one and done

Yesterday I indulged in an early Mother's Day celebration--organic manicures, FaceLove massages (#bestever), Style Rituals crystal readings, mimosas and matcha lattes--thanks to Goop and Net-a-Porter. I also had the pleasure of sporting my new summer-ready linen jumpsuit, which turned out to be a crowd pleaser! I'd like to load up on more of these one-and-done wonders, so I sourced some more good ones from Asos (also this one), See by Chloe, Anthropologie, Monki, Apiece Apart and Warm.

chambray chic

$175, the outnet

Like the best pair of jeans, this denim dress is tirelessly wearable and effortlessly cool.

1. Tanya Taylor chambray denim dress, $175, theoutnet.com
2. Illesteva sunglasses, $240, shopbop.com
3. Alison Lou gold and diamond bracelet, $1475, netaporter.com
4. Nannacay straw bag, $180, shopbop.com
5. Christian Louboutin sandals, $995, neimanmarcus.com

camoflash

When I met some friends for dinner last week at the newly opened (and crazy delicious) Pizzana, we all (yes, all four of us) showed up wearing green army jackets. I wasn't embarrassed or mortified, as this staple is a rock solid choice no matter how many people are wearing it. However, it got me thinking about any possible twists on the standard issue girl-army-jacket. Lo and behold the next day, I saw this Instagram snap: Leandra Cohen, above left, sporting a J.Crew men's camoflage version. I like that the print is more vibrant and abstract than traditional camo and yet equally versatile. And this version might just help me stand out from the crowd a little! You can find it here. (I also like the Diane Von Furstenberg dress Leandra is wearing underneath her camo!)

Photo: Leanda Cohen

smocked top

$96, pixie market

This gorgeously re-imagined white blouse comes just in time for summer.

1. Pixie Market smocked blouse, $96, pixiemarket.com
2. Illesteva sunglasses, $177, shopbop.com
3. Jane Iredale Lip Gloss and Stain, $32, nordstrom.com
4. Anne Sisteron gold and diamond hamsa ring, $615, annesisteron.com
5. Frances Valentine basket bucket bag, $195, zappos.com
6. Ancient Greek Sandals velvet slides, $245, shopbop.com
7. Barbara Casasola high-waist jeans, $310, netaporter.com

monogram happy

My best friend calls me Laverne (from Laverne and Shirley!) because I like to monogram everything I can get my hands--and toes--on, such as these summer-perfect denim slides.

varsity letter basket

$170, moda operandi

This hand-painted monogrammed tote is a style slam dunk.

1. Gucci wool sweater, $1500, netaporter.com
2. Current/Elliott camo jacket, $338, shopbop.com
3. Rae Feather varsity basket bag, $170, modaoperandi.com
4. Van sneakers, $54, nordstrom.com
5. M.i.h. Jeans, $325, netaporter.com

natsu au natural

Though I've had lots of practice dressing for summer recently, I'm still up for additional remedial help. Enter: Love by Natsu's Instagram, rife with A-game summer style inspiration. I especially love her use of robes in lieu of traditional cover-ups and one-piece bathing suits that--voila!--double as tops. Also in her distinctly cool mix are billowy, romantic dresses, high-waist cropped jeans, structured basket bags, and wide-brim hats. I'd like to integrate some her style signatures into my warm weather wardrobe starting with this Double J off-the shoulder dress (similar to above), this Realisation ruffle blouse (pictured below), this statement-making Lisa Marie Fernandez swim suit (last pic; I bought this less expensive version, and I also like this slightly more subtle one), these punchy yellow Stuart Weitzman slides (third pic down), these high-waist Re/Done jeans, this structured basket tote bag by Indego Africa, this crochet-trimmed Anna Kosturova kimono, and this super chic sun-shielding Carlson hat.

Photos: Love by Natsu 

la ligne

I did a fun shoot with uber cool NYC-based clothing line La Ligne a few weeks ago and thought I'd share the results: playful pics, a quick Q&A (in which I reveal surprising personal secrets!) and the lowdown on my sparkly, party-ready outfit, above. Check it all out here. P.S. I'm currently craving La Ligne's stripe-accented camo jacket and day-to-night statement dress.

conscious shopping

A bounty of amazing, I-can't-believe-it's H&M clothing just debuted today--and, I'm telling you, it's all worth checking out! For starters, there's the Conscious Exclusive collection, which is creatively rendered from organic and recycled materials. My favorite pieces include this silk romantic dress, above, this glittery jacquard weave mini skirt, this floaty, delicate blouse, and this gorgeously textured strapless dress. Additional inexpensive greatness: this hot pink tiered dress, this lace-trimmed pinstriped blouse, these easy tie-waist trousers, this print bikini, and this sexy lace bodysuit. 

sandal strong

$110, boden

You know I love my stripes head to toe!

1. Ulla Johnson scalloped blouse, $345, netaporter.com
2. Miu Miu sunglasses, $450, shopbop.com
3. Sydney Evan multi-color sapphire studs, $230, shopbop.com
4. Chanel Rouge Liquid Lip Color in Luxuriant, $37, nordstrom.com
5. Rosie Assoulin woven straw bag, $850, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. Boden stripe-tie sandals, $110, boden.com
7. See by Chloe cropped lace-up jeans, $360, netaporter.com

marigold around

Springing up this season: marigold dresses! This vivid yellow hue isn't for every skin type, but it works for mine, which is why I did a little digging around to root out the best. Here's what I found: this off duty-ready Madewell, this eyelet Kate Spade, this Marks & Spencer lace maxi, this wrap Boden, this pleated silk Rochas, this effortlessly chic Ulla Johnson, and this party-perfect Lela Rose.

gingham greatness

$49, zara

This two-piece set is the cutest hot-summer-day outfit!

1. Zara gingham two-piece set, $49, zara.com
2. IAM by Ileana Makri, $270, netaporter.com
3. Lancome Juicy Shaker Bi-Phase Lip Oil in Wonder Melon, $22, nordstrom.com
4. Nannacay straw tote bag, $260, shopbop.com
5. Aquazurra slides, $475, netaporter.com

haute hair bands

On the rare occasions I wear my hair down, I usually have a black rubberband wrapped around my wrist just in case I want to put it up. So, when I discovered that a neighbor of mine recently launched a line of chic bracelets that double as hair ties, I took notice. After all, these are no ordinary hair ties; they're Cartier Love bracelet compatible! The rose gold disk, above middle, is my favorite style, and it's $18. Check out the others, featuring green onyx, rose quartz and tourmaline here.

basket bucket

$195, shopbop

This basket bag boasts a vacation vibe but its lined pocket interior yields everyday practicality.

  
1. Tome asymmetric blouse, $340, netaporter.com
2. Harvey Faircloth peplum jacket, $448, intermixonline.com
3. Rebecca Minkoff basket bag, $195, shopbop.com
4. Comme des Garcons x Converse sneakers, $120, nordstrom.com
5. Frame Denim jeans, $230, netaporter.com  

best of st. barth's

There is nothing hard about St. Barth's--except getting there from Los Angeles. One red-eye, a connecting four-hour flight and a (harrowing) prop plane later, I landed mid-afternoon, rumpled and tired. Despite my fatigue, I made a quick presto change-o and met up with friends, who were well into a wine-steeped lunch at Shellona, a gorgeous restaurant perched above the idyllic Shell Beach (pictured below). The meal instantly perked me up and got me into the island's happy groove! The sun-soaked days that followed served up all of my favorite activities: yoga, swimming, shopping, sailing, and long decadent lunches. Check out the glorious highlights below. 

After my scrumptious first meal on the island of salad nicoise, burrata, grilled zucchini, and homemade french fries (possibly the finest I've ever tasted!), I swam off a few calories in the Caribbean Sea, then made a beeline for the chaise lounges. That's when the rose wine started flowing and basically didn't stop till I departed!

The next day kicked off with swimming at the secluded Colombier Beach, followed by--you guessed it--another yummy lunch and shopping at the super chic pink and white-accented Cheval Blanc, above, where I snapped up the insane lace caftan, below. 

Shopping in St. Barth's was my sport. I boutique hopped in Gustavia (my faves included Vanita Rosa, Lolita Jaca, Poupette, Gisele, and MC2 St. Barth's) and St. Jean (Terra, Cabane, Filles des Iles).

Another must-stop was Le Guanahani Hotel, above, where the view of the reef-protected lagoon and turquoise blue water is postcard perfect and the fried calamari rocks.

St. Barth's fashion mandate: swimsuits that make a splash! I went for it with this embellished, ikat print Asos.

And with this Asos crochet top, which stayed put while paddleboarding, snorkeling and jumping off the sailboat. 

Right now, this St. Barth's pina colada is calling my name and I'm already plotting to go back and drink it one day soon!

get in line

$49, h&m

Back to work, working on effortless summer style! 

1. H&M stripe cotton dress, $49, hm.com
2. Shashi earring set, $85, shopbop.com
3. Sophie Anderson raffia tote bag, $245, netaporter.com
4. Rag & Bone leather wedges, $495, bergdorfgoodman.com 

island time

Apologies for the lack of posts this past week, but I've been on island time! I spent an extended spring break in the Caribbean, specifically St. Barth's and Anguilla, sailing, swimming, sunning, and sipping rose! (More pics to come soon!) Now that I'm back on terra firma, I'm determined to perpetuate St. Barth's chicness in my Southern California life, which means I need things like this plunging Reformation dress, this Blue Life sexy one-piece swimsuit (I bought it in red), this Free People wraparound maxi dress, these sleek Asos jelly sandals, this ruffled Petersyn top (similar to my top, above), and this Mango beach-to-street mini.

summer stock

Now's the time to pounce on party dresses, like the ruffled wonder, above, and all things summery and festive with Shopbop's sale of the season. (Read: up to 25% off everything!). On my shopping list: this day to night Cinq a Sept top, this Talulah asymmetrical dress, this Red Carter lace romper, this off-the-shoulder Line & Dot dress, this Inge Christopher wood clutch, this pom pom-trimmed Club Monaco top, this striped English Factory dress, and these Jennifer Behr statement earrings. Check it all out here.

Photo: Natasha Goldenberg

mexico moments

Last week I was whisked away by some friends on a last minute trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico--and, thankfully, totally prepared wardrobe-wise due to my diligent spring shopping! A new billowy floral Warm dress, above, came in handy for a late lunch at Palmilla, while a lavishly embroidered Fanm Mon top made a serious statement back at the villa, below. Read on for more deets!

The stone wall behind me in the entry of the villa we rented is actually a waterfall. (Read: cool picture backdrop!) I'm wearing a black bikini I bought ages ago and wear all the time, because black, duh, is always flattering. Other good ones can be found here, here and here.

Of course, no trip is complete without a little shopping. We scoured the around San Jose del Cabo's old main sqaure, all rife with cute pom pom-trimmed basket bags, straw hats (like the one hanging around my neck), embroidered dresses and tunics, silver jewelry, etc. I sported a gauzey gingham Veronica Beard dress over my bathing suit to stay cool while strolling around.

At Chileno Bay Resort's taco bar, above, the pork al pastor is a must-have, but the rattlesnake tequila? No gracias. My Gucci sunglasses are on major sale here!

In a new lushly embroidered top I bought, I blend in with the scenery! My smocked Tory Burch bikini can be found here. Hasta luego, amigas!