Craving your beachy waves all the time? My hair is naturally wavy, but after several magazines worth of deliberation, I decided to see how wavy I could make it since I haven't been able to get to the beach at all this summer (sad, I know). I bought Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray (recommended on all counts) and it has worked phenomenally. You can apply it to dry and wet hair -- when I put it in at night, I wake up with gorgeous waves -- and I feel more summery already.

Though it helps to have the spray, it's not essential. Like I said, my hair is already pretty wavy. I usually shower at night, throw my hair in a towel, and when it's close to dry, I sleep on it. The next morning I run a wide-tooth comb to tousle my waves a little more and then it's perfectly beachy, no muss no fuss hair. (Disclaimer: My hair is short, blonde, and won't do anything but be wavy, so it works for me). I would recommend trying something new for fall if waves are your thing, since let's face it, warm weather, once it's gone, is always missed.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, bumbleandbumble.com, $24

Summer clothing is so much fun. I mean, don’t get me wrong, winter is great and stuff, but there’s something about the summer style that really tickles my Toms. There are just so many options! After making some observations about my own style and the style of others these past few months, I’ve compiled a little guide of men’s summer looks. I’ve decided to organize them from most casual to most formal. Enjoy.

Phase One: Ready for the Beach

Don't be afraid to unleash your inner sailor. You'll find your land legs in no time.

Super easy, super breezy. We’re talkin’ tank tops, straw fedoras, short shorts, swimsuits, sandals (when appropriate, although I always advocate boat shoes instead), etc. The clothing is always comfortable and ready to go anywhere. A great way to dress for the summer if you’re apt to adventure.

Phase Two: Urban Summer

So versatile! So voracious! So... another v-word!

Not necessarily “beach ready,” but not really dressed up either. These clothes are still comfortable, but adaptable. Key outfit components include rolled pants, button-up shirts, dressy shoes, and stylish messenger bags. You’re still able to move around, but it’s easy to tell you put a good amount of effort into your look for the day. So, congratulations!

Phase Three: Chic and Malleable

Nothing gets me going like a little bit of exposed ankle.

Just because it’s summer, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get into touch with your dressy side. These kinds of outfits are great because they’re more “work appropriate,” but you seem like you’re rockin’ the summer vibe. Popular choices are chinos and slacks, oxford shirts, bowties (!!!), any ties in general, higher waists, tucking everything in. Summery but polished. You can go grab an iced latte and read a book, or you can go rock an interview. Your choice.

Phase Four: Suiting Up

Screw you, summer! I'LL WEAR WHAT I WANT.
All images courtesy: GQ.com

So what if it’s 80, 90, 100 degrees out?! Who cares if you sweat through every layer ever? You’re not going to let a little summer heat interfere with your fierce wardrobe. You say, “To hell with it,” and bust out full suits, blazers, tie clips, long pants, and fancy shoes. You’re not afraid to get a little warm as long as you look good doing it. And boy, do you look good.

So, there you have it. Four killer ways to dress this summer. Maybe you’re going to stick to one, or maybe you’re going to try out all four. Take some risks. This might be the last summer before the world ends, after all.

The jury that sits in my head making decisions about my opinions on fashion trends is still out on the retro high-waisted swimsuit bottoms that have become popular this summer. Sure, they’re great if you have a little something extra you want to cover up down there and they look fabulous on some people. But let's be realistic. Those “some people” are a very rare and endangered population of willowy twig people who reside in the hip pages of Free People magazines. Also, imagine the awkward tan lines…ruins all crop top possibilities. But I digress.

One thing the jury is not out on, is long bandeaus. Let it be known that that is not their official name. After some serious research, I have concluded that they don’t actually have a real name, although they’re sometimes called long line bikini tops. They’re really just bikini tops that are slightly longer than the normal "only boob" covering ones. In keeping with the jury theme of the article’s opening, there was a unanimous vote that this new summer style is guilty of being fab! And yes, I do hate myself a little for that cliché but it seemed necessary…

Now before any of you jump down my throat about the title, I’d like to acknowledge that I’m aware not all of the following styles are bandeaus. In fact, most aren’t, but "Bitchin’ Bandeaus and Other Long Bikini Tops in Assorted Styles That Sometimes Have Straps" really just didn’t have the same ring to it.

I first became aware of this style through the ultimate trend informant that is Facebook. A friend of mine posted some pixxx of the bestiezz at da beach omg <3 <3 <3 summah 2012 and they were all rocking long bandeaus like nobody’s business. All summer long, I’ve been seeing the high-waisted bottoms but not their top counterparts, and frankly it was quite refreshing. Now that I think about it though, most of these styles harken back to the tankinis I wore as a tween. I fought and fought with my mother to pay more money for less fabric and now that I have free reign to wear skanky bikinis, I’m gravitating to these less revealing suits. Okay, let's be honest, they don’t cover up that much more, but no Mom, the irony is not lost on me. I’m not sure what this reverse modesty means but I’m sure some psychological pop-culture analysts would have a lot to say about it.

Without further ado, here are some bitchin’ bandeaus that will keep the modest “covered”, the trendy trending, and most importantly, prevent anyone from being convicted of having poor taste.

Underwire Corset Top, freepeople.com, $49.95

So this corset top from Free People isn't exactly that long or a bandeau, but it has other bitchin' qualities like the fact that it is wicked cute!

Seafolly Gingham Long Line Bustier Bikini Top, asos.com, $61.31

Look how long this is! Look how good it looks! Polyvore for the win! (They also get the credit for the next featured top.)

Turquoise Striped Long Line Bikini Top, debenhams.com, $31

Okay so I probably should have started out with this picture considering it is exactly what I meant by a long line bitchin' bandeau but I didn't feel like it, so here it is third. First is the worst, second is the best, third is the one with the treasure chest...? I guess that could work for this...

ASOS Blue Pansy Long Line Cupped Bikini Top, asos.com, $29.83

ASOS, responsible for this and the next suit, truly knows how to make a long swimsuit top.

Tavik Frill Long Bikini Top With Pastel Floral Print, asos.com, $74.57

I have very little to say about this one except for the fact that it is fabulous, looks like bubble gum and fairies and being a little kid, and I want it.

The sun is sizzling, the humidity clinging. With temperatures rising everyday, it’s a challenge to stay cool let alone fashionable. Yet locals here on la Côte d’Azur know how to take it slow and show off their perfectly golden tans.

Upon arriving in the city of Nice, the capitol of la Côte d’Azur, I was struck by two things: the blue of the water and the beautiful people, ambling along on a warm summer night. My wrinkled airplane outfit was very much out of place amongst the minimalist bathing suits. Good thing it’s sale season in France -- time to stock up on sundresses.

The essential Côte d’Azur packing list:

- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses, a towel and a straw hat for beach days.
- A pair of wedges.
- A pair of comfortable sandals -- everything in Nice is conveniently within walking distance.

H&M Black Sandals, April 2012

- Sundresses. Lots of sundresses. You’ll find yourself changing outfits frequently -- for hitting the shops, for the beach, dining in the historic part of town or trekking up to the hillside castle…

Pull & Bear 2012 Lookbook

- A lightweight scarf or shawl: not only will this work in a pinch as a sunshade, but many churches will not admit visitors with bare shoulders.

- Travel-sized perfume: sometimes a fresh floral or citrus note is all you need as a pick-me-up after a long walk in the heat.

- A beach bag: which can double as a shopping bag. Many grocery stores charge if you want a plastic bag for your purchases.

Zara Straw Tote, July 2011

And lastly, a pair of white capris: because that’s what the trendy people in Monaco wear. Or in case you’re lucky enough to hop aboard a yacht, of which the Côte d’Azur has plenty.

Another 2012 runway trend making a statement this summer is the high-waisted two piece swimsuit. This look is retro, daring, and glamorous! This style might not result in the best tan lines, but it's sure to be a stand-out look. Your friends will love it, your parents will appreciate it, and guys will probably just be perplexed by the look -- but who is ever dressing for them anyways?! This summer, make a little bit more coverage sexy! The best part is, this flattering look will leave you feeling confident and ready to strut your stuff at the beach. The high-waist band enhances your waist line and gives you a leg-lengthening look.

Here are some ideas when you are looking for your retro high-wasted suit:

BLEU Rod Beattie Halter Bikini Top, nordstrom.com, $77; Retro Shirred Bikini Bottom, nordstrom.com, $61

This look is flirty and fun. The center flower and mini polka dots enhance this glamorous and girly suit.

UO Mix & Match Halter Top, urbanoutfitters.com. $42; High-Waisted Bikini Bottom, urbanoutfitters.com, $37

What's great about a suit like this is the ability to mix and match. Since the high-waisted bottom is so colorful, you could easily wear it with any solid colored top, or better yet, a solid top that you already have! Your favorite bikini top and a high-waisted bottom that covers the areas we all dread revealing in our bikinis -- what could be better??

With only a few weeks of summer left, be sure to try out this look while you still can!