Fatherly Ties

The go-to gift for Father's Day is, of course, a tie. I don't think there's anything wrong with the traditional gift as long as you add a twist, a little youthful flare for pop. A great place to look is an Etsy shop called Toybreaker. Detroit-based designer Bethany Shorb has created some original neckware that will definitely make dad stand out at that next board meeting or cocktail party. The beautiful silk ties come in simple, muted colors, but they feature unusual designs that you aren't going to find at the mall. It's the perfect combination of class and quirk. Each tie is screen-printed by hand and is made to order. A few inspired designs feature poppies, caviar and beehives. It's a great present for easing your dad out of his fashion comfort zone and giving him something that's as unique as he is.

Off the Cuff

I've been seeing cuff bracelets everywhere lately. Designs of the chunky pieces seem to be getting increasingly elaborate and interesting. These attention-
grabbing accessories can take a simple outfit to whole other level. A few of my favorites are J. Crew's starfish and magnolia cuffs, this turquoise design from Banana Republic and this mosaic style bracelet from Nine West.

Olive Oil Service

There's nothing like bread dipped in olive oil at the start of a decadent meal, so why not put the olive oil in a fabulous serving dish to make it all the more enticing? This unique porcelain dish does the trick. Its series of rings were inspired by the terraced olive groves of Italy, and the design showcases the beautiful tones in each layer of olive oil. It will be the highlight of your dinner table and makes a great Father's Day gift for a dad who loves to cook or eat. If you're looking for the goods to accompany the dish, try O & Co. They even sell an olive oil tasting set.

Brown Sugar, How Come You Taste So Good?

I absolutely adore brown sugar. It's my second favorite thing in the kitchen, next to the smell of vanilla extract. When I was a kid and my mom was baking, I would scoop myself a spoonful of brown sugar and eat it. Yes, I would eat pure sugar, and maybe, on occasion, I still do. Luckily, I've found a carb-free way to indulge in the same sweet taste. I picked up a tube of Gap's brown sugar lip balm the other week, and I've found it is almost as satisfying as the real thing. The lip balm, which is not available online but is in stores, contains coconut oil, beeswax and flower extracts and has an SPF of 18. Sweet!

Shower Yourself in Style

I'm of the opinion that shower curtains are a key component of bathroom decor. There's a wide world beyond the solid colored plastic, so why not spend some time looking for something that's completely you. Styles range from educational and iconic to romantic and silly. Since shower curtains are usually a focal point of the bathroom, they can be a great starting point for choosing a color palette and bath accessories. So go bold or subtle, just pick something you like looking at every day.

Are Tutus Too Much?

I'm a huge fan of ballerina chic. I absolutely love the look and feel of leggings, ballet flats, off the shoulder tops and leg warmers. Anything a dancer would wear, I've attempted to pull off. But there's one style feat I'd still like to attempt, the Everest of fashion...the tutu. There's something so feminine and delicate about the precious, puffy skirts, but are they reserved for a select few: little girls and Carrie Bradshaw?

Sarah Jessica Parker immortalized the flirty skirt in the opening credits of Sex and the City. The choice of the now famous outfit was actually a topic of controversy on the set, but Sarah Jessica Parker and costume designer Patricia Field were adamant about its use. The $5 tutu from Parker's personal collection encapsulates the fashion risks that were so prevalent during the show's run, and the quirky, little skirt makes a reappearance in the movie.

So can we mere mortals pull off the same look? Thanks to Ouma Clothing, there's a chance. The Phoenix-based designer sells her ballerina-inspired looks on Etsy. The designs are romantic, sweet and just practical enough. I'm currently in love with this party dress and might just get up the nerve to order one, provided I don't get splashed by a bus when wearing it.

Summer Sips: Cosmopolitan Slushy

In honor of the Sex and the City movie, I had to make a cosmo this week. Here's a summery twist on the classic cocktail.

Cosmopolitan Slushy
Recipe courtesy of Real Simple

10 ounce (1 1/4 cups) citrus-flavored vodka
1/2 cup Rose's lime juice
2 cups cranberry juice
2 cups water
4 ice cube trays

Combine vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice in a pitcher with 2 cups water and stir to blend. Divide between ice cube trays and freeze at least 4 hours or overnight (the drink cubes will freeze only partially). Just before serving, empty trays into a large bowl and using a fork, break up cubes to loosen ice crystals (the ice will be slushlike). Spoon slush into tall stemmed glasses and serve immediately. Makes 6 servings.

Have a summer drink recipe that you love? Send it my way.