I'm in Tulum, Mexico, and while I have yet to experience the Mayan Ruins, swimming in the cenotes, and sipping margaritas at Coqui Coqui, I have already discovered (on my twin sister) the greatness of this super cute beach-to-street Zara jumpsuit (it has attached shorts underneath the skirt!) above, this reversible Basta Surf bikini bottom and these walk-everywhere Tory Burch sandals. Snaps of my adventure to come! In the meantime, you can see me in action on Instagram @marlienrentmeester
Yesterday I assumed the role of a lady who lunches and played it rather successfully, thanks to Vogue and Etro, who hosted me at the Sunset Tower Hotel. (I am on the left, second one in, wearing this dress.) Bubbly and sorbet were on hand, of course, and the incredibly gorgeous Joseph Free blooms bestowed the most intoxicatingly sweet smell of spring. I wanted to wear this floral dress, which would have blended in nicely with Etro's printastic vibe, but, as fate would have it, it did not arrive on my doorstop until after lunch! However, once I tried it on, I got a whole new buzz. It's gorgeous! To see more snaps from the lunch, click here.
Photo: Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Vogue
This Instagram pic of model Anita Hodosi, seaside in Tulum, not only inspires major wanderlust but seriously sexy bikini lust. Hers is by Agent Provocatuer. I just snapped up some of my own beach-ready statements, including this luxe-looking choker-accented bikini top, this wraparound black top and this one shoulder triangle top, all from Victoria's Secret. I'd also like to hit the beach in these options from Ephemera, Missoni, L*Space, Bettinis, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch.
Photo: Anita Hodosi
In my (style) book, there is a crop top, above, and a cropped top, below. I am a fan of the latter, the kind that falls at the waistline and shows no skin. Historically, for me, the right cropped top has been hard to find (either too short, too tight, too wide, etc.), but now suddenly there is a plethora of perfect-fitting options. I'm chalking up this phenomenon to the resurgence of high-waisted jeans, pants and skirts, which go inextricably with cropped tops. Topping my list are these by Club Monaco, Tibi, Alice & Olivia, English Factory, Elle Sasson, Vika Gazinskaya, and Zara, which I have, or this one, as recommended by my sis.
I love Madewell's summery take on the denim shirt. So cute!
1. Madewell chambray side-tie top, $75, madewell.com
2. Ray Ban mirrored sunglasses, $186, asos.com
3. Chan Luu beaded bracelet, $45, nordstrom.com
4. Jonathan Adler clutch, $48, shopbop.com
5. Tamara Mellon sandals, $495, netaporter.com
6. Maje skirt, $315, netaporter.com
While the lace-up gladiator sandal is spring's go-to shoe, the blingy embellished sandal is a close runner-up. Lately a friend of mine has been masterfully demonstrating just how versatile the latter is, wearing her Marni gem-encrusted sandals, similar to above, everywhere from a festive sit-down lunch to a casual poolside barbeque. I love how these shoes are able to dress up even the most mundane warm-weather staples and yet are easy on your feet. What's more, they're also evening out-worthy. My favorite sparkling statements include these by Report, Sam Edelman, J.Crew, Kate Spade, No. 21 and Guissepe Zanotti.
Photo: Sincerely Jules
This woven fringed clutch nails the prevailing bohemian chic mood.
1. Carven side-tie dress, $570, modaoperandi.com
2. Rebecca Minkoff earrings, $38, shopbop.com
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelet, $45, shopbop.com
4. Tom Ford Beauty Nail Lacquer in Toasted Sugar, $32, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. Mango fringed clutch, $49, mango.com
6. See by Chloe sandals, $295, netaporter.com
Jean shorts are getting an upgrade this spring, thanks to designers like Chloe (above). Tailored in crisp indigo denim and finished off with a flattering high waist, the warm weather staple comes off more sophisticated and refined--and refreshingly different from our old tattered cut-offs! Pretty pairs to ponder include this Mango, this 7 For All Mankind, this Victoria Beckham, this Balenciaga and this Zara.
This breezy top just made a poolside lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel all the more glamorous.
1. H&M marigold blouse, $49, hm.com
2. Karen Walker tortoise shell sunglasses, $250, shopbop.com
3. ONE by Banago tote bag, $110, shopbop.com
4. Sergio Rossi sandals, $920, netaporter.com
5. J.Crew shorts, $79, jcrew.com
As I pretty much wear my hair up all the time, I'm thankful for the latest hair accessories that let me do so in ways that look more "done." My current favorites include Jennifer Behr's leather wrap for everyday and glittery hair slides for fun nights out, this gold-plated hair tie for all occasions and Henri Bendel's chain link band to turn heads!
This bag is begging to go on vacation somewhere hot and steamy! (Hello, me too!)
1. Topshop ruffled dress, $330, topshop.com
2. Fendi sunglasses, $340, shopbop.com
3. Clarins Prodige lip gloss in Grenadine, $23, nordstrom.com
4. Star Meli embellished clutch, $65, shopbop.com
5. Visconti & Du Reau sandals, $362, shopbop.com
I am convinced that this punchy print dress was made for fun lunches at The Ivy! (P.S. It doesn't hurt that other diners would mistake it for Marni.)
1. Dorothy Perkins print dress, $49, dorothyperkins.com
2. Oliver Peoples Eyewear mirrored sunglasses, $304, shopbop.com
3. J.Crew mixed stone bracelet, $78, jcrew.com
4. Sonia Rykiel striped clutch, $400, netaporter.com
5. Alexandre Birman sandals, $595, bergdorfgoodman.com
LA's current (almost week-long!) heat wave is calling for my most summery embroidered tunics. I've stockpiled these lightweight, relaxed glam tops over the years, as they're comfortable, versatile and work season after season. And they
add a well-traveled accent to any look! Of course, I'd like to add some newbies to my collection this spring (I seriously can't have enough!), and topping my most-wanted list are these beauties from Isabel Marant, Mango, The Wallflower, Talitha, Forever 21, Free People, Figue, and Sea.
Photo: Ascot and Hart
An embellished sandal is in order this spring/summer season. I like this one's Balenciaga vibe and bargain basement price!
1. J.Crew floral dress, $450, netaporter.com
2. Delfina Delettrez multi stone earring, $660, netaporter.com
3. Monserat De Lucca metallic clutch, $110, shopbop.com
4. Essie Nail Polish in Baby Breath, $8, nordstrom.com
5. Nine West embellished sandal, $79, ninewest.com
As some stylist friends and I chatted away at a party the other night, we noticed that we were all wearing high-waisted wide leg jeans and button down-blouses. Call it coincidence--or the new chic uniform. It's easy dressing and yet manages to do the impossible: look both timelessly classic and right this minute. What you'll need to pull off this everyday-worthy outfit are flattering, versatile jeans such as these from Diane Von Furstenberg, Rag & Bone, Frame Denim, Madewell, Point Sur and H&M, along with instantly-polishing blouses like this Elle Sasson, this Joe Fresh, this Stella McCartney, this Haute Hippie, this Theory and this Equipment.
The perfect pair of shorts this season is a little more statement-y and lot more city-proof--just like these.
1. J.Crew short sleeve sweater, $67*, jcrew.com
2. Matthew Williamson mirrored sunglasses, $310, shopbop.com
3. Venessa Arizaga bracelet, $175, shopbop.com
4. Marni raffia tote bag, $1038, matchesfashion.com
5. Ancient Greek Sandals slides, $225, netaporter.com
6. Topshop shorts, $70, topshop.com
*Get this price--or 25% off select full-price items--through 3/17 with the code SALELOVE
For months now, I've given my simple, subtle studs center stage, leaving my statement drop earrings to hibernate in my closet. But now it's time to bust out these bold pieces again--at least that's what the fall runways are dictating (see Miu Miu and Givenchy), even it's just a single one, like at Tibi or in the case, above, Louis Vuitton. Some big and beautiful options include these from Asherali Knopfer, J.Crew, Fallon (I'd wear just one), Gas Bijoux, Freida Rothman, Bauble Bar, and Bijoux Heart.
I could not think of a cuter or more comfy summer uniform!
1. J. Crew floral jumpsuit, $118, jcrew.com
2. H&M hat, $17, hm.com
3. Madewell sunglasses, $55, madewell.com
4. Bop Basics tote bag, $125, shopbop.com
5. Joie sandals, $185, shopbop.com
It was said that Helen of Troy's beauty could launch a thousand ships. I'm thinking the same could be said of Chloe's pre-fall 2015 sailor pants, though I am talking replicas rather than ships. The trend is already afloat in Paris, seen above and below. I'd like to set sail with these chic wide-leg trousers from Gucci, Vince, Kenzo, Sonia Rykiel, Derek Lam, and Tibi.
Photos: Style, Harper's Bazaar
Miu Miu's crocheted pieces may be all the rage, but I am more than content to roll in this one.
1. Asos crocheted top, $68, asos.com
2. Scosha set of three diamond and turquoise bracelets, $655, netaporter.com
3. Rebecca Minkoff dual stone ring, $58, shopbop.com
4. Madewell bag, $208, madewell.com
5. SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker leather pumps, $350, nordstrom.com
6. Rag & Bone boyfriend jeans, $210, netaporter.com
I just spent a few sun-soaked, sand-coated, wine-steeped days in St. Barths--full highlights and snaps to come!--and thought I'd share what I packed, figuring it's spring break time of year, and you, too, may be flying south soon. Of course, St. Barths is home of the statement kaftan, so I packed as many as I could into my suitcase, and yet, I still bought more, including a crochet lovely that looked like this as well as a gauzey tunic top that I threw over bikinis (and will wear with jeans, back home). I found that the best cover-ups were the ones that went seamlessly from seaside to shopping to sunset cocktails, such as these by Melissa Obadash, Shoshanna, Ondademar, Jen's Pirate Booty, Juliet Dunn, and Lisa Maree. Next time I go (to any tropical locale, for that matter), I will definitely bring more of these with me! For the four-day trip, I brought six bathing suits, a different one for each day, plus options. My favorites of the bunch: this Lisa Marie Fernandez, this Kiini, this Melissa Obadash (on sale!) and the polka dot J.Crew, above, (which is 25% off today only!). As far as footwear went, I kept it simple and packed 3 super versatile, beach-to-street flat sandals, like this Tamara Mellon lace-up gladiator, this fringed BC, and this ankle strap Valentino. I also brought a pair of Alexandre Birman open-toe sandals for a fancy night out, and I love this spring's iteration of it. Evenings called for both short and long dresses. If I could do it all over again, I would bring these beauties from Michael Kors (which could go from lunch at Nikki Beach to dinner at Tamarin), Tory Burch, RED Valentino and Asos. A chic and roomy beach bag is, of course, a must along with a good beach read. I brought this book. Last but not least: a single go-with-everything clutch like this is key; it saved me a little room in my suitcase to bring home some much-loved souvenirs!
Paris fashion show-goers are stylishly transitioning into spring with a lightweight easy-to-layer bomber jacket--and I'd like to join the ranks with these possibilities from Topshop (similar to above and below, also in black here), R13, Balenciaga, Vince, Asos and J.Crew ( a denim interpretation that can take me into summer without skipping a beat, plus it's 25% off!)
Photos: Style, Vogue
I truly was tickled pink to come across this ravishing off-the-shoulder knockout at H&M. I bought it in white too!
1. H&M off-the-shoulder dress, $69, hm.com
2. Madewell sunglasses, $55, madewell.com
3. Beautycounter Lip Sheer in Scarlet, $28, beautycounter.com
4. Maiyet tote bag, $995, shopbop.com
5. Chloe sandals, $450, netaporter.com
While the Fall 2015 runways from New York to Paris are debuting some great new fashion trends we can all look forward to--winter florals! long-line blazers! statement earrings!--the show-goers are showcasing the new and right-now-wearable "it" bag: Chloe's Drew satchel. While the shape is feminine and retro-spirited, the hardware is bold and this very minute. It can be worn slung over one shoulder, messenger style or toted like a clutch. And, like the best cult-worthy bags, it goes with just about everything, no matter the color you get. My favorites are the timeless black, the whimsical color-block and the eye-popping mini red.
While I love me my leather shorts (and have been relying on them for several seasons now), this spring, it's all about suede shorts. The rich, supple and retro-spirited fabric takes center stage come springtime, and rendered in a shorts silhouette, it looks luxurious, fresh and, yes, seductively edgy. I love the luxe-looking pair by Mango (and its $79 price tag!), above, as well as these versions by Tamara Mellon, Club Monaco, and Miu Miu.
In case you need to be reminded, spring officially arrives in 16 days! Taking this into account, I rounded up the most desirable, wardrobe-updating, warm weather-ready pieces at Shopbop, which is staging an epic sale* on all full-priced, just-in items. Topping my list: this statement BCBG mini skirt (loosely inspired by above!), these spot on Matiko lace-up flat sandals (great with shorts and dresses), this gorgeously light and billowy Rebecca Minkoff dress, this lace-up white Splendid blouse (next season's fresh alternative the white button down), these flared Stella McCartney jeans (spring's go-to style), this striking cubicle-to-cocktails J.W. Anderson wrap dress, these sexy, statement-y suede Alexandre Birman heels, these sparkly yet everyday-suitable Elizabeth and James earrings, this on trend yet nicely priced Baggu bucket bag, and this L*Space wrap bikini top that I'd mix and match with bottoms I already have.
*Save 15%-25% site wide when you spend $250+. See details and get the code here.
Photo: The Cut
After months of covering up in chunky knits, a skin-baring sweater is a welcome--and sexy--concept!
1. Whistles off-the-shoulder sweater, $230, whistles.com
2. Sara Designs beaded wrap watch, $436, shopbop.com
3. Fendi mini baguette bag, $1550, luisaviaroma.com
4. Stuart Weitzman sandals, $345, nordstrom.com
5. Gucci pants, $995, netaporter.com
*Get this watch and almost everything else for up to 25% off at Shopbop now through Saturday March 7--get code here! I will publish my favorite picks from the sale shortly!
The other day I went shopping with a friend and brought along my vintage fringed clutch for the adventure. When I put my clutch down to try on a pair of earrings, a woman came over, picked it up and proceeded to examine it as if she was thinking about buying it. It was then that I informed her that the clutch was mine. She was crestfallen... but if she's reading this, she might take consolation in the bounty of fringed options out and about, including this Pierre Hardy bag, this Valentino (pictured above, or in black leather here), this Saint Laurent (pictured below), this Sole Society, this Pieces, and Diane Von Furstenberg.
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