July 4th marks United States independence, but more importantly the beginning of one of the best parties in world, the Henley Royal Regatta in Henley on the Thames, England.  It is one of the three Royal events on the calendar (with Wimbeldon and Ascot), and medal presenters have included in the past the likes of Prince Albert of Monaco.  Anyone who has ever been to Henley can tell you what a great party it is, and the many pints of Pimms consumed on the river banks. 

The main regatta enclosure enforces a strict dresscode that requires men to wear blazers and women cannot have a skirt that rises above the knee.  The enclosures are replete with sundresses, fanciful hats, and men squeezing into their schoolboy blazers that often have very unique color schemes and piping.  And if you don't believe us about the "above the knee" rule, regatta officials do in fact have a measuring stick that is often broken out to determine whether a person is in violation. 

The rowing is also pretty cool...if you're in England in July ever definitely take the hour train ride from London to see this five day spectacle.

Anyone who has been to the Hamptons has inevitably passed by Stargazer and asked "wtf is that?!" Stargazer is the landmark sculpture that hugs the side of Route 111 between the Long Island Expressway 495 and Route 27, and essentially marks the beginning of the Hamptons.  It was created by artist Linda Scott, and its supposed to represent...well we really don't know.  In fact you're guess is probably about as good as ours, or maybe even better.  Nevertheless, it is a welcome sight to all those who have attempted what can often be an arduous trip from the city, full of traffic, crazy motorists, lots of statetroopers with their radar guns on, and motor bikes that scream past you doing about 120mph...

Our parents may never get it, but here is one of the many reasons we love living in this wonderful city.  The Wednesday Market at Union Square:

Despite contrary beliefs, there are children living (at least seemingly) wholesome lives in front of our very eyes in this metropolitan community.  What this photo unfortunately doesn't show is the seconds afterwards where the little orange-fleeced goober almost got mauled by the hipster skater up ahead.  We'll stick to the mantra that whatever doesn't kill 'em only makes 'em stronger.  Also, god we wish we were kids for the day on our scooters...

FYI: The Union Square Green Market happens almost daily this time of year but the best times to check it out are Wednesdays and Saturdays.  Great way to get through an overcast hump day.

Looks like Amanda Beard, cover girl of Playboy's July 2007 issue, forgot to put on her swimsuit for this nude photoshoot. A three time Olympian, she has medaled in the last three Olympics (Atlanta, Syndey, Athens), taking home Gold twice. Here appearance follows other notable photoshoots including a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and FHM. The issue hasn't yet hit stands (this cover was leaked), but we're guessing in the pictorial she may be doing some breast stroke.

Well it isn't exactly by the shore, rather situated off of the heavily-trafficed Montauk Highway (route 27), approximately 2 miles from the nearest beach...but we'll forgive the loose interpretation, and chaulk it up to Mike Satsky and Brian Gefner's want of assonance in the name.

In any event Social Life Magazine's party at Stereo By the Shore this weekend was definitely kickin' with a surprise performance from yours truly Lily Allen.

Helpful information whether you'll be in Nantucket, South Hampton, or Soho house roof top...

Best place to buy your swim suit= Canyon Beachwear

This West Coast chain just opened up on the UES and after getting voted by nymag as the best swimwear place we had to take a look. We approve, they have EVERY swimsuit you would EVER want to have to be forced to try on under those "feared unflattering flourescent lights". You can even buy the Thomas Kors swimsuit that lalohan wore on the cover of Vanity Fair, though hopefully for your sake you will refrain from that temptation...

To get a Brazilian Wax= Eve Salon ...ask for Maya and thank us later.