Shady Ladies

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 Runway

Tracy Reese Spring 2012 Runway

Could an accessory of old be making a comeback?  In recent years parasols have been spotted on the runways from designers such as Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, Tracy Reese, Anna Sui and Temperley London.

The parasol is said to have been first used by Egyptian queens to ward off the desert sun and for sun protection for the flawless skin of  Japanese geishas in the 18th century.  Jeni Elizabeth, a fashion style, told First for Women, "Today women love them because they're fun yet functional."  She adds, "Unlike slathering on sunscreen, carrying a parasol looks lovely as it protects-  it's chic sunblock." 

You can find an inexpensive parasol online; go to LunaBazaar.com  and check out the "Tulips and Hummingbirds" 33" parasol which is only $11.95:

Luna Bazaar Tulips & Hummingbirds Parasol $11.95

Another option is Pamela Parasols; they have a cherry blossom parasol in red which retails for $12.95.

Whether or not you are up for trying out a parasol, certainly no summer wardrobe is complete without a hat, an essential must-have for sun protection.

There are styles to flatter every face:

Heart-shaped Faces:  Pick a bell shape.  The long sloping brim mirrors the shape of a heart face "only inverted," forming a diamond shaped effect to call attention to the cheekbones and deflecting from a broad forehead or a pointed chin.

Juicy Couture Colorblock Cloche $58 @ Nordstrom

Round Faces:  Pick a panama hat. The tall crown and band around the hat draw attention upwards so the face appears longer.  

J. Crew Panama Hat $58

Long Faces:  Chose a wide brim because it draws the eye from side to side which makes the cheekbones look wider and pulling the brim down also detracts from a high forehead.

Eric Javits Swinger Rafia Wide Brim Hat $262.50 @ Bloomingdale's

Square Faces:  Fedoras:  A hat with a height, softens the angles of a square jaw.  Additionally, the short brim which stands up takes the eye vertically so you appear to have an elongated face.

Michael Stars Garden Stripe Fedora $42 @ Neiman Marcus

If you've left your hat at home and find yourself in the summer sun, here is a great tip: Run a stick of lip balms with SPF along your part and hairline.  You will get protection for your head and hair and no hat head (as in squashed hairdo)!