Despite a day of serious downpours on Saturday, many forwent ponchos in favor of casual layers, broken-in denim or leather jackets, and summer maxi skirts. Here are six looks we loved.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

Have a favorite festival style? Tell us in the comments below, or tweet us, of course: @ruelala.

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Truth be told, though, I’m a little rusty when it comes to filling my larger-than-needed suitcase appropriately for this weekend’s jam-packed warm-weather social calendar. That’s where this inspiration board comes in handy:

The Packing List: For Summer Weekend Getaways Boutique opens Saturday, May 25, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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Must-see sites: Don’t miss European Side – especially hanging out under the Galata Bridge. The bridge itself forms a link between the two sides of European Istanbul, while its lower deck is home to restaurants, bars, and teahouses with ringside waterfront seating for boat watching. Before you leave, visit Topkapı Palace, too – the oldest and largest palace in the world since 1465. At least half a day is needed to explore it. It’s giant. During 400 hundred years of reign, each sultan added a different section or hall to the palace, depending on his taste or on the needs of the time.

Quick eat: In a rush? Go to Ali Baba’nin boat at Rumelihisari and get grilled fish sandwich or, as we call it, balık ekmek. Unforgettable. 

Street food: Want authentic? Try kumpir – a baked-potato dish and one of the city’s most beloved street foods. The baked potato gets married with fresh butter and kashar (traditional Turkish cheese), and then you point out your choice of toppings to be added next: hotdog slices, corn, pickles, olives, and kisir (a Bulgur dish). Last touch is a spicy red-pepper sauce. It is known by everyone that the best baked potato of Istanbul can be found in Ortaköy.

Best shopping: Kapalıçarşı (the Grand Bazaar) is the largest covered market. Most guidebooks claim it has 4,000 shops. You’ll find everything from traditional handmade carpets and belly-dancer costumes to religious icons and old pages of calligraphies. One cheaper thing is the amber stone – beautiful. Bargaining is always possible. Before you purchase, ask at least three to four shops so you can get the best price.

A word of warning: Istanbul’s the world’s second worst city in traffic congestion. Give yourself extra time – especially during rush hours. Sometimes it takes a full hour to go to the place even if is just a mile away from you. Not kidding!

Exotic try: If you want to try nargile (hookah), the best is at Erenler Nargile in Cemberlitas, very close to Galata Bridge. It’s probably Istanbul’s most famous nargile café. They serve tea, too.

Energy boost: After you’ve checked all this off your list, order a Turkish coffee with medium sugar. It is really strong and has a much better taste than espresso. Promise!

Ready to jet off now? Our Travel Hot Spot: Istanbul & Cappadocia Boutique opened Tuesday, May 21, at 11AM.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor 

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Summer is all about relaxation. Long, leisurely days followed by laid-back nights. What better place to kick off the season than this destination spa in Austin, Texas? With everything from diamond facials and yoga sessions to water sports and five-star cuisine, this is one refreshing weekend you don’t want to miss.

What to pack: Workout clothes and sneakers are a must – you’ll choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor activities throughout your stay.

Must-try treatment: The LakeHouse Signature Facial. It repairs skin and fights that ever-nagging fatigue, leaving you looking years younger (without actually turning back time).

Can’t-miss activity: Paddleboarding on Lake Austin. Combining exercise and fun – what’s not to love?

What to eat: The seasonal menu offers three fresh, flavorful meals daily (think yellowfin tuna tartare and quinoa tabbouleh). And while everything is figure-friendly, its recent feature in Bon Appétit ensures it’s delicious, too.

Our Lake Austin Spa Resort – Austin, TX Boutique opens Monday, May 20, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

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What were your favorite Brimfield finds? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala with #brimfield2013.

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So rather than stopping there, slip into your yoga best and extend that stretch into these six easy poses. Not only will you wake your muscles slowly and have more energy, but you’ll notice that ten minutes is all it takes to get in a little relaxation and exercise. All before having that morning latte.

The Outfit

The Moves

1. Detox Breath in Goddess Pose
Lie on your back, bend your knees and place your feet together, and breathe ten slow, deep breaths.

2. Happy Baby
Pull your knees up to your sides and grab your big toe, outside of the foot, or behind your knees, ensuring your seat doesn’t lift off the ground. Hold for five to ten breaths.

3. Supported Shoulder Stand
Place a pillow under your hips and extend your legs as straight as possible, stretching your arms out on either side for balance. (Make sure your hips and legs are higher than your heart, so add more pillows if needed.) Hold for ten breaths.

4. Seated Eagle
Roll onto your side and sit up slowly into a cross-legged position. Wrap your arms in front of you, right elbow over left, and touch palms. Keep fingers straight to the sky and breathe for five to ten breaths. Swap arms and repeat.

5. Seated Twist
Release arms and place your left arm on your right knee. Leading with your right arm, twist your right arm, chest, and head to the right, landing with your right arm behind you. Hold for five to ten breaths, then repeat on the other side.

6. Forward Bend with Fists
Slowly stand with bent knees. Make fists and place them in the opposing elbows, then fold over your bent knees and relax your back, shoulders, and head. Breathe in this position for one minute. Roll up and reach your arms over your head for a full body stretch.

Our Style Salutation: Chic & Comfy Yoga Gear Boutique opens Saturday, May 18, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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Check Out: The VIP Tent
Serving as a refuge from the outdoor bustle, this is the kind of tent we can really get behind (sleeping bags, bugs, and campfires totally optional).

Check Out: The Bar
Interior designer Shane Inman used Benjamin Moore paint to line the insides of the hundreds of bottles that adorn the bar. Who knew – all it takes to energize a space is a little color (okay, a lot of color).

Check Out: Benjamin Moore & Robert Allen
Shane used products and images from fellow partners Benjamin Moore and Robert Allen to set the stage for a cushy and relaxing VIP outpost. From designers and home bloggers to fellow fashion lovers, these areas offer a stylish escape for everyone to congregate, get off their feet, and talk about their finds from the day (complimentary jars of M&M’S® are a nice pick-me-up, too).

Check Out: The Details
Reclaimed light fixtures. Who needs new lighting when a spool of rope is lying around? Talk about a conversation piece.

Tissue-paper flowers resemble rows of giant hydrangea. Finally, something to do with all that recycled wrapping paper.

One of the seating areas from within the tent. There’s just something about bright colors and expert pattern-mixing that makes a room feel like home.

What were your favorite Brimfield finds? Share in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala with #brimfield2013.

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Float
The only thing better than getting the whole family around the dinner table? Catching up around this lounge float.

Tube
Waterskiing and wakeboarding are fun, but they do take some skill. So for an activity the whole family (read: the uncoordinated) can enjoy, try tubing.

Kayak
Owning a speedboat is great – but sometimes it’s nice to take a slow kayak and enjoy your surroundings. The best part? Little ones won’t need a license to steer their own.

Our RAVE Sports: Water Slides, Kayaks, & More Boutique opened Friday, May 17, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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However, due to the popularity of the one-piece this season (and a recent trip to a resort in the Mexican Caribbean), I’m convinced it’s time to suit up and see if someone other than the original cast of Baywatch can pull it off.

How to choose a suit 
A one-piece can be just as sexy as a bikini, allowing you to showcase your best assets while still leaving plenty to the imagination. Show off long, lean stems with a high-cut leg, the graceful arch of your back with a deep U-cut back, or killer abs with side cutouts. I picked up a white monokini – white stands out nicely against a tan (wishful thinking, considering my English heritage), and the cutout details give it a modern and flirty update.

Where to flaunt it 
The modern one-piece is meant for leisure – think poolside at a chic resort rather than lifeguard uniform. The perfect place to try it? An afternoon harbor cruise or hotel rooftop pool party. I wore mine with a bold, printed sarong around my waist for some piña coladas at a beach bar featuring driftwood swings and white canopied beds on the sand. Best of all, I just slipped on my flip-flops and I was ready to poke around the local jewelry stores and do some sightseeing on my walk back to the resort.

What to wear with it 
Don’t shy away from jewelry just because you’re waterside (although we don’t recommend pulling a Kim K. and wearing $175K real diamonds). A statement necklace and wide-brim floppy hat instantly give this look a super-glamorous touch that’ll have you feeling straight out of a magazine editorial.

By Grace Romanowsky, Staff Writer

How did your road test fare? Share in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala, then check out our Rue Road Test column every Thursday.

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Traditionally, the bather starts in the hot room, splashes themselves with cold water, performs a full-body wash, and then receives a massage before finally heading to the cooling room for a period of rest and relaxation. Though I didn’t indulge in the massage, I figured this couldn’t be a half-bad way to spend my Sunday.

First Impressions
I robed up in the changing room and slipped into some jelly sandals before heading in. It was far larger than I expected, completely tiled and consisting of a series of platforms at different levels, a sink in the middle of the room, and a shower in the corner. Ambient music played in the background and a fountain trickled down an inlaid rock wall. A handful of people were on different platforms around the room, either on their backs or with their legs up against the wall. I noticed they were using rolled-up towels as neck pillows, so I found a platform of my own and did the same (all while trying to hide that this was my first time).

The Experience
After settling into my spot and taking a few deep breaths, I immediately noticed that the air and humidity were more comparable to a jungle climate than the dry air of a sauna. The heat was also a lot more gradual and somehow more relaxing, and it took me far longer to reach my limit. When I had enough, I rinsed my face and neck with cold water from the sink and headed to the Zen lounge, which consisted of couches for reclining and pitchers of fruit-infused ice water and tea for rehydrating. The difference in temperature between the warm, wet room and this air-conditioned lounge was a refreshing jolt and left my skin feeling tingly and refreshed.

The Verdict
I left convinced that the ancient Greeks and Romans definitely knew how to relax in style. There’s no need to splurge and go all-out on a full-body massage as long as this tiled oasis exists. Consider me a lifer. This was a far, far better choice than staying in and doing my laundry all day.

By Grace Romanowsky, Staff Writer

How did your road test fare? Share in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala, then check out our Rue Road Test column every Thursday.

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