Beach Music Basics

If you grew up in the southeast and you were raised right, chances are you've encountered Carolina Beach Music.

Need reference materials? Check out the novel by Pat Conroy, the movie starring Bridget Fonda and Phoebe Cates, and these utterly essential tracks:

• 39-21-46 Shape (performed by The Showmen)
• Miss Grace (performed by The Tymes)
• 60-Minute Man (performed by the Dominoes)

It's neither doo-wop nor Motown, and certainly not the Beach Boys (although that's all on my pink iPod, too).

Beach Music is very regional and specific. It's meant to be enjoyed in the sand or on a screened-in porch, preferably with a view of the water.

But even if you're landlocked or halfway around the world, you can still throw a Beach Music party in your back yard.

Here's how:

• Invite a gaggle of friends over
• Make sure you have the requisite tunes
• Learn how to shag
• Serve beer and seafood
• Wear your preppy best

Happy summer, y'all!

Wedding White-Out

Congratulations to reality starlet Kendra Wilkinson, who tied the knot on Saturday at the Playboy Mansion. 

This means Bunnies as bridesmaids. Hef playing host. And a pregnant bride who's launching her own line of stripper poles. 

All this I can abide, honestly. 

My issue is that the groom looks like an ice cream man. 

His blindingly white shirt, tie, suit, vest and shoes were probably inspired by Diddy's famous White Party. Alas, this outfit only evokes the softer side of Sears. 

Technically, Kendra's poufy white dress qualifies as formalwear, which means he really should have been in a tux. 

I'd recommend an old-fashioned white dinner jacket, which would have looked a million times better in the pictures. 

Anybody else craving one of those red, white, and blue popsicles?

Tory Burch Promo Code

Need some fab flat sandals? Coveting a tote bag or a Tory tunic? 

The time is nigh, stylish readers. 

Now you can save an extra 25% on sale items!

Just enter the promo code SALE25 at checkout to get the deal. 

Which do y'all prefer, these little red wedges or the espadrille version currently on sale at Bloomies? 

I'm just planning ahead, really. 

Cute new shoes + a white J. Crew sundress = Fourth of July BBQ perfection!

Monogrammed Bauble

If you ask me, the most dangerous thing about living in Los Angeles isn't earthquakes, car chases, or shady neighborhoods.

It's a charming little boutique called Polkadots & Moonbeams. 

Currently, I'm coveting the amazing monogram necklace you see on Carrie Underwood. 

It comes in gold or silver, and is available in two lengths.

(Having tried on both, I prefer the 16-inch chain. I'm petite, therefore the pendant on the 30-inch version hits just above my belly button.)

Another fave? This Plenty by Tracy Reese party dress.

It looks terrific on. Perfect for the twelve weddings we're all invited to between now and September.

Atlanta girls, this store is our version of Poppy's or Luna.

Chic. Inviting. And fraught with temptation!

Yummy Summer Frock

Had to post this pic of Cameron Diaz getting her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Do we love this Oscar de la Renta dress, or what?

And those scarlet accents -- oooh la la!

Quotable Preps

On Bravo's new show, NYC Prep:

"The big hoax is the talent pool for this -- no actual preppy kid would ever go to a casting call for something like this or want to be on a show like this at all -- they present it as though all the people who go to these schools are from a certain world, and they're not."

-- Lisa Birnback, author of The Official Preppy Handbook.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Click here to read the rest of the article.

Genuine society types would never agree to be on a reality show. Ever. Some don't even want to be in Town & Country, for heaven's sake.

That's not to say I don't find shows like NYC Prep or The Real Housewives of [insert city] entertaining. I just accept them for what they are.

And I know that the words "countess" and "LuAnn" don't belong in the same sentence.

Ahem.

High Thread Count, Low Budget

As y'all might imagine, I have a thing about thread count. 

Luxurious sheets just feel so right. 

I recently redecorated my bedroom on a budget, and I'm thrilled with the results. It all started with Frette...

1. I went on eBay and found these gorgeous European pillow shams piped in aqua. (Right now they're $43.50 per pair.) 

2. Then I hit HomeGoods, which is the housewares version of T.J. Maxx. Low on ambience, but so much potential! I scored a crisp white Hotel Collection duvet cover that came with two standard pillow shams ($49.99).

3. Next stop? Monogrammit, where I arranged to have the standard white pillow shams monogrammed with my initials. (I brought in the Frette shams so we could match the aqua thread exactly.) This cost about $90 -- I wanted big letters and a swirly, feminine font. 

4. Back at HomeGoods, I found 450-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets (so soft they have a hint of sheen) for $39.99. 

Voila. 

Chic dreams. And no Visa bill nightmares!

Antithetical Celebs

Let's begin with the good news, shall we?

Here we have Full House alum Candance Cameron Bure pulling off my new favorite look, Posh-Casual.

This outfit may look basic (white blouse, black shorts, heels), but the quality of ingredients makes it fabulous. 

• Impeccable fit
  
• Great fabric
  
• Inspired accessories
• Authentic red-carpet confidence

Nice work, DJ Tanner!

On the flip side, poor Lady Gaga will do anything for attention, up to and including setting her ta-tas on fire. 

In fishnet stockings. And a black leather, um, swimsuit. Covered in metal studs. 

She must not know the old preppy axiom:   

Get completely dressed for a party, then remove one piece of jewelry (or in her case, one outrageous element). 

Because flaming curves say it all, really. 

Perfect-Fit Promo Code

Oh, but this is exciting!

If you've ever shopped fruitlessly for the right button-down, you know how tricky it can be. Sometimes it seems like they're made for fifth-grade boys.

Enter Rebecca & Drew, a company that tailors each button-down according to your height, body shape and bra size. 

Do they monogram? Well, of course. 

Do I have a promo code to share? Naturally! 

Get 30% off your first full-price item when you type in SW30 at checkout. Be sure to place your order by June 30 to get the deal!

Kim and Heidi: Class Acts

Hey Annabel,

I just read that Kim Kardashian told Heidi Montag to do Playboy! You have to comment!

-- EK in VA

Dear EK,

Your email made me giggle!

For those who missed it, Kim Kardashian did indeed counsel Heidi Montag (now Pratt) about the merits of posing for Playboy.

But y'all, that's not even the best part.

According to Us Weekly, Kim assured Heidi it was a "classy" move.

Who (who!) would seek career advice from this strumpet? It's another tragic case of the blind leading the blonde.

Then again, I'm a firm believer in taste makeovers. Even Heidi Pratt has the power to reinvent herself should she choose to do so.

Can I turn her into a Junior Leaguer? Perhaps not. But people (who read People) love a fresh start.

Heidi, if you're interested, here are four quick tips:

1. Pass on Playboy. Lord.

2. From this day forward, close your mouth whenever someone takes your picture.

3. Email me so we can set up an emergency strategy lunch.

4. Consider annulment.

Graciously yours,

ANNABEL MANNERS

Got an etiquette question? Send it to annabel@annabelmanners.com!

Kate Spade Sample Sale!

You read it right -- Kate Spade is having a super-haute sale!

$395 leather handbags are now $189. Shoes are approximately half off and going fast. 

Plan ahead by stocking up for fall. Or score Christmas presents to sock away until December!

In other news, here's Blake Lively looking luscious in Michael Kors at the CFDA Awards. 

Hot pink cashmere. Nude peep-toe pumps. Summer hair and makeup. 

It's the AnnabelManners.com style trifecta! 

Lilly Lovers Contest

Maybe I'm a visual learner. Maybe I love my wardrobe beyond what is healthy and reasonable. 

But every memory I have is catalogued according to what I was wearing. 

Sundresses. Signet rings. School uniforms. It's all there in vivid detail.

Naturally, Lilly Pulitzer understands this. 

From now through July 15, you can submit a photo and a story about your favorite Lilly moment.

The top three submissions get beach-themed prizes -- and it looks like everybody who enters get $25 off his or her next hefty purchase. 

Why do I feel a pressing need to create new memories around the ginger bikini shown here?

Good luck!

Two Fab Trends

Did y'all see these yummy silk handbags on Daily Candy last week?

What an adorable bridesmaid or birthday gift! I'm digging the turquoise, though they come in 15 different colors. (Click here for more info.)

If you're lucky enough to receive one, please don't save it for black-tie galas.

After six p.m., this clutch can go anywhere!

Pair it with jeans, heels, and a camisole, then order some prosecco and toast your all-around fabulousness.

Speaking of summer fun, doesn't Jessica Alba look darling?

I think this braided updo is a fresh way to showcase both strapless frocks and pretty shoulders.

Personally, I'd have to make a hair appointment in order to pull it off.

If I tried to recreate these braids by myself, I'd be in front of my bathroom mirror with a mouthful of bobby pins until Labor Day!

Lilly for Father's Day?

When I first spotted these matching father-son shorts, I bestowed upon them the ultimate AnnabelManners.com compliment: 

Cute!

Lilly Pulitzer swim trunks for little boys. Tiny Ralph Lauren button-downs. All with corresponding Dad-sized clothes!

Shows you what I know. An informal poll of male friends, relatives, and young dads revealed this to be a Father's Day nightmare. 

"I don't think so," replied one. "Aren't they kind of, uh, colorful?"

"Absolutely not," sputtered another. "Those 7 jeans are just...no."

"Maybe," conceded a third (after much wheedling from yours truly). "Like, for a picture or something. But that's it."

Readers, I'm sure there are dads out there who would think this was a fine idea. Just be sure you're shopping for one of them before you make this your big Father's Day surprise. 

Matching clothes for mothers and daughters are always welcome. Swooned over, even.

Not the case with the fellas. Who knew?

 

Louboutin Scoop

Y'all heard about the fake Louboutin scandal, right? 

Buyer beware! And for heaven's sake, don't settle. 

If your heart is set a pair of red-soled delights, there are major markdowns on the real deal. 

(Comparatively speaking. Half of $895 is still a lot of money, but they're so delicious.) 

Check out what's on sale at Barneys:

• The perfect nude peep-toe
• Awesome black espadrilles
• Ice blue platform wonders
• And many more. 

Meanwhile, on theOutnet.com, there are better deals but a less interesting selection. Still, I wouldn't turn down a pair of: 

• Little red mules
• Prive fabric slingbacks

Finally, Neiman's has a hot sale and free shipping. Type in the promo code JUNNM to get the deal!

Today's Haute Tip: Christian Louboutin shoes are made in Italy. Not China. Lord. 

Note: The satin heels pictured here are full price, but aren't they heavenly? Perfect for a wedding, what with the Something Blue already incorporated.

 

Click here for more info!

Sip and See Solution

Dear Annabel Manners, 

I hope you can help. My husband and I have a 2-month-old. This summer, we are flying across the country so his parents can meet the baby. 

My mother-in-law is very excited. She keeps joking that the baby won't be able to keep up with our social schedule of meeting all her friends.  I am trying to keep us on track in terms of naps, feeding, etc and I'm already worried that this will be too much. 

How do I tell her to calm down?

New Mom in Cambridge, MA

Dear New Mom, 

Congratulations on your little one! I can understand why you might feel anxious. You're working hard to establish a routine while your mother-in-law has visions of parading your newborn all over town. 

One idea that might help? A southern tradition known as the Sip & See. 

Maybe you (or your husband) can suggest hosting a little party during your visit. That way, everybody can see the baby during a tidy two-hour window instead of booking lunches, brunches, and dinners every day that you're there. 

Best of all, you can adapt a Sip & See to fit the baby's schedule. You can do it from 10 to 12 (with coffee and pastries), 1 to 3 (with tea and cookies) or 4 to 6 (with cocktails and apps). 

There's nothing much too it - a gaggle of well-wishers comes over to sip on something and peek at the baby and that's that. 

If you need inspiration, consider the adorable invitations shown here. (Visit Ashley Brooke Designs for more information.) 

Here's another cute option from Crane & Co. 

As for the rest of your visit, I'm sure your mother-in-law will respect the schedule you're trying to keep. She's a new grandmother -- that's something to celebrate, too! 

If you include her in your routine, I bet she'll be more than happy to help you stick to it.

Have fun and take lots of pictures!

Graciously yours, 

ANNABEL MANNERS 

Got an etiquette question? Send it to annabel@annabelmanners.com! 

Cute Swimsuits

Party like it's 1959!

Last year's trend of pinup girl-inspired bathing suits is still going strong. 

Urban Outfitters has a wide selection of retro options. Here are a few of my faves... 

1. The Kimchi Blue Fine Line bikini would look delicious with a white cover-up and little red sandals. 

2. This red bikini by Betsey Johnson demands aviator sunglasses and gold hoop earrings. 

3. The Lux Lamour one-piece shown here would be so cute paired with a striped sun hat. 

Now all we need is some sunscreen, sweet tea, and a stack of glossy magazines. 

Here's to a chic summer!

Booty Secret

Oh, y'all. 

Guess who stepped out in New York City yesterday wearing lingerie and little else? 

It's AnnabelManners.com alumna Whitney Port, who clearly has trouble with the distinction between underwear and outerwear. 

Click here to see the rest of this pajama-inspired getup. 

Can't somebody at Diane von Furstenberg intervene? My hands are full out here on the west coast.

Because I always like to end on a civilized note, check out these adorable Elie Tahari shoes. They're half flat, half driving moccasin. 

And on s-a-l-e! 

Star Sightings!

One of the fab things about living in L.A.? Celeb spotting, of course!

If you're a fan, I don't recommend galloping over to say hello whenever you see a famous person. Not only is it awkward for all involved, I firmly believe stars have a reasonable expectation of privacy unless they're at a promotional event.

Here's who my friends and I have spied around town recently. Heavy on the music luminaries!

• Justin Timberlake inquiring about La Fin du Monde beer at Father's Office in Culver City. (Lord, I'm just loving those glasses. Aren't you?)
• Jewel, politely posing for photos with teenage fans at the Beverly Hilton.
• Adam Goldberg snapping pictures of his girlfriend at LAX.
• Nicole Ritchie and Joel Madden having Mother's Day brunch with the baby at the Four Seasons.
• Avril Lavigne scowling in a hoodie at El Carmen on Third Street (with Brandon Davis, no hubby in sight).
• Dave Grohl pushing a stroller at Babies R Us in Calabasas. Cute!
• Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli having a date night at super-delicious Katsu-ya in Studio City.

Here we have Joe Jonas and Camilla Belle (whom I didn't see). Still, I thought y'all might like her outfit - it's a perfect example of what I like to call Posh-Casual. When it comes to style, this girl is one to watch.

Have a celestial weekend, y'all!

Bridal Bargains

Yesterday, a reader named Emily's Engaged asked if Claire Pettibone is expensive. 

The answer is yes, but they have sample sales.

That means a savvy bride-to-be can get a dress other people have tried on for about half the original price. According to the website, most gowns are in very good condition and will just need alterations and minor refreshing. 

The Etoile gown shown here was originally $7,000 and is now $3,500. Isn't it lovely?

West coast brides should also consider Glamour Closet, a boutique outlet that sells nothing but designer samples.  They have stores in Los Angeles and San Francisco. 

If you're near Atlanta, try Kelly's Closet. Their annual sample sale is this weekend (June 5-6) and next weekend (June 12-13). Don't miss it!

In this economy, I bet lots of upscale bridal boutiques are having sample sales. Investigate online. Make some phone calls. There are deals to be had!  

Best of luck to Emily and all other stylish brides-to-be! 

Rehearsal Dinner Style

Los Angeles newlyweds H and M recently tied the knot at the gorgeous Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite, CA. 

I think this is a prime example of what a bride should wear to her rehearsal dinner. The outfit (and accessories) are impeccable, feminine, and fun. It helps set a joyous tone for the whole weekend!

Here are the particulars:  

• BCBG silk chiffon gown (note: I could only find it in pink and white, but I'm sure you could track down the yellow by contacting the designer.) 
• Delicious bouquet headband from Anthropologie
• Shoes from DSW (shown here)

If you're a bride-to-be, consider Los Angeles designer Claire Pettibone, who makes marvelously ethereal, romantic wedding gowns like the one H wore on her big day.

Congratulations, you two!

Sale. Contest. Recipe. Yum!

What's cooking, y'all? 

Today I have three tasty tidbits to share. 

1. Need to trick out the kitchen? There's a massive sale going on at Sur La Table. Check out high-quality cookware up to 40% off!

2. In my dream life, I have a Parisian pied-a-terre, a Chanel wardrobe, and a kitchen full of Le Creuset. Speaking of LC, they're giving away 100 prizes in 100 days. Click here to enter the contest!

3. You know those recipes you make a billion times and they're always amazing? This one is easy, quick and chic. It works for brunch (with muffins) or dinner (with a Mesclun salad). 

Crustless Fresh Sage, Ham and Gruyere Quiche 

(Adapted from Marie Claire magazine)

• 1 slice soft whole-wheat bread, diced
• 3 oz. deli ham, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup minced scallions (green and white parts), or to taste
• 1 1/2 oz. (about 1/2 cup) shredded Gruyere or other intensely flavored Swiss cheese
• 3 fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced
• 4 large eggs and 2 egg whites
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Rub a tiny pat of butter on the side and the bottom of an 8-inch round, nonstick baking pan. (I use a glass pie plate.) Add, in order, the bread, ham, scallions, cheese, and sage.

Whisk the eggs, milk, and pepper in a medium bowl. Pour the mixture into the baking pan. 

Bake in a 425-degree oven for 20 minutes, or until the center is firm and the top is golden. 

Place on a rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve. 

Bon appetit! 

Hooker Chic

Unless you caught the MTV Movie awards, you couldn't possibly guess who hit the red carpet in this dress. 

I can only conclude that she's trying to distance herself from the headband-wearing despot who made her famous. 

Oh yes, y'all.

It's Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, who paired this tasteful getup with purple suede ankle boots. 

Is tawdry the new black? 

I have to go lie down.