LE CATCH

A long-weekend of long, one-and-done dresses is in store for me, along with sandy toes, a July 4th 5K, a sound bath and barbecue! I am totally inspired by London-based stylist Monikh Dale's current summer line-up, pictured here--a stylish medley of embroidered Vita Kin, above, Sea New York, below, and Matteau. I'd weave in to the mix this day-to-night Rachel Comey, this smocked Doen, this cut-out Sir, this print Cara Cara and this simple, ultra-light Merlette. P.S. I'm also going to work the chic Etro-looking Zara situation (last pic)!

Photos: @Monikh

I like how all the cool girls in Europe are staying cool in Cos this summer, because, stateside, I can, too! (And, um, afford it!) Cos' signature sleek, super streamlined silhouettes not only scream The Row but the prices are very reasonable (unlike The Row). In my shopping cart: these tailored (dinner-worthy) shorts, these paper-bag trousers (below), this open-back midi dress (below), this perfectly-oversized linen button-down, and these pleated pants.

I feel like I'm the very last person on earth to discover Hill House Home's internet-famous nap dress! It even has its own hashtag #napdressnation. Well, at least I have one on the way now, The Collector's Edition Ellie in black lace--only after being a stumped by the paradox of choice: It comes in no less than 20 different colors and fabrics! What makes this dress so compelling that 8,000 of them sold in 30 minutes after launching? Its A-line silhouette and elasticated smocked bodice makes it universally flattering, plus it's equal parts sexy and modest. And it costs $125! Better late than never!

It seems everyone got the keep-it-casual memo before the men's fashion shows kicked off in Paris last weekend. Uniformly, cool tank tops, relaxed shorts, print skirts and one-and-done dresses breezed around the boulevards. Tousled hair and easy-to-walk in sandals finished things off. Inspired, I'll be adding to my must-wear list this day-to-night Loewe slip dress, this throw-on-and-go Bondi Born mini dress, this outfit-making Rixo skirt, these sleek pleated Anine Bing shorts, these high-rise DL1961 white jeans, and this do-it-all AGOLDE tank top.

Photos: The Sartorialist, Vogue

Shorts are sure-fire hit this summer in Europe--and there are both long and short options!

$180, j.crew

Yes to this incredible collab from AAKS designer Akosua Afriyie-Kum and J.Crew, featuring one-of-a-kind raffia bags, all handcrafted by female artisans in Ghana!

1. La Ligne dress, $550, netaporter.com

2. Le Specs sunglasses, $59, netaporter.com

3. Demarson rainbow hoops, $250, shopbop.com

4. J.Crew x AAKS bag, $180, jcrew.com

5. Fendi sandals, $870, bergdorfgoodman.com

Although my hostessing skills are quite rusty from Covid's time-off, the small luncheon I had at my home last week went off, thankfully, without a hitch. Of course, a great party always kicks off with a great invitation (Thank you, Evite, for the plethora of newly-designed animated options. I chose this one by Phoebe Tillem!). For the table linens, I went with a vibrant, earthy vibe, inspired by the flourishing lemon, lime and passion fruit trees in my backyard. Naturally, I hit up my friends at La Double J to provide the most exuberantly colorful floral-print tablecloth and napkins. For place cards, I used Clare V's hand-painted monogrammed luggage tags, knowing guests could bring them on summer trips. The festivity flowed like the ice-cold El Vino rose: We toasted the start of summer, the re-commencement of gathering together, and the anticipation of long, sunny days ahead. All in all, it was a success. One summer party down, many more to go!

I spent this past week in Hawaii (Big Island!) squealing with delight, above, while celebrating (and sporting) Carolyn Murphy x Mother Denim's new eco-minded collection. The surf-loving activist and model (and friend!) drew inspiration from vintage California surf and skate culture and personal trips to Hawaii. The upcycled 12-piece capsule, called Surf's Up, features one-of-a-kind patchwork tapestry ponchos (above), Hawaiian Aloha shirts, fitted ribbed knits, board shorts, and a beach tote, with a portion of sales donated to Saves The Waves Coalition (STW). I'll be wearing the lightweight print hoodie, above, like crazy this summer, along with these super cute shorts, this striped tee and this vintage-looking shirt. Check out the entire collection here and more fun action-packed pics here and here.

I am not missing cold weather. I repeat: I am not missing cold weather! But I am completely looking forward to wow-ing in the insanely chic fringed wrap-meets-coat, above, by Whistles. It's one of those unexpected yet tantalizing pieces discovered off season but destined to be worn like crazy when the time's right. Read: the kind I hesitate buying and then pat myself on the back for. To tide me over, I did indulge myself in some right-now-fringe with the H&M, below. Sorry I am not sorry.

Summer's go-to dress boasts lots of straps and sex appeal. And yes, it's also day-to-night wearable. Sign me up! The beauty, above, is by Christopher Esber and below is Cecile Bahnsen. Get strap happy in these compelling lovelies from Ulla Johnson, Joslin, Matteau, and Astr The Label.