Memorial Day weekend is finally here, and with it comes the unofficial start of summer! We’re so ready for the long weekend and nothing puts us in the mood for the sunny days ahead like the perfect soundtrack. We polled our office to curate the ultimate playlist, packed with throwback favorites and a few indie gems — so get ready to sit back, relax, and crank up the volume!

Shia’s 2^nd birthday was inspired by his love for Elmo, but it was hard to make the theme cute and chic! Every party decoration I found was cheesy, and didn’t go with the feel I wanted: kid-friendly, but with some personal touches. We chose Kidville (there are lots of locations), because we knew the 26 2-year-olds needed to be constantly stimulated. There was a Play-Doh station, tattoo station, kids’ gym, bouncy castle, and a music class with puppets. Here is a list of where the birthday party accessories came from (they’re almost all from Etsy) — I hope this helps when you’re planning your Sesame Street party!

— Sam Cutler, Shia’s mom 

1. My friend did a Sesame Street theme for her son in Washington, DC. She shipped the chair covers to me for his party, and they were a big hit. They’re from chasing-fireflies.com.

2. One of my first purchases for his party was the “Shia Street” sign. I got it here.

3.The adorable rainbow yarn pom-pom food sign holders are from imeondesign.

4. I needed something to jazz up the tables, so I purchased red-and-white chevron table runners LuxuryLinenLoft.

5. The amazing Sesame Street character tissue pom-poms are from PomPomMomma.

6. The party hats (my favorite!) are from CraftyPartyDecor.

7. I made fruity pebble balls, and put them in rainbow cupcake wrappers from The Bakers Confections.

8. Another one of my favorite details was the personalized blocks, and I couldn’t resist the Sesame Street pinwheels.

9. I always use Le Partie Sugar, the best event company in Los Angeles, to help with all of my parties. The owner makes the most adorable custom printables, and she also helped me find some of these amazing items.

 Nikki Ogunnaike from Glamour.com wearing the kate spade new york “Davis” capri pant, $248 at gilt.com

kate spade new york is back on Gilt (three deep breaths, ladies!), and in addition to amazing finds on handbags, dresses, shoes, and more, we’re giving our members a first look at their June collection–before it’s available anywhere else!

To help inspire you, we’ve teamed up with a few of our favorite style bloggers–Kerry Pieri from HarpersBazaar.com, Claire Geist from DeLune Blog, Jenni Radosevich from I Spy DIY, and  Nikki Ogunnaike from Glamour.com–to show off the many ways to work it in kate spade new york. Check out how these chic ladies wear theirs, then shop our brand new boutique to score the same pieces and create a wow-worthy outfit of your own.

Source: harpersbazaar.com via Diandra on Pinterest

 

10. It’s the perfect place to look for cameo appearances by the world’s best dressed baby, AKA Skyler Berman.

9. You can download playlists every week to hear the same songs they’re listening to at RZHQ.

8. If you don’t, you’ll literally die.

7. You’ll learn what kind of tools are in a stylist’s secret arsenal (fashion tape is a must).

6. Admit it: You miss your weekly dish sesh with Rodger. Here’s a way to vicariously catch up.

5.  You can legitimately learn how to wear a crop top without looking like an 80s fashion victim.

4. It’s beeeeey-ond maje. Beyond.

3. Hair how-tos from Rachel’s beauty guru, Joey Maalouf–hello, almost as good as having him in your hotel room at Paris Fashion Week.

2. Even Gwyneth wants to be like her.

1. You could win a $2,000 shopping spree on GILT! Two lucky runners-up will also win $500 shopping sprees–what are you waiting for!?

c/o instyle.com

2012 – Eva Longoria in Marchesa

c/o socialitelife.com

2011 – Zoe Saldana in Armani Prive

c/o nymag.com

2008 – Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive

c/o myfashionlife.com

2007 – Angelina Jolie in Emanuel Ungaro

c/o people.com 

1997 – Kate Moss (with Johnny Depp) in Giorgio Armani

c/o look.co.uk 

1987 – Princess Diana in Catherine Walker

c/o style.time.com

1974 – Jane Birkin (with Serge Gainsbourg)

c/o fashionista.com 

1955 – Brigitte Bardot

c/o fantasticprovence.com

Create your own red-carpet moment with stunning designer gowns, dazzling jewels, sleek evening bags, and more in our Cannes-inspired sale now.

Even after months of prepping, when those labor pains kick in it’s hard to stay calm. This kit from HATCH Collection gives you one less thing to think about — just grab it and go. Maybe throw in a cute onesie on the way out too; your new cutie needs to make a stylish hospital exit. HATCH Collection founder Ariane Goldman explains why these four items will make your stay less painful.

Nightgown: “It’s so important to feel comfortable during this time (and warm!). The nightgown is easy and soft, with a v-neck that enables you to nurse if need be.”

Robe: “It’s the perfect coverall to snuggle and welcome your new addition — soft and cozy and the most comfortable way to wrap yourself in bed. It has a big pocket to hold anything you need and an attached belt so you don’t have to worry about it dropping.”

Underwear: “These briefs are feminine in design and practical in function. You’ll feel great having full coverage.”

Socks: “Your body temperature changes in the hospital, and nothing is more scrumptious than soft fuzzy cashmere socks. Hang on to these and make them your go-to slippers.”

Right now, one of the hottest topics for moms-to-be is how they’ll beat the heat come summer. Contrary to popular belief, your bump isn’t a style barrier. We chatted with maternity extraordinaire and Mommy IQ author Rosie Pope — she gave us the 411 on looking chic and comfy all season long. Check out her tips, then shop the looks here.

Gilt: Which colors and patterns are in for spring and summer?
Rosie Pope: Kelly green and emerald green are everywhere, just like they are in women’s fashion. Nautical stripes are big, and this goes against the maternity grain. People often think stripes make them look bigger, but that’s only true if they’re tiny and close together. Look for pieces where the stripes are two inches apart, and it will create an optical illusion — your bump will look smaller! Also, islet fabrics are a huge maternity trend. Normally this type of fabric would be hard to pull off (because it’s stiff), but if the lining underneath is stretchy, you and your bump will be stylish and comfortable.

Gilt: Is there a must-have spring/summer accessory?
RP: A belt! Pick up a skinny highlighter belt in pink, green or yellow, and when you wear it with a dress, turn the buckle around to the back (since it can be uncomfortable on your bump). Those three colors go with any color, so you can wear them with everything.

Gilt: Which fabrics and styles should moms-to-be look for if they want to stay comfortable?
RP: Pregnant women are usually on the hunt for a stretchy knit, but if temperatures are heating up, make sure your clothes are made of nylon. Companies who make workout clothes use this fabric to wick away sweat and keep you cool, so it’s great for summer maternity wear. Bump-hugging dresses (another maternity trend) tend to be heavier, so for warm weather, look for a nylon-spandex combo. Looking for something a little more lightweight? Try viscose. But just remember that it can stretch out. Putting viscose items on a hangar can elongate them, so don’t hang them up in your closet (just fold them).

Gilt: What are some staples every mom-to-be needs in her closet?
RP: 1. A legging-style pant (either a jegging or a legging). Having pants that you can pop under shirts and tunics are a versatile, comfortable must-have.

2. A desk-to-dinner dress.Look for a dress that can take you from night to day.  It’s better if it’s in a solid color (deep purple is the new black!) so you can just switch up the accessories. Make this dress look different every time you wear it by adding a new jacket or piece of jewelry. I wouldn’t recommend getting a desk-to-dinner dress in a print — too many people will recognize it and you can’t get away with wearing it often.

3. Tailored jacket. A go-to blazer (no need to get one specified as “maternity”) is essential because it makes you look trimmer and put together. Wear it over knit dresses or flow-y tops for a chic look. My style is preppy, so I’m partial to blazers with white piping down the side.

Gilt: Choose your favorite looks from the sale and tell us how to accessorize them.
RP: 1. Pocket Front Shirtdress: This dress is a perfect spring-to-summer transitional piece. Pair it with simple flats or sandals for a pulled-together weekend ensemble or elevate the look with nude pumps or wedges. The London Shopper Leisure mini would look great whether you’re going for a casual or more dressed-up look.

2. Angelina Dress: A go-to dress for summer date night! Pair with gold or embellished flat sandals and statement earrings for a chic, elegant look. The combination of the neckline and the earrings will draw the eye away from the bump and up to your face and décolletage.

3. For a sophisticated take on summer brights, wear the Alexa Tank with the Nantucket Short. Keep accessories simple when wearing a pop of color and stripes — pair with neutral flats; thin, gold bangles; and the London Shopper Leisure Mini.

Now that nails have officially become the most inspiring canvases of the season, it’s time to test out a chic spring look of your own. One of our favorite nail art designs (above, left) combines a right-now hue, mint, with graphic black splashes that give your nails the perfect combination of ladylike polish and street-chic edge. Created by Los Angeles nail artist Madeline Poole for THE NEW BLACK, the “Robin’s Egg” manicure is three simple steps. Watch below and recreate the look at home with the Shibuya by Madeline Poole polish set.

Robin’s Egg not quite your style? Create your own perfect spring manicure with salon-worthy nail tools and polish sets by Deborah Lippmann, Julep, Nailuv, and THE NEW BLACK featured today on Gilt.