LE CATCH

There’s a very specific kind of FOMO that comes from watching other people live your dream life… in Puglia. I’m talking sun-drenched Substackers and perfectly tousled fashion editors, swimming, sipping and swanning in outfits so tantalizing they practically smell like fresh focaccia--all thanks to a week-long J.Crew brand trip. (P.S. It's being staged at a hotel I tried to book last summer but it was completely sold out--see what I did instead here.) Meanwhile, I’m holding it together in L.A. by doing the only logical thing: buying everything I see in their posts. If I can’t be there, I can at least dress like I am. Retail escapism is real—and it’s chic. I pulled together the best pieces from their very well-documented trip, including this (love the low-waist '90s-fit, bound to sell out), this (perfect as a top too), this, these, and this, and, of course, the outfit-punctuating Lie Studio baubles to go with. Plus a few pieces I’d wish they’d worn: this River Island Med-ready skirt (hello, Ibiza!), this Alex Mill open-knit pullover, these Splendid eyelet pants, this striped Pistola romper, this embellished Tory Burch, this leopard-print Cara Cara showstopper and Margaux's woven leather flats (to walk down, head held high, the next jet bridge). Come spiral with me.

It's not even noon here in LA and I've already been #influenced--twice--today! Lilly Sisto's second collaboration with Viani Milano debuts today. Her first sold out in eight minutes last year, so I suggest pouncing. The Mary Jane options are adorable, but I snagged the cute boat shoes, above! I also snapped up Michal Kurtis' Massimo Dutti bib-front blouse, below. I am sure that won't be all this week... Stay tuned!

$85, nordstrom

Simply sleek--and yet excruciatingly hard working.

1. Chloe dress, $3790, netaporter.com

2. Adriana Degreas swimsuit, $260, mytheresa.com

3. Pat McGrath Labs and Candy Crush Nail Polish, $32, nordstrom.com

4. Miu Miu raffia bucket bag, $1200, mytheresa.com

5. TKEES sandals, $85, nordstrom.com

My son just took off on his own European summer adventure—before me--pre-gaming like a seasoned pro with a carry-on backpack and a SoCal-infused glow that radiates "senioritis." He's not the only one soaking up the sun early though. My IG feed is already bursting with Aperol, slinky silhouettes and seaside ease. Yes, the early birds are out in full force--and they've packed well! So far, I definitely like what I see: the sheer Siedres dress, above, Chloe cascades, sweeping red A.L.C., lots of Eliou lace, glittery Dries Van Noten, rope-trimmed Prada, Farm Rio florals and ruffles, La Double J green goddess-ness, and Sea New York embroidered fringe (last pic). Plus (all under $300), this, this and this!

Photos: Mikal Curtis, Silvia Pescia, Stephanie Covington, eliou, JJ Martin, Lucy Williams

$140, MC2 Saint Barth

Diving into Miu Miu's bandana print trend with these board shorts.

1. Quince sweatshirt, $19, quince.com

2. MC2 Saint Barth's shorts, $140, mc2saintbarth.com

3. Quay sunglasses, $45, quay.com

4. Same asymmetrical bikini top, $230, mytheresa.com

5. Same bikini bottom, $195, mytheresa.com

6. JW Pei shell clutch, $119, shopbop.com

7. GAP jelly shoes, $49, gap.com

Now you can add a little charm to every step you take this summer. Enter Jeffrey Campbell's embellished boat shoes, above, Zara's colorful gingham-strapped sandals, below. Can't decide which one is cuter.

Consider this another gentle reminder you're going to need to bead up this summer. Go gumball-sized and super colorful--the bolder, the better. Here are some affordable options from Madewell, Mango, Hijas de Puka, Anthropologie, and Mayamar.

$556, saks

Inspired by this--but for daytime reveling.

1. Toccin embellished crochet dress, $556, saks.com

2. Lizzie Fortunato necklace, $385, modaoperandi.com

3. Gucci Nail Polish in Goldie Red, $35, nordstrom.com

4. Aquazurra sandals, $486, mytheresa.com

Gwyneth Paltrow was recently spotted in a sleek Left On Friday swimsuit, above, on a yacht in Capri — because, of course, she was. She’s always ahead of the curve when it comes to wellness and effortless style (all in!). But for once, I can say I was already on board! I've sworn by Left On Friday suits for years (here and here) for their clean, flattering lines, technical fabrics, and go-anywhere versatility and myriad hues. And my sister, also Left On Friday’s #1 fan, even shoots their campaigns, which makes it a true family affair. See her images below!

While the white button-down has long been my ride-or-die staple (crisp, classic, impossibly versatile), this summer, it’s getting a little competition from... wait for it... the yellow button-down! It’s the sunny, buttery hue that looks fresh, adds mood, and yet it still plays the same neutral role—the perfect partner to a swimsuit, statement skirt, or basic denim. It’s got that just-threw-this-on magic we all love. Toteme makes the best (and most coveted) one, but I also love these amazing iterations from Polo Ralph Lauren (so classic!), Homme Girls (on sale), Alex Mill, and The Reformation.