LE CATCH

The iconic Birkenstock sandal has spawned too many copycats to count (hello Balenciaga and Valentino). However, this summer the German shoe maker is delivering its own designer-inspired sandal, taking cues from Bottega Veneta's signature padded slide. Called the Sylt, it is poised to become this season's go-to, plus it comes in a myriad of rich-looking colors. You can find it here for less here, along with more sizes here and here.

My new favorite (manifestation) mantra is: "What I am seeking is seeking me." Today, I found this lace Zimmermann dress on sale at Shopbop, and I gotta say, we are meant for each other! Truth be told, there are other deeply-discounted beauties I also see in my destiny, such as this Ulla Johnson pleated mini, this paisley-print Isabel Marant, this fringed crochet Sea sweater, this sculptural Aje clutch and this Ibiza-ready Chufy dress. You too can make dreams come true here!

So how exactly am I always able to fit my medley of vacation dresses, cover-ups, bikinis, exercise gear, sandals, sneakers, and so forth into my usual carry-on suitcase? Easy. I only pack styles that straddle the day-to-night gap: ones that can be worn with beachy essentials (i.e., swimsuit, flip flops) and concrete-ready extras (elegant sandals, both high and low). For my impending summer getaways, however, I must confess I recently got a huge assist from the style wizards over at Bergdorf Goodman. I am not exaggerating when I say they curated the most perfect packing list--as in I literally want to buy every single piece. Except they all won't fit into my carry-on! So, here's what I whittled it down to. For me and for you!

1. Jonathan Simkhai cut-out maxi dress (above)

2. Loeffler Randall beaded lace-up sandals (last pic, under $200!)

3. Tove bow-front dress (easy, breezy, endlessly versatile)

3. Rhode embroidered crop top (pictured below) and matching skirt

4. Rhode linen wide-leg pants (perfect for traveling/tourist-ing)

5. Johanna Ortiz bodysuit (I'd lay out by the pool in it too)

6. Ulla Johnson puff- v-neck cover-up

7. Valentino chic-but-comfy sandals

8. Veronica Beard one-piece swimsuit (doubles as a top!)

9. La Double J silk print day-to-night maxi

10. Loewe ruffled raffia shoulder bag (punctuates any outfit) or this less-pricey cutie by Arnaz

Introducing my summer's Spirit Bag: playfully laid-back but also utterly glamorous And poised to go everywhere with me from Menorca to Malibu!

Feels like summer's exodus to Europe is already in full-tilt! And, for some, it looks for

Of course, I've been wearing white jeans all winter long. However, every summer always ushers in a fresh new pair. This season calls for a roomier and more relaxed silhouette, as pictured here! I prefer a slightly streamlined (read: more flattering) version of this style, such as these by Veronica Beard (which also make my legs look a million miles long!), Goldsign, DL1961, and The Row (OG).

Albert Einstein said, "If you want to know the future, look at the past." So, I did. I looked to Giovanna Engelbert's summer snaps from LAST YEAR--and now I know exactly what I'll be wearing deep into August! In constant rotation: a few vibrant print, gauze-light robes from D'Ascoli (pictured), Emporio Sirenuse, Vicente Ganesha (IYKYK), Natalie Martin, and Emilia Wickstead. For suits, I'll be dipping into Gio's classically sexy look, like this shimmery Oseree, this Gucci bikini, and this print Lemlem, plus these other inspired sunshine-chic pieces by Arnaz, Cin Cin, Madewell, The Reformation, La Double J, Alaia, Verandah, and Etro.

This is exactly how I plan to kick up my heels this summer. Oh, yes, yes, I will! Find these gems here.

It's been a long while since I dressed up for a dinner out in Hollywood but I did last night (see me here!)--and I am officially game to do it again and again and again. Especially now that I've sourced some super excellent, under-$300 finds, including the very Carolina Herrera-spirited one-shoulder dress, above, the Ulla Johnson-ish ruffled midi ($195!), below, the eyelet Zimmermann-like scarf dress, the white tasseled Alice McCall-meets-Alexis frock, and the knit Cult Gaia-sexy set, (for sunset drinks at Little Beach House in Malibu!). Also compelling: this floral eyelet En Saison mini, this Asos zebra-print scallop-edged midi, plunge-neck dress and embroidered party-pleaser, this print Cleobella, this Love the Label wrap, and this floral Mille.

As we close in on cover-up season, I'm looking into a few strikingly original, summer-fresh options, like a maxi skirt (inspired by the Chanel, above) and a sexy lace robe, below.