Now that temperatures in NYC have nearly reached 100 degrees, it's a good time to start thinking about hitting the beach. Whether you're just taking a day trip to Rockaway Beach or jet-setting to the Greek island of Mykonos, comfort and chicness are both key. We cringe when we spot someone wearing an oversize t-shirt and a visor at the beach. Looking sloppy is 100% inexcusable, especially since there are so many adorable and functional pieces that are affordable and easy to wear.

The first thing to think about when packing your bag for the beach is protection. Never forget to bring sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 and to reapply often. While sunscreen is great, it certainly isn't enough. To further protect your face and scalp, make sure to grab a floppy straw hat. If you're putting the hat into a suitcase and concerned about it losing its shape, try our Crushable Sun Hat - an awesome item that every frequent traveler should own.

The next item that you should always have with you is a trusty pair of sunglasses. Whether you prefer the feline shape, retro wayfarers, or old-school aviators, Teddy has a plethora of options. In stores, we've noticed that many people complain about not knowing what sunglasses look best on them. If you're unsure, follow this quick guideline:

* Heart-Shaped Faces and Square Faces look best in cat-eye sunglasses   

* Long & Narrow Faces benefit from an oversize pair of Jackie O. shades  

* Oval Faces can rock any style  

* Round Faces are complimented by wide, colorful aviators 

If you can't bring a friend shopping with you, it's helpful to keep this guide in mind so that you don't become overwhelmed with all of the different options.

One item that many people forget about is a great cover-up. Even if you always tan and never burn, it's smart to bring a cover-up to avoid getting too much sun. Cover-ups are always a handy item to toss on if you're going to grab a drink at an air-conditioned cafe or take a bike ride on the boardwalk.

If you want to cover up your bathing suit but avoid ridiculous tan lines, make sure to stock up on strapless dresses. The Flower Power Dress pictured above is colorful and fun but also super comfortable and stretchy (and we also carry a maxi version in different colors). When you're ready to leave the beach, this dress is also something that you can change into for the trip home. Another thing to never forget is a bandeau bra! Nothing is worse than putting on an underwire bra after spending the entire day in a comfortable swimsuit.

We hope you all have a great time at the beach this summer! Don't forget to check out our Facebook page and let us know if we missed any of your beachwear essentials.

Although the girls at Teddy don't fall for every trend (harem pants, we're lookin' at you), we're head-over-heels in love with cut-out backs. If you want to be subtly sexy, choose a dress with modest coverage in the front and a peek-a-boo of skin in the back. Whether you're going to work, party, or just relax, it's totally easy (and appropriate) to rock the cut-out back trend. 

If you're like us and want to get as much mileage as possible out of your clothes, become an expert in layering. If you're heading to work, just toss a blazer or cardigan over your dress to hide any exposed skin. Make sure to wear flat shoes and subtle jewelry to keep the look professional and polished. If you're going out after work, make a few simple changes to spice up your outfit: remove your jacket, toss on a pair of heels, and complete the look with a bright lip. Could it be any easier?

While some trends are hard to transition from season-to-season (i.e., high/low hemlines), cut-out backs are easy to cover up with a jacket, blazer, cardigan, or slouchy sweater.

In-stores, we often hear customers voice concern over what type of bra to wear with a cut-out back. Essentially, there are three options:

1. If you have a smaller bust, pick up a package of breast petals (we carry them in-stores) or just go bra-less. Many dresses with criss-cross or cut-out backs have thick enough material that braving it sans bra may work for the lucky few.

2. Choose a backless bra (we like this one from Victoria's Secret).

3. Pick a pretty bra that compliments the outfit and don't worry about hiding it. While this definitely isn't appropriate for a formal dress, it can sometimes work with something more casual.

If you have any questions about how to rock this trend, ask one of our sales associates for assistance. They're always happy to help! If you have a question and can't make it into a store, always feel free send us a message via our Facebook or Twitter pages.

With summer festival season just kicking off, Teddy is here to help you find the perfect festival frock so you can be both comfortable and stylish while you boogie on. Channel your inner Janis Joplin and set up camp in Teddy’s closet to prepare for three days of peace, love, and music!

Hello florals, fringes, and funky fabrics! We’re venturing back to the grand ole ancestor of these celebrations (Woodstock, of course) and gaining inspiration by all things bohemian. Our first necessity is the Floral Frenzy Maxi Dress. Pair it with the Chocolate Floppy Boho Hat and add some chunky bracelets to achieve the ultimate cozy chic look - works with or without shoes!

After soaking up one day of sun, toss on your go-to cut-offs with a vibrant tribal print top, like the Black or Blue Rain Dance Tank. Build on this look with a piece of hammered jewelry and send vibes of good fortune by carrying your belongings in a vegan handbag or clutch.

Welcome to day 3. By this time you’ve got yourself a glowing tan, so showcase it with our Jersey Short Shorts. These work great with a basic pocket tee or you could always go DIY and crop (+ fringe) your favorite band’s tour shirt! Dream on with our Dreamcatcher Necklace and dance the night away, you flower child, you!

For further inspiration, check out some celebrity festival style. Go wild and dye your hair a bright color or toss on a pair of wellies if the weather is sub-par. If you're heading to a festival this summer, Teddy's got you covered :)

Here at Teddy, we understand how difficult it can be to put together a fabulous outfit, especially when friends aren't available to provide opinions. To help you out, we always create a few complete looks whenever we receive new merchandise. If you click on the look book link at the top of our home page (or simply click on the above photo), you can check out every look that we've posted. It's the perfect place to get outfit ideas for special events such as a first date, benefit dinner, or day at an amusement park. It's also a great tool to consult if you're packing for a vacation and looking for versatile pieces that can be worn several times without seeming repetitive and stale.

Remember ladies, when in doubt, consult the look book! Also, don't be afraid to ask our sales associates for opinions when you're shopping in the store - they're always more than happy to help.

With spring around the corner and everything coming into bloom, what better color than pink to bring out the girly side in all of us. When in need of color inspiration, we here at Teddy often turn to OPI. This month, we're obsessed with their "Pink-ing of You" polish and creating looks that go with it. Check out the pics below to see some of the spring trends we've spotted (like ruffles and florals and maxis... oh my!)

Two trends that we love right now are lace and hot pink, especially when they're combined. To pull off this trend, stick to simple jewelry (gold or silver), neutral accessories, and streamlined shoes. If you're not really a girly girl, opt for a statement necklace and leather jacket to toughen things up. Oh, and FYI...the paisley print party dress pictured above has hidden pockets (another one of our favorite things).

We know, we know... "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking." While it may not be a new trend, at least you know that spring florals will never go out of style. If you have a small bust, go with a dress that has chest ruffles in order to add some extra volume; if you're self-conscious about your hips, choose a party dress that accentuates your waist. Another great thing about florals is that when paired with a leather bomber, they can easily transition into fall weather.

The one thing we hate hearing at Teddy is, "Oh, I can't wear a maxi dress. I'm too short." It's simply untrue! Nicole Richie is 5'2'', Laramie (our wonderful model) is 5'3'', and Vanessa Hudgens is 5'1''. None of the aforementioned women are tall and all of them look awesome in a maxi. If you're worried about the length, pair your dress with a pair of comfortable wedges to add height and lift the hemline.

If you're interested in trying out some of these spring trends, pop over to our new arrivals section and treat yourself to something lovely!

My first trip to Greece was back when the drachma was still the currency. A close friend with family in Santorini had extended an invite one summer, and I was more than happy to oblige. What I discovered once there was so much more beautiful than I could have imagined. The natural, raw charm of the Cycladic islands, the exotic, steamy and ancient pace of Athens…represented a full awakening of the senses. And, I mean all the senses. The natural carved out beauty of islands like Santorini, Mykonos and Naxos was somehow reflected in the brilliant and stunning jewelry that was sold along every twisting century-old alley. Shiny, yellow, Greek-hammered gold covered with dots of rubies, emeralds and sapphires was abundant. I had loved jewelry all my life, but this kind of yellow, accented with the most prime of colors, would become my favorite. The beaches – ahhh, the beaches – certainly a far cry from the Jersey Shore, although all different and glorious, have one thing in common - style. A full day of beaching requires more than a simple bikini. Dressing for the beach on a Greek island can be like a casual sport requiring many sleek yet simple beach dresses, sarongs that can be worn 12 different ways, and, of course, as many hats and sunnies as you can possibly squeeze into your luggage. Feeling inspired by this magnificent place, we have selected for you a fabulous assortment of teddy must haves when packing for paradise…be it in Greece or any other island paradise…Enjoy! xo xo - lucy

Shop the Greek Islands inspired collection now...

Teddy is thrilled to annouce that our Upper West Side boutique has been featured as one of New York magazine's picks for 2012's "Best Of New York - Shopping" series for dresses!  A quick summary..."The newest outpost of this local chainlet (joining the Cobble Hill and Park Slope shops) is dependable for park- or beach-ready maxi, T-shirt, and tank dresses for $100 or less. Browse comfy shapes from BB Dakota, Blue Bird, and Plum, as well as the in-house label."  How cool is that...?!

The 1960's was a decade of all encompassing change in the fashion world.  There were many different and amazing artistic and fashion influences; from the glamourous Jacky Kennedy, to the pop art of Andy Warhol, to the young kids of the British rock'n roll scene, just to mention a few.  All of  these wonderful emerging trends and silhouettes were so successful they are still influencing todays modern wardrobe.  So time to feel fabulous and embrace the 60's fashion sense!

It’s finally starting to feel like winter here in New York, but we’re already sick of it! Luckily, many of us here at teddy have plans to escape the city slush and take a winter vacation. I, for one, will be traveling home to California next week, and thought I’d share some packing tips for anyone else lucky enough to be venturing to warmer climates. The thought of California usually inspires images of sun, sand, and perfect temperatures; but I always like to remind myself that it is still winter on the West Coast. I definitely intend to soak up some 75 degree sunshine, but it’s best to remember that there’s a difference between dressing appropriately for mid-summer 75 degrees and mid-winter 75 degrees. I’ll be sticking to classic prints and keeping my color palette mostly dark with a splash of bright. It’s also always important to check the weather before you go on vacation. From growing up in California, I know that the temperature tends to drop drastically at night so I always carry a big handbag to hold extra layers! Here are 9 pieces I’d love to take on vacation with me:

-Kimie, Manager of teddy NY 

blogger image sources: http://www.kendieveryday.com/,  http://cupcakesandcashmere.com

Whether you prefer to spend your snow days hitting the slopes or drinking hot cocoa by the fire, teddy has the perfect pieces for your weekend at the ski lodge. From stylish hats and cozy scarves to comfortable cardigans and the perfect coat, we’ve got what you need to look your best despite the cold. Here you’ll find a few looks that are sure to appeal to indoor and outdoor girls alike!

We're getting ready for Spring here at teddy! This week Lucy and I visited the Fame and Intermezzo trade shows to do a little Spring buying. Of course, we stopped in to see some of our favorite lines like Ark & Co and Many Belles Down, but this season we were also happy to find some great new labels like Skies Are Blue and Ladakh. 

After scouring the show for the best possible finds, what we can promise for you this Spring are racks filled with your favorite cuts, colors, and prints. Brilliant colors will be all over the place this season, but some of our favorites were the brightest reds, deep pinks, and cool turquoise. Trending everywhere were animal, stripe, and micro prints, and we were sure to grab the best! Be on the lookout for the cutest owl print blouse - we can't wait for it to arrive! And, as always, we were on the hunt for the most beautiful summer dresses. Whether you like to keep it classic (little black), bohemian (flowy orange), or feminine (watercolor floral), we've got the perfect dress for you.  Even though winter seems to be finally settling in here in New York, look on the bright side! Spring merch will begin arriving in stores and online next month!

- Kimie, Manager of teddy NY

Take our advice for the best style for you shape and make it a dazzling holiday party week!

Want to flatter your shape while adding whimsy to your wardrobe this winter?  We here at teddy have got it covered!  From silhouettes to accessories we’re here to create a fabulous new look just for you! And remember, free shipping until December 25th!

These vegan leather clutches have two things in common... they are all inspired by gorgeous natural textures like reptile and ostrich, and they all go with just about anything!  The neutral hues make them a classic staple, tailor-made for versatility.  They're the perfect gift or stocking stuffer!

Each bag has ample space, a cell phone pocket, and disaster-proof magnetic closures.  With embossing and glittering gold embellishments, you may want to score these clutches pre-holiday so you can debut them during this season's festivities.  As party accessories go, they add drama and edge to a little black dress, sophistication to a bright, colorful outfit, and subtle shine to a neutral ensemble. 

Browse clutches for these bags + more holiday arm candy!!

And remember, free shipping until December 25th!

 At teddy, we all have firsthand experience with the drama of trying to pick out a gift for an impossibly tricky, lady recipient.  There are so many factors that can make gifting a difficult task: What if it doesn't fit her?  What if it's not her taste? What if she's allergic to chocolate - or worse - CHEER!?  That's why the teddy elves have scoured our merch to bring you six foolproof ideas.  We truly believe there is something here for every gal in your life.  Plus, we've skipped the overt holiday gear to ensure that even the scrooge on your list comes away happy...all for under $50!!

We've got you covered with a starry bobble ring for your cool aunt (the back of the ring is elastic and fits all sizes!), hammered gold rectangle earrings (with mass-appeal) for your mother-in-law, fingerless gloves for your ever-texting little sis, a subtle green quartz necklace for your elegant mom, festive, sophisticated gloves for your boss, and a cutesy plum owl clutch for...YOURSELF (hey, you're gonna need something to carry all of these weighty accessories in)!

Click to browse the under $50 collection!

Here at teddy, when we sit around the design table, we talk all kinds of fashion particulars: silhouettes, trends, colors, moods, seasons, and on and on…  The one look that keeps coming up over and over again and that stands out among all of our discussions is the maxi dress.  Why you ask, ”the maxi?”  Because, if done correctly, it is simply the perfect dress - as perfect as any “perfect little black dress” can be - if not better.

So, we set forth to create our idea of the perfect maxi dress. For us, perfection lies with simplicity, and that is where this silhouette began.  A simple wrap that anyone can wear, the choice of fabric blend was vital for this dress.  Since there is a lot of it, it has to feel like butter against the skin.  We searched high and low and around the globe to find a 92/8 rayon spandex blend which makes you feel like you’ve just had a luscious body butter rub down (this can be our little secret) when you slip it on.

The seventies was an exciting time for celebrating individual spirituality, exploring indigenous cultures, and creating a unique style that combined hippie sensibilities with new-age bohemian flare. 

In the 1979 movie, The Rose, Bette Midler’s character, loosely based on rock legend, Janis Joplin, embodied the free-spirited nature of the era.  With billowy skirts, big floppy hats and beads, beads, beads, Ms. Midler was an unmistakable boho chick.  Check out The Rose Collection for our picks!

 Does your wardrobe feel dull?  Are you looking to add some spice to your closet?  Look no further, it’s time to Think Pink!  Whether it’s fuschia or magenta, a dusty rose or pale pink, this color adds a natural blush to your cheeks and feminine bounce to your step.   Perfect for the holiday season, make a statement in a bright pink evening dress.  Wanting something that says simple & classy? Pair ballet slipper pink with black and you can’t go wrong.   

Feeling more subtle?  Take cues from celebrities and add a touch of pink with a whimisical top, cardigan or scarf.  Need your look to go from day to night, add some pink semi-precious jewelry to fancify your outfit.   Women always feel their prettiest in pink! Shop the Pretty In Pink Collection!

Butterflies, owls, birds and rabbits have been flying (and hopping) off the shelves this season.  We've seen these adorable prints through trend reports in Elle, on fashion blogs like Eat.Sleep.Wear, and now you can find them on shopteddy.com, via our Brooklyn design studio! 

Here are just a few ways to style our animal skirts!  Also, try going preppy and pairing them with a collared button down, or edgy with a fuzzy or leather jacket.

These lovely, pleated woven skirts with side-zip closure come in rabbit, butterfly and owl prints.  If you're really diggin this look, you can also try our black or red bird dresses by one of our favorite vendors, Peppermint!