loads of lace

Hanelli Mustaparta's little white dress, pictured above, is the essence of summer chic. It's feminine, ethereal--and because Isabel Marant's Fall 2012 is chock full of Victorian-inspired lace blouses and frocks, it's sort ahead of the game. The way to wear these vintage-looking pieces is to pair them with sleek, modern items, like fierce metallic sandals or tough leather separates, such as a pencil skirt, or a motorcycle jacket. I'm infatuated with Dolce Vita's little white lace dress, which I can team with little booties or a sexy pair of strappy heels.

Photo: Vanessa Jackman

chilling out

$159, modcloth.com

I've been glued to the tube, watching the Olympics. But seeing the bikers barreling through London's cold downpours and the beach volleyball players all covered up has my mind on chilly weather. Hence my interest in this BB Dakota faux fur coat. I love the luxe-looking vest-like patchwork fur trim (a huge trend for fall). And I know it would keep one balmy when winter blows in. I'd wear it with... 

1. Tory Burch peplum sweater, $275, toryburch.com 
2. BB Dakota faux fur coat, $159, modcloth.com 
3. Zara studded bag, $79, zara.com 
4. 3.1 Phillip Lim booties, $650, shopbop.com 
5. Vince leather jeans, $1150, barneys.com

the men's department

Have you ever roamed the men's department at H&M? I definitely recommend it. It is rich with finds, like comfy sweatshirts and letterman jackets, sized extra small. The other day I ambled over to the fitting rooms in the men's section, as the line was (and always seems to be) shorter there. I should add most of the rooms were occupied by women. After I finished trying things on, I noticed a striped Breton shirt with a zipper-trimmed neckline on the discard rack. What struck me first was that the top didn't look like it was made by H&M. It looked very designer-ish. Maybe Rag & Bone or Band of Outsiders? I actually wondered whether it belonged to someone else, who had mistakenly left it on the rack. So, I gingerly asked the fitting room attendant if the top belonged to anyone, and if it didn't, if I could try it on. She consented, adding that it was a "men's shirt." No problem, I replied. In fact, it was a total score: the top is so good, its combed cotton fabric thick and plush like an original Saint James nautical shirt, and the cut's perfectly fitting. The neckline's gold zipper detailing, of course, makes it distinctly cool. The price: $34.95. Go and get yourself one before the rest of the girls discover it.

good sport

$59, mango.com

My husband took the kids on a Dads-only surf trip this weekend with some friends, and so left to my own devices, I spent the day…….shopping in Beverly Hills. My excursion kicked off at Neiman Marcus, where I had lunch with my mom and some Chardonnay, on tap. Then I redeemed a gift card that had been burning a hole in my wallet for over a year. I also perused the pre-fall designer collections just hitting the floor, and the heavy concentration of statement sweaters got me thinking about my winter uniform. For certain, I know now it will include a Celine-inspired sporty-chic knit like this one. I'd wear it with...

1. Mango sweater, $59, mango.com 
2. Poupette diamond stone earrings, $228, otteny.com 

3. Loeffler Randall Rider bag, $595, loefflerrandall.com 
4. Elizabeth & James d'orsay pumps, $325, shopbop.com 
5. Giulietta wide-leg tuxedo pants, $950, netaporter.com

closet cleanse

There are few things more tedious than cleaning out your closet. So when The RealReal, a new online consignment boutique, contacted me a few weeks ago asking if I wanted any help purging my closet, I welcomed the opportunity. The RealReal combs fashion insiders' well-stocked closets and sells the castoffs--i.e., jewelry, accessories, and clothing from Hermes, Chanel, Balenciaga and Lanvin. I forewarned them that my wardrobe was not high-end designer heavy, but they came anyway and conquered, making me part with some great pieces that I haven't worn in a while, like a Dries Van Noten sleeveless blouse and Balenciaga kitten heels. But I am sure these beloved castoffs will find love elsewhere, as they are on sale today through July 30 here. Also make sure to check out all the Celine, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel bags up for grabs, some of them marked as low as $295. Happy shopping!

flat out good

$60, topshop.com

I injured my left knee a few weeks ago doing yoga(!), so I've been restricted to wearing flats ever since. (I attempted and winced through wearing stilettos once, only to suffer a serious setback!) I'm thinking these zebra print flats might ease the pain. The mesh fabric makes them airy, sexy, and summer-perfect, and the flashy animal print gives them edge. They're everyday, walking-around shoes that are anything but basic. Wear them with...

1. Acne silk-lined dress, $367, mytheresa.com 

2. Jacquie Aiche crystal earrings, $165, shopbop.com 

3. Alexander Wang suede satchel, $925, shopbop.com 

4. Topshop mesh flats, $60, topshop.com

the printed coat

It would be easy to argue that a summer coat is nonessential, but these pictures of stylist Giovanna Battaglia (above) and fashion editor/blogger Columbine Smille (below) definitely stoke the debate. Especially if the coat bears a graphic, vibrant print. Then it has powerful outfit-making capabilities--and, of course, renders itself completely and absolutely necessary. Here are some options to consider from Thakoon Addition (floral meets military perfection), MSGM, and Forever 21.

Photos: Tommy Ton, Columbine Smille

earning my stripes

$49, jcrew.com

Another day, another striped shirt. I can't help it, but I instantly fell for this new one from J. Crew. (I bought a size up, for a more relaxed, old-school fit.) The orange sleeves give it a right-now color-block update. I'll be living in mine with...

1. J. Crew striped t-shirt, $49, jcrew.com

2. Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses, $145, netaporter.com 

3. Neon Me satchel, $62, modcloth.com 

4. Madewell suede flats, $98, madewell.com 

5. J. Crew snow cat print pants*, $110, jcrew.com

*I LOVE these pants, too. They fit like jeans--i.e., comfortable and stretchy, and they're a bit cropped and super duper flattering.

market run

$52, mikkatmarket.com

I kinda went a little nuts yesterday at Mikkat Market, an L.A.-based and quasi under-the-radar online store that sells up-to-the-minute pieces at shockingly affordable prices. I check the site frequently, as new items are added every few days and things tend to sell out very quickly. I snagged the crochet-trimmed blouse, above, which sold out the first time around and I missed it, as well as this graphic striped jacket (so great for kicking around on cool autumn weekends), an edgy utilitarian romper and a vibrant paisley print skirt.

$74, mikkatmarket.com

$69, mikkatmarket.com

$32, mikkatmarket.com

tiers of tulle

$275, anntaylor.com

This tiered tulle pencil skirt is ethereal, feminine, romantic, sophisticated, lush and frothy. (Click here to see it on a model.) It has an elegant party vibe, and while I'd employ it on the swanky soiree circuit, I really like the idea of wearing it casually, unexpectedly, like this...

1. Mary Katrantzou printed t-shirt, $470, netaporter.com 
2. Madewell denim jacket, $118, madewell.com 
3. Coast clutch, $100, coast-stores.com 
4. Givenchy sandals, $1150, forwardbyelysewalker.com 
5. Ann Taylor tiered tulle pencil skirt, $275, anntaylor.com

vintage finds

$398, freepeople.com

I was poking around Free People's vintage section online yesterday and came across a motherlode of greatness. (Yes, FP sells vintage; I was not aware of that until just yesterday!) I was delighted to see the very Altuzarra-ish gypsy jacket, pictured above, along with lots of summer-perfect Indian-boho dresses, below.

$198, freepeople.com

$228, freepeople.com

rock solid

$84, topshop.com

Years ago when I was living and working in New York as a magazine editor I attended a press luncheon and all the big-time editors at the time were there, dressed to the nines in their designer showstoppers, all brazenly trendy. There was, however, one woman, a beauty editor, who stood out, because she was not wearing anything high-voltage and recognizable. She had on a plush grey cashmere crewneck sweater and crisp white jeans, and to me, she looked the chicest of them all. Like she wasn't trying too hard. For some reason, this sweater reminds me of her--something she might wear to a press luncheon come this fall and stand out. Wear it with...

1. Topshop embellished sweater, $84, topshop.com

2. Dita sunglasses, $350, shopbop.com

3. Forever 21 bag, $32, forever21.com

4. Manolo Blahnik suede pumps, $595, bergdorfgoodman.com

5. Victoria Beckham jeans, $395, netaporter.com

drawing up inspiration

I came across the blog My Closet in Sketches last summer, and have been a devout reader ever since, and wanted to share it with you in case you haven't seen it. Washington DC-based illustrator and Lucky contributor Lauren Friedman draws her favorite outfits--effectively setting herself apart from a sea of style bloggers--and then hand writes clever and often humorous descriptions of the stylish elements that compose them, often including vibrant vintage pieces culled from her mother and grandmother's closets. It is an amazing and inspiring site. Below are some of my most favorite illustrations--two super cute outfits I could easily see myself wearing.

 

my feathered friend

$159, theoutnet.com

Moda Operandi co-founder and fashion icon Lauren Santo Domingo once said that her two favorite food groups are "sequins and feathers." I am inclined to agree, and since on Friday I featured one of these foods, I figured I should balance the meal today. This festive LBD by Theory, majorly reduced from $455, is irresistibly tempting. Wear it with...

1. Theory dress,* $159, theoutnet.com 
2. Barneys New York double breasted blazer, $1150, barneys.com 
3. Asos beaded clutch, $58, asos.com 
4. Miu Miu crystal embellished sandals, $990, netaporter.com

weekend warrior

TGIF! I am so ready for the weekend, mostly because, apart from a few children's birthday parties, we have nothing planned. I look forward to weekends like these, because they allow me to address all the odds and ends that I've been meaning/wanting to deal with. Like, for example, start reading this book, because I've heard nothing but great things about it. And I want to make this divine tasting gazpacho, which I first sampled with my friend/chef Lulu Powers. Speaking of food, I also want to check out Cerveteca on Rose Avenue (AKA Venice's next Abbot Kinney). I heard the brunch is insanely delicious. Lastly, I am seriously contemplating cutting my hair short, like the woman's length above. I should tell you that I always wear my just-longer-than-shoulder-length hair up in a bun, mostly because I can't be bothered with blowing it out everyday, but also because I have the most unruly yet lifeless yet wavy hair. So, ultimately the length of my hair is irrelevant, since it's almost always up, but if I get some revolutionary haircut, I might want to wear it down. Don't know if this particular decision will get made over the next 48 hours, but I am going to begin the mulling process. Hope you enjoy your weekend as well!

shimmery shirt

$138, jcrew.com

All-over sequins elevate this slim-fitting t-shirt, which might just be perfect for a Hamptons holiday--and beyond. I'd buy a size up for a looser, slouchier fit and wear it with...

1. J. Crew sequin chevron t-shirt, $138, jcrew.com 
2. Bing Bang silver plated brass metal studs, $82, asos.com 
3. Sophie Hulme leather tote, $742, my-wardrobe.com 
4. Belle by Sigerson Morrison metallic flats, $195, shopbop.com 
5. Diane Von Furstenberg leather shorts, $495, netaporter.com

vacation-bound

I am looking forward to my family's upcoming annual summertime trip to the Hamptons, where we will spend a great deal of time on the beach with my parents and childhood friends (and their children!). Already, I am starting to think about what I am going to pack, because for the last few years, I've packed clothes more suitable to LA than New York--i.e., chunky sweaters appropriate for California's cool summer nights, too many jeans, and an overly ambitious amount of yoga wear. Not this year. So far, my working East Coast-ready, humidity-friendly packing list includes a pretty embroidered apres beach tunic, throw-it-on-and-go striped dress, and these new round Ray Ban sunnies, inspired by the ones worn by Moscow-born and New York-based blogger and fashion consultant Miroslava Duma, pictured above. In fact, if I can personify this whole breezy-chic look, it will make what will already be an enjoyable trip that much more satisfying.

Photo: Buro247

boot camp

$115, oasis-stores.com

It's the middle of summer and I am already contemplating my go-to fall boots. (I have started rounding up some of my favorites and will share them all in a post soon.) My criteria for the perfect pair goes something like this: I want my boots to be ankle height, go-with-everything neutral, walking-friendly, around-the-clock versatile, and, of course, seriously fetching. I think that these boots have all those attributes, and incredibly, they cost $115. Wear them with...

1. Mulberry angora sweater, $564, mytheresa.com 
2. Ray Ban New Wayfarer sunglasses, $139, shopbop.com 
3. Zara bag, $19, zara.com 
4. Oasis boots, $115, oasis-stores.com 
5. Isabel Marant Etoile corduroy pants, $259, matchesfashion.com

H&M's up and comers

I went to H&M's LA showroom yesterday to get a closer look at the upcoming Fall 2012 collection, and simply looking at the racks elicited a Pavlovian drool response. There were gem-studded sweaters, chunky chokers, faux fur jackets, and the most amazing cropped, butter-soft leather leggings, two of which I nabbed in oxblood and black. The leggings are perfectly stretchy and, therefore, super pliable. They will be in stores sometime next week, and put it this way: if I didn't already have them, I would stalk the store everyday till they came in, they are that good. Also on my wishlist of things that are imminently shoppable are below, with captions telling you when exactly they will be in stores. Good luck getting them! 

This striking cobalt blue peplum blouse and coordinating pant will be in stores the week of July 30. I love them together and separately.

This gem-studded sweater, which encapsuates Fall's big embellishment trend, will hit H&M's racks during the week of August 13.

Here's a more subtle take on the embellishment trend. It's very Marni-esque-meets-fashion insider's new favorite Vika Gazinskaya. This sweater will debut during the last week of September.

sparkly shorts

$195, allsaints.com

I didn't think I had the guts to pull off sequin-trimmed shorts like these--until I actually did, and I was even rewarded with multiple compliments. To avoid looking too, um, outré, I recommend wearing a blazer or a long sleeve button down on top (to compensate for the lack of coverage down below)--and going out somewhere really fun. Sparkle in an outfit like this...

1. River Island tank top, $46, riverisland.com 

2. Mango smoking blazer, $109, mango.com 

3. Pierre Hardy suede bag, $700, netaporter.com 

4. Givenchy leopard print sandals, $850, bergdorfgoodman.com 

5. All Saints sequined shorts, $195, allsaints.com

summer night out

I am obsessed with a fashion blog called Columbine. The author Columbine Smille (pictured above) is a Swedish fashion editor who just so happens to be ridiculously gorgeous and incredibly--but not inaccessibly--stylish. Everything she wears--a lot of Acne, H&M, and Isabel Marant--I covet, and her carefully chosen outfits inspire me to copy her to a T. She recently took this picture on a hot summer night out in Greece, where she is on holiday (lucky duck!). Now, of course, all I want to do is wear a sexy long jersey dress, just like hers (which is old H&M). So I did some research and here's what I found from Joie, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Wilt. 

Photo: Columbine Smille

bare necessity

$8, target.com

I have a simple, classic pair of J. Crew gladiator sandals (just like the ones pictured above) that I bought a few summers ago, and I've worn them into the ground. To say that they're versatile would be an understatement. There isn't a piece of summer wear that they don't go with, from a sundress to shorts to cropped jeans--and they work around the clock. But I also love the fact that they are neither too clunky nor too Roman Coliseum-authentic (i.e., they signal "I am feeling relaxed" more than "I am ready for battle"). Most incredibly, they're eight bucks(!), and they'll look great with...

1. Iro dress, $177, theoutnet.com 
2. OGJM bracelet, $60, jcrew.com 
3. Chloe denim and leather bag, $1325, netaporter.com 
4. Mossimo sandals, $8, target.com

the bold and beautiful

A few weeks ago I interviewed actress Ari Gaynor at a press junket for Celeste and Jesse  Forever (a hilarious yet melancholy yet poignant romantic comedy written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, coming out August 3--run, don't walk to the theater!) and she gleamed in a blue silk button-down blouse and red wide legged pants. The color-blocking effect was totally inspirational movie-star chic. Shala Monroque, the fashion consultant and magazine editor pictured above, also gets it right with her vibrant summer-perfect combo of yellow and red--two colors I did not think went together until now. The best thing about this look is that it employs basic but bright wardrobe staples, so no tricky styling techniques are necessary. Go forth and color block!

Photo: Harper's Bazaar

pajama party

$98, netaporter.com

This pajama top's vibrant hue and red piping make it too cute to keep in the bedroom. Work it as an effortless out-and-about blouse that goes with everything from casual jeans to a structured leather pencil skirt. On any old hot summer day I'd wear it, sleeves rolled up, with...

1. Juicy satin pajama top, $98, netaporter.com 
2. Topshop sunglasses, $32, topshop.com 
3. Madewell canvas tote, $24, madewell.com 
4. Old Navy leopard print ballet slippers, $19, oldnavy.com 
5. J. Crew denim shorts, $79, jcrew.com

the beach bag

$175, shopbop.com

My New York friends always ask me what I like about living in LA. Well, first on my list would be the fact that I can eat lunch or dinner on the beach pretty much any day of the year. I do take advantage of that fact, and to that end, I find myself using beach bags a lot to carry everything from a change of clothes for everyone in my family (you never know if the wind, rogue wave, spilled bucket of salt water, chilly fog, etc. will get you) to food to reading material to toys to towels to a bottle of wine (or two!). I have carry-alls in varying sizes, and depending on how ambitious our outing is, I have a bag to match. I've rounded up some more options, including the one pictured above (I love for its simplicity and East Coast preppy aesthetic!) to add to my arsenal.

$106, jadetribe.com

$37, llbean.com

$385, toryburch.com

$44, gap.com

$104, jadetribe.com

$195, jildor.com

$278, anthropologie.com

$135, chanceco.com