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Summer is all about being outdoors in the sun and long, languid days hanging out at the beach.
But summer is also all about the tennis!
There's no better way to spend the day than hanging out with your pals courtside, sipping bubbly refreshment whilst checking out amazing athletes showing off their incredible skills in the searing heat.
2011 started off with a bang with the ASB Classic, followed by the Heineken Open, both held at the ASB Tennis Stadium in Auckland.
Style Blog popped along to check out all the action both on and off the courts.
If you are going to the tennis, prepare for a big day out! Make sure you lather yourself up in lashings of sun block as it is always extremely hot. We all know just how merciless the New Zealand sun can be!
A good hat is also your best friend at the tennis. The hottest styles are wide-brimmed numbers and straw fedoras which are practical and also look tres chic! Sporty types tend to go for the classic tennis cap which keeps the sun away and also helps channel your inner Maria Sharapova or Ana Ivanovic!
Bring a sun umbrella or sit undercover if you can! A burnt lobster-red body is never in vogue. Protect that skin of yours!
Sunglasses are always a major necessity. Make sure your frames not only look hot on you but also be sure that they are polarised lenses to protect from dreaded UV rays.
The hottest looks are still aviator styles, Ray Bans and the classic large Jackie-O styles. For the fashion forward out there, we love Karen Walker's collection.
Check them out at karenwalkereyewear.com
Since it is so incredibly hot at the tennis, make sure that whatever you wear is something super comfortable and cool. Ladies should opt for fun and flirty little summery dresses in natural fabrics such as cottons and silks. Dresses are so easy!
We also love short, mini-kaftans and shift dresses. Maxi-dresses are great too, particularly sheer maxis for keeping cool.
Always think: Easy, breezy, relaxed glamour such as something you'd wear to a friend's informal BBQ held in the height of summer.
Shorter, little skirts or shorts teamed back with cute tops and soft tees are no-brainer options, as are one-piece playsuits.
Footwear should be strappy sandals that have a bit of detail to them. Gladiators are a good option here, or if in doubt, wear your smartest pair of Havianas.
You don't want to look over-dressed at the tennis. On the other hand, make some kind of effort. Keep that grotty pair of shorts and ragged old t-shirt you pad around in while you're at home just there!
Make-up wise, keep your base light and fresh. You want to look polished but not too "done up". The look is all about having a beautiful and glowing complexion. Think of softly flushed cheeks, wide eyes with a wash of colour on the lids, lashings of mascara and a dab of pretty coloured lip gloss.
Hair should be natural looking and undone. A soft, uncontrived bun or a pony-tail are perfect options.
As for the boys - the lads can go all out in preppy ensembles: Shorts and polos. An alternative to this would be jeans and an open-necked shirt.
The tennis is also all about star spotting!
We hung out with our beloved TVNZ stars Wendy Petrie, Renee Wright and Toni Street.
The ultimate glamour is truly all about the fabulous tennis stars themselves! We loved the ever-gorgeous Russian glamour girl, Maria Sharapova, in her sexy pink and black look sponsored by Nike.
As for the "man candy" factor, Italian Fabio Fognini, Argentinian Juan Monaco and Spanish player David Ferrer were very easy on the eye to watch, too!
The Heineken Open finishes this Saturday, so be in quick while you can get a ticket!
TV ONE is broadcasting the tennis live, plus it's being live streamed on tvnz.co.nz. Check out more details here.
See you all next week!
xoxo Style Blog
