Looking Good: Cute clothes for a Sac summer

How to dress for a summer in Sacramento: "Effortless" pretty much sums it up.

What do we most like to wear?

If you toss out the requisite suit and tie or pantyhose and pumps, you've got to go with shorts and tees for everyone – and cool, comfortable skirts and tank tops for women.

American Eagle's key trends for summer include safari prints and utilitarian looks for guys; ruffles, pleats and florals for gals.

Pick your length – whatever's in your comfort zone – when it comes to shorts. As for hemlines, nothing goes up and down more than this summer staple. We found everything from knee-length cargo shorts with plenty of pockets (for both men and women ) to thigh-high belted shorts with cuffs for women.

Of course, if you've been hitting the leg press machine, sporting a miniskirt is no big deal. But this summer, let's leave the UGG boots in the closet. Cute sandals or flip-flops are better options.

And because it's a big election year, we'll be seeing lots of get-out-the-vote apparel. Even Kentucky Fried Chicken is selling "Left Wing" and "Right Wing" tees to benefit Colonel's Scholars, a charity that provides college scholarships. They're $15 each at www.shopkfc.com.

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Compact and complete

Personalized makeup compacts make good sense, both for the consumer and the environment.

At Mary Kay, the cosmetics company took a look at women's daily cosmetic needs and concluded that a customized compact that gives them the colors they use most often makes more sense than having a drawer full of single eye shadows and blushes that never get used.

So it came up with a black-cased compact that offers a whopping 18 million possible color and product combinations.

The magnetic compact (so the refills don't fall out) costs $18 empty. When makeup components are added, the price ranges from $49.50 to $72.50, depending on your choices. For example, you might choose three eye shadows, a blush and a lipstick, a pressed powder and a lip gloss, or six eye shadows and a lipstick. Mary Kay estimates that the refill system will reduce more than 60,000 tons of carbon emissions from throwaway containers. You can shop with a beauty consultant at www.marykay.com.

Also, Bobbi Brown cosmetics offers personalized eye shadow and blush compacts. The refill palettes come in three sizes ($10 each). There are 61 shadows and 24 blush colors to pick from, priced from $20 to $22.

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Mark your calendars

The store is hosting an opening-day party from 5 to 8 p.m. June 26, featuring complimentary brow arches and appointments so you can get tips for doing your brows.

Of course, there will be the famous faux Benetini cocktails. To make an appointment: (916) 285-6450. The ULTA store is at 3591 North Freeway Blvd.