5 Ways to Make Summer Better

I love summer, minus the humidity. Between county fairs and trip to the beach we are always looking for ways to have more fun. Here are five fabulous ways to add to your summer! The Uno Alla Volta bag is at the top of my list.

By Terri Alpert, Founder and CEO of Uno Alla Volta

Summer and the sea –what is it about summer and the sea that beckons us so? I am grateful to live on Connecticut’s beautiful shoreline just a few miles from the beach, and it is during these dog days of summer that I appreciate this time of year the most. Yet I find this primal pull is shared by all – no matter how landlocked. The sound of the waves lapping at the shore …The feel of the sand between our toes…Those moments of inner peace. At the earth’s edge, we gaze off into infinity. We feel our own individual significance in our connection to all the universe. To feel even more connected to summer and the sea, here are 5 ways to enjoy summer that much more, and keep it close to your heart:`

Flip Flop Fun

There’s nothing better on sandy beaches than a cool pair of rubber flip-clips, and who doesn’t love a nifty pair of Havaianas? These fun flops come in hundreds of different styles and eye-popping colors for adults and kids alike. You can even custom make your own style! Since its creation in 1962, Havaianas have become a summer staple and created a loyal fan-base for their comfort and unmistakable design. I love the Slim Organic White/Silver ($28), and little fashionistas will love the Kids Slim Pop Sandal Rose Gold ($20). Choose from an ice cream sundae print with a golden spoon embellishment or a popcorn print with a salt shaker embellishment.

The Perfect Bag

Refresh your wardrobe with a bright summer handbag. These Uno Alla Volta Florentine Suede Bucket Bags($248) are handcrafted by the hearts and hands of the very artisans I call family.These beautiful suede handbags add a pop of color to any summer outfit, plus they’re stylish, roomy, and the Italian suede is masterfully handcrafted by Alessandra in her family run workshop in Florence, Italy. Each bag features a hand-cut suede tassel and braided leather handles. They come in many beautiful, vibrant colors and can only be found exclusively at Uno Alla Volta.

Make your nails pop against your golden tan

Upgrade your nails. Nails have come a long, long way since I was a kid in the 70s (props to the UK fashion student who designed experimental press-on nails carrying an Oyster chip; all you do is tap your nails to mimic underground payment to ride the “Tube”, their subway system), and the colors have become so rich and sophisticated. Inspired by the sun-soaked shores of Antigua, Essie’s 2016 summer nail polish collection ($3 each) defies convention with its bold, eye-popping colors. The metallic shimmer adds an unexpected pop of shine. With names like Viva Antigua!, Coconut Cove and Berried Treasure, Essie’s summer collection is a dream.

Sweet Treats

Eat ice cream until your heart’s content. With the arrival of summer comes an unlimited license to eat all the ice cream we want. I especially love Coolhaus, the impossibly cool Brooklyn-based brand, which bills themselves as architecturally inspired gourmet ice cream. This delectable treat is available nationwide and includes innovative, unique flavors including fried chicken caramel (with hints of cayenne, sage and black pepper) and handmade candy bars (filled with white chocolate and fresh, locally sourced mint leaves). Run…don’t walk if you haven’t tried it. Bonus: you can also order Coolhaus online.

Visit New Places

Take a trip to Newport, R.I – As a native New Englander, there is no other destination with charm and glamour like breathtaking Newport, R.I. Known for its Gilded Age mansions on Bellevue Avenue and pristine beaches, Newport also has a vibrant, contemporary side, made manifest with quirky shops and outstanding restaurants. The famed Newport Jazz Festival has been a summer staple since its inception in 1954 when Billie Holiday and Dizzy Gillespie performed. The festival attracts music lovers of all types, not to mention celebrities and dignitaries from around the globe (July 29 – 31st, tickets from $20). This year’s headliners include Norah Jones and Gregory Porter.

How do you make the most of summer?