Likely attempting to help clothing manufacturers get rid of additional inventory of summer clothing due to the closure of retail locations, the online retail giant has set a June 22 date for a “Fashion Summer Sale Event” that will last through the end of the month.

In a letter to retail participants, an Amazon spokesperson wrote “The Big Style Sale is slated to take place later this month and will include seasonally-relevant deals from both established and smaller fashion brands.” According to additional details, Amazon has asked sellers to submit deals on clothing that have a minimum discount of 30 percent off MSRP. Amazon made no indication if the sale would be restricted to Prime subscribers only.

It’s likely that this type of large sale wouldn’t even exist if Prime Day hadn’t been postponed from early July to September. Amazon is currently attempting to restock inventory for a mid-Fall Prime Day sale, basically allowing time for supply lines to return to normal as coronavirus issues have broken the supply chain. Amazon has had issues keeping non-essential items in stock as well as delivering items within a promised 2-day window.

Amazon’s previous push into fashion included the launch of the Echo Look during 2017, a camera that gave owners fashion advice using artificial intelligence. This device has been discontinued though. It will be remotely disabled on July 24, 2020 and owners can recycle the hardware for free here. Much of the functionality of the Echo Look can be found within the Amazon Shopping app, basically using a smartphone camera for getting fashion tips on style.

Amazon also launched Prime Wardrobe a few years ago, a service that lets Prime users try up to 8 clothing items for up at a 7-day trial period. Users can return anything that they don’t like using a free, prepaid label and will only be charged for what they keep. There’s also a $5-a-month personal shopper option that will send curated picks to you automatically to try out.

Amazon plans summer clothing sale for June 22

We can’t all afford to buy a brand new bike every summer, and most of us probably aren’t as skilled as the guy who made this awesome party bike (he’s from Portland — shocking!). But that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck riding around a lame bike all summer long. Here are ten easy, mostly inexpensive ways you can add some fresh style, comfort and most importantly, fun to your ride.

1. Fresh bar tape

Obviously, your bike is going to need to look cool. Replacing the bar tape or grips is probably the cheapest and easiest way to make this happen. You can find bar tape in pretty much any color you can think of, probably for less than $15. Here’s a good video tutorial on replacing the bar tape on your bike.

2. New pedals

For summer, go with some plastic bmx pedals. They’re cheap ($10 to $30), come in fun colors, and they’re big, so they work well with flip flops — perfect for biking to and from the beach.

3. Upgraded saddle

I could go on and on about the different types of bike saddles, but here’s the bottom line: get a Brooks. They are expensive (around $100), but well worth the investment. It’s like the difference between sitting on La-Z Boy and a pile of rocks.

4. Speakers

Some of the greatest moments of my life involve biking around at 3AM, singing along to horrible Fall Out Boy songs with my friends. If you want to experience the greatness that is biking while jamming, you can buy speakers for your bike for under $30. Or follow this tutorial and make your own solar-powered milk crate bike stereo.

5. Multi-use bottle cage

Summer biking means you’ll need a bottle holder that can handle everything from a fancy water bottle, to a beer can, to a coffee cup, and everything in between. This Bontrager cage has flexible arms and will fit a better variety of shapes than your traditional metal cage. Or there’s also this one, which just holds a flask.

 6. Some sun protection

Avoid unsightly farmer’s tans by buying one of these ridiculous Uber Hood bike umbrellas ($59). Or you could probably make one yourself with an old umbrella and some duct tape.

7. Racks and Baskets

It can get really hot and sweaty riding around with a backpack in the summer. That’s why you should get yourself a bike rack and/or bike basket to haul your stuff around in. You can buy a decent rack for under $25, or fashion one yourself using things around your house. Also, here’s a good video tutorial for a DIY front basket.

8. A bike camera

Take it from me and don’t attempt to Instagram while biking. Instead, get a bike camera ($75 to $100) or camera mount (under $10) to capture those moments you don’t want to forget. Or here’s a way to make a sweet bike cam yourself.

9. A unique helmet

I still remember my dad trying to convince me that wearing a helmet was “cool” by buying me one that was designed to look like a baseball cap (sorry pops, I saw right through that one!). But there are actually some really fun options out there these days. Take this DIY R2D2 helmet, for example.

 10. A reliable lock

If you’re gonna spend all this time/money making your bike awesome, you need to make sure someone else doesn’t ride away with it when you’re not looking. Get a U-lock (OnGuard or Kryptonite brands are both great choices) and give yourself some peace of mind.

10 Ways to Pimp your (Bike) Ride

Quite possibly the greatest invention for hot, humid summers since the Coolest Cooler exploded on Kickstarter, a Texas father developed an ingenious method of filling 100 water balloons in under one minute. If you have tried to fill up a pack of water balloons at an outdoor water hose, you will immediately understand the true awesomeness that’s Bunch O Balloons.

Basically, you attach the Bunch O Balloons pack to the end of a hose, crank up the water and it immediately fills up 37 water balloons. After a few seconds, the user simply shakes the balloons over a plastic container. All 37 balloons are automatically tied off and dropped into the container. According to the creator of Bunch O Balloons, this can be repeated two more times in under a minute for a huge bucket full of at least 100 water balloons.

If you are familiar with a water balloon device called the Tie-Not featured recently on Shark Tank, this completely blows it away in terms of volume. The Tie-Not can knock about about 8 balloons in one minute, less than 10 percent of the Bunch O Balloons. This type of invention would be ideal for children’s summer birthday parties or any event where tons of children will want to chuck water balloons around the yard.

Interestingly, this Kickstarter project is focused on ramping up automated production over time for release on the mass market as opposed to actually building a product. The product is already built, tested and ready to go.

Early backers will be able to take advantage of Bunch O Balloons (via manual packing) between August and September 2014 depending on the backing level. As Bunch O Balloons grows over time, the company will likely make the product available on their site as well as retail channels. At the moment, it’s priced about $12 per pack of 100 balloons.

You can check out full details of the project here or simply watch the Kickstarter video below:

Shut Up and Take My Money: Bunch O Balloons

It’s a cliche now that movie trailers often turn out better than the movie they’re promoting, but in the time between the trailer’s release and the actual movie premiere, there’s always the sweet, sweet hope that, in fact, THIS TIME, this movie will be the GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF MOVIES.

Here are 10 summer movie trailers that will have you feeling like a 12-year-old kid again (sorry, Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles):

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

You say you’ve never heard of them? Doesn’t matter. If this Marvel movie succeeds (and will), expect more ’70s comics to make it to the silver screen (Black Panther).  (August 1)

TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION

Since Shia LaBeouf is “not famous” anymore, Mark Wahlberg steps in to carry on this incessant franchise (#4 and you know it’s not the last).  (June 27)

X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

A stellar cast headlines this sequel to three different movies: The Last Stand, First Class and The Wolverine. Have your CliffsNotes ready.  (May 23)

GODZILLA

Heisenberg himself (Bryan Cranston) faces off against the classic Japanese monster in the latest reboot/remake/sequel.   (May 16)

JUPITER ASCENDING

Sci-fi fans are taking a wait-and-see attitude with the Wachowskis’ first original material since The Matrix Revolutions (gulp).   (July 18)

MALEFICENT

Tongues will be tied at the ticket counter for this live-action retelling of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty story.   (May 30)

SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR

Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller return to Basin City nearly 10 years after the original.   (August 22)

THE GIVER

The latest young adult dystopian sci-fi offering to hit the silver screen, but this one has a pretty good pedigree (Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep).   (August 15)

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Taking place 10 years after the well-received 2011 reboot, this simian CGI fest once again follows Andy Serkis as Caesar the chimp.   (July 11)

EDGE OF TOMORROW

Tom Cruise follows up last year’s very solid Oblivion with another sci-fi adventure (plus a dash of Groundhog Day for good measure).   (June 6)

Required Viewing: 2014 Summer Movie Trailers

With the waning of the summer sun and fewer daylight hours, it’s time to make the most of that yellow orb in the sky. With any luck, you still have a few opportunities to spend time outside and less time away from your computer. While you’re enjoying the end of the season lounging around, why not do something extra awesome, like harness the power of the sun! Beyond making Mother Nature your b*tch, using these solar powered gadgets will also allow you the convenience of your favorite electronic gadgets and gizmos when you’re nowhere near an outlet.

1. Eton Rukus Bluetooth Solar Powered Speaker (Amazon, $129)

No outdoor hang is complete without tunes, and no matter what you choose to listen to, it’ll sound much better out of a speaker than your iPhone.

2. Soji Solar Powered String Lights (Brookstone, $40)

Enjoy the benefit of the sun long after its set with these string lights that charge during the day to set the mood at night.

3. Waka Waka Solar Charger and Lamp (Waka Waka, $79)

It usually happens that your cell phone battery is dangerously low right about the same time that the sun sets. Here’s your answer to both a dying battery and the inability to find your charging cord in the dark.

4. Solar-Stirred Sun Tea Jar (Amazon, $19)

 Sun tea is a treat any time of year, especially if you don’t have to do the ‘work’ of stirring it yourself.

 5. Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard (Amazon, $50)

It’s great if you’ve got a job with enough flexibility to take work outside every once in a while. Sure, it’s a bummer to be working on a beautiful day, but at least you can do it outside with this keyboard.

6. Solar Cluster Patio Umbrella (Target, $150)

Shade yourself from the sun while still taking advantage of its rays to charge this solar powered umbrella, which will let you enjoy the evening in a soft glow.

7. LED Solar Power Flashlight (Lazerpoint, $17)

Practical for boy scouts and festival goers alike, a solar powered flashlight always comes in handy. Just be sure to take it out of your bag while the sun’s out to get juiced up.

8. Solar Powered Clip-On Mini Fan (Amazon, $7)

If you’re spending time in the sun, chances are good that you’ll get warm. This small but mighty fan has a clip to attach it to your chair, a tent pole, or even the brim of your hat.

8 Solar Powered Gadgets for Outdoor Fun

Summertime is here! It’s such a treat to plan a trip and get out of town… until you get to the airport and realize you’ve got anywhere from four to fourteen hours of potential discomfort in front of you. As a frequent traveler, I’m often reminded that many people aren’t used to getting on an airplane six times a month. (Said reminder usually comes in the security lines while watching people try and get past the TSA with power tools in their carry-ons.)

Here are a few of the best travel-friendly inventions on the market today to turn a necessary inconvenience into a smooth transition to your vacation.

1. Mophie Juice Pack Reserve Micro (Mophie, $40)

Never be caught with a dying battery. A USB hub allows you to plug a variety of chargers into this backup power source.

2. Flybag (Flybag, $16)

Ripping a flimsy plastic bag as it catches on your suitcase zipper and spills your toiletries everywhere will seriously delay your security screening. This bag is durable, capacious, and TSA approved.

3. Travel Hoodie Pillow (Hoodie Pillow, $20)

A neck pillow always just seemed like one more thing to carry, but the hoodie on this one makes it invaluable for blocking light – especially on overly warm airplanes when wearing a sweatshirt isn’t an option.

4. Travel Grid-It (Container Store, $15)

Organize your cords, cards, jewelry, snacks, and really any odds and ends in this grid of elasticized bands.

5. JVC Noise Canceling Headphones (Amazon, $94)

Why no, I didn’t want to hear about your daughter’s cheer competition – and now I don’t have to. (Poor man’s alternative = ear plugs)

6. Magazine – Vanity Fair (Amazon, $20/year)

I love reading books on my iPad, but I can’t use it during takeoff or landing, so having a magazine passes the time and keeps my neighbor from thinking I’m free to chat. I like the long reads in Vanity Fair, but anything you bring will be better than SkyMall.

7. Unisex Circle Scarf (American Apparel, $28)

Available in over 70 colors, this simple tube of fabric works as a scarf, blanket, pillow, hood, shrug and number of other things. It’s surprisingly large for its lack of bulk and has helped me regulate temperature and sleep comfortably on countless flights. Bonus for the ladies – get creative with it when you land and you can turn this into a top or dress!

Seven Travel Products for Your Summer Trips

Summer’s coming, which means BBQs galore! If you ask me, no finger-lickin’ meal is complete without some corn on the cob. Heck, I used to get so excited to have this summertime staple on my plate that one time each and every time I obliterated parts of my fingerprint trying to hold steaming cobs. Then my Mom bought us corn cob holders. And while they might be a little ridiculous, corn cob holders are quite handy (ha! get it, handy?).  Because when it comes to things that already make me feel silly using them, the wackier the better.

Here are 10 Corny Corn Cob holders to save you from singeing your fingers and make you smile.

1. Ninja Swords (Amazon, $11)

Could a ninja even eat corn on the cob? Seems like it would  be too noisy for someone so stealthy.

 2. Uni-Corn Holders (Amazon, $8)

By far the corniest option in this roundup, but also the most magical.

3. Cob Holders by Lana Filippone (Available for preorder)

The most awesome corn cob holders of all time, hands down – and also the inspiration for me to get my hands on some unique holders this summer. Notice how the t-rex holds the corn with his mouth because his arms are just too tiny. Poor T-rex.

4. Cows Corn on the Cob Holders (Kattzs Closet, $13)

In case your burgers and steaks need some bovine buddies. Actually, the thought of looking at a tiny cow while eating one of its fallen brethren is a bit disturbing. Maybe save these for when you’re eating chicken.

5. Flip Flop Corn Holders (Amazon, $15)

Nothing says summer like freedom from socks and corn on the cob!

6. Dachshund Corn Holders (Amazon, $9)

These are pretty cute, and they allow you to make horrible puns about wieners after you’re a few beers in. Always a plus.

7. Cowboy Boot Corn Holders (Sur la table, $15)

Kick those greasy fingers to the curb with these bad boys. (Oh, the corny puns, they really never end.)

8. Mr. Bar-B-Q Corn Skewers (Amazon, $6)

In case anyone was confused about what type of event you’re serving delicious corn at, these self-referential holders feature the BBQ classics.

9. Ocean Waters Corn Holder Pick Set (Amazon, $7)

Beach barbecues and crab boils and clambakes all call out for these nautical corn cob holders. If you’re lucky, pick your pair first and go for the lighthouse since it’s the most ergonomic.

10. Large Corn-on-the-Cob Skewers (Amazon, $2)

Nothing compares to a classic — especially at a measly two dollars. There’s a reason these are the corn cob holders everyone you know owns.

10 Corny Corn Cob Holders

The weather is warmer, the beach is calling and suddenly you realize – it’s time to go bathing suit shopping. It’s a painful process, but I’m going to go ahead and make it easier for you. Get yourself one of the incredible swimsuits from Black Milk’s Star Wars Collection and be done with it.

Pick a suit based on a specific character like the C-3PO, Darth Vader or R2-D2 bathing suits seen below, or make a selection from the swimsuits that feature movie scenes if cosplay at the beach isn’t your jam. Other suits in the collection feature AT-ATs, Han Solo, Vader’s mug, the lightsaber battle between Luke and Vader, Vader reaching out for a sweet Force Choke and Jedi Master Yoda.

The suits are all one piece, so they’re modest but cut in a way as to not be dowdy. Don’t worry, you’ll still be turning heads… those of every geek on the beach.

Star Wars Swimsuits Collection

These Are the Droids…er Swimsuits You’re Looking For

It’s a cliche now that movie trailers often turn out better than the movie they’re promoting, but in the months between the trailer’s release and the actual movie premiere, there’s always the sweet, sweet hope that, in fact, THIS TIME, this movie will be the GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF MOVIES.

Here are seven awesome movie trailers (green band only, friends) that make you feel like a 12-year-old kid once again:

PACIFIC RIM

Giant robots. Need I say more? From director Guillermo del Toro. (July 12)

MAN OF STEEL

The third movie trailer for Supes is simply epic. (June 14)

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

More emphasis on the baddie (Benedict Cumberbatch) in the third trailer. (May 17)

IRON MAN 3

Better-than-average movie trailer explosions plus Gandhi as a bad guy.  (May 3)

THE GREAT GATSBY

Originally slated for release as Oscar Bait late last year, the release was pushed back to summer 2013. (May 10)

THE WOLVERINE

Hugh Jackman’s hirsute anti-hero finds himself in modern-day Japan, always a great backdrop for movies.  (July 26)

ELYSIUM

A bald Matt Damon stars in  Oblivion After Earth Elysium, an Earth-is-doomed sci-fi pic from the District 9 guy. (August 9)

Required Viewing: 2013 Summer Movie Trailers