Items to Elevate Your Summer Gatherings
Cold Brew Accessories for a Lively Brunch
By Luke Fortney
Cold brew is one of summer's great home projects: smooth, low-acid and significantly cheaper than a store-bought $7 cup (the going rate at my local cafe). Best of all, you can style your drink with accessories and add-ins that make each pour feel personal. Start with Oxo's Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, favored by coffee drinkers (and Wirecutter) for its simple setup and metal mesh strainer that yields rich, consistent concentrate. Then, dress it up: The MoMA Design Store carries playful glassware, such as these sturdy two-tone straws inspired by the museum's colors. For serving a group, consider Erik Magnussen's EM77 vacuum jug, with a stopper that opens automatically when tilted, or this sculptural terra-cotta-colored thermos, based on a silhouette by the Swedish designer Sigvard Bernadotte. And for 'milk': The California-based company Koatji tested more than 8,000 recipes before settling on its blend of oat and fermented rice, called koji. The goal was to create a dairy alternative that would behave like whole milk in hot beverages. But Maj Henriques, a founder, prefers it iced. 'It brings out the flavors so well,' she says.
Under Cover
Sun Hats to Keep the Lawn Games Going
By Jameson Montgomery
For garden parties and rooftops alike, a hat can make the difference between an enjoyable afternoon and a sunburn. The Italian fashion house Prada offers a stripy version in cotton and viscose yarns knit to look like woven raffia. The California-based brand Beklina makes a plaid one in a Japanese woven fabric with a wide brim and a scarf attached for additional protection. Arc'teryx, the Canadian maker of outdoor apparel and gear, sells a lightweight shade hat with a finish that repels water. The Spanish fashion house Loewe has a woven cotton fisherman's hat in dark olive that's attached to herringbone jacquard straps printed with the label's logo. For those seeking adaptability, the French brand Lemaire makes a cotton bucket hat with a detachable neck protector. And for a bit of fun, look to the outdoor recreation outfitter the North Face. The brand offers a largely recycled nylon hat with a yellow brim that pops against its dark blue body, which features a toile print of the pines and rock faces of California's Yosemite National Park.
Easy Does It
Durable and Disposable Dishes for Outdoor Dinners
By Jinnie Lee
With barbecue season in full swing, having a stack of lightweight, durable plates on hand is a smart move. The British enamelware brand Falcon offers a set of four deep plates, each coated with a layer of porcelain, ideal for containing chopped salads or glazed meats. Antonis Cardew, a Paris-based tableware designer specializing in hand-turned wood pieces, carves dinner plates from pear wood, a type of hardwood native to Europe. Sometimes, when you don't want certain foods (and their respective juices or sauces) to mix, a divided plate is in order. Crow Canyon, a North California enamelware business founded in 1977, collaborated with Camp Wandawega, a resort in Wisconsin, on cafeteria-style plates with three compartments. For another colorful outdoor dining experience, consider the six-piece rainbow set of Hellerware plates, made from a food-safe plastic called melamine and designed by the Italian husband-and-wife team Lella and Massimo Vignelli in 1964. If all you're looking for is a breezy cleanup, the sustainable serve ware company VerTerra makes dishes out of palm leaves, sold in sets of 25, that can be tossed in the compost at the end of the party.
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Fox News
37 minutes ago
- Fox News
Wayfair's back-to-school sale offers up to 82% off on everything you need for your dorm
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CNET
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Too Hot to Stay in the Kitchen? 9 Ways to Stay Cool While Cooking This Summer
Summer is in full swing, and the heat waves have arrived. Already this summer we've seen massive heat domes that blanketed the Northeast, driving temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. When it's hot outside, the last thing you want to do is stand over an oven while trying to cook up a tasty dinner. However, just because it's hot outside doesn't mean your only option is takeout. There are a few easy ways to help keep your kitchen cool even when it's boiling outside. Read more: Best Foods for Staying Hydrated During Hot Weather From choosing the right appliances to timing your cooking sessions just right, a few simple strategies is all it takes. Better still, these tricks will help keep the kitchen from warming up the rest of the house and sending your AC bill through the roof. Here are nine practical tips to keep your kitchen -- and you -- cool, even when the temperature outside is pushing triple digits. 1. Prepare instead of cooking Ceviche requires no cooking. It just might be the perfect summer food. CNET Don't want to heat up your kitchen? Don't cook. That doesn't mean you can't eat. Focus on no-cook, fresh foods, such as summer salads, ceviche, smoothies and cold noodles. Even slicing up fresh fruit or vegetables like cucumbers and melons can be a refreshing and healthy summer treat. No-cook foods help beat the heat in two ways: By not heating up your kitchen -- or your body -- as you consume them. When you do cook, limit your time in the kitchen with a helpful meal kit (these are the best meal kits for 2025). You'll likely still have to cook the food, but you'll do far less prep and spending less time in a sweltering kitchen is definitely a good thing. Most services offer lighter, no-cook meals during the summer, too. Essential gear for food prep 2. Use an exhaust fan An exhaust fan above the stovetop is useful during hot summer days. Kitchen Aid If you're going to use your oven, make sure the exhaust fan is on full tilt whenever you do. Most people associate exhaust systems with limiting smoke, but these above-oven fans suck up a ton of heat too. 3. Use your outdoor grill or pizza oven Home pizza ovens are on a tear and present an excellent alternative to hot indoor cooking. CNET Take the heat out of the kitchen by cooking outdoors this summer. Barbecued grilled chicken or steaks are classics for the grill but don't forget you can grill summer favorites like corn on the cob or watermelon. You might be hot while you're outside using a grill or smoker to heat foods, but your kitchen can stay cool. Essential gear for grilling and outdoor cooking, all tested and reviewed. 4. Use an air fryer or Instant Pot Slow cookers give off far less heat than an oven. CNET Minimizing use of the oven and stove can help you avoid heating up your kitchen. 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With the right kitchen appliances, you can batch cook and keep the oven off. For example, make a whole bunch of pulled chicken in your Instant Pot (which gives off very little heat). Then you can use the leftovers to make tacos, chicken salad nachos and other meals that don't require firing up your oven. Best gear for batch cooking 6. Cook during cooler hours If you're going to cook, try to do it when it's cooler out. CNET Cooking in your kitchen when it's already hot outside (and maybe already hot in your home) means you'll only add to the heat. Plan ahead and strategize your cooking times for when it's not as hot. The best time to cook to avoid the heat is in the morning or later in the evening. That might appear easier said than done, but you could bake bread in the morning, or cook proteins and pasta dishes while you're making breakfast or an early lunch so they'll be ready to go for dinner. More cool kitchen tips 7. 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Aarke This strategy won't lower the actual temperature in your kitchen but it will make the heat more bearable. Hydration is the No. 1 rule for most summer activities, and cooking outdoors or in a warm kitchen is no exception. Drink lots of water -- it's recommended to drink between 11 and 15 cups per day -- and sip even more than you think you should when the mercury rises. Want to punch it up a bit? Try water infusions for more flavor and refreshment. Planning to sweat? Add sea salt and lemon to boost electrolytes and flavor. Hot tips to stay hydrated FAQs
CNN
4 hours ago
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The best beach sandals for every summer outing, according to style experts
Finding the best beach sandals for your summer plans? A non-negotiable when it comes to a truly relaxing getaway. No matter how chic your summer seasonal wardrobe may be looking, there's nothing like broken straps, massive blisters and perpetually damp footbeds to make you re-evaluate just about everything. Whether you're drawn to trendy yet nostalgic jelly sandals, effortless slides, chic flip-flops or supportive platforms, you've come to the right place for all stylish summer footwear needs. Ahead, we've consulted stylists and shoe designers on what they look for in a great pair of beach sandals, along with some of their top picks. Birkenstock Women's Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals The most popular recommendation from our experts, these water-friendly shoes are available in both men's and women's sizing. They're practical, comfortable, lightweight and truly have it all. Birkenstock Men's Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals 'I've had a pair of these for nearly ten years — the same pair,' said fashion stylist and writer Corina Gaffey. 'They just last and are so durable, wipe clean and easy to slide on,' she explained. 'You get the lovely Birkenstock aesthetic but in a beach-safe material.' Havaianas Aqua Sandals Made from rubber and PVC, Nancy Schuster, a fashion stylist, brand and image consultant loves these classic yet stylish waterproof sandals that are great for beach parties and relaxing by the water. 'The brand's signature textured 'rice pattern' on the footbeds helps prevent slipping,' she Women's Friday Slides Bombas makes some of our favorite socks, and its footwear shouldn't be overlooked either. 'I love how clean and lightweight these are,' stylist and fashion brand consultant Ashley Afriyie said. Bombas Men's Friday Slides Sometimes rubber beach sandals can be a little heavy, Afriyie said, but these waterproof slides are easy to clean, pack away and overall no fuss. Ancient Greek Sandals Eleftheria Jelly Sandals 'With both fisherman sandals and jelly shoes trending, a pair of jelly sandals combines both worlds while being super cute and nostalgic,' Gaffey said. She recommends Ancient Greek Sandals for a refined and practical take on the trend. The brand has tons of different jelly sandals and flats, many of which are available in fun colors. Crocs Miami Toe Loop Sandal For those who prioritize comfort but still want a flattering shape, Lindsey Bernay, a fashion expert, stylist, and author of 'You Can't Leave the House Naked, recommends this simple, lightweight and easy-to-wear style. Beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw tested them, and while she found them too flat for all-day wear, she thought they were a great pick for vacation since the versatile style can be dressed up or our reviewHavaianas Women's Slim Flip-Flops 'I feel like it's really on the 'it-girl's' summer must-have lists,' Kathryn Hamed, a fashion stylist and creative consultant, said of Havianas' classic flip-flops. Both she and Linda Cui Zhang, associate fashion director at Nordstrom, recommend the fashion-forward square toe style. Havaianas Men's Top Flip-Flops 'What's great about simple, black flip-flops is that they're so versatile, lightweight and cool,' Gaffey said. Several of our stylists recommend Havaianas when it comes to the ultimate flip-flops brand. Tkees Square Toe Lily A favorite brand of both Jamie Lewis, a personal stylist based in New York City, and Hamed, Tkees is second to none when it comes to effortlessly chic, minimalist sandals that don't sacrifice on comfort. 'I've worn these for years — by the pool, out to dinner, even styled for clients' streetwear looks,' Hamed said. 'They're a great basic to have on hand all summer long.' Lewis recommends the Lily sandals, which are available in 11 different nude 'Ohana Women's Water-Friendly Sandals 'If you're looking for a minimal design but also need arch support — these sandals are for you,' Lewis said. They're simple and sleek while still providing the all-day comfort you need. OluKai 'Ohana Men's Water-Friendly Beach Sandals The contoured footbeds and traction soles keep feet steady even when navigating slippery docks or through the sand. The flip-flops come in over 20 colors for men and women. Reformation Jessie Thong Sandals Hamed loves these chic leather sandals, which provide a great pop of color to any beach outfit. 'I styled them for a recent editorial shoot,' she said. 'They photographed wonderfully and the model called out how comfortable the style was.' Sam Edelman Dean Jelly Flip-Flops 'With their jelly soles and translucent pink toppers, these are a refreshing take on classic flip-flops,' said on-air fashion expert and stylist Cindy Conroy. 'They're ideal for beachgoers who want no-fuss sandals that can stand up to everything from waves to boardwalks.' Frankie4 Willow Sandals These simple yet stylish slip-on shoes boast really impressive support. According to Gabrielle Thompson, director of footwear at Frankie4, they're designed to feel refined enough for resort wear, but equally at-home poolside or on the sand. 'Pair them with linen pants, a throw-on dress or even your swimsuit and an oversized shirt,' she said. 'They're the kind of piece that instantly pulls a summer look together.' André Assous Ramy Sandal Hamed is a big fan of André Assous' raffia sandals, all of which embody the ease and effortless style of summer fashion without sacrificing on comfort. This versatile style is perfect for just slipping on or dressing up. Archies Unisex Arch Support Slides Schuster recommends these podiatrist-designed shoes for anyone in need of maximum shock absorption and comfort after a long day of walking or aquatic adventures. Available in both men's and women's sizes, they're durable, lightweight and feature a slight heel elevation to reduce strain on your calves and Achilles tendon. Vince Barcelona Jelly Cage Mule in Red We can't get enough of jelly sandals, and this pair of mules is perfect for the beach and beyond. Zhang loves the playful pop of red these bring to any summer outfit, and recommends wearing them with a striped poplin shirt and denim shorts. Steve Madden Hadyn Tortoise Sandals 'These fashion-forward sandals play well with denim shorts or even a swim cover-up,' Bernay said. 'The tortoise detail makes these feel luxe,' even though they're available at a wallet-friendly Women's Original Universal Slim Sandals According to Lewis, Tevas have made a comeback. 'I love them for anyone looking for something durable,' she said. 'They're great for moms with little kids — and who might be walking near the rocks with their kids — who also want to be stylish.' This style features slimmer straps than the Original. Teva Men's Original Universal Sandals Teva makes our best-tested hiking sandals, so it makes sense that the brand has beach-ready sandals too. The Original Universal Sandals have a simple profile, easy hook-and-loop closure and cushioned soles. Cole Haan Grandprø Daylin Wedge Triple Strap Sandals Beach sandals don't always have a reputation of being the most stylish shoes, but Afriyie loves how fashionable, well-made and versatile this pair is. 'The grips on the shoe are very practical for a rocky beach adventure,' she said. André Assous Pepper Sole Motion Sandals 'Designed for all-day active beachgoers, these shoes will take you from sandy shores to the city streets,' Schuster said. The wide criss-cross leather straps are adjustable, breathable and easy to keep clean. 'The shoe moves with your foot,' she said, and makes it feel 'like you're walking on a cloud.' Arizona Love Trekky Leopard Print Gaffey called Arizona Love 'the originator of making trekking sandals look cool.' In addition to this leopard print option, she has a pair that's encrusted with pearls. 'If you're looking for a more stylish option with function, these are the ones,' she said. Naturalizer Soul Poppi Wedge Sandals Conroy loves the blush hue of these wedge sandals, which she described as 'coastal grandma chic.' The contoured memory foam insoles, different width options and velcro straps make for a perfect all-in-one pair of vacation shoes. Stuart Weitzman Cece Slides Afriyie described this pair of sandals as 'perfect for an evening on the beach boardwalk.' While they're on the more fashionable side, she said they're easy to wear and still feel appropriate for the more laid back beach-related activities. Dolce Vita Brinn Sandals 'Polished yet beach-appropriate, these are a personal favorite for their raffia texture and neutral tone,' Bernay said. 'They're ideal for going from the beach to brunch, especially when paired with a cotton dress and wide-brim hat.' Dolce Vita Kittle Sandals If you love your flip-flops but need something a bit dressier, Zhang recommends these sandals. 'The minimalist silhouette makes it an effortless wardrobe staple,' she said. Salt Water Retro Sandals Larroudé Milan Slides If you're going for an elevated poolside vibe, Bernay recommends these slides. 'They look chic with everything from a one-piece swimsuit to linen trousers,' she said, and 'are perfect for an all-day adventure that calls for a versatile shoe.' There are a couple key components to a great pair of beach sandals. The first is water-resistance and overall durability. 'It needs to handle splashes, salt and sand without losing its shape or finish,' Thompson said. This means looking for sandals made from materials that dry quickly if they're not actually waterproof or water-resistant themselves. You'll also want a sandal that has a secure fit and some type of slip resistance or traction, which is particularly important if you're going to be traversing potentially slippery surfaces like wet sand, boardwalks or rocks. 'While you want them easy to slip on and off, they shouldn't slide around too much, especially if you plan on walking a fair distance,' said Schuster. Another element to keep in mind is versatility. 'The perfect pair should match your swimsuit but can also be worn for a sunset dinner,' Gaffey said. Lewis advises her clients to opt for sandals with a minimal design, which will be easiest to simply pull out of your bag and pair with different bathing suits. Colorful shoes are fine, she said, but opting for something sleek and simple will make it easier to style no matter what your beach trip entails. And of course, a good pair of beach sandals should balance comfort and support with style. 'You'll likely be walking a lot, so look for adequate cushioning, appropriate arch support if needed and straps that don't chafe,' Schuster said. There are tons of different types of beach shoes, easy flip-flops and slides, supportive sport or athletic sandals, dressy beach sandals and water-friendly shoes — just to name a few. When it comes to choosing the best ones for you, our experts recommend starting by considering your ideal beach day. 'Think about your destination and agenda,' Bernay said. Gaffey recommends asking yourself whether you're more of a lounger or an explorer, and how much walking you're going to be doing. 'If it's only to the bar and back or just wandering to the waves, you can lean into more style than support,' she said, recommending sleek leather slides or flip-flops. 'But if you're going to rack up sandy miles, it's best to find a pair of sandals that are comfortable and cushioned so you don't end up with blisters.' Similarly, if you're going to be in and out of the water, you'll want to prioritize truly waterproof shoes. But for something a bit more versatile, consider a piece that 'can transition to evenings and nights après beach,' Conroy said. The following FAQs have been answered by stylists Ashley Afriyie, Lindsey Bernay, Cindy Conroy, Corina Gaffey, Kathryn Hamed, Jamie Lewis, Nancy Schuster, Linda Cui Zhang and footwear designer Gabrielle Thompson. What is the best material for beach sandals? What is the best material for beach sandals? 'Think lightweight, durable and water-resistant,' Gaffey said. 'Look for EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), rubber or PU foam, as they are all quick-drying and able to withstand sand, sea, sun cream and sun.' In addition to those materials, Schuster added that synthetic straps, particularly those made from polyester, nylon or neoprene are good options. 'They dry quickly, are resistant to water damage and are relatively durable,' she said. Generally speaking, you'll want to steer clear of anything delicate and made of suede or traditional leather, Gaffey said, as these have a higher chance of staining or warping from the heat or water. If you're in need of a dressier option, Thompson recommends sandals made with water-resistant leather. Unlike traditional leather, it doesn't stiffen or crack when it gets wet. 'It's durable, dries quickly and still looks beautiful after wear,' she said. Are Birkenstocks good beach sandals? Are Birkenstocks good beach sandals? It depends on the type of Birkenstock. If you're going to be bouncing in and out of the water or taking part in any aquatic activities, our experts recommend avoiding the traditional Birkenstocks with cork footbeds. This type of footbed — along with the suede or leather top part of the shoes — are not designed to get wet, Schuster said. 'Saltwater and prolonged moisture will degrade the cork, ruin the leather or suede and likely cause them to crack, stain or fall apart,' she said. A great alternative would be the water-friendly Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA, which many of our experts recommend. If you're partaking in beach activities that don't involve water, traditional Birkenstocks can be a fine option. Conroy recommends them if 'ankle stability is a must-have, especially if you're going up and down uneven sandy beach terrain.' Hamed enjoys the brand's big buckle styles as an easy option to slip on and off, though she notes that the sandals' buckles do tend to heat up in the sun. Are Crocs considered beach sandals? Are Crocs considered beach sandals? While experts are split on how stylish Crocs are, the clogs make great beach sandals for a couple reasons. Croslite, the brand's proprietary material, is waterproof, buoyant and easy to clean. 'Their design — perforations for drainage, easy slip-on style, good traction — makes them highly practical for walking on sand, by the water and on wet surfaces like boardwalks or concrete around pools,' Schuster said. And of course, the brand's signature cushioning and comfortable fit is more than welcome when you're spending a long summer's day outside. If you're opting for the classic clog, both Gaffey and Bernay said that the style is making a comeback — even amongst celebrities. On a hot day, Conroy recommends more beach-friendly slides, flip-flops, toe loops or strappy sandals. 'Clogs don't equal fun in the sun,' she said. 'Your feet will roast — and they trap sand — so save that for the campfire and instead look for options that allow your feet to breathe.' For this article, we consulted the following stylists to gain their professional insights: Ashley Afriyie, a stylist and fashion brand consultant Lindsey Bernay, a fashion expert, stylist, and author of 'You Can't Leave the House Naked' Cindy Conroy, an on-air fashion expert and stylist Corina Gaffey, a fashion stylist and writer Kathryn Hamed, a fashion stylist and creative consultant Jamie Lewis, a personal stylist based in New York City Nancy Schuster, a fashion stylist, brand and image consultant Gabrielle Thompson, director of footwear at Frankie4 Linda Cui Zhang, associate fashion director at Nordstrom CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, Noelle Ike interviewed fashion experts about the best beach sandals. She has previously written other shoe shopping guides, including a review about Allbirds shoes and roundups on the best ballet flats and best loafers.
