LE CATCH

Recently my husband and I had the good fortune of sailing in the Caribbean Sea for a week with close friends. One morning we woke up earlier than everyone else and strolled on to the stern deck, still wet and glistening from a pre-dawn squall. There was barely any wind, leaving the ocean calm and glassy. When I looked up at the sky, I saw a perfect rainbow--a complete arc stretching from one side of the horizon to the other. I pointed it out to my husband, and we marveled at it together. In that moment, I felt like I was actually perched in the rainbow's pot of gold. For Mother's Day, I want to indulge myself in these Anne Sisteron rainbow earrings to commemorate that special experience--and to remind myself that my pot of gold is where I'm always perched, and for that I am entirely grateful. (P.S. If I actually had a pot of gold, I would also love to show my appreciation for the meaningful moms in my life with this, this, this and this.)

$100, topshop

1. Topshop chiffon dress, $100, topshop.com
2. Lucy Folk sunglasses, $350, shopbop.com
3. Clinique Marimekko Lipstick in Passion, $15, nordstrom.com
4. Gucci raffia tote, $1290, neimanmarcus.com
5. Tibi sandals, $475, netaporter.com

$24, h&m

Summer's social swirl officially kicked off this weekend, starting with a Quatro de Mayo party, followed by the real-deal Cinco on Saturday, then Sunday supper with friends in Santa Monica Canyon. I stepped out in all kinds of fun summer-ready sandals, including the new bow-trimmed ones, above, along with these by Gucci and Sophia Webster. I'd like to add these by Steven (an Hermes dead ringer), Tabitha Simmons, Madewell, and Tory Burch into my rotation.

My good friend JJ Martin has some new tricks up her eye-popping, vintage-print sleeves! Famous for her Milan-based cult label La Double J, she recently launched a collection of mix-and-match, maximalist tableware, along with a line of swimwear, all rendered in her trademark colorful patterns! Her decadent place settings are more satisfying than indulgent meals, plus long-term gratifying. The above design is my plat du jour! Post-decadent meals, however, I'll be slipping into JJ’s vividly-hued bikinis this summer, starting with this vintage print-inspired Palazzo Rossi suit and this deep-V bather!

Here's some good breaking news this morning: All new things summery and super glam are up for grabs at Shopbop's surprise 40% off sale! My favorites include the yacht-worthy Marysia bikini top, above, along with these striped Loeffler Randall slides, this ruffled Alexis dress, this floral print Clare V clutch, this one-shouldered Sea dress, and this breezy Nili Lotan blouse. Check out all the sale offerings here.

$95, topshop

At Cecconi's in South Beach on Friday night, I witnessed major fashion heat, with dresses up to here and plunging necklines down to there. This sexy hot pink dress would have fit right in!

1. Topshop dress, $95, topshop.com
2. Lizzie Fortunato earrings, $168, shopbop.com
3. Zara woven bag, $49, zara.com
4. Gianvito Rossi suede sandals, $815, netaporter.com

Recently, a friend kindly asked me to join her for a few days of epic Caribbean R&R. The invitation also came with one special request: could I please bring an extra suitcase full of pretty dress loaners for her? I happily obliged, focusing on pieces that can be worn in a variety of ways (see pic above). Here are some of my faves from Natalie Martin (above, also this tie-it-up one), Ace & Jig (it's reversible!), Rebecca Taylor (sandals to stilettos), Love Shack Fancy (one-shoulder or strapless), Diane Von Furstenberg (wrap dress meets swimsuit cover-up), this Splendid beach to street kimono, and this Mango blouse/dress.

Photo: Ramya Giangola

Last summer, it was all about the one-shoulder dress. This season both shoulders come out to play! The strapless dress, formerly reserved for nighttime festivities, are more than ever sunshine-ready, particularly these from J.Crew, Lisa Marie Fernandez, The Reformation, Tory Burch, and 1901.

A t-shirt that's sophisticated enough to whiz through a business meeting is a t-shirt I'd employ full-time! Another benefit: it works extremely well off duty. Made of soft cotton, embellished with puff sleeves and lace trim, it rings in at less than $100. Nice job! You can find it here.

Last summer's basket bag trend weathered the winter and is now springing up in fresh and desirable iterations. In case there's any confusion: straw is as versatile as leather, as Alexa Chung proves in these snaps. I love these just-out, standout totes from Cult Gaia, Arnaz, Loeffler Randall, Giselle, Miu Miu, Asos, and Nordstrom.