Last weekend to lavish in white as summer winds down

How in the world did we get here? How is it possible that the last unofficial week of summer is approaching this quickly? With one week left until Labor Day a few thoughts enter my mind concerning the upcoming holiday. It’s the last weekend of pools being open; over-indulging on Aunt Sally’s potato salad at the family picnic, and, most likely, there will be one heck of a Martha Stewart White Sale at some store or another. But most importantly, the number one thing that rings in my head the Tuesday morning after Labor Day is the real white factor.
            Oh come on, you know what I’m talking about. I’m speaking on the rule that was formally abided by proudly and now has become the unspoken yet none-the-less honored practice. It consists of two simple parts. Don’t wear white until Easter. Don’t ever wear white after Labor Day.   I want to know who dictated that clever little fashion demand years ago.  Fashion is a personal statement you make for yourself which shouldn’t be contained by “rules”. I say if you want to wear white all year around go for it. More power to you if you’re the only one draped in a white cocktail dress throwing back eggnog at your annual Christmas party.
           However, I know there are some traditionalists out there who play by the rules and will tuck away the linen pants and white wide-brimmed hats next Monday.  No matter how you view the “White clothing rule.” in honor of wearing the crisp color and looking fabulous all summer (technically until Sept. 21st - the last official day of the season) the count down to Labor Day should be celebrated by wearing a piece of white this entire coming weekend!
        Rummage through your closets and find these staple pieces that you can flaunt this upcoming week. After all, for many of you, these clothes won’t see the light of day for another eight months.
First off we have the over-sized white bag or purse. I love a white bag because it pretty much goes with anything. One of my friends always wear hers well into the fall and ties a square-patterned scarf around one of the shoulder-straps for a cute accent.
          By the time the weekend rolls around it’s going to be poolside for one of the last times of the season. Now this is a daring request- pull out your white bathing suit if you own one. Lounge by the sparkling water in a full piece with cut-out sides which are very popular this year. Just avoid the white swim suit if you’re headed to the lake because it’ll get dingy in lake water. (Pictured from everythingbutwater.com)
       Slip on a pair of comfy linen drawstring white pants Sunday and experience what summer actually feels like on your body. Cool and soft, linen is one of my favorite fabrics and I love wearing drawstring linen pants casually with a tank top. J Crew takes the pant to an effortless level in their pictured women’s linen trousers; check them out at Jcrew.com.
           When you actually make it to Labor Day, wear your favorite white item left in your closet. If you realize you wish you had more of this color in your wardrobe, hit up the stores for Labor Day sales. Most of their white clothing will be discounted and if anything, you can put it away for next spring.
Don’t be surprised when Labor Day passes if you find your self wanting to wear more white. The color is worn with confidence and others definitely will notice you when you’re wearing it leading up to Labor Day. So get to your closet and start digging! You’ve got some white to find!