the italian job

$278, the outnet

One of most favorite gifts under the tree was a J.Crew tunic, which I had written about a few weeks ago. Even though it will be awhile before I can throw it over a salt-encrusted bikini, I know that ultimately I will get major mileage out of it. Plus, there's something about having to wait to wear it: when the time finally comes, it will feel like a new present all over again. Which brings me to this Missoni playsuit. It seems like an obnoxiously inappropriate proposition right now, not only because we're all a bit shopped out from the holidays, but, of course, it's the dead of winter. But then again, think about its intrinsic delayed gratification--and how utterly chic--i.e., strikingly different from a garden variety kaftan or tunic--it will be. I can so see a bronzed Italian girl wearing this over a black bikini, or even a white filmy tank, with lots of gold jewelry and a cute straw hat. Wearing this may even make me look (more) like one! And, lastly, most temptingly: it's on sale (reduced from $795!).

1. Missoni jumper, $278, theoutnet.com
2. J.Crew straw fedora, $58, jcrew.com
3. J.Crew bikini top, $48, jcrew.com; bottom, $48, jcrew.com
4. Jules Smith cuff, $100, charmandchain.com
5. Wendy Mink turquoise wood bracelet, $98, charmandchain.com
6. Lancome Vernis in Love nail polish, $15, saksfifthavenue.com
7. K. Jacques thong sandals, $245, shopbop.com