LE CATCH

$199, massimo dutti

Crochet and fringe for the one-two punch!

1. AGOLDE tank top, $88, bergdorfgoodman.com

2. Mother Denim jeans, $250, netaporter.com

3. Massimo Dutti jacket, $199, massimodutti.com

4. Boyy bag, $995, bergdorfgoodman.com

5. Gianvito Rossi sandals, $1295, mytheresa.com

It's always fun to randomly run into an old friend, but even more so when the run-in turns into a right-there-and-then shopping spree. Such was the case this past weekend when I encountered a friend picnicking on the beach, who had stylishly toted everything in the above and below striped market bags. Given their chicness, I assumed they were Marni, but learned that she had procured them from Urban Outfitters, for a mere $44 a pop (the last tote pictured is $26!). I'm inclined to use them not only for the beach but beyond!

The dresses I appreciate most are the ones that offhandedly execute the kind of glamor that others take lots of primping to get right. My recent faves (above and below) come from the UK-based line Me & Em, also, in part, because they are not instantly identifiable, due to a screaming logo, recognizable print or run-of-the-mill silhouette. They’re distinctly cool in that innately London-cool way. And the line has more than just excellent dresses, but tailored, polished separates that I plan on wearing all summer long. You’ll soon be seeing me in this striped crochet, this batik floral, these pinstriped pants, this lace trimmed blouse and these wide-leg trousers. Check it all out here. #AD.

$298, j.crew

There's no better combo than sequins and stripes, in my book.

1. J.Crew striped sequin dress, $298, jcrew.com

2. Magda Butrym blazer, $1698, mytheresa.com

3. Mar Y Sol clutch, $149, shopbop.com

4. Rene Caovilla sandals, $875, netaporter.com

My recent busier-than-usual schedule has demanded a new kind of throw-on-and-go polish, comprised of a tailored blazer, t-shirt and a feminine pleated skirt (seen here). I'm loving it so much I might just take this spring uniform straight into summer and beyond. The skirts currently in my rotation are by Cos, Sacai, Erdem, and Loulou Studio.

We all know The Reformation has a lockdown on sexy day dresses, but this spring it's nailing eye-catching, round-the-clock shoes. I especially love the flat mesh mules, above, that can be worn with everything, as well as the (could-be-Prada) metallic sandals, below.

My penchant for dramatic dressing is nowhere more apparent than in my current stockpiling of fringe-trimmed frocks. I feel like I can't have enough for summer--but I have narrowed it down to these from La Ligne, below, this striped Zara, this knit Alanui, and this mini Alexis.

Everything about Mafalda Patricio's Balinese honeymoon is bagus (means fantastic in Indonesian), especially her spot-on, heat-proof wardrobe. The Lisbon-based stylist brought along some dresses I'd love to have in my holiday line-up, including the crochet Zulu and Zephyr crochet dress, the yellow ruffled Doen, the floral Lisa Cortu, and the striped Shona Joy, all below. Plus: this striped Red Valentino, this Karla Colletto bathing suit-meets-bodysuit, this leopard print Ganni, this terry Kule, and this fringed midi skirt,

I've never met a stripe I didn't like! Hence my wrist is now brandishing a few too, with the cute Clare V ($95!), above. Also intrigued by the stripes, below, from Kilometre Paris, H&M, and Dorothee Schumacher.

Blanca Miro, above, gets all the credit for my first win(s) of the week: the Laveste denim jacket, below, with a chic brown/black trim, and the fringe dresses, below.