Best Things to Buy in July
Most people have a love/hate relationship with July. It's beloved for its long days full of sunshine, much needed vacations and the opportunity to get up and go without having to layer on garment after garment in an attempt to stay warm. On the other hand, July is a sticky month that usually results in higher electricity bills, an increase in mosquitos and -- for parents -- a few child-induced headaches. Nevertheless, July remains fabulous. From firecrackers on the fourth to picnics, barbeques and pool time fun, July is mostly full of win.
We know we covered the importance of sunscreen in both our 2011 Sunscreen Buying Guide and our Best Things to Buy in June features, but we just can't help ourselves.
Sunscreen is mega important, especially in a month like July where the scorching sun stays out longer and invites you to lap up its warmth. Even driving in your car with the windows down can result in a painful burn. Heed the words of your wise mother -- and all those doctors out there -- and lather up, honey.
Hot Prices:
Banana Boat Sport Family Size UltraMist SPF 50, $9.99
Rocky Mountain AvoGuard Stabilized Sunscreen, $12.99
Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effects Sunscreen, $9.99
Coppertone Sensitive Skin Faces Sunscreen SPF 50, $6.99
Ulta Suncare Oil-Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45, $8.99
Whether it's a spaghetti strap, cropped sleeve or strapless, it's necessary to own at least one or two summer dresses.
For those who are not as fashion savvy as the next, it's the perfect go-to garment that's easy to look stylish in. Just throw on your summer dress, pair it with flats, wedge sandals, flip flops or a pair of heels and you're good to go.
If you want to rev it up a little more, add a statement piece of jewelry or headband and wear your hair in a carefree style. Right now, geometric printed dresses are totally in, as are polka-dot prints and anything tribal-inspired.
Hot Prices:
Forever 21 Summer Blue and White Floral Dress, $22.80
ASOS Cut Out Summer Colorblock Dress , $34.48
BeBe 2b Simone Beaded Tube Dress, $34.95
Classique Flowing Maxi Dress, $40
Macy's Soprano Dress, Sleeveless Striped A-Line Mini, $21.99
In the long run, these techy reading devices will actually save you money on the cost of books and are extremely convenient for an on-the-go lifestyle.
Hot Prices:
The Black Dahlia, $4
October Sky, $1
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress, $10
Brutal, $4.81
Hot Prices:
Pottery Barn Charlotte Bedside Table, $199
West Elm Scoop Back Chairs, $50
PBTeen Solid Upholdestered Bedroom Chair, $229
TPS White File Cabinet, $159
Urban Outfitters Danish Modern Side Table, $149
Not only will the price tag put a smile on your face, but you'll still have plenty of days to romp around in your new purchase. The same is true for other swimming-related items, like swimwear coverups and beach towels.
Hot Prices:
Lord & Taylor Coco Reef Tankini Top, $52.50
Christina Plus Size Swimsuit, High Rise Bottom, $29.99
Nordstrom Make + Model Summerise Cover Up, $27.90
Nike Spiderback 3 Women's Swimsuit, $47.97
Express Studded Halter Top, $14.99
Alloy Deep-V One Piece, Long Torso, $29.90
We know it's tempting to grab your kiddos' back-to-school supply list and march through aisle after aisle filled with pens, folders and erasers so you can mark it off your summer to do list. We're tell you to hold off, at least until the beginning of August. Why? Prices for back-to-school supplies are at their highest. Wait another month and score much better deals.
Major Household Appliances
If you can bare to wait until the fall to buy major household appliances like a refrigerator, stove or washer/dryer set, definitely do. Most people take on big summer projects -- including replacing their appliances -- so prices are higher to make up for demand. Wait until the fall to take advantage of stockroom sales.
Related Stories
Striped Summer Dresses
Hip One Piece Swimsuits
2011 Sunscreen Buying Guide
Best Tablet Computers
Sunscreen
We know we covered the importance of sunscreen in both our 2011 Sunscreen Buying Guide and our Best Things to Buy in June features, but we just can't help ourselves.Sunscreen is mega important, especially in a month like July where the scorching sun stays out longer and invites you to lap up its warmth. Even driving in your car with the windows down can result in a painful burn. Heed the words of your wise mother -- and all those doctors out there -- and lather up, honey.Hot Prices:
Banana Boat Sport Family Size UltraMist SPF 50, $9.99
Rocky Mountain AvoGuard Stabilized Sunscreen, $12.99
Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effects Sunscreen, $9.99
Coppertone Sensitive Skin Faces Sunscreen SPF 50, $6.99
Ulta Suncare Oil-Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45, $8.99
Summer Dresses
Whether it's a spaghetti strap, cropped sleeve or strapless, it's necessary to own at least one or two summer dresses.For those who are not as fashion savvy as the next, it's the perfect go-to garment that's easy to look stylish in. Just throw on your summer dress, pair it with flats, wedge sandals, flip flops or a pair of heels and you're good to go.
If you want to rev it up a little more, add a statement piece of jewelry or headband and wear your hair in a carefree style. Right now, geometric printed dresses are totally in, as are polka-dot prints and anything tribal-inspired.
Hot Prices:
Forever 21 Summer Blue and White Floral Dress, $22.80
ASOS Cut Out Summer Colorblock Dress , $34.48
BeBe 2b Simone Beaded Tube Dress, $34.95
Classique Flowing Maxi Dress, $40
Macy's Soprano Dress, Sleeveless Striped A-Line Mini, $21.99
Books
If you're looking for an excuse to bask in the summer sun, look no further than a good read. Reading is the ultimate R&R tool that'll transport you to another world, if only for a brief 10 to 15 minutes.If you're tech-savvy or have an extra bit of cash to spend, consider investing in a digital book reader, like the Kindle, Tablet or iPad.In the long run, these techy reading devices will actually save you money on the cost of books and are extremely convenient for an on-the-go lifestyle.
Hot Prices:
The Black Dahlia, $4
October Sky, $1
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress, $10
Brutal, $4.81
Furniture
The time is now to redecorate your bedroom, living room or den. Furniture stores are prepping for new inventory in August, which means they need to get rid of stock taking up valuable in showrooms. This, of course, translates to major savings. So, whether you're just looking for a fun project or have been meaning to give your home a makeover, take advantage of the specials.Hot Prices:
Pottery Barn Charlotte Bedside Table, $199
West Elm Scoop Back Chairs, $50
PBTeen Solid Upholdestered Bedroom Chair, $229
TPS White File Cabinet, $159
Urban Outfitters Danish Modern Side Table, $149
Swimwear
At this point in the summer, most people have already invested in their newest tankini, bikini, board shorts or one-piece. Because the supply is still there and demand is not, prices are lower than they were earlier in the year. That makes it a perfect time to buy new swimwear.Not only will the price tag put a smile on your face, but you'll still have plenty of days to romp around in your new purchase. The same is true for other swimming-related items, like swimwear coverups and beach towels.Hot Prices:
Lord & Taylor Coco Reef Tankini Top, $52.50
Christina Plus Size Swimsuit, High Rise Bottom, $29.99
Nordstrom Make + Model Summerise Cover Up, $27.90
Nike Spiderback 3 Women's Swimsuit, $47.97
Express Studded Halter Top, $14.99
Alloy Deep-V One Piece, Long Torso, $29.90
What Not to Buy
School SuppliesWe know it's tempting to grab your kiddos' back-to-school supply list and march through aisle after aisle filled with pens, folders and erasers so you can mark it off your summer to do list. We're tell you to hold off, at least until the beginning of August. Why? Prices for back-to-school supplies are at their highest. Wait another month and score much better deals.
Major Household Appliances
If you can bare to wait until the fall to buy major household appliances like a refrigerator, stove or washer/dryer set, definitely do. Most people take on big summer projects -- including replacing their appliances -- so prices are higher to make up for demand. Wait until the fall to take advantage of stockroom sales.
Related Stories
Striped Summer Dresses
Hip One Piece Swimsuits
2011 Sunscreen Buying Guide
Best Tablet Computers
