This season, designers had tropical climes on the brain, gathering inspiration from the lush landscapes and warm beaches of the Hawaiian islands. Palm leaves, tropical fruit, leis and other symbols of Paradise City can be seen on a range of silhouettes right now, from loose, easy pieces like palazzo pants and rompers to body-con dresses and bikinis—appropriately designed to flaunt a little of that tanned tropical skin. Pineapples and hibiscus, the state flower, are popping up on earrings, necklaces, handbags and other accessories.

So pick up a few of these beach-worthy pieces and wear them out before summer comes to an end. Your wardrobe will be saying, “Mahalo.” … //READ MORE

The music industry got another sign last week that vinyl is staging a comeback when rocker Jack White sold 40,000 vinyl copies of his new album, Lazaretto—the largest sales week for any single record since 1991.

This is a phenomenon that’s been building for a few years now, to the delight of record collectors everywhere. Last year, CD sales declined 15 percent and digital music took its first hit in a decade. But vinyl sales increased 32 percent, from 4.5 million units sold in 2012 to 6 million sold in 2013, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Only 0.3 million vinyl records were sold in 1993, at the height of the CD’s popularity.

As specialty record shops are springing up across the country and contemporary musicians are once again releasing records, vinyl is experiencing an official resurgence. But, why?

Fans of vinyl argue that records provide a richer, more satisfying experience because they play a wider range of sound. According to others, vinyl offers a kind of multidimensional artistry that digital formats cannot: the songs in an album come together to form a larger artistic statement. Plus, the liner notes are poetry. The album cover and record are collectible art. And the list goes on. But the most captivating argument for vinyl may be that handling a record satisfies the human need to connect with the physical world. Like book lovers who shun reading tablets, vinyl aficionados enjoy holding their records, admiring their content, listening to them with friends and passing them into someone else’s hands.

“Records continue to have deep resonance because they provide a social context in which to experience music,” says René de Guzman, senior curator for the Oakland Museum of California, whose recent interactive exhibit, “Vinyl: The Sound and Culture of Records,” explored the social and cultural phenomenon of vinyl. “The ability to engage with the world in more directly human ways is finding increasing value…in the heightened digital age.”

Lesson learned? It may be time to start your own vinyl collection or, if you’re old enough, dig up those old LPs from the basement. Either way, here are 10 interesting facts about the righteous record that you may not know.

1. The origin of the vinyl record can be traced back to 1857, when a French scientist named Leon Scott developed the phonautograph, the earliest known device for recording sound waves on paper. It was originally intended as a laboratory instrument to study acoustics, but it laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the gramophone record.

2. Recording and playing back sounds became feasible in 1877, with Thomas Alva Edison’s invention of the phonograph. But Edison’s technology relied on wax cylinders that became useless after a few plays. This situation improved in 1887, when Emile Berliner patented a new recording system that used a flat disc and made it possible to mass-produce the technology.

3. The first commercially available LP (long-playing vinyl) was released by RCA Victor in 1930. But it was the Great Depression, a time when not many folks could fork over their hard-earned cash on the latest technology, so the launch was a failure.

4. The LP finally emerged as the prevailing format in 1948, when Columbia Records debuted the first successful 12-inch disc, effectively launching the modern recording industry. Columbia’s disc used microgrooves, which were four times smaller than those of 78s, allowing up to 30 minutes’ playing time per side. Vinyl records also played with less surface noise and broke less easily than shellac, the key material used to produce 78s. RCA Victor introduced a competing vinyl format, the 7-inch EP (extended play) record spun at 45 rpm. By 1950, however, the 33 1/3 LP format became standard for albums, which were designed to showcase 40 to 45 minutes of an artist’s best material. Record labels reserved 45s for “singles.”

5. Tommy Johnson’s 1930 cut “Alcohol and Jake Blues” sold for $37,100 on eBay last October, making the Paramount Records release the most expensive 78 rpm record ever sold. The record is thought to be one of only two copies still in existence, and was described by its new owner, John Tefteller, as a “holy grail” for collectors.

6. The most valuable 33 rpm record is a copy of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Double Fantasy (1980), which reportedly sold for more than $400,000 in 1999. Mark David Chapman asked Lennon to autograph the record on Dec. 8, 1980, outside the Dakota, Lennon’s New York apartment building. Five hours later, Chapman returned to shoot Lennon fatally. The album was used in the court case and has Chapman’s fingerprints along with Lennon’s signature on the cover.

7. A man named Paul Mawhinney, a former record store owner, is believed to possess the largest record collection in the world, featuring more than 1.5 million.

8. There’s a difference in sound between black and colored vinyl. While colored vinyl is extremely collectable, there’s a sonic difference between them and normal black vinyl. Clear and colored discs attain more pops and crackle, and degrade faster when played.

9. Recorded for Record Store Day in 2012, The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends double LP featured notable guest musicians such as Ke$ha, Erykah Badu, Chris Martin of Coldplay, and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. But the performers contributed more than just their talent; Lips frontman Wayne Coyne persuaded some of them to donate small samples of their own blood, which was sandwiched into the vinyl of a limited edition of the album and sold to a few wealthy fans. Profits from the sale of these “blood records” went directly to two charities in Oklahoma.

10. The vinyl version of White’s Lazaretto features some cool extras, including two tracks hidden under the paper label in the center of the record, a hologram in the dead wax area of Side A that appears when the record spins, and a dual-groove technology that plays either an electric or an acoustic version of the song “Just One Drink.” In addition, the hidden tracks play at different speeds (one at 78 rpm and the other at 45 rpm), making it a three-speed record.

Now that you know a record-breaking number of facts about vinyl, start collecting. Or check out Red Typewriter’s Pinterest page, “Getting Creative With Vinyl,” for some fun examples of how designers and artists are using records for art, home décor, jewelry and more. So there’s a second life for all those scratched LPs, after all.

Do you listen to records or collect vinyl? Let us know.

An interactive vinyl exhibit at the Oakland Museum of California featured experimental listening spaces and lounge-like areas that encouraged social gathering and invited visitors to become a part of the show.

At Halloween, we load the porch with jack-o-lanterns and and cover the house with spooky-chic decor. At Thanksgiving, we bring out the cornucopia and our best holiday dinnerware. And in December, we wouldn’t dream of not decking out our homes in sparkling lights and other festive baubles. So why is it that when Independence Day rolls around, we don’t feel compelled to do a thing.

Sure, we might strike up the BBQ grill and invite a few friends over for burgers and beer. We may even head out to watch a fireworks show. But rarely do we go all out like the Mexicans do on Cinco de Mayo (which, incidentally, is not Mexico’s Independence Day, but you’d think it was, with all the celebrating going on). In fact, some Americans we know party more enthusiastically on Cinco de Mayo than they do on July 4.

C’mon, people. This is our big day. This year, let’s do it right. … //READ MORE

Does the mere mention of the word “romper” take you to a place where baby pink, drooling toddlers and cartoon characters roam free? Well, get over it, sista: The new romper is all grown up, ready for summer and wholly embraced by a slew of designers a la Diane von Furstenberg, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Ella Moss and BCBGMAXAZRIA.

Following in the footsteps of the still-trendy jumpsuit, the latest incarnation of the one-piece wonder is fresh, functional and oh-so-easy to wear. Those who don’t always have time to contemplate Instagram-worthy ensembles will love this trend, which requires no real fashion math—as in: “Does this top match this skirt?” Plus, making a footwear faux pas is virtually impossible, as flats, heels and sandals of every type are romper-friendly. … //READ MORE

Was there ever a year when we’ve been more ready for summer? Between the arctic vortex that pummeled much of our country this winter, to the erratic temperatures and winds that ran up and down the coastlines this spring, we’ve experienced a wild range of weather for the past two seasons. Now that the warmth has finally arrived and your once-sleepy neighborhood is finally buzzing with activity, consider throwing a bash to celebrate.

If you’re wondering how to get the party started, reach out to the party people you know for ideas and support. Think about it: We all have that one friend who’s expert at throwing shindigs and making every bash look effortless, so why not enlist her to sit down with you, give you some tips and help you organize things? (That’s half your battle right there.) Maybe you know someone who can arrange photo-worthy appetizer trays and another who loves to bake the best cookies and cakes. Delegating planning and cooking responsibilities not only makes your job easier, but can also highlight the contributions of those who helped out. And everyone loves to be acknowledged for something they’re good at.

As long as we’re on the topic of delegating, try giving a few party attendees a job to do. Nine times out of 10 that person will be delighted to help grill, put out the plates and napkins, play bartender, rally the kids for some activities or serve as DJ. To keep the party momentum going, here are 10 inspiring ways to add panache to any hot-weather celebration. Your attention to detail will be appreciated and discussed well beyond Labor Day if you follow a few of these suggestions. … //READ MORE

You’ll be testing your style borders this season with festive fashions inspired by Mexico. Rebecca Minkoff seemed to have Cabo San Lucas on the brain when she sent models down the runway in bold looks featuring colorful embroidery and elaborate cut-outs—not to mention a “Let’s Go to Mexico” T-shirt—paying homage to creative Latin American women like Frida Kahlo and Bianca Jagger. Similarly, designer Christian Siriano, who cited a trip to Isla Mujeres off the coast of Mexico as a source of inspiration, rolled out a flouncy, ladylike collection worthy of the most stylish señoritas. Combine that with Cynthia Rowley’s vibrant stripes and florals, and you’ve got a veritable fashion fiesta. 

How can you incorporate this south-of-the-border style into your everyday wardrobe? This summer, Mexican-inspired details are everywhere. Look for ponchos, shawls, peasant skirts and breezy pants in colorful prints featuring florals and stripes, with details like embroidery, fringe and beading. Pair almost any of the above with down-to-earth espadrilles and you’ve got yourself a look that’s muy maravilloso. … //READ MORE