We slept without the air conditioner last night. The eerie quiet of our loft that made it nearly impossible to sleep leaving us in a daze of transitional tossing and turning. More than any other sign, this is the one we use to gauge the end of summer as the subtle shifts in atmosphere precipitate our own internal changes, be there physical or spiritual. And while its been a good summer in the city, we are beginning to feel the Michaelmas transition.

But to cling is human and the Zen of transition is not strong in many of us. Thus this Labor Day, for us the last weekend of summer, is a critical marker for a certain kind of fashionistas. The traditional rules of white reach their last viable wear date come Monday. No more white frocks can grace your tanned frame and white sandals and pumps must be lovingly stored until next May. Sure, plenty of people continue to wear white past these expiration dates. But too often it feels forced, like a faked fashion trend or over done styling. Cruise gives us a second chance and yes we relish trips to Miami, but really our grandmothers may just be right that this is our last chance. And so we celebrate the the last white weekend with airy frocks and the best of this summer's shoes. May you spill BBQ sauce on them come Monday!

When it's sweltering, the only thing you can safely pile-on, aside from sunblock, is jewelry. Perhaps you've hit the point, like we have, where the novelty of summertime clothing has worn off, and all your left with is your favorite cut-offs and thinest t-shirts. A few odds and ends might rejuvenate things a bit. We have to say that jewelry is, more or less, something we just kind of forget to wear. A few years ago, however, we learned a valuable lesson that has given us our own jewelry-manifesto. Back when the Lizzie Fortunato girls were fresh out of college we attended one of their trunk shows and bought a necklace that was as heavy as a handbag and completely crazy and stunning. It was at this point that we realize that jewelry can actually make and outfit--even one as simple as a t-shirt and jean shorts. We know at this time in the season, people are making shortlists of what should be their best fall wardrobe to-date. To that end, we think it's wise to give your July/August wardrobe some last-minute love. We've put together our favorite big, bright necklaces that will make you no less hot and a lot more stylish.

Maybe it's due to the summer heat, but lately we've been nostalgic for pin-up girl style. The cheeky poses, cherubic girl-next-door faces, and naughty getups have us thinking about short shorts and vintage bathing suits. However, as our network partner Flying Saucer reminds us, perhaps their most inspiring legacy was the awesomely fabulous hair. Row upon row of gleaming curls piled atop the head, falling into cascading waves that seem both done and undone at once, suggest a playful spirit, flirting with onlookers and hinting at unbridled passions. Flying Saucer did some research and discovered a treasure trove of homages to these hair styles as well as instructional videos on YouTube. If you don't know a beehive from a victory roll, you'll want to check them out. Whether it's rockabilly babe or vintage glamour you're aiming for, with a few bobby pins, any of these retro-sexpot styles can be yours.

After conducting a bit of research of our own, we found a How-To for the pomp, the reverse roll, and the Rita Hayworth. We also learned a bit about Lauren Luke, the makeup artist who, within a year, became a YouTube sensation with her makeup tutorials and has even inspired video tributes to her artistry by her fans. Known on YouTube as Panacea81, her archive includes Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis inspired looks, so you can create a vintage makeup look to go with your new hairstyle.

It's always a good idea to have an arsenal of weaponry at the ready to battle summer's most scorching days. We've found some formidable products to help you launch a large scale offensive against the heat wave. The goods available include the usual array of cooling foot creams and apres-sun moisturizers, but did you know that you can also wear cooling bra inserts? Yes, really. And cooling lotions and potions have gone hardcore since the middle school days you spent trawling the Body Shop at the local mall, and your once-beloved Peppermint Foot Lotion, though soothing indeed, can't hold a candle to some of today's sophisticated formulations. Slathering Institut Esthederm's Icy Relaxing Leg Gel all over your body feels like nothing short of shutting yourself in a frigid meatlocker (minus the unpleasant odor of dead animals), and if you're trying to look photo-ready while doing battle with the heat, it seems that every brand from Maybelline to Chantecaille has makeup to keep you just as refreshed as you are pretty. From shaving creams to eyeliners to makeup removers, there are plenty of inventive ways to keep your cool this summer.

After a prolonged winter, it hardly seems fair that we should have but a few delicious moments of spring before the oppressive summer heat sets in. Though the 100+ wave is sweeping the nation, city heat just seems so much worse, with its dripping AC units, bumper-to-bumper traffic, exhaust fumes, and rotting garbage piled curbside. If you're sitting there with beads of sweat running rivulets down your face, clothes sticking to your skin, and the prospect of trudging through city streets thronged with tourists or riding a subway car packed with sweaty commuters has you whimpering, it's high time you got out of town. If the weather forecasts divine accurately, it'll probably be just as hot where you're headed, but there is sweet relief to be found in the cold surf, secluded beach houses, and spa sanctuaries. Since, there's no use trying to accomplish much else, you might as well start packing your bags. We've picked out some stylish weekenders to tote around a couple of days worth of swimwear, flip-flops, and sunscreen. We suggest you leave your laptop and Blackberry at home.