a slight vintage feel.  Both are under-$35.  And while coverups can cost upwards of $100, this beachy caftan costs just $70.

My next stop is, don’t laugh, Delia’s.  The teenage retailer has fashionable, quality swimwear at “babysitting money” prices.  The only issue i sizing, but if you take your measurements before hand you should be fine.  This ruched, dotted tankini is adorable.  I also like this simple twist-top, and this grey bikini with pops of color.

Delia’s also has an itty-bitty, teeny-weenie, yellow, polka dot bikini.

And, lastly, if you’re looking for cute coverups, look no further than Topshop.  I am smitten with this bright orange print dress ($60), this strapless, printed maxi-dress ($52) and this brightly striped tunic ($52).

Their swimwear is pretty adorable too.  This striped bikini and this scalloped, black-and-white one-piece both caught my eye.  But it’s this red and white seersucker halter suit that I actually purchased.