Every summer I hunt for things that I absolutely must have to survive the season: you know, that perfect lightweight dress, a fun sun hat, a statement necklace that I can wear with and to just about anything, from rooftop BBQs to super-swanky weddings. These go-to items become what my husband refers to as my "summer uniform tea length wedding dresses." Their mere presence in my daily life provides the comfort needed to get through yet another sweltering New York summer. At Honey & affordable prom dresses; Hazel sweetheart neckline wedding gowns, we offer tons of fun jewelry, gifts and other items that are "homegrown in Brooklyn." So plus size formal dresses, I thought I'd put together a Brooklyn Summer Survival Kit in the hopes that you will also find something for your own "summer uniform mermaid wedding dresses," no matter where you live.

Mel Gorski is the owner of , a new boutique on Graham Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn that sells handmade jewelry, gifts, home decor and more. She is a Chicago native but has spent the last eight years in public relations and marketing for a variety of fashion and lifestyle brands, including Cosmopolitan hair accessories for wedding, House Beautiful and Playboy. Knitting, embroidery and taking cooking classes helped to keep her sane through it all. She lives in Williamsburg with her husband business casual dress code, an author, and pug Nico.?

Summer is time for Brooklynites to step out of the comfort zone of their normal uniform of black and grey.? Brighten things up with a comfy turquoise by (I think I found my "summer uniform") or a beautiful chartreuse by . A by — a Honey & Hazel favorite — is ideal for adding just a pop of eye-catching color.

I love shopping. I especially love shopping in Brooklyn. And even more, I love finding that one-of-a-kind something that I know no one else will have. Now, as a first-time Brooklyn boutique owner, I get to shop as much as I want. It seriously rules. Sure color sample, I don't get to keep everything, but hey, at least it satisfies the cravings short petticoat!

Hit the beach or park in the by . It will protect your face and keep you glamorous in the blazing Brooklyn sun halter wedding dresses. Pair it with a high-waisted, vintage-inspired short formal dresses, like this one by and from .
Top the whole look off with a fun tribute to a summer staple: ‘s adorable (cast from a real peanut!) cheap evening dresses.? Fight humidity-induced frizz with from ‘s Brown Butter Beauty collection. Stash these and all your essentials in a heavy duty by .

Are you a dedicated customer of a handmade goods shop?
Tell us the name and location in the comments below!

Nautical accessories seem to be popping up everywhere this summer, including at Honey & Hazel white cocktail dresses. We love all of the above seaworthy picks (clockwise from top left): by , by plus size prom dresses cheap,? by and the one-of-a-kind by .

If you're local be sure to check out Mel's Williamsburg boutique Honey & mother of bride dresses; Hazel. Mention the dress Blog at the store anytime in June and receive 10% off any purchase over $100!

I know, it's hard to look cool when it's this hot, but let's give it a try, shall we?