LE CATCH

Driving north on Pacific Coast Highway deep into Malibu during rush hour felt daunting, but as soon as I arrived at Kelly Meyers' sprawling One Sun Farm, I knew I had made the right choice to wing it! Kelly and My Theresa staged a beautiful al fresco dinner, with much of the meal harvested from her fields of heaving tomatoes and zingy citrus. Of course, the views were also spectacular, punctuated by the setting sun and ocean shimmering like wavy corduroy. The fashion was also a sight to behold! There was chef party planner extraordinaire Olivia Muniak, above middle, in a swingy fringed Zimmermann, and Dorsey founder Meg Strachan, above left, dazzling in (what else but) Dorsey. I opted for a frilly print Zara (that everyone thought was La Double J), Prada sandals and a new Valentino clutch. Also on hand: Eye Swoon editorial director Sacha Strebe in a chic minimalist Anine Bing strapless top, stylist Petra Flannery in loose-fitting jeans and a puff-sleeve quilted Sea New York blazer and singer Claire Khodara serenading us in Dolce & Gabbana. I also spotted these notable pretties by Saint Laurent, Rachel Comey, and Sir.

Photo: Stefanie Keenan

Yes, everything is more expensive these days, from plane fares (up 34%!) to fruits and vegetables (8.1%)--and the price of a pretty dress! So when I stumbled upon this $340 Sabina Musayev year round-friendly stunner I not only got extra excited but inspired to source even more. I found these beauties by Likely, Andrea Iyama (I'd shorten to midi length to make it more wearable), Rotate Birger Christensen, Asos, Cos, and Jonathan Simkhai.

To breeze around myriad sweltering islands in the Med (Mykonos, Menorca, etc), designer Lisa Marie Fernandez wore the prettiest and most lightweight dresses that the rest of us can wear, too, back in the land of real life. I love her plaid pretty, above, and pastel stripes, below, along with her pale blue linen cover-up and tie-skirt, all pictured.

For me, a summer-walk up the beach in Malibu is the equivalent to Christmas window-shopping on Madison Avenue. So much to see! Picture Kaia Gerber in a teeny bikini playing with her cute Golden Retriever and legendary pro surfer Laird Hamilton hydro-foiling in the surf. Buff boys and beautiful girls, sun-kissed and smiling, everywhere. The majestic rock bluffs and homes atop look just like in the movies: ginormous and inviting at the same time. It's the quintessential Southern California surf-glam scene. The other day, however, I spotted something new and different "on set:" a cool customized beach blanket that looked suitable but was completely unidentifiable. After a bit of investigation, I learned that it was from Bauble Bar--and, it turns out, there are so many colors and patterns to choose from! Added bonus: it can be used as a post-summer throw blanket or as a statement topper on any bed. I mean... how cute, right!? Yep, I want them all! P.S. They're all 25% off right now this code.

After getting married on the Greek island of Andros earlier this month, London-based Lucy William is crushing high-summer style with a mix of timeless staples and standout prints. Bold bikinis by Sir the Label, Nanushka, and Fisch are everyday constants, teamed with flowy dresses by Rhode Resort (below), Doen (last pic) and Veronica Beard (below). Vacation packing perfection!

My first Monday morning meeting was an introduction to these newly acquired Reformation pants, in which I discovered what it feels like to be equal parts weekend-comfortable and weekday-polished. I am now so sold on them, I want to buy the black and oyster versions.

I probably think about what I'm going to wear on a plane more than most people. But for good reason: Firstly, I want to be comfortable, but I also want to look put-together. What makes up my travel outfit must also be thoroughly functional for the entire trip. Of course, the destination always dictates certain pieces. JFK requires a blazer that I can wear with everything in NYC. HNL mandates a lightweight blouse that will weather the heat once I touch down. LHR calls for street-smart sneakers that leap seamlessly from day to night. And so on...My friend and La Ligne designer Meredith Melling, above, pictured at LGA, looks like she's put in my kind of strategic thinking into her traveling outfit, with her two cardigans (this do-it-all camel cashmere and this striped!), a pair of pull-on (how brilliant!) pleated Vince pants, and two jammed-packed carry-ons. Among my favorite flight fixtures as of late: these Mother Denim patch pocket cotton khakis, this H&M striped collared sweater, this perfectly oversized Anine Bing button-down, and this Cinq a Sept blazer.

New Yorkers have long been known for their head-to-toe-black predilection, but this summer is proving otherwise. Leandra Cohen, above, and Olympia Gayot, below, are not only embracing color but doubling (and tripling!) up on bold, eye-popping shades. The sunshine-bright result looks fresh and fun--and totally inspiring. I'd like to get into the vivid action with these citrus-yellow Havianas, this pink Marie Marot button-down shirt (pictured below), this striped red crochet Binge clutch, these citron J.Crew trousers (below), and this apple-red La Ligne dress.

$370, my theresa

I'll be savoring the rest of summer's long days and balmy nights in this embellished hemp stunner.

1. Ganni embellished dress, $370, mytheresa.com

2. Shashi bracelet, $68, shopbop.com

3. Ilia Lipstick, $30, netaporter.com

4. Celine basket bag, $1056, 24S.com

5. Loeffler Randall braided sandals, $225, bergdorfgoodman.com

While I was in Mallorca familiarizing myself with daily siestas and mucho pimientos, I also became acutely aware of Spanish style: an instantly recognizable and distinctly fashionable mix of bohemian chic and vibrant eclecticism. Take, for example, Mafalda Patricio and her current penchant for round-the-clock pajamas and laid-back yet statement-making silhouettes. It's a look I'd love to pull off out and about at home, starting with the bandana-print Arizona Love trousers, above, check sets by Sabina Sommer (immediately below), the floaty lace Sea dress (last pic--or this one), this embroidered Alemais blouse, this colorful Etro tote bag, and this AYR striped top and short set.