Now that summer is in the air, the temps and hemlines are getting higher. It's time to dress for the warmer weather, but there are a few faux pas to avoid this season while keeping cool--and more important, looking it.

Pet peeve No. 1: Rubber flip-flops.
I can hear it now: the sound of the loosely fit rubber flip-flop smacking the heel of otherwise well-dressed wearers everywhere. Unless you're leaving the nail salon with a fresh pedicure, are at the beach or can't afford more than $2 for a pair of shoes, the unavoidably sloppy choice in footwear should be left poolside or on the shelves of the local Old Navy store. Other, more stylish options are everywhere, including decorative sandals, gladiators, espadrilles with cute ties or a wedge heel, and all-leather woven huaraches. (And be sure to pick up the next issue of dsm later this month to see how you can pair athletic shoes with dresses.)

Pet peeve No. 2: Plastic sacks as a substitute for a tote bag.
California became the first state to ban single-use plastic bags by retailers last September. They're bad for the environment. And they make a lot of noise. On top of that, why would you want to carry your items in what looks like a traveling trash bag you just pulled out of the Dumpster? I vote that if you have to use plastic sacks, leave them as liners for the trash bin in your bathroom or for walks with your dog. Instead, invest in a nice jute or leather tote bag or opt for an inexpensive canvas one offered by many local retailers--often in support of a cause--that are made from recycled materials and are easily thrown into the wash.

Pet peeve No. 3: Forgetting to clip the labels off of sheer and light-colored garments.
I think it's great that your new silk blouse was made by a hot designer this season. But if you clipped off the price tag, why wouldn't you also clip the label at the back of the neck or the care label down the side seam? While clipping that coveted Prada name from your new splurge may cause you to pause, you'll be happier to wear it without the distraction. If you have a steady hand but don't trust scissors, a seam ripper can be used by positioning it gently under the stitching and pushing up to relieve the stitch without pulling on the fabric or making a hole.

I love fresh summer fruits baked up into cobblers, crisps and pies, but I also love keeping summer entertaining as easy as possible. When I'm not in the mood to bake, I'm glad I've got a box of Thelma's Ice-Cream Sandwiches in the freezer.

 

These locally made, 100 percent gourmet goodies used to be somewhat hard to find, but they're now available at Gateway Market and select Hy-Vee stores, including at the Windsor Heights, Mills Civic, Urbandale and Jordan Creek locations. They can also be found at the Thelma's Treats retail shop in the East Village (505 E. Grand Ave., Suite 104; 343-7388; thelmastreats.com).

 

You can buy four-packs of either Snickerdoodle, chocolate chip or peanut butter chocolate chip. Or buy a variety pack, which includes one each of Snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, double chocolate chip and strawberry (the latter is a sugar cookie with strawberry ice cream).

 

A box of four retails for $10.99, but believe me, one is way too huge for one person to tackle. I like to buy the variety pack, cut each ice-cream sandwich into quarters, and serve them on a platter. Pass the platter around the table a few times; that way, everyone gets to try a couple of different varieties. Four sandwiches easily serve eight people, but grab an extra box just to be sure.

 

If you're feeling splashy, serve with chilled port, prosecco or sparkling moscato. Do so, and no one will care that you didn't bake something homemade.

Wini Moranville, author of "The Bonne Femme Cookbook: Simple, Splendid Food That French Women Cook Every Day," is a food, wine and travel writer who covers the dining scene for dsm magazine. Follow her at All Things Food DSM - Wini Moranville and catch her food segment on Fridays at 6:40 a.m. on KCWI-23's "Great Day" morning show.

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