Do this in August

Photography and styling Ryan Robinson

Power suit
Don’t describe these trunks as purple—the color is officially called “razzleberry.” But don’t worry, they’re still totally masculine on you. $40 at the Gap, locations around the city, gap.com.—Kevin Aeh

FILM Julie & Julia
Is that like Victor/Victoria? Not quite. It’s a movie inspired by Julie Powell’s best-selling book about her attempts to complete every recipe in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. (Juxtaposed with the Julie narrative is the Julia story, adapted from Child’s own biography, My Life In France; Meryl Streep plays the kitchen deity.) Not to get too pointy-headed, but this is an interesting match of filmmaker to material: The director is Nora Ephron, whose alter ego in her semiautobiographical Heartburn used cooking as a distraction from divorce. Also, perhaps to atone for Doubt, Amy Adams returns to a role in a movie of no social value whatsoever. Aug 7.—Ben Kenigsberg

MUSIC Ravinia’s season wraps up
With sophisticated melodies, urbane lyrics and easy wit, Cole Porter’s music isn’t fluff so much as delightful froth. Night and Day: A Cole Porter Evening (August 16; $35–$75, lawn $20), filled with songs like “You’re the Top” and “It’s De Lovely” interpreted by Tony winners Victoria Clark and TV-bro–turned–Broadway-pro David Hyde Pierce, sounds almost sinfully sumptuous. Bring the box wine for the Doobie Brothers (August 3; $55, lawn $22–$27), Pat Benatar and Blondie (August 17; $55, lawn $25) and Carrie Underwood (pictured; August 31; $95, lawn $25–$30).—Kris Vire and Brent DiCrescenzo

BOOKS Shelf Discovery by Lizzie Skurnick
For anyone who spent childhood summers reading as many books as possible, this is the season to revisit them. Maybe it’s the back-to-school air of August, but Jezebel.com columnist Skurnick’s ode to teen novels seems like a great way to sweat out the end of the season. Aug 1.—Jonathan Messinger

Suits with zip
Cover up or show a hint of skin with this zipper-front one-piece, available in five colors. Get extra bang for your buck wearing it as a bodysuit. $34 at American Apparel, locations around the city, americanapparel.net.—Jessica Herman

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