I once hated the taste of basil, especially in beverages, but I’ve grown to appreciate the combination of lemon and basil.  It’s tangy and zesty with just the right bit of herbal flavor.  This Ginger-Lemongrass-Basil Spritzer from Playful Cooking is a great cocktail for these last weeks of summer.

Splendid Open-Knit Sweater ($79)

Even here in the upper South, the evenings have turned a bit chilly.  I just want to sip my evening cocktail on my shady balcony without developing hypothermia, is that so much to ask?  It is August after all.

These open-knit sweaters provide warmth without overheating.  They’re perfect for chilly nights spent outdoors or indoors.

This Splendid sweater is my favorite, but there are limited sizes available.  I also loved this uber stylish Helmut Lang sweater, seriously awesome.  In the under-$100 category, I found this airy Guess sweater in oatmeal and this super chunky sweater from ASOS.

Plus-size: This Coldwater Creek cardigan is phenomenal for evenings or work.  Petite: Check out this cool, ivory Caslon sweater with a ballet neck.  Also comes in charcoal and regular sizes.