Memorial Day is just around the corner, which inevitably means an influx of celebratory barbecues, picnics and family gatherings. Aside from honoring those who have fallen for our country, many people regard Memorial Day as the unofficial start of summer. With that said, let’s jump into the unofficial summer edition of the Carnival of Shopping!

Before you make the rounds at the various Memorial Day events that are occurring this long weekend, make sure you’ve picked out a photo-worthy outfit. If you’re having trouble deciding what to wear, take some advice from Nicole’s Guide to Style or steal some inspiration from photographer Kam Martin’s Seattle street style blog, needle+thread. If your style is more vintage than street, you’ll enjoy browsing through the racks at Vintage Virtuosa and through Jasmin’s eclectic lookbook at Vintage Vandalizm. Then polish your outfit off with a beautiful accessory from littlemiso blog or, if you’re in the UK, from Bling and Buy!

If designer labels are your thing, you’ll definitely want to pay Fashion Hippo a visit – you’ll get first dibs on online designer sample sales. Freelancer Emma Cossey also highlights the occasional designer sale in addition to the newest fashions. For more designer fashions, head over to Marvelous Things. If you prefer DIY fashion to designer brands, Edie’s Fashion Factory is right up your ally – there you’ll find affordable DIY fashion projects to build into your wardrobe. Also make sure to check out Adventures in Dressmaking, where Suzannah shares her clothing and home decor projects.

Who doesn’t love a little dash of personal style? Take a fashion cue from Sorreal, Auburn Not Red, Ventures of Jenn or Intangible. If it’s photography you’re lusting after, Last minute dreams always presents gorgeous fashion photography, and Lucid New York highlights all the latest and greatest of jewelry and city style. Want a little commentary to accompany all the photographs? Romany of The 16 Diaries will give you your fill of fashion, photography and popular culture.

For more impeccable style, you’ll want to make a stop at B. Jones Style, where fashion stylist Beth Jones will help you pinpoint your inner style icon. Fashionably Inspired will help you create celebrity looks for a fraction of the cost, and I Am Bourgeois will give you fashion-on-a-budget advice.

The next time you need a side of leisurely reading material with your morning java, stop on over at The Way I See It to read about California girl Ali’s life. For a feel of the South, visit Lauren at Bluegrass Love to read about her multiple roles as newlywed, home owner and law student in Kentucky. Or, if you’re an animal lover, you’ll enjoy keeping up with pet blogs Bloggy Doggy and Rumblebum.

Sometimes we all just need a little inspiration. If it’s pretty you seek, you’ll adore the travel and interior design photos on La Maison des Lilas. Of course, you could step it up a notch and surround yourself with beautiful things – redecorate your home with the lovely products highlighted by Jordana on White Cabana or with Deb Chaney’s contemporary abstract paintings. You’ll also want to take a look at Emma Kidd’s portfolio at Ben Conservato.

If a home renovation is in your future, be sure to take notes at Wally’s Paper, where you’ll learn about wall decorations of all sorts. Another great home transformation resource is My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, a first-hand account of Kristin’s home renovation. If you just need some decorating ideas, visit Custard by Design, where Richy Mc Cusker presents his design tastes to the world.

Since we’re on the topic of projects, let’s take a look at the craft blog world. Pam showcases her creative process over at Cloth to Creation, so if you’re searching for a project of your own to tackle, pay her a visit for some inspiration. If you’re in the mood to make your own jewelry, Jennifer Jangles will point you in the right direction. Rook No. 17 also highlights a variety of creative projects and recipes for you to try out. Too lazy to do it yourself? Head over to The Shops @ Funky Finds to browse through handmade goods created by artisans from around the world.

Equally creative are the lovely ladies over at Faces by Farah and Plus Size Kitten. You can always count on Farah and Tammy to give you the best beauty tips and product reviews on their respective blogs. You’ll also learn quite a bit about skin care products if you visit Tummycake and nail polish if you visit Kelsealaurel.

With the weather warming up in most parts of the country, you may find yourself motivated to spend some extra hours in the great outdoors. Go for a walk, take a hike, or follow in The Girl With The Pink Sneaker‘s footsteps and set your sights on a race like a sprint triathlon or even an Ironman! If you need a little push of encouragement during training, pay Caronae at Run. Write. Therapy. Life a visit. She blogs about physical and mental health, which she believes go hand in hand.

After enjoying the great outdoors, make sure to give back so that future generations can enjoy it as well. Yoli Ouiya provides eco-chic living tips and green savings offers, so do some exploring on her site or sign up for her newsletter.

If you need some meal ideas for a Memorial Day barbecue, visit Katherine’s Corner for recipes like decadent chocolate cake and lobster linguine. Susie’s Homemade also features plenty of tried and true baking and cooking recipes, all of which have been published in Susan’s first e-cookbook!

Now, go out and enjoy Memorial Day weekend!

- Xenia