LE CATCH

My newest and most stylish antidote to excess sun and saltwater comes from Sandro's men's line. This psychedelic-print terry cloth hoodie doubles as a post-surf towel--and extra cute and cozy beach statement.

My sister called me while she was strolling around Nantucket the other day to provide me with--what else--a live-on-the-ground fashion report. "Everyone is wearing ballet flats instead of sandals this summer," she noted. "With shorts, dresses, jeans--they are definitely the shoe of the season!" With that confirmation, I set out to find a pair (or two) and will soon be slipping into these classic Porte & Prairie and these colorful J.Crew.

Sincerely Jules x Bandier's recently-launched collection just boosted my motivation to exercise this Thursday morning! And then some. Inspired by vintage Southern California surf style, these fitness-meets-fashion pieces are game too work overtime this summer--and beyond. I especially love the matching floral leggings and bralette, immediately below, and the orange striped terry situation. So cute!

I thought I had my beach bag game nailed until I discovered these striking crochet straw totes from Kilometre Paris. Launched by Jalouse magazine founder Alexandra Senes, the label collaborates with artisans in Mexico, Morocco and India to parlay Senes's far-reaching wanderlust into vibrant, eye-catching carry-alls. Each of these destination-inspired bags look handmade, like it was snapped up in a groovy market. I'll take the Positano, please--and take me back there while you're at it!

It's not everyday that I have a Cosori Air Fryer, a Mark Cross equestrian blanket, an Ulla Johnson swimsuit and a set of four mid-century dining chairs all in one shopping cart. But today is Amazon Prime Day. Read: the most epic (and seemingly endless) sale, offering a colossal amount of compelling stuff. Yes, it is completely overwhelming to sort through, to say the least. But I managed to root out some stellar and seriously-discounted finds, including the Ulla tank, above, these miracle-working under eye patches by Wander, these Tom Dixon high-ball glasses, these perfect Hanes t-shirts ($8!), and these high-rise, extra-tight Lululemon leggings. Deep dive into the sale here!

My youngest son loves a foggy summer day. Me? Not so much. But this past weekend there was a silver lining to the unwanted chill: a new and very-much-wanted Merlette sweater poised to stand out and stave off the chill. Plus, it worked like a charm with my very summery bikini, thanks to the pretty peekaboo, hand-crocheted yoke. As my son would say, it's "gwas!"

$119, zara

This bohemian beauty might as well come with a tag that says Ibiza or bust!

1. Zara dress, $119, zara.com

2. Roxanne Assoulin beaded ring set, $85, shopbop.com

3. Kilometres Paris crochet straw bag, $370, matchesfashion.com

4. Amanu Studio anklet chain sandals, $345, amanustudio.com

My back-to-business Monday morning detoured into back-to-summer-shopping due to Moda Operandi's sale that's fantastically stocked with coveted summer (and, yes, soon-to-be-fall) styles. I just treated myself to the fringed Johanna Ortiz skirt, above, for 50% off, and this Johanna Ortiz cute cotton shirt with attached bralette. Also great: this asymmetric button-front Ulla Johnson cardigan and crochet knit dress, below, these iconic studded Valentino flats, this fringed Zimmermann cotton mini skirt, and this striped Toteme cardigan. Shop it all here.

Earlier this week my sister landed on Nantucket--but her luggage did not. Another reason to travel light!

It was challenging to keep my eye on the tennis ball this morning as my opponent was wearing the cutest outfit. What was further distracting was that it was by an Australian brand I had not heard of--and needed to know more about before the match was up! As soon as I got home (post-loss), I learned that the activewear line is sustainably made with textural organic fabrics--which look unlike any other sports bras and leggings I've seen before. I also scored with some on-sale finds here and here!