LE CATCH

Years and years ago my summer Monday mornings would start at the crack of dawn on the eastern end of Long Island, with me praying for light L.I.E. traffic and throwing on something Conde Nast-caliber that would not wrinkle during the 2+ hour drive into the city. If only I had one of these easy, breezy vest-and-trouser suits that are currently a go-to for on-the-go women from Sydney, pictured here, to New York City. At least I can throw one on now and get going! The ideal version comes from here and doesn't cost an entire paycheck!

Contrary to the calendar, the official start to summer kicked off this weekend. At least for me! Hence, it's time to debut some new warm weather pieces. On my holiday agenda: the asymmetrical Zara, above, this pickle ball-perfect (and all-around) Upside dress, and the Gucci one-piece-doubles-as-top statement, both below! Happy Memorial Day!

That it's a men's shirt makes this on-sale Valentino even more of a score for me! But there are so many primo designer steals at Bergdorf Goodman to wear this summer and way, way beyond, like this gorgeous Silvia Tcherassi maxi, this Chloe blouse, these amazing Stella McCartney sandals, and this Simkhai vegan leather skirt. More here!

If there's a quick and easy way to elevate/punctuate an outfit, it's through statement shoes, and I just scored my summer go-to with the pearl-studded Giambattista Valli--on SALE! More (discounted!) gems here!

One of this summer's biggest hits is the extra-big short. Sort of like Bermuda Shorts, but baggier. I think they manage to be sophisticated and relaxed at the same time. Plus, they offer the airiness of a skirt with the functional ease of pants. I like! Everlane is nailing the silhouette, above, and also doing it in denim. Other excellent options: here and here.

This Roxanne Assoulin ($120!) set of designed-to-be-stacked hoops has me seriously contemplating poking a few more holes in my earlobe pronto!

It's not even June yet, but already this summer's go-to, skin-baring shoes are afoot. LA-based Jen Azoulay, above, is tow-twinkling in Celine gladiator sandals, above, while Courtney Grow and Leandra Cohen below, are stepping out in see-through mesh Khaite flats (more sizes here) and The Row. Other shoes slated to star this summer: the crystal-studded blue Loeffler Randall, immediately below, and these Le Monde Beryl!

Doen just came out with another stunning new collection of dresses, among which is my namesake, above (It's called the Marlene!) I also adore the crochet mini and fluttery maxi, below!

Once you own a good beach towel, it's hard to go back to a not so good one.

Before I left for Paris and Marrakech last week, I vowed to a friend that I would not buy anything, then quipped, "Now watch, I'll come home with a rug!" Guess what? I came home with two rugs! Plus: a raffia bag, cool t-shirts for my kids, and the Farm Rio, dress, above right. My sis snapped up her embroidered dress in the souk! While I was abroad, I came across a few other striking pieces I'm inclined to purchase, including these now-on-sale Zimmermann, Johanna Ortiz, and Proenza Schouler. What's more, I felt validated having brought along the pre-trip Etro purchase, below, as other people clearly love it too!