tip top


I've long been lusting for Vika Gazinskaya's cropped top, beloved by fashionistas far and wide, including Leandra Medine and Lauren Santo Domingo, below. But the steep price tag? Not so much! So, I was quite delighted to come across this piece by Nicholas, which has the same asymmetrical detailing, breezy volume and outfit-making punch!


swingy tunic

$49, hm.com

This fun fringed tunic will get me into the summer swing of things.


1. H&M fringed tunic, $49, hm.com
2. Wonderland leather sunglasses, $265, shopbop.com
3. Diane Kordas woven diamond and sapphire bracelet, $1450, netaporter.com
4. M2Malletier bag, $1900, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. Madewell lace-up sandals, $69, madewell.com
6. J.Crew sequin shorts, $150, jcrew.com

sharp shorts


Suddenly, my beloved old pair of denim cut-off shorts are feeling... old! This weekend I put them on and promptly took them off as they looked too distressed, too schlumpy, too much of a thing of the past. And so I'm now on the hunt to find its polar opposite: a pair that's made with sleek, polished denim, one that looks tailored, sophisticated and, most importantly, new! Here's what I uncovered from Victoria Beckham, Chloe (40% off!), Frame, Derek Lam 10 Crosby, and Balenciaga (above).

top of the line

$47, front row shop

I'd like to earn my style stripes this summer with this cute top!


1. Front Row Shop striped top, $47, frontrowshop.com
2. Cutler and Gross sunglasses, $500, jcrew.com
3. Sogoli chain bracelet, $75, shopbop.com
4. Sensi Studio straw bag, $255, shopbop.com
5. J.Crew sandals, $49, jcrew.com
6. Current/Elliott jeans, $220, netaporter.com 

show time


Caroline Issa recently made the men's fashion week rounds in Paris, above, and Milan, below, in dresses with body-baring slits. Strategically placed to show just the tiniest--but arguably sexiest--bit of skin, the slits make a fresh, this-very-minute statement and provide much-needed ventilation. I'd like to give this summer-perfect trend a whirl with these standouts from Ganni, Jil Sander (on sale!), Tanya Taylor, Forever 21 and Haney.


Photos: Tommy Tom/Style

summer florals

$190, topshop

This dress exudes a carefree summer day vibe--I like!


1. Topshop lace dress, $190, topshop.com
2. Le Specs sunglasses, $79, shopbop.com
3. Samudra print clutch, $65, shopbop.com
4. Givenchy snake sandals, $975, netaporter.com

sightseeing in style


With all my frequent flying this past spring--Mexico, St. Barth's, Aspen, New York, San Francisco!--I am closer to cracking the code on chic vacation wear. I now know that whatever makes its way into my suitcase must be able to stand up to heat and humidity, miles of walking city streets, hours of sightseeing, and day-to-night dressing--and look drop-dead chic while doing so! Now with summer travel(s) on the horizon, I'm looking for more do-it-all-around-the-world pieces--and I've hit jackpot with the following. A Tory Burch dress, above, which can wend around Florence during the day with easy sneaks, then sit down to dinner with a pair of sandals at Capocaccia. I'm also coveting these cosmopolitan-cool dresses by Cos, Tibi, GoenJ, Asos, Veronica Beard, Equipment, and 4. Collective. I'll definitely pack a pair of culottes like this H&M (which I have) or this Rebecca Taylor, because they are stylish yet easy and straddle the day/night gap. Of course, sneakers are a must: they can work fashion magic with my daytime dresses, minis, and midi-skirts , plus will let me canvass new cities and jet through several time zones in comfort. My current faves: this Superga, this Rag & Bone and this A.P.C. I limit myself to just one pair of heels, a super versatile open-toe sandal like this J.Crew, this Givenchy (on sale) or this Madewell. It's always wise to bring a warm layer, whether it's to fend off an over zealous A/C or keep an evening breeze at bay. A go-with-everything cardigan, like this or this is a no-brainer, but if there's room, I'd also throw in an outfit-elevating lightweight jacket like this and this. Bon voyage!

Photo: 9 to 5 Chic

suede statement

$150, miss selfridge

This fringed suede mini masters the season's boho vibe in a rather fabulous way!

1. Miss Selfridge suede dress, $150, missselfridge.com
2. Givenchy gold-tone crystal bangle, $740, netaporter.com
3. Edie Parker python clutch, $1495, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Splendid metallic sandals, $78, shopbop.com


head-turning earrings


Clearly, Milanese women have the glamor thing nailed down. Witness the woman, above, who makes a mostly-eaten gelato cone look like just another chic fashion accessory. And not only that! She takes a pair of decadent chandelier earrings (find them here!) and makes them everyday, ice-cream-outing wearable by teaming them with a casually cuffed, button-up shirt. Bellissima! I'd like to take a cue from the Milanese with these day-to-night stunners from Mercantila, Valentino, Ben-Amun, Stella Jean, Argento Vivo, and J.Crew.

Photo: Tommy Ton

summer cover

$69, mango

This is just the thing I'd wear over a slinky camisole or jumpsuit--or sling over my shoulders at night to top off a filmy, summery dress.


1. Saloni silk romper, $495, matchesfashion.com
2. Mango jacket, $69, mango.com
3. Prada canvas bag, $750, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Chloe lace-up sandals, $495, netaporter.com

new stripes


The classic Breton striped top has spawned some fun summery renditions that are just as versatile and chic. The Asos tee, above, comes with cute French gamine extras, like bows and arm slits. Then there are those in unexpected vibrant hues and silhouettes by Madewell, Chance, J.Crew, and Solid & Striped and Tibi.

lace-up shorts

$68, topshop

This is my (fast and easy!) ticket to balmy-summer-day style.


1. Vivienne Westwood Anglomedia pleated top, $270, matchesfashion.com
2. Venessa Arizaga earrings, $50, shopbop.com
3. Sophie Anderson woven clutch, $381, matchesfashion.com
4. Isabel Marant sandals, $895, barneys.com
5. Topshop lace-up shorts, $68, topshop.com

cropped and cool

we wore what jeans

Right now I'm obsessed with cropped wide-leg jeans. Cut right above the ankle and just below the calf, the silhouette has a relaxed and refreshing warm weather vibe. And believe it or not, they're flattering on just about every body type. I've already stockpiled a few pairs, including the white Asos frayed jeans, above, and perfectly-fitting reconstructed vintage Levi's jeans by Re/Done, a new LA-based denim label. Also great are these iterations by Current Elliott, J.Crew, Topshop, Citizens of Humanity and Blank Denim.



Photos: We Wore What, Pinterest

summer-in-the city sleek


While it hasn't felt much like summer in perpetually foggy West Los Angeles, it looks like the heat is on east of the 405 and all the way across the country to New York, where some fellow bloggers are stylishly weathering it. Take Gala Gonzalez, for instance, in a little white asymmetrical dress, like this one (on sale!) and Charlotte Groeneveld, below, in a lightweight floral shirtdress by Rodebjer. (Find the solid white version at 40% off here.) Both these dresses are super chic, heat-proof and walking-friendly, plus game to travel beyond the concrete jungle! Some like minded options include this Yumi Kim, this Alexander Wang, this Madewell, this Saloni, this Club Monaco, this Asos, this Elle Sasson, and this H&M.


Photos: Amlul, The Fashion Guitar

stripe zone

$68, pixie market

Just looking at this dress gives me an easy breezy summery feeling.


1. Pixie Market dress, $68, pixiemarket.com
2. Le Specs mirrored sunglasses, $60, netaporter.com
3. Asos sequin clutch, $63, asos.com
4. Zimmermann ankle-tie sandals, $310, shopbop.com

paired up in positano

sofia sanchez de betak

New York-based art director Sofia Sanchez de Betak, above, is giving me a case of serious vacation--and shoe!--envy, as she suns and sandals her way around Positano. Highlights via Instagram include the pair, above, by Giuseppe Zanotti, (also in gold and 30% off here), which is not only Le Sirenuse-glamorous but cobblestone street-suitable. (Her vibrant batik print caftan is also pretty fab!) Then there is the Valentino pair, below, complete with braided black leather straps and ocean-inspired charms that blend in gorgeously with the Italian environs. Lastly, a pair of Toteme rope sandals prove that they're not only la dolce vita-worthy but up for arduous (suitcase-packing) tasks.



Photos: Sofia Sanchez de Betak

floral meets fringe

$100, river island

Florals and fringe add up to a striking (Marni-reminiscent) clutch.


1. Topshop print dress, $75, topshop.com
2. Super Sunglasses, $199, shopbop.com
3. MAC Wash & Dry Lipstick in Steam Heat, $17, nordstrom.com
4. River Island clutch, $100, riverisland.com
5. Nine West sandals, $79, ninewest.com

polo, anyone?


Speaking of great summer tees, I'm all about sporting the iconic but currently-all-the-rage polo shirt. They look fresh and cool when teamed with more dressed-up pieces, whether it's a statement skirt or a sleek pair of pants. Rendered in a sophisticated pique material, like the Toteme one in the last pic, below, they look decidedly elegant--i.e., can do wonders for a basic pair of shorts. I'm loving these versions by J.Crew, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Acne Studios (50% off), Tibi (40% off), Vince, Topshop, and Theory (50% off).




 

Photos: Phil Oh, Elin Kling, Pandora Sykes

high tied

$41,* j.crew

I love this update on the classic white tee. So versatile and so cute!




1. J.Crew lace-up tunic tee, $41,* jcrew.com
2. Sunday Somewhere sunglasses, $290, shopbop.com
3. Victoria Beckham clutch, $695, netaporter.com
4. Madewell open-toe sandals, $158, madewell.com
5. Topshop patchwork suede skirt, $160, topshop.com

*Get this price--or 30% off your purchase--with the code GOSHOPPING through 6/21.

the one-piece wonder


In case you haven't noticed, the one-piece swimsuits this season are looking pretty sexy. They're cut to flatter and reveal more skin (but not too much more!) and yet they remain practical as always when you are in active mode--i.e. less likely to fly off in a water-tubing wipeout (as my bikini bottoms did last summer)! It's all a matter of finding the most complimentary suit and... I have! Several, in fact, including this Tory Burch (which I brought to Mexico!), this J.Crew, this Asos, this Lisa Marie Fernandez, this Acacia, and this Mara Hoffman.

summer lbd

$220, netaporter.com

This summer-ready LBD is poised to go into constant rotation. P.S. It's also the ultimate wear-everywhere travel dress!


1. Dagmar cotton jersey dress, $220, netaporter.com
2. Super Sunglasses, $329, shopbop.com
3. Dolce & Gabanna Classic Cream Lipstick in Delicious 415, $33, nordstrom.com
4. Rebecca Minkoff tropical print tote, $255, shopbop.com
5. Pierre Hardy sandals, $442, bergdorfgoodman.com (50% off!)

good jeans

$262, matches

A cropped length and braided pockets make these everyday jeans a little less everyday-looking.


1. Sea cut-out top, $335, netaporter.com
2. Le Specs sunglasses, $79, shopbop.com
3. Miansai screw cuff, $200, shopbop.com
4. Zara bag, $39, zara.com
5. Christian Louboutin ballet slippers, $625, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. See by Chloe jeans, $262, matchesfashion.com

espadrille esprit

espadrille trend

Relaxed jeans, sun-kissed skin and a pair of espadrilles might just be summer at its best. This season, I'm liking the lace-up kind as it looks fresh and different, plus it's a chic alternative to the ubiquitous gladiator. Compelling possibilities include these striped Soludos, above, (but I also like the solid version), along with these by Valentino, Rebecca Minkoff, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Dune, Raye, and OAS.

ring my bell

$149, pixie market

An old but easy-to-throw-on Lanvin blouse gave me the motivation I needed to go to a Monday night dinner party. (You can check out pics from the party here.) This bell sleeved blouse would provide similar incentive--and then some!


1. Pixie Market bell-sleeve blouse, $149, pixiemarket.com
2. Tom Ford Lip Color Sheer in Sweet Spot, $50, bergdorfgoodman.com
3. M2Malletier python bag, $2795, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Sam Edelman beaded sandals, $180, shopbop.com
5. Theory stretch skinny pants, $265, netaporter.com

major maxis


Stella McCartney's Resort 2016 collection, presented yesterday in New York, amounts to a strong (and persuasive!) indicator that hemlines are trending longer. Not only were the models, above, showcasing striking floor-grazing statements, but so were (prescient) street style stars, like Miroslava Duma, below, in a current season Stella (on sale here). Designers including Proenza Schouler, The Row and Victoria Bekham also concentrated on below-the-knee hemlines in their resort collections. With all signs pointing to the long dress, I rounded up my favorite currents. They include this Chloe (30% off), this Stella McCartney (40% off), this Tibi (40% off), this Thakoon Addition, this Asos and this French Connection.


Photos: Style, Vogue

short and sweet

$410, netaporter

This dress is equal parts sweet and sexy--and as pretty as can be!



1. Self Portrait lace dress, $410, netaporter.com
2. Jennie Kwon black diamond stud earring, $395, shopbop.com
3. Edie Parker glitter skull clutch bag, $2495, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Valentino studded sandals, $975, bergdorfgoodman.com




draper james


When I think of friends I admire, Reese Witherspoon is up there. Beyond her well documented talents and achievements, there are also the seriously club-worthy dance moves in our morning exercise class, the absolutely can't miss reading recommendations (current pick--Luckiest Girl Alive), and a firm understanding of the glory that is shopping at consignment stores. And now, as of last month, there is her awesome new fashion brand that she somehow managed to launch between everything else she does. It's called Draper James and features clothing, jewelry, bags (including the cute tote, above), stationery, cocktail napkins, and home decor--all amazingly imbued with her distinctly vibrant Southern style. My favorites from the collection: this tasseled cover-up, this effortlessly chic shirtdress, this punchy floral print dress, these tweed gingham shorts, and this cute flowery clutch. Not surprisingly, things are selling out fast, but keep a look out for new desirables to be added the mix. You can check it all out here

fit to be tied

$105, topshop

A grassy backyard party on Saturday night had me tiptoeing in my stilettos. Next time, I'd like to be wearing these chic lace-up block heels!

1. Sportmax Code floral print dress, $276, matchesfashion.com
2. Katie Diamond earrings, $145, shopbop.com
3. Charlotte Tilbury Lip Gloss in Candy Darling, $22, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Cambridge Satchel cross body bag, $280, shopbop.com
5. Topshop lace-up heels, $105, topshop.com
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