Let's go over your summer fashion checklist: Do you have a great summer dress? If not, you may want to check out this gallery. What about summer shoes? I'm personally digging this pair of gold Toms. And are you stocked up on bathing suits? Just steer clear of this one. It gives me a slight headache, though I don't know if that's because of the pattern or the odd shaped cutouts.

Well, it seems like you got everything covered … wait, what about your summer accessories? The bags, jewelry, sunglasses, and other little items that totally make an outfit? No?!?

I loooove accessories. Here's why: They're super cheap -- granted, I'm more Forever 21 than Cartier; there are tons of options; they can transform any outfit from "meh" to "wow;" and most importantly, they can't tell if I've gained weight ... unlike my jeans. If you haven't guessed already, I own a lot of accessories, and I'm pretty sure these bangles will soon join my stockpile.

Barbecues, beach trips, and baseball games all make for summertime fun - and likely disaster for your clothing. Don't worry! Below, the Good Housekeeping Research Institute's (GHRI) cleaning product experts share how to zap troubling summer stains, so you can spend time outside instead of being stuck in the laundry room.

1. Grass
Your best line of defense is an enzyme-based liquid laundry detergent like Arm & Hammer, because the enzymes target protein-based stains. Rub a little of the detergent into the stain. Wash the items in the hottest water that's safe for the fabric and use chlorine bleach if the garment label says you can.

Related: Solve Any Cleaning Crisis


2. Sunscreen
It's inevitable that this summer staple is going to end up on your beach towel, bathing suit, or shorts. When that happens, remove as much of the excess sunscreen as you can by dousing the fabric with sand. Sand will cause the lotion to clump, making it easier to roll it off without pressing it into the fibers.

It's ironic--the most skin-baring season of the year involves a lot of opportunities to
plump up like a Ball Park frank. Cookouts, parties, weddings...the list goes on. But don't abandon hope--or social occasions.

Just toss a salad on the barbie, and dig in!

The following scrumptious "grilled salads" let you take a vacation from the typical summer cookout menus that usually feature fatty potato salad, high-cal hot dogs, greasy barbeque sauce, oversized burgers and carbo-loaded buns, not to mention the carbon-charred chicken and steaks, and plenty of beer and frozen cocktails.

Just because you want to look great in your bikinis or Speedos (not!) doesn't mean you must forswear the grill. Used creatively, the backyard barbie can help you stay svelte and healthy, while satisfying your cravings for fire-roasted fare.

Next time you fire up the grill, try one of these super-wholesome grilled salads that have been taste-tested and whole-heartedly approved by the

5 ways to instantly cool down on a hot summer day

It's summer, it's hot, we're sweating, and we can't seem to cool off. What to do?! As much as we would like to jump into a frigid lake, that's just not practical. Dunking our heads in a bucket of ice water? That's also not so realistic. Here are five easy and do-able ways to go from burning hot to instantly chill on a day when we just can't seem to stop boiling.

Stay cool on a trip to New York City.

1. Refresh with a low-cal, iced beverage. Try your local coffee shop's iced coffee for a caffeinated burst of energy that will tingle your senses and get your tongue waggin' for more. And if that doesn't do it for you, love Starbucks or hate it, a 'light' iced Caramel Frappuccino provides a jump start to your day with a mixture of bitter coffee and just-the-right-amount-of-sweetness caramel (a tall is only 100 calories).

And, or, BE cool in New York City with these hot tips.

2. A hot day is the perfect excuse to

Playing host out back is easier and less expensive than you think. Here are economical ways to transform your outdoor bash:

Get Seated: If you need more seating or surfaces, relocate indoor furniture, like benches or stools. Skip the disposable utensils, too: Use durable everyday dishes and cutlery, parking trays to catch cleared plates next to trash cans. Finally, set up buffet-style food and drink stations, and the party will run itself.
Related: Outdoor Entertaining Products



Serve Yourself: Position your buffet under an overhang or umbrella to protect it from the elements. Then order its contents this way for easy cruising: plates, sides, buns, meats, fixings, and flatware; place an extra set of seasonings (salt, ketchup, etc.) at a central location elsewhere for guests' mid-meal adjustments. (Note: If perishable foods aren't gobbled up in an hour, swap them out with a fresh supply.)


Raise the Bar: A beverage station separate from the food lets guests mix drinks and mingle. Stock

These fun and flattering retro-inspired suits blend the best of the old with the best of the new.

Want more retro suits? Click here to see our other favorites!




Yellow Skirted One-Piece
This polka-patterned swimsuit evokes the cheery styles of the 1950s. It's perfect for a day in the sun whether or not you cruise the boardwalk. ($178, dianesbeachwear.com)




Beach Blanket Bingo Swimsuit
This design is named for our favorite Beach Party film from the 60's, but its classic roots are even deeper: the flirty ruching and polka dot print add even more vintage flair! ($89.99, ModCloth.com)


Plus: saddle shoes make a comeback!




Miraclesuit Rialto Suit
Be a bathing beauty in this sapphire-colored suit, accented with a shirred front and a sweetheart neckline, which was all the rage in the 60's. ($116, EddieBauer.com)




Red & White Gingham Swimsuit
This timeless suit evokes memories of the 50's, with its classic gingham pattern and skirted front. ($75, unique-vintage.com)


Need a summer beach cruiser

For more frosty, frozen drink recipes, visit Babble.

MORE ON BABBLE:

When life hands you lemons, make these recipes! 30 lip-smacking summer lemon recipes

Contain yourself! 15 delicious dessert in a jar recipes

Please sir, I want s'more! 18 ways to make this classic campfire treat

Divine from the vine! 15 kid-friendly summer veggie recipes

Summer grilling recipes: 10 mouth-watering foods for outdoor festivities

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Also on ELLE.com:

25 sundresses for all of your summer soirees

The best looks for summer at the office, whether you're in PR or finance

Menswear styles we love this season