Photo courtesy of Jean Scheijen

It’s rained almost every day since June in NYC, or at least it has felt that way. I gave up on dressing for the weather, because I feel like my summer has been robbed and I just don’t want to give in.

I realize that not everyone is experiencing an abundant amount of summer rain, but for those of you that are, do you dress approp or just ignore it?

Did you know that Americans spent nearly $11.8 billion on plastic surgery in 2008? That’s an outrageous amount of money spent on rhinoplasty and face-lifts.

According to an article in CongressDaily, the Senate is pushing to add a 10% tax to medically unnecessary procedures like these, which they are hoping would help with the current trillion dollar health care plan.

What do you think of this?

Photo by Leszek Nowak

I recently discovered biking and have happily added it to my fitness repertoire. Weekend rides are the most fun, especially if you have a few other riders you can tag along and explore with. After two back-to-back 30 mile rides, I realized how vital having the proper gear is, even if cycling tights make you look squatty and weird.

How important is style when you work out? Do you sacrifice fashion for comfort, or vice versa?

Video courtesy of Barneys

San Francisco
Event: Barney’s Warehouse Sale, Ft. Mason Center Herbst Pavilion
When: July 30 – August 9
What: Think discount Louboutins and eager salegoers. Get there early.

New York
Event: In God We Trust Sale, 265 Lafayette St., NY
When: Sat. – Sun., 11 AM – 6 PM
What: Expect to get up to 75 percent off your favorite indie labels.

Seattle
Event: Urban Craft Uprising Summer Show 2009, Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 299 Mercer St.
When: Sat. – Sun., 11 AM – 5 PM
What: Look through over 100 indie designer collections, from tees to housewares and dresses.

Everywhere:
Event: OCRF’s Super Saturday, Nova’s Ark Project, Water Mill, NY
When: Saturday, 1PM – 6PM
What: Touted as the largest designer garage sale, this NY-based shopping bonanza is also available online, courtesy of QVC. To shop online click here.

1pm – 6pm

I’m convinced that somewhere on my ankles there’s a big invitation that reads something like this: Hey bugs, come on over here!

In 2004 I spent two months studying abroad in Brazil, and knowing this about my eager-to-befriend-the-bugs limbs, I coated myself in DEET, which I now cringe over because it’s so toxic.

I recently tired Dr. T’s Supergoop Bug-Away Spray, which is an all-natural formula (made with lemongrass and cedar) that’s also DEET-free. It’s SPF 30 which makes it a two-in one killer combo. It has a slight lemon scent, but nothing too powerful.

I plan on wearing this every time I lay out