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 http://www.cropdresses.net/WEDDING-DRESSES.html - 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 & http://www.speeddresses.com/Prom-Dresses.html - affordable prom dresses ; Hazel http://www.raildresses.net/wedding-dresses-sweetheart-wedding-dresses.html - sweetheart neckline wedding gowns , we offer tons of fun jewelry, gifts and other items that are "homegrown in Brooklyn." So http://www.cropdresses.net/ - 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 http://www.raildresses.net/wedding-dresses-mermaid-wedding-dresses.html - 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 http://www.cropdresses.net/ACCESSORIES.html - 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 http://www.cropdresses.net/Casual-Wedding-Dresses.html - 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 http://www.speeddresses.com/Color-Sample.html - color sample , I don't get to keep everything, but hey, at least it satisfies the cravings http://www.speeddresses.com/Wedding-Petticoats.html - short petticoat !

Hit the beach or park in the by . It will protect your face and keep you glamorous in the blazing Brooklyn sun http://www.raildresses.net/wedding-dresses-halter-wedding-dresses.html - halter wedding dresses . Pair it with a high-waisted, vintage-inspired http://www.speeddresses.com/Short-Wedding-Dresses.html - short formal dresses , like this one by and from . http://www.dayweddingdresses.com/Bridesmaid-Dresses-10079-good.html">
Top the whole look off with a fun tribute to a summer staple: ‘s adorable (cast from a real peanut!) http://www.raildresses.net - 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 . http://www.dayweddingdresses.com/Wedding-Dresses-11906-good.html">

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 http://www.pretdresses.com/Cocktail-Dresses.html - white cocktail dresses . We love all of the above seaworthy picks (clockwise from top left): by , by http://www.raildresses.net/prom-dresses.html - 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 & http://www.raildresses.net/mother-of-the-bride-dresses-2011.html - 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?