MKE Style: Tips for Warm Weather

1. Gap Maxi Dress, 2. J.Crew zip cardigan, 3. iPhone case, 4. French Connection Brigette Satchel, 5. Old Navy skinny belt, 6. Aveda Lip Glaze in Ginger Lily, 7. BR Gold Bangles, 8. Tory Burch Emmy sandal



I struggle with knowing how to dress in the heat. I mean, last week it was 40 degrees and yesterday it was 90. My body is having a WTF moment. Suddenly it's summer. That happens in Wisconsin - our weather is fickle. And just as fast as the heat comes, it goes. I also don't want to go out and buy a whole bunch of summer dresses that I'll only wear a month out of the year. So, dressing for hot days is a challenge.

Above are some staple pieces that can easily be transitioned to spring, fall, and winter. Simple dresses with neutral colors can be layered and accessorized into the next season. Also, dressing for summer doesn't always mean changing your wardrobe, let accessories like belts, handbags, iPhone covers, and lip gloss do the job for you. When it's extremely hot and muggy, I skip makeup all together and opt for a bright lip color because everything else will melt off your face. Choose accessories that aren't big and bulky. Even my wrists start to sweat when wearing watches or big chunky bangles (ick!). And just because it's hot for a few hours, it can get chilly in the blink of an eye (thanks Lake Michigan) so pack an extra layer. Linen and short sleeved cardigans are good options. These extra layers also come in handy when you realize your virgin Wisconsin skin is turning into a ferocious sunburn. One good thing about this sort of weather is that because it's only summer a few months out of the year, I don't feel bad buying really nice sandals or a really nice summer bag because that low-usage means it will last multiple seasons. Or, maybe that's just me justifying spending more money. Not sure. Either way, I welcome the warmer weather. Bring it on, Wisconsin!

{Dog Days of Summer} Cool clothes

LA Made Fawn Dress, $63
I hate shopping in early fall. It's so freaking hot and the last thing I want to wear is a chunky wool sweater with dark jeans. So when shopping this time of year, I look for pieces that I can LAYER. Layering is the best. And in the unpredictable Wisconsin climate, it's essential. Tonight we were out back, grilling out. One minute I was putting on sunscreen and sweating, an hour later, it was cold and windy and we were heading inside. I really like these tunic-style dresses. In the fall, I wear them with skinny dark pants, in the winter, add a scoopneck black long-sleeve tee or a black blazer. It can be dressed up or down. Think flip-flops to ankle boots or scarfs to jewelry.








Alternative Apparel Pocket Tee Shirt Dress, $48. BDG Plaid Double Cloth Dress, $58.

{Dog Days of Summer} Fair

Last night at the Wisconsin State Fair, we ate fried food on a stick, drank some beers, and saw some cows. It took me back to my childhood, living less than a mile from the Walworth County Fair. I forgot how much I love watching the draft horse shows and eating cream puffs.

If you haven't been to a county fair or state fair in the midwest, you should know a few things. Food-on-a-stick is the only way to eat. There are whole buildings dedicated to serving cream puffs. You can buy some very strange things at a fair. Carnies are a breed of their own.

For a list of all the Wisconsin Fairs, go HERE

{Dog Days of Summer} Mosquito Invasion

After all the rain we had, the resulting mosquito infestation is now out of control! I thought living in a big city meant you didn't have to deal with dozens of bites every summer. Well, I am not happy about these little buggers, so this means war. Because the last thing I want when it's 90 degrees and hella humid is a mosquito mob coming at me. Fortunately, for the community, my idea of war means following a few smart tips and wearing a lot of DEET.

To fight off mosquitoes, you have to think like a mosquito. They breed in shallow standing water. So immediately after the rain, get out and do a clean sweep. Mosquitos "see" you by sensing CO2 (your exhalations), your body heat, and lactic acid. So working out, doing heavy gardening, is going to get you noticed. Wearing dark colors makes you warmer, so go for white. Also note, a high protein diet will lead to increased emission of lactic acid.


Some of these natural products do work, but have minimal or shortened effectiveness. I usually combine a few of these at the same time and have found it fairly effective. If I get more than a couple bites, I then add the DEET bug spray.
- Citronella: works in a small area, dependent on wind direction and oil concentration of candle
- Lemon Eucalyptus oil: apply the essential oil directly to the skin.
- Lemongrass oil: same as above
- Marigolds and chrysanthemums: The insecticides thymol, ocimene or pyrethrin are very effective against many garden insects, but not proven for mosquitoes.

Yes, I grab the DEET bug spray. Personally, after having had malaria (3 times when I lived in Kenya), I would much rather have something that has proven effectiveness. Here is the full text insect repellent efficacy study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. There are pros and cons, but read it and then decide. I will only apply it to my clothes, not my skin. And keep the spray away from your sunglass, because DEET can corrode some plastics.


Good luck out there. It's a jungle!

{Dog Days of Summer} Poolside

I don't think we could fit a swimming pool in our backyard, but I sometimes daydream about having one. You know, sipping pina coladas, reading some magazines, and getting a tan. Ahhhhhh the life.










{photos top to bottom: elle decor, elle decor, elle decor, coastal living, costal living, costal living, twelve apostles hotel south africa, hyatt hotel bangkok}

{Dog Days of Summer} Sunburn care

Today kicks off the Dog Days of Summer, a week of posts revolving around those achingly long, hot, and humid days of summer. I'm not complaining (it's nice to have summer for at least 3 months out of the year), but us city "sconnies" sometimes aren't used to it (we're more used to 30 degree weather). At least for me, I forget how strong that darn sun is, and then I get totally burnt. So here are the basics for preventing sunburn and caring for sunburns at home. I'm switching the gears and going into my nursing mode.




BLOCK THE SUN:

Look for the ingredient zinc oxide, it protects against a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB rays without being absorbed into the skin (those with sensitive skin will appreciate that). Go to UCSF dermatology website for a nice little brief on SPF numbers. I love a good tan, but really, any tan is actually skin damage. To minimize the skin damage or depth of the damage, apply sunscreen often and liberally (shotglass amount), but opt for the SPF 30 and try to limit yourself to small, but multiple intervals in the sun. After tanning/burning/being outside, you can minimize an emerging burn by taking an NSAID (tylenol, ibuprofen, etc). Studies show that it helps stop the ensuing swelling and sunburn pain. Fortunately, big floppy hats are "in" this year. I always have a scarf on hand to block the sun if I start getting too pink. If I'm at the beach, I put my sandals upside down or under a towel while I'm hanging so I don't burn my feet when I get up and put them on. (image: Fit Sugar)


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HEAL THE BURN:

Burns happen. Don't I know it. When we were in Italy, I completely burned my entire back. There's no quick fix for sunburn care but somethings do really help. These are the 3 keys goals with sunburn care. (image: Martha Stewart)

1) MINIMIZE PAIN AND ITCHING
- The tannins in tea has an analgesic effect when applied topically. As an astringent, it constricts tissue to stop swelling. Pour cool brewed black tea onto the affected area or draw a bath using the tea, lavender, and mint.
- Taking an NSAID will also decrease the swelling after a burn has set in. The swelling and stretching of the skin is ultimately what is causing all that pain. Benadryl will help with the itching that comes when skin is regrowing.
- Cool it: Remember, ice may feel good, but your damaged skin can't always tell you if it's too cold. Don't add frostbite to your list of problems.

2) MAINTAIN NORMAL SKIN HYDRATION
- Aloe vera: it's rich in hydration and anti-oxidants. I like using the actual plant because then I know what I'm getting. You can buy it but it's not regulated by the FDA. I cut the aloe length-wise and scoop out the gooey green gel. I then apply it like a salve. It's cooling at first and seems to cut a little bit of the pain. I grow my aloe in bright, bright sun and keep the soil dry to the touch.
- Drink, Drink, Drink: but not alcohol, caffeine, or sugary drinks. These are diuretics and will not get you any further to hydrating yourself.
- Milk it: Soak clean papertowels (lighter and smoother = less pain) in milk and cool water mixture. Reapply several applications. The proteins in milk are very soothing on burns, the coolness will help aleviate the pain.

3) PROMOTE HEALING
- Keep it clean: Burned skin no longer its protective properties so it's vulnerable to infection. Opening any blisters or "heat rash bumps will also leave your skin open to possible infection. Lavender, aloe, and coconut have antiseptic qualities that will help keep the area clean.
- Let it "breathe": Most first-aid ointments (neosporin, desitin, etc) are thick because of petroleum jelly or barrier agents. After an initial burn, a barrier will trap the heat inside the skin, often making the burn deeper and more damaging. The heat needs to escape at least for 24 hrs. When the redness and swelling has subsided, it is OK to apply a barrier cream.
- Feed your skin: Skin needs water to regrow, so increase your water intake. Watermelon and cucumbers are packed with water and are good substitutes for drinking straight-up water. L-Cysteine is an amino acid that your body uses to produce keratin, or skin. A supplement or an increase in protein-rich food will ensure that you have plenty in your system for when your body goes into healing mode.


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THE NO-NO's:
- Rubbing alcohol baths
- Petroleum jelly
- Ice
- Ignoring heatstroke: the signs and symptoms of heatstroke can be very vague, but it's easier to get hyperthermia than hypothermia. Bottom line: if you feel like you suddenly have the flu after being in the sun, drink some fluids and head to the doctor.