LE CATCH

Leave it to Dorsey—the brand that made everyone crave a Riviere necklace like their life depended on it—to raise the bar again. Founder Meg Strachan just dropped not one, but multiple new neck-huggers, and I can confirm: they are as glamorously convincing as the cult classics that came before them. First up, the showstopper, above: a 5.5MM tube-shaped choker, hand-set with 1,264 (yes, really) lab-grown blue sapphires that sparkle like the real thing—because they basically are. Set in 18-karat gold vermeil, it hits that perfect balance of drama and polish. Then there’s the Torsion Chain, below, a vintage-inspired necklace that looks like it came straight from an old-money jewelry box—sleek, sculptural, and ridiculously luxe for the price. It’s crafted in both sterling silver and 18K vermeil and twists just enough to catch the light (and compliments). Meg’s magic trick? Designing jewelry that looks fancy and real—always. No surprise these are already racking up a waitlist. I’d suggest grabbing yours before they disappear into the Dorsey-obsessed ether. Truly, the cost-per-wear sparkle can't be beat.

It's new and old dress appreciation day here in New York City. Last night I wore a Victoria Beckhamdress that I bought a few years ago--and raked in the compliments! The gathering/ draping situation is so flattering--and comfortable, even in 90-million-degree heat. This magical kind of tailoring is her signature and re-iterated in current (on-sale!) stock found here! Today, I am going with a purchased-yesterday Rachel Comey. It's statement-y yet lightweight (organic cotton!)--and will keep me from melting! P.S. There are so many Rachel Comey dresses I want right now, particularly this and this!

Every summer, like clockwork, I find myself mentally tallying the weeks of golden-hour dinners, sand-strewn towels, and bonfires at the beach before the first day of school. It's a countdown I know well, and usually, it carries a sweet blend of back-to-school anticipation and praise be—we made it through August. This summer, the countdown comes with a stinging ache that sneaks up in the most mundane moments—folding laundry, making chocolate chip pancakes, hearing my son ask (so casually), “Do we have any more of those sesame noodles I like?” Because in just a few short weeks, that boy—my firstborn—is leaving for college. This is where my lifeline has come in: my mom friends. The ones who’ve done this already. Who get the swirl of pride and heartbreak. One of these women is my dear friend Sasha Alexander Ponti, whose wisdom and calm have anchored me more than once. Sasha, pictured above with her daughter Lucia on drop-off day at Brown last year, just launched Real Life Co., a beautifully considered platform rooted (pun intended and fully embraced) in the desire to support young adults through one of life’s biggest transitions. Think: dorm rooms that don’t look like crime scenes, first apartments with actual grown-up towels (not the threadbare one they “borrowed” from the guest bath), and essentials that manage to be both functional and lovely. It has wishlists and gift guides that help channel all our feelings into something tangible, helpful, and dare I say…a little chic. For me, Sasha’s timing couldn’t have been more divine. In a summer where I’m learning how to hold on and let go at the same time, this makes at least one part of the process easier—and even a little joyful. Okay, yes, I’m still counting down--to a brave, beautiful new chapter for my son and for me. With lots of deep breaths, love, and probably one last trip to Target. And maybe—just maybe—a very cute Real Life Co. throw pillow for his dorm bed that says you’ve got this. Because he does. And I do too. Mostly.

When fashion bellwethers like Athena Calderone and Lolita Jacobs show up to the Chanel couture show not in tweed dresses or blazers, but in vests—you pay attention. This wasn't just a styling choice; it was a signal. Jacobs went the polished-modern route, pairing her vest with a t-shirt, straight-leg jeans and that effortless edge she's known for. Calderone let her embroidered, mostly unbuttoned vest (and washboard abs) do the heavy lifting, effecting equal parts cool and commanding.The takeaway? Expect to see more of this power piece, layered over a tank, buttoned on its own, or even thrown over a tee. I'm into these iterations from Rachel Comey, Lioness, Blaze Milano, Cos, Blank NYC, and Coach.

$180, net-a-porter

The bucket bag to take on this summer's bucket-list trips.

1. Gabriela Hearst fringed silk maxi dress, $4720, modaoperandi.com

2. Haven Well Within striped raffia hat, $88, havenwellwithin.com

3. Dehiya Face Cleanser, $38, modaoperandi.com

4. Call It By Your Name bucket bag, $180, netaporter.com

5. Ancient Greek Sandals crystal sandals, $340, ancientgreeksandals.com

My style inspirations reminded me exactly why they're my style inspirations this weekend. A perfect dress here, great-fitting denim there. Jewelry that hits just right. Nothing over the top, yet always one step ahead—just the kind of looks that make me pause, zoom in, and take notes. I love Dorsey founder (and dear friend) Meg Strachan's lace Ulla Johnson, above, (actually all of Ulla's summer is to die for!), Ghia founder Melanie Masarin in Loeffler Randall, Mimi Nguyen in crisp white House of Dagmar, and Laura Reilly in Khaite.

Every summer needs that button-down shirt—the one that looks like it’s already lived through a lifetime of hot, steamy, too-busy-to-sit-still summers. It's a little rumpled, a little sun-faded, the kind of shirt that can be been tossed over a bikini, or tucked into a pencil skirt for dinner, and maybe even borrowed from someone you liked a little too much. This year, my go-to is by With Nothing Underneath, below. It hits that perfect note between tailored and lived-in—slouchy in the chic way, not the slept-in way, plus it rings in at $150. But listen, a classic Polo Ralph Lauren button-down still does it for me too. Those shirts have literally been living my summers since the '80s. They’re timeless--and having a full-blown prime-time comeback RN. (A multitude of vintage ones here.) Should you be in a one-and-done mood (hi, we all are), there’s this Faithfull The Brand button-down romper that absolutely nails that “just landed in Menorca, about to hop on a scooter to lunch by the sea” energy. It's the easiest yes of the season. Happy Summer Weekend!

Someone recently asked me which bag I’m taking on vacation this summer. The real question is: which bags? Inspired by Lucy Williams’ recent Lake Como getaway—a true masterclass in bag rotation (with this, this and this)—I’m packing a mini bag wardrobe. Think statement-makers that are also suitcase-friendly: soft, slouchy, malleable styles that slip into one another like Russian dolls. Beach tote holds the carryall, which hides the clutch, which tucks away the tiny top-handle. Get it? Here's what I am thinking for my line-up so far: this Staud, Gucci, Clare V, Baguu (for beach days), Coach (lives inside in all bags), Call It By Your Name, and The Row.

It's officially a t-shirt summer. They still go with everything, but now they do a little more: inject an outfit with ease and a sense of in-the-know intention. And they go places: to the London launch of Chanel's Arts and Culture Magazine, above and below, and shout out posh, thanks to Kule, to the Upper East Side. Larissa Mills, last pic, is working her striped Cos in Italy, while I am planning for this (the ruching), this (the color), this and this (looks vintage).

Photos: Sandra Semburg, Stephanie Covington, Larissa Mills

This summer jewelry doesn't stop at the ankle--it starts there! I'm going to dress my steps in sparkle with anklets that accent, toe rings that pop, and sandals that shine. Chan Luu enhanced my new Reformation satin sandals and Chi Studio pedicure yesterday with a beaded turquoise and teal charm anklet plus a fun crystal emerald toe ring. Even Tory Burch is in on it, with just-out sandals that come pre-adorned—doing the accessorizing for you. Get blingy, but make it effortless.