I'm hankering for one of those blistering hot summer days, when the only sane and comfortable thing to wear is a short lightweight dress. When the next heat wave rolls in (forecasted to hit LA later this week!), I'll opt for a frock featuring a pretty print, just like the ones featured in these pics. I think these skin-baring dresses--along with these darlings from Parker, Asos, Mink Pink, Carven, Diane Von Furstenberg, Alice + Olivia and Zimmermann--totally epitomize easy breezy summer chic.
Photos: The Styleograph, The Sartorialist
This anything-but-basic sweatshirt is all about the detailing: cool quilted fabric (the big thing for Fall 2013), patched front pockets and paneling on the sleeves. Plus, it's incredibly wearable--almost too wearable!--exactly the thing I'd wear to pieces...
1. Reiss quilted sweatshirt, $115, reiss.com
2. Etoile Isabel Marant coat, $660, matchesfashion.com
3. Henri Bendel wrap band ring, $78, henribendel.com
4. Topshop leather tote bag, $150, topshop.com
5. River Island buckle-trimmed heels, $160, riverisland.com
5. R13 jeans, $425, netaporter.com
While my Saturday night took me from a cocktail party to a gallery opening to a Hollywood birthday bash, Sunday night was spent with family at my aunt's house. It was a classic Rentmeester family evening featuring everything from World War II stories from both Europe (via my Dutch aunts) and Asia (via my Indonesian mom) to vivid descriptions of the craziness that was LA in the 60's (Watt's riots, hippie living, Topanga Beach etc.). In between taking in the tales and tending to my kids, who managed to consume an entire bowl of potato chips and then fall stricken on the sofa, I did take note of at least one fashion storyline. Although it's usually some variation of how my twin sister and I have shown up wearing almost identical outfits, this time it was my mother and my older sister who sported similar accessories: two new red bags. (My mother had a Prada, my sister, Clare Vivier.) While they have very different styles, they both illustrated how much a red bag is a forever bag. No other shade is as powerful, statement-y and versatile. Which explains why I always pack my red leather clutch when I travel. As these pictures show, there are so many fantastic iterations of the red bag. But I've whittled down the options to this Coach cross-body, a studded, chain link-handled Valentino, this Celine-inspired shoulder bag from Steven Alan and this Balenciaga classic.
Photos: Caroline's Mode, Street Style Seconds, Pinterest, Ryan Chua
This vivid print vintage-looking dress takes me back to my Deadhead days. But it also transports me to the future, as in this summer's trip to Mykonos, where I'd throw it over a still-damp bikini and feel gypset glamorous...
1. Monsoon halter print dress, $68, monsoon.co.uk
2. Marc by Marc Jacobs aviator sunglasses, $98, shopbop.com
3. Anthropologie crystal-studded hoop earrings, $32, anthropologie.com
4. Shashi beaded bracelet, $22, shopbop.com
5. Tory Burch metallic straw tote bag, $235, shopbop.com*
6. Ancient Greek sandals, $270, bergdorfgoodman.com
*Get the bag (and everything else) for 25% off at toryburch.com today 4/29 only. Use code TBSPRING at checkout.
I can so see myself stumbling across these striking metallic sandals during a random visit to The Gap, immediately acknowledging their forever-good continuum, and then being crestfallen because my size is nowhere to be found. All the reason to get them now!
I never knew I needed a fisherman sweater until I finally bought one. I can pair it with anything and it's cool and timeless. This one, featuring gold shoulder buttons, is so exactly right...
1. Topshop cable knit sweater, $76, topshop.com
2. Stella McCartney cat-eye sunglasses, $225, shopbop.com
3. Anthropologie earrings, $28, anthropologie.com
4. A.P.C. clutch, $123, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Tibi ankle strap heels, $365, shopbop.com
6. Alexander McQueen print skirt, $855, netaporter.com
I went to dinner last night at the Sunset Tower Hotel with a gaggle of women from both New York and LA who work in fashion. In between bites of grilled artichoke and celeb spotting (Gerard Butler! Mario Testino!), we discussed everything from switching religions for a spouse to our respective style hallmarks--i.e. wearing different iterations of the same style repeatedly, such as a striped t-shirt (guilty!), a structured black blazer or a full skirt. New York-based fashion editor Marina Larroude, above and below, clearly has a penchant for the latter, and she works it well. One might even call it her secret sauce for warm weather style. It makes sense after all, as this is the kind of piece that does all the work for an outfit, and it's a cinch to dress around. Should you be loyal to the full skirt, or want to adopt it as a new trademark, consider this leather-trimmed white DKNY, this elegant black Marni, and this fun, floral print Asos.
The colors! The print(s)! The crochet! This bikini is a serious head-turner...
1. J.Crew linen shirt, $88, jcrew.com*
2. Madewell sunglasses, $55, madewell.com
3. Billabong bikini top, $46, swell.com; Billabong bikini bottom, $38, swell.com
4. Anthropologie ombre straw tote bag, $38, anthropologie.com
5. K. Jacques sandals, $320, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. Madewell denim shorts, $59, madewell.com
*Get this shirt for $66 by using code SPRINGBEST at checkout. (J.Crew is offering 25% off any order through May 3.)
Since I first spotted it at J.Crew's Spring 2013 presentation in New York back in September, my obsession with this simple striped (but gorgeously bohemian) tunic has only intensified. I've seen it styled in various fashion magazines with unlikely counterparts, such as floral print shorts or under a structured blazer, which had the effect of making me want it even more. Knowing it was due out any day, I've been harassing the sales associates at J.Crew in Santa Monica as to its whereabouts. Lo and behold, it's finally online today, emanating all of its rustic-French-chic, breezy-linen perfection. And paired with these cute faded print jeans, it just doesn't get better. Except that it does! J.Crew is offering 25% off any order through May 3, with free shipping today, only (use code SPRINGBEST at checkout). I guess it does pay to wait! So, while I'm at it, I love these print shorts and this super adorable work-to-weekend scalloped jacket.
I debuted this embellished crochet Tory Burch jacket recently and--no joke--I was complimented by people left and right. Everyone from my son's preschool teacher to a bejeweled stranger in the parking lot at Whole Foods (where no less than three different women approached me!) to my best friend raved about it. It's quite versatile--I've worn it a few ways including something like this...
1. Giambattista Valli floral print top, $803, matchesfashion.com
2. Tory Burch embellished crochet jacket, $595, nordstrom.com*
3. Rebecca Minkoff quilted bag, $195, shopbop.com
4. Henri Bendel bracelet, $118, henribendel.com
5. Alexander Wang ankle-strap heels, $495, shopbop.com
6. Frame Denim boyfriend jeans, $199, netaporter.com
*Just saw that Tory Burch launched their spring sale today! Get the jacket (and everything else) for 25% off at toryburch.com today 4/25 through Monday 4/29. Use code TBSPRING at checkout.
My dad reports that the weather's been horrible in New York. Here, it's freezing one day, warm the next. No matter what coast I'm on, spring's mercurial elements often cloud the issue of what to wear outside-- i.e., trench coat, pea coat or no coat? Lately, I've been thinking about whether a short sleeve jacket might help address the conundrum. It's ideal for layering: great over a lightweight or chunky sweater or simply a t-shirt or blouse. It's also unique and completely chic. Club Monaco has a short sleeve parka-meets-trench coat hybrid that's seriously stylish and versatile. For one that's similar to the jacket pictured above, check out this leather one from All Saints. For colder climes, I love this gorgeous faux fur jacket from BSABLE. You can also go the utilitarian route with these spring-perfect parka types (like the one below) from Mango and Willow & Clay.
Photos: Pinterest, Atlantic Pacific
After battling a bad cold last week, I spent some time this weekend convalescing (i.e., vegging out!). It afforded me extra time to tackle the stack of magazines that have been piling up on my bedside table and to dive deep into the Pinterest rabbit hole, where I came upon this most excellent stripe boho-stylish skirt.
1. River Island beaded tank, $56, riverisland.com
2. Dorothy Perkins safari jacket, $69, dorothyperkins.com
3. Proenza Schouler woven PS1 bag, $2640, netaporter.com
4. Pour la Victoire sandals, $227, shopbop.com (30% off)
5. Rebecca Minkoff skirt, $298, rebeccaminkoff.com
I have a pair of denim cut-offs that I've had for years and have worn into the ground. But the myriad ways I've styled them are completely uninspired compared to Alexa Chung, who not only demonstrates that this warm weather staple is actually trans-seasonal but can also effect a wide range of looks from citified (above) to edgy (below) to sexy (third pic down) to girly (forth snap). With a classic striped tee, denim shorts are weekend material. But with an army jacket and high-heeled sandals (last pic), they're worthy for a casual dinner out. I love that one piece of (distressed, time-worn) clothing offers so much mileage. My forever-stylish favorites include these by 7 For All Mankind, Current/Elliot (they're high-waisted like the ones second to last picture below), and Rag & Bone.
Photos: Pinterest, FabSugar, Le-21eme, Rex Features
Last week I had dinner with a friend who had just returned from a trip to Mexico. She had that opulent post-holiday glow; even her toes were tanned. And she was still wearing her off-duty uniform: crisp white jeans, a billowy linen blouse and a woven pair of summery sexy sandals just like these, which looked amazing against her sun-kissed skin. I'd take them for a whirl in...
1. J.Crew silk camisole, $98, jcrew.com
2. Theory blazer, $385, netaporter.com
3. Juicy Couture neon bag, $128, shopbop.com
4. Asos bracelet stack, $41, asos.com
5. Nine West woven leather sandals, $159, ninewest.com
6. Topshop floral print shorts, $64, topshop.com
Since I'm on the topic of statement jewelry, let's venture into necklaces. I tend to favor high-wattage chokers, but these long tassel necklaces, above and below, have me completely re-thinking my approach. Are they not crazy insane amazing? I love how they add a bit of past-era arabesque flair. I dug up some similar stunners from Eddie Borgo, Saint Laurent (the season's cult necklace!) and Ben-Amun.
Photos: Pinterest
I have one pair of super sparkly statement earrings that I wear constantly. To the point of embarrassment. It's as if I own no other pair. But I just love them so much and they do so much for any outfit, whether it's an elegant cocktail dress or a simple, slouchy sweater and jeans. I'm thinking these guys could sub in from time to time, as I adore the punch of turquoise and the attention-getting gleam.
1. Topshop sweater*, $90, topshop.com
2. Anthropologie earrings, $198, anthropologie.com
3. Serpui Marie mother of pearl clutch, $740, modaoperandi.com
4. Plomo color block sandals, $295, shopbop.com
5. Chloe brocade skirt, $1250, netaporter.com
*The first run of this sweater sold out--so glad Topshop re-stocked it!
I always feel a tinge of envy whenever I see another girl out and about wearing shorts, especially after I've put in some time and effort to get DRESSED. Shorts are just so easy--and yet they can be a completely legitimate style statement. For example, as Poppy Delevigne deftly proves above, a pair of print shorts is a chic (and fresh!) alternative to a summery skirt, and arguably a little more comfortable, too. As for styling them, heels always turn things up a notch, and I like them teamed with a simple t-shirt or button-down blouse and a boyfriend blazer. Here are some pretties from Madewell, Asos, J.Crew, Haute Hippie, and Clover Canyon.
Photo: Pinterest
Chloe's Spring 2013 rose gold sandals had me swooning. So you could imagine my delight to find an equally glinty but super easy, everyday pair that can go just about anywhere. (P.S. This shoe also comes in wear-with-everything silver--might have to get both!)
1. T by Alexander Wang t-shirt, $78, netaporter.com
2. Ray Ban Classic Aviator sunglasses, $155, shopbop.com
3.Vanessa Mooney bead necklace, $140, shopbop.com
4. Dezso by Sara Beltran clutch, $75, modaoperandi.com
5. Report metallic sandals, $49, nordstrom.com
6. Willow tweed shorts, $520, netaporter.com
I've been long lusting for a particular pair of Aquazurra heels, these gorgeous, sexy ones beloved by fashionistas far and wide, including stylist Giovanna Battaglia, pictured above and below, who has them in both brown and black, as well as Style.com editor Marina Larroude. Well, I am happy to report that they're on sale today and tomorrow, as Shopbop is having a two-day site-wide 20% off sale (use code WEAREFAMILY13), along with other desirables recently featured here, including this Rebecca Taylor tweed dress and this cute May Y Sol raffia tote bag.
Photos: Tommy Ton, Pinterest, Stockholm Street Style
Me and my clutches. You know I can never have enough. The stripes and poms poms got me here. But there's more! It's reversible: the other side features a pretty paisley print. Two-for-one cuteness.
1. Acne sateen dress, $390, netaporter.com
2. Anthropologie drop earrings, $38, anthropologie.com
3. Loft reversible clutch, $24, loft.com
4. Vince Camuto sandals, $88, nordstrom.com
A bright shoe has been a trend for awhile, but the options are getting brighter and bolder. I have been paying more attention lately, as it looks like fun. It's clear that, if you choose, you can let your feet alone do all the talking this spring via these playful print heels. The crazier, the better! The trick to pulling this off is to keep the rest of your outfit clean and simple. Here are some of my faves from Sophia Webster, Tory Burch (want desperately!), Isa Tapia* (with a super wearable heel, no less!), Steve Madden and Dolce & Gabanna.
*Shopbop sale 20% off through 4/18! Use code WEAREFAMILY13.
Photos: The Cut, Harper's Bazaar, Pinterest
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