LE CATCH

A short dress is proving to be this summer's short cut to style, as demonstrated here, with the Posse, above, and the Attersee and striped (and on-sale) Petar Petrov, below. The above-the-knee, right-now silhouette is also streamlined and minimalist, which gives it a modern, sophisticated aura. Other terrific options come from Bronx and Banco, Pucci, The Reformation, Agua Bendita, and Staud.

Summer typically has me giving my jeans some much-deserved time off, but Lisbon-based Vicky Montanari is inspiring me to employ new atypical styles. Her current rotation spans from patchwork to pinstriped to studded to cuffed, all exuding warm-weather whimsy. I especially love her studded boyfriend jeans by Re/Done (immediately below) along with these Nili Lotan striped jeans, and this patchwork pair. Also desirable: this Agolde cargoes. She wears them with these $60 studded Stradivarius ballet flats and these green Everlane. P.S. Find tons of amazing jeans on sale here.

I usually dedicate this virtual real estate to the latest must-have fashion and beauty, but today I want to bring your attention to Lucia Engstrom's transfixing art. After hearing rave reviews from loads of in-the-know friends, I had the pleasure of seeing her latest exhibit when I was in New York last week at Hostler Burrows and now I want to accessorize my walls with her statement-making work! Her signature poetic landscape photographs are vibrantly embellished with tactile, hand-sewn embroidery that make them literally pop off the wall. Here's a look at my faves!

Summer is synonymous with streamlined, sun-proof staples, and Anouk Yve is putting the newest ones to the test right now--and succeeding! The season's biggest winner thus far: a pair of white linen trousers. They're so versatile, polished and fresh-looking, equally good with a simple t-shirt or a statement blouse. I like these from Frame and Zara. Also distinctly cool yet everyday easy: the pencil skirt, like this, this and this. I'm telling you this trend is going to pivot seamlessly into fall--and beyond.

Laura Vassar, co-founder of Brock Collection teamed up with The Reformation to design a dreamy line-up of luxurious, glamorous yet sustainable dresses. And tops too! Each piece is made with thoughtful design and premium fabrics like handpicked deadstock, luxe silks, and a new crinkle silk. I particularly love the soiree-ready sequin and the floral maxi, pictured here.

If summer were to materialize itself into dress form, I am pretty sure it would look something like the flowy, delicate-lace trimmed Ulla Johnson, above--that's now on sale! Other on-sale summer renderings: this semi-sheer Ulla maxi, these perfect Mara Hoffman pants, this floral Zimmermann, this Tibi slip dress, this pretty print Saloni, and this Dolce & Gabbana mini. See more here and here.

And just like that it's summer vacation--and everyone's off to sea-breezy chic-ville. At least that's what my Instagram feed is conveying, and it's all inspiring loads of vacation outfit ideas for my travels ahead. Stephanie Covington's trip to the South of France, pictured here, has me wanting statement dresses, such as the Alemais, above, and this Agua Bendita (on sale), for drifting around on balmy days, along with the Sea floral bikini, below, plus this and delicate jewelry (yes, Thatch!), and one-and-done matching sets (Zara, below). Bon Voyage!

Tis the season to get married--or swan around in festive wedding-worthy dresses! I love Naomi Watt's bridal Oscar de la Renta, above (also here), along with Jenny's Walton's alluring corset-inspired Erdem, below. Fortunately, I don't have to spend major money for big-day, lace-filled drama. My under-$150 loves: this mini Asos, this strapless Farm Rio, and this one-shoulder Lost & Wonder.

$575, netaporter

This dress yields Gucci-glam for a great deal less!

1. Alemais dress, $575, netaporter.com

2. Gucci sterling silver and enamel ring, $360, gucci.com

3. Johanna Ortiz bag, $396, mytheresa.com

4. Larroude sandals, $290, larroude.com

$250, shopbop

This dress vibes vintage--but the alluring cut-outs make it right-this-minute fresh.