THE WEEKENDER BAG

So the summer has you jetting off every weekend to the lake or to the beach. For a weekend excursion you need a weekend bag. Forget the luggage (too bulky) and the LLBean monogrammed bag you got for graduation just isn't kickin' it anymore. You need a 'Weekender Bag' made specifically to carry all your belongings from wallet to pajamas for a quick weekend getaway. Here are some fun choices in sizes and colors perfect for any fashionista.

This Santorini bag by Michael Kors named for the gorgeous Greek Island of Santorini, is a beautiful quality bag that you can carry anywhere. It's intricate design means it is not your average straw bag. Michael by Michael Kors Macy's $298












This Juicy Couture bag equipped with its own straw mat makes this ideal for the beach, the lake or even a picnic. Right now find it on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit $167.90.











Oh how I love fashion finds - I came across this tote at Weddings Etc in Homewood on 18th Street. Great size, good lining, a nice outside pocket, and of course I adore polka dots. Weddings Etc in Homewood 205.870.5299 $22










Boyy Bags are cute and very functional. This cream and navy Weekender Premier Getaway Tote is great for a weekend at Rosemary or out on the sailboat. Shopbop.com $365
















Botkier is one of my favorites. Designed for women on the go who need an attractive carryall, the Sasha Duffle can also been seen on the arm of Angelina Jolie and Siena Miller. Gus Mayer at Colonial Brookwood Village $695















What makes this Burberry bag great is that it rolls up to fit wherever you need it. So if you are vacationing with a lot of luggage but need a nice bag for when you go out on excursions - voila pop it out of your suitcase and fill it with everything you need. When it is time to go, just roll it back up and pop it in the suitcase. Burberry Stowell Roll Up Bag Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit $259



This mod English label is the buzz in the fashion world. Whether you grab a weekender bag or a wallet, Orla Kiely is a must have. Orla Kiely is found at Laney's Place at SOHO in Homewood 205.877.4005

This navy and white Balenciaga inspired bag can be found at a designer "inspired" website http://www.baghaus.com/ for only $40.















Check out this fantabulous bag by Rafe for Target! What a great look and what a great buy. Target $39.99

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Soft and Mighty Weekender is an incredible looking big bag. With great hardware and with great height - this bag passes the Summer Weekend test with flying colors. Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit $458

SCOOP OF THE SUMMER

It only seems fitting for My Scoop to feature its favorite scoop - Only 8 Frozen Yogurt! When I first heard of this no fat, no cholesterol yogurt, I was skeptical about the taste but soon discovered that the vanilla and strawberry-banana flavors are absolutely delicious.


Named Only 8, here are 8 reasons to try this delicious guilt-free treat:
1. no fat, no cholesterol
2. calcium fortified
3. low, low calories
4. all natural - no preservatives
5. sweetened with fructose
6. safe for most diabetics and lactose intolerants
7. 4 healthy cultures (great for mommies to be!)
8. great taste that won't go to your waste

Only 8 Frozen Yogurt
Mountain Brook Creamery
Mountain Brook Village
205.870.0092

BELLINI: VIVA SUMMER!

Nothing is quite as refreshing and thirst quenching in the summer as a Bellini. Created in Venice at Harry's Bar, a place frequented by Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles, the Bellini is perfect for the summer months when white peaches are in season. Chilton County white peaches paired with Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) make this summer cocktail an easy one to entertain with or to enjoy on the patio of your favorite Italian cafe.

Locally you can find this delightful drink at the following:
Bettola - new Italian hot spot located at Pepper Place serves their own version made from fresh peaches. 205.731.6497
Bottega - with a fresh shipment from Chilton County just in, expect to enjoy Bellinis while the season last. 205.933.2001
Brio - their frozen Bellini is a nice treat. 205.879.9177

Now for all you domestic goddesses:
4 tablespoons Chilton County white peach puree
1 bottle Prosecco, chilled (use sparkling juice or seltzer for a non-alcoholic cocktail)
Puree fresh Chilton County white peaches. Place 1 tablespoon white peach puree into the bottom of a Champagne flute. Fill the glass with Prosecco or Champagne. Garnish with a fresh peach slice and mint sprig.

IT'S A SMALL DOGGY DOG WORLD

It seems the dog days of summer are approaching early this year. Named by the ancients for when Sirius the Dog star was closest to the earth and consequently was believed to warm the world, My Scoop thought it only appropriate to acknowledge these hot dog days with an article on woman's best friend: the purse pooch. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, it's a small doggy dog world after all. Can you guess which four legged friend stars in the life of which Birmingham leading lady?

1. Bella, Yorkshire Terrier (also known as a Yorkie), 1 year and 6 months
2. Bella usually sleeps in the bed with me. She likes to snuggle!
3. The cutest thing she does is turn her head back and forth when I ask her a question, like she really understand what I'm saying.
4. I dress her up (in poochie couture and jeweled collars)! And she has lots of plush toys, blankets with her name embroidered on it) and a traveling purse.
5. Bella goes everywhere with me... the mall, Lowe's, the park, any restaurants with outdoor seating... and she flies well too. Her first trip to the airport was only at 8 weeks old, so I guess she's used to it.
6. Bella can not live without her rawhide chew sticks! It's like a baby bottle!
7. Bella's favorite toy used to be a stuffed bear, but that toy has retired. Now 8. Bella's favorite toy is a squeaky plush elephant toy, that wears a pink t-shirt.
8. Her favorite treats are natural dehydrated chicken strips.
9. Bella has t-shirts, dresses, sweaters, a nightgown, and even a bath robe!

1. Stella Star, Boston Terrier, 3 years old in August
2. Where does your pet sleep? With me of course
3. What is the cutest thing they do? She dances like a ballerina for treats
4. How do you spoil them? I give her anything she wants especially lots of love and kisses on her velvet snout.
5. Does your pooch travel? Yes she does....as a matter of fact, she just got home from a vacation at Rosemary Beach.
6. What is the one thing your pet cannot live without? Her Baby Lamb and me :-).
7. What's his/her favorite toy? Mr. Corn. He is a plastic squeaky corn on the cob dressed in surfer clothing and sunglasses.
8. What's their favorite treat? Puppy Pepperoni
9. What outfits do they wear? She has a fur coat, rain coat, bejewelled t-shirts, sweaters and lots of sun-dresses. She is quiet the fashionista!

1. Thatcher, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 1 1/2 years old
2. Where does your pet sleep? Everywhere but at night, in his crate
3. What is the cutest thing they do? When I talk to him, he stops what he is doing and cocks his head back and forth like he understands everything I am saying
4. How do you spoil them? At least 2 walks a day
5. Does your pooch travel? He loves the car.
6. What is the one thing your pet cannot live with out? ME!! And of course my parents (his grandparents) and his yellow stuffed bunny
7. What is his fave toy? He has a pink squeaky ball that I bought when I first got him. It is the most annoying toy ever but he adores it. He actually “talks” to it by making these crazy whining and barking noises.
8. What is his fave treat? String cheese
9. What outfits doe she wear? He’s sporting a nautical collar right now to get him ready for boating season. He also has some cowboy boots, a Harley-Davidson hat, a hunter green fleece jacket (very Abercrombie-esque), and a bumblebee costume.

1. Maggie, Toy Poodle, 2 1/2 years old
2. Where does your pet sleep? With me
3. What is the cutest thing they do? Being Maggie
4. How do you spoil them? She likes to be held
5. Does your pooch travel? Yes
6. What's his/her favorite toy? Miniature Soccer Ball
7. What's their favorite treat? Peanut butter toast
8. What outfits do they wear? Sweaters

1. Bella Grace, Welsh Terrier, 14 weeks
2. She sleeps in a kennel at night. The Home 'N Go Deluxe Soft crate in pink... with her name on it. When she is lounging around the house, she either sleeps on top of the couch (so she can keep watch over the living room), or on her Jax and Bones bed (which is monogrammed, of course).
3. The cutest thing she does is the way she snuggles up to my neck. She nestles her little head in just the perfect spot. She loves to be held, part of being a baby I guess.
4. She gets aromatherapy spa treatments from Generation Dog's Rub-a-Dub-Dog Spa and Bathhouse. I also bathe her in the same products at home. She bathes in the Renew scented doggy shampoo and conditioner, and finishes her bath with brushing, blow-drying, and then a spritz of Renew perfume!
5. Bella Grace goes almost everywhere I go. The only 'trips' she has been on so far are to my parents hometown, where she plays with her best friend, Elle, a wire fox terrier.
6. What is her favorite toy? A Honking Pheasant made by the American Kennel Club. We call it Honkers.
7. What is her favorite treat? Grandma Lucy's Tiny Tidbits Cheeseburgers
8. She doesn't wear outfits yet (because she is still growing), but she does have a bathrobe that she wears after bath time. It is white terrycloth, and has a rubber ducky applique on it. On a daily basis, she wears a cute pink collar.

Doree Walker, Owner Doree Denim at SOHO in Homewood/Former Miss USA

Holley Johnson, Editor Southern Living

Abby Dickson, Accountant Ernst & Young

Irisa Kahn, Sales Executive My 68

Pam Ledbetter

Answers: Doree Walker = Stella Star; Holley Johnson = Thatcher; Abby Dickson = Bella Grace (Welsh Terrier); Irisa Kahn = Bella (Yorkie); Pam Ledbetter = Maggie


Here is my little bundle of joy in his new sassy tee with his Furcedes from Generation Dog! Doolittle, Maltese, 7 years old

SUMMER SET LIST

So it's summer and all you want to do is cruise around on a sunny day listening to your favorite new songs. Or better yet, why not carry them everywhere with you on your on your ipod or your V Cast phone that way you can enjoy them on the beach, on the go, or at work. Here are My Scoop's top ten picks for your Summer Set List. Post a comment and you could win a Summer Set List CD of your own!

1. Lily Allen Smile - this adorable little Brit is putting out some of the best music I have heard in a very long time. With hits like Smile and Knock Em' Out it is easy to see why her followers adore her. She will also be appearing at the modern version of Woodstock, the Bonnaroo Festival June 14 - 17.

2. Justin Timberlake Summer Love - no list would be complete without JT; this is the perfect summer jam and so fittingly named. Recommended by Jessica Vance, Auburn University

3. Regina Spektor Fidelity - This New York singer/songwriter's talent is overwhelming. A wonderful voice, creative lyrics combine with a catchy tune that will make this one of your new favorites too. All the songs on her "Begin to Hope" album come highly recommended by Shelby Schuler, Hilton Sandestin Resort

4. Mika Grace Kelly- This jam is contagious. If you don’t like it at first listen, try it again! Recommended by Jessica Vance, Auburn University

5. Rocco Deluca and the Burden Gift How Fast - Hauntingly engaging songs are on their album “I Trust You to Kill Me”. Many of the songs on this album are unique to each other. There is plenty of variety throughout and this is one of my favorites. Rocco Deluca and the Burden perform at WorkPlay Theatre on Friday August 17 at 9 pm. Recommended by Todd Coder, Talent Buyer

6. DJ Khaled We Takin' Over - maybe it is the catchy jam, maybe it is the Alabama shout out at the beginning - whatever it is we can't get enough. Recommended by Shelby Schuler, Hilton Sandestin Resort

7. The White Stripes Rag & Bone - The very latest release from The White Stripes and the only release from their new album Icky Thump thus far. Album is suppose to be released on June 19, but the single is available now in the latest issue of NME. Don't miss your chance to see them at Sloss Furnace July 30 at 8pm, click here for tickets.

8. Amy Winehouse I'm No Good - She's still not in rehab, but this sultry soulful English songtress has just announced that she will give up music once she becomes a mum. Her music is very blues influenced and so different than anything else out today.

9. Eliot Morris The Infancy of Us – Although this is one of Eliot’s more popular songs, I still think that this is one of the best on the disc (if I was forced to pick). The entire album (Eliot’s debut) shows maturity and intelligence with every song; qualities that may very well take some artists three to four albums to discover. Alabama singer/songwriter Eliot Morris and his band perform with the Ryan Kinder Band at WorkPlay Theatre on Friday June 29th. Recommended by Todd Coder, Talent Buyer

10. UGK featuring Outkast International Players Anthem - with the video just released and the Village Voice saying that it is the song of the year, it looks like Outkast has done it again.

Don't miss this fun new music gadget introduced from Verizon Wireless: the V CAST Song ID. Song ID makes Verizon Wireless ’ V CAST Music the only service in the nation that provides users with a tool that captures information about a song immediately, over-the-air; then buy either the Ringtone, Ringback tone or full track song, in one simple process. To download tracks simply hold your phone to your computer speaker or radio and V CAST Song ID will identify the song. Customers can then select the option on their phones to download for free. Visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/ for more info or your local Verizon Wireless store.

SUMMER BEAUTY

Thick humidity and a drought - what a battle for our summer beauty! Before you step out in the sun this summer, make sure you put your best skin and hair forward. Post a comment on your fave product or have summer beauty advice of your own and win Fekkai Summer Hair Zero-Humidity Frizz Control.

Lancome Star Bronzer Magic Golden Spray. This luxurious dry oil illuminates the skin and adds that extra glow you want during the summer. This spray-on formula contains pure Vitamin E and peach extract leaves skin satin smooth. Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit $31

Neutrogena® Age Shield Sunblock with Helioplex™ has the most effective UVA-blocking technology available. This broad-spectrum sunblock defends skin against UVA and UVB rays. Waterproof and sweatproof, it contains Anti-Oxidant Vitamins A, C and E to combat environmental damage. Available in SPF 30 and 45.

Shady Day Daily SPF 30 wipes provide a convenient mess free way to apply broad spectrum UV protection in a 15 wipe reseasble package. Hygenic pre-moistened sunscreen wipes are designed for the entire body with an absorbent formula leaving the skin feeling dry and smooth. Perfect for the whole family and people on the go! Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit $14

Jergens® natural glow Firming Daily Moisturizer with collagen & elastin delivers clinically proven firming benefits to improve skin elasticity and a subtle skin darkening complex to create a natural-looking, summer glow. Begin to see a firmer appearance after just two weeks of daily use.

Kiehl’s Lip Balm helps protect against sunburn and relieves chapped lips. Hue 30G is a light golden color with peach tones, similar to our Golden Berry Lip Gloss. Hue 58B is a sheer lip gloss with cooler red tones, similar to our Black Raspberry Lip Gloss. SPF15 sunscreen provides UVA and UVB protection. Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit and Gus Mayer at Colonial Brookwood Village $8.50

Fekkai Summer Hair is all about sexy, undone style. But achieving the perfect "just-off-the-beach" look shouldn't mean exposing your hair to the damaging effects of the sun, saltwater, and chlorine. Frédéric Fekkai brings back the three best-selling Summer Hair products from 2006 and introduces two new sun-safe solutions — featuring innovative Solarshield™ technology to protect, hydrate and replenish hair all summer long. Quick -Quench Rehydrating Gelee restores instant moisture to your hair. Perfect for after a swim or if you have simply exposed your hair to a long day in the sun. Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit $20

Fekkai Wash and Wear Instant Shampoo Spray freshens up without lathering up. Restyle limp or overworked locks without water. Oils, product and pollutants be gone. Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit $20

SUMMER SALES

Finding this sweltering heat a bit unbearable? Step into these shops now to cool off and find fab savings!

1. Soca Clothing in Southside - Big sales with prices as low as $29.99 on summer dresses and tops as well as the first annual denim sale!

2. Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit - Saks First Cut is going on now. Find everything from swimsuits to shoes marked down. You may even want to shop for pops for Father's Day.

3. Swank 35223 in Mountain Brook Village - First mark downs at this hot new fashionista favorite happening now.

4. Susan G. Matthews in Mountain Brook Village - First sale of the summer - find Sweet Pea and Tibi at great discounts.

5. Lara at Patton Creek - Mrs. Lara always has great sale racks. Stop in to check out what summer goodies are marked down and don't wait because her fashions go fast.

6. Gus Mayer at Colonial Brookwood Village - Their huge Champagne Clearance is one day only Thursday June 14 5-9 pm with men's and women's fashions 60% off!

SUMMER SANDALS

Put your best feet forward in these summer sandal must haves! Now that your twinkling toes have been treated to a pedi, it is time to let them enjoy the sunshine. And what is almost as energizing as a beautiful sunny day? Why shoe shopping of course! Post a comment on your favorite summer sandals and you will be entered to win your very own pair of Coach Grace Espadrilles! Make sure to leave your contact email as well.

New Fabulous Summer Sandal Find!!! These spiffy Madras wedges at Target are on sale for $22.49 as well as a slew of other wedges and espadrilles too. Madras is very in style making this the perfect summer sandal. Xhilaration Tosca Madras Multicolor Wedges $22.49 available at Target www.target.com

The design of these seersucker basket weave wedges with ankle wraps is fantastic. And of course every Southern fashionista needs seersucker in their wardrobe. Anthropologie at The Summit $288

Let me see that thong sandal! These silver 'Summer' Sandals by Stuart Weitzman are a must! The shoe department at Gus Mayer at Colonial Brookwood Village $225

For a fun, stylish yet comfortable espadrille try this one by Castañer. As these shoes run small, Saks suggest that half sizes order the next size up. Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit $165

This gold thong sandal is great to slip on with a casual jersey dress or can add a little style to your beach get away. These shoes were actually featured in Us Weekly. Oka B Savannah flip flop $30 www.shoesthatyoulove.com

This sassy gingham sandal looks great paired with white shorts or denim walking shorts. Slip these on to conjure up your inner Mary Ann. Francesca's Collection at The Summit $16

These polka dot basket weave wedges by Madeline are not only adorable, but also comfy and easy to walk in. Find your pair at Shoefly in Homewood on 18th Street $58.

These earthy thongs by Me Too are sophisticated enough to pair with a sun dress or casual enough to slip on with jeans. Me Too can be found at Parisian-Belk with locations at Colonial Brookwood Village, The Summit, Trussville, and Riverchase Galleria.

These Grace espadrilles by Coach are Fabulous with a capital "F"! Available in 2 fabric choices - the rainbow stripes are a must for all you daring fashionistas. Coach at The Summit or Riverchase Galleria $178

Remember wearing jellies when you were a kid? Well, I was stunned to find these on Francesca's website - just for the record I am not recommending these, but thought you would be just as amazed as I was that they are BACK! Jelly Shelly shoes Francesca's Collection $12

PARTY HOPPING: DERBY PARTY AND FIESTA BALL

YP Birmingham hosted a fabulous Derby Party at Historic Rucker Place May 4 featuring mint juleps by Wild Turkey and Russell Reserve, catering from Whole Foods, jazz by The Music Caterers, a hat contest with a Furla Bag from Gus Mayer as the winning prize, a celebriducky derby race with Gene Simmons duck beating the odds, and of course great fashion! Proceeds benefited Junior Achievement. Next event Young, Hot Birmingham June 28 at The Wine Loft visit www.ypbirmingham.com for tickets. Photos by Arden Photography.

Brooke Maness, Brittany Maness, and Beth Hummel strike a pose in the garden at Historic Rucker Place in their derby attire and fab hats!

Joy Ryder and Emily Peers sipping on juleps on the wraparound porches at Historic Rucker Place both wearing hats by Scala www.scalahats.com, isn't it great to be Southern!

Hat contest winner Nina Reynolds looks darling in her gorgeous hat and navy eyelet dress. Nina won a Furla Bag from Gus Mayer!

Hat contest winner Nina Reynolds pictured center with her fashionable entourage!

Jeane Lee Fleming sporting this absolutely fabulous brightly colored hat and gorgeous sundress with Arden Ward wearing a 'too hot for words' vintage hat and strapless seersucker dress with pencil skirt.

Capt. Tyler Brown shows that men can wear hats too! Pictured here with Joy Ryder looking very Memphis bound.

The darling Elizabeth Sparkman in a beautiful light blue and brown strapless dress photographed with Rashada LeRoy looking very chic.

Jennifer Hatchet and her sparkling derby hat judge the winner of the celebriducky derby race as Gene Simmons edges out the Wicked Witch.

Enjoying a little porch sitting, Brooke Maness is wearing a dress from Bebe and Brittany Maness is wearing a sun dress from Soca Clothing in Southside. Kelly LaFleur is wearing a dress from Ann Taylor and hat from Hemline in New Orleans and Sarah Thrasher is wearing a dress by Miss Me which can be found at Francesca's Collection.

On what may have been the biggest party weekend of the year with a slew of activities from Schaeffer Crawfish Boil to Cinco de Mayo, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Young Supporters Board hosted the first annual Fiesta Ball May 5 at Workplay. It was a huge success and of course where there are YPs there are fun times and fun fashion! (And of course your fashion friendly neighborhood Fashionista was there!)

Ashley Clanton is wearing a printed dress from Loehman's in Atlanta along with accessories and espadrilles from Imelda's Fine Shoes in Atlanta. Leah Allen is wearing pants from Ann Taylor Loft, top from Bebe, shoes from Parisian, purse from Purse Picasity in Mobile. Emily Buckner is wearing an outfit from Summit Parisian, shoes from Target, belt from Fashion Bug, jewelry from Accessory Heaven in Trussville, and purse from Urban Outfitters.

Katie Walls is wearing a dress from Francesca’s Collection, jewelry from White House Black Market and shoes by Nine West; Lindsay Whittington is wearing a dress and jewelry from Express and shoes by XAppeal; Amy Coppock is wearing a dress and Barse earrings from Parisian and shoes by Bandolino.

What incredible dresses - I just adored both of these the great colors and the easy breezy fabric - these are 2 reasons it is the "Season of The Dress"! And see once again - men can wear hats!

Rachel Waters is wearing a Mixie dress from Theadora in Homewood , jewelry and shoes from Parisian. Jessica Thuston is wearing a BCBG top from Saks, Citizen jeans and Sigerson Morrison flats.

In a long jersey dress which is so very in style right now, this fashionista looks so elegant sporting her baby bump! Oh, if we could all look like that when we are preggars.

Camille Amos in a casual yet hip black jersey dress with Betts Johnson in a black sun dress with colorful Mexican accents - a perfect dress for a Fiesta!