LE CATCH

While my closet is far from organized, I do keep my jeans in meticulous order. They are categorized according to fit: high-waist, cropped, straight-leg, etc. But then there is a pair that is in a class all on its own, classified as my denim pants, because they look more like polished trousers than jeans and they deadlock with my tailored blazers (check out the pristine example by Khaite, above, and also here). Yes, they are a special breed and they need to spawn some more options for me pronto. I'm looking into these by Frame, Anine Bing, Zara, and AGOLDE.

When I received the invitation to join Left On Friday, the increasingly popular swimwear brand, at Nobu Los Cabos in Mexico for a weekend of sun, surf, and (endless!) sushi, I felt like the lucky caller on a radio show, winning an unbelievably awesome prize! Of course, I replied yes and even did a little victory dance when my plane touched down on the tarmac. I went on to say yes to lots more: heaps of guacamole, morning beach runs, day to night pool lounging, water workouts, a surf session at Cerritos, plus more spicy tuna rolls than I care to count. I also indulged in multiple outfit changes each day, thanks to the surplus of swimsuit and activewear options, all provided, of course, by Left On Friday. In case you didn't already know, the five-year-old Canadian-born brand has nailed the multi-functional, stay-put swimsuit--rendered in a zillion mix and match colors, butter-soft, compressive fabrics, and flattering fits--that has pretty much everyone I know obsessed. Launched by former Lululemon design and marketing execs, the line has recently expanded into linen button-downs, exercise tights (that I now swear by and you can see why below in the pics!), and cover-ups, all masterfully designed with comfort and versatility in mind. My favorites are the bikini tops, which can double as sports bras (my sis ran in the one-shoulder version one morning!), one-pieces, and matching linen shirts and shorts that can be worn together or separately. Herewith the highlights!

Obsessed with this line

Don't ask me but somehow my researching a summer trip to Portugal ended up with me sight-seeing Lisbon-based Rita Montezuma's Instagram feed and coveting her colorful shoe collection. Although I didn't make much headway with my travel plans, I did manage to source some of Rita's summer-perfect shoes, including her red Margaux ballet flats, white fisherman sandals, green Havianas flip flops and gold metallic loafers. If I were her, I'd add these outfit-finishing sandals by The Row and Gucci to the mix!

Photos: Rita Montezuma

When my friend Sarah Clary, a super successful NYC-based stylist, busted out a made-for-the-runway bustle skirt for a beachside dinner in Cabo San Lucas this past weekend, I was not at all surprised. She can make anything, even the most avant garde and unexpected garment, look not just spot-on appropriate but also inimitably cool. Inspired by her statement-making style, I've started looking into some edgy-leaning skirts for summer that also check the anywhere-wearable box, and already found one that makes the cut and then some: the Solid and Striped eyelet midi skirt, below. It boasts an elastic waist, which means I can also pull it up over my chest and wear it as a strapless dress. Of course, it works sheer, over a swimsuit or boy-cut panties (for the brave!), but I can also layer it on top of a slip or this Zara slip dress for a complete outfit. I wouldn't mind swirling around all summer in these by Ganni, Erdem, Mother Of Pearl, The Great, and Anthropologie. The animal print skirt, above, can be found for $20 here and here.

My future let-loose summer wardrobe just scored a win with the cinched-waist Matteau shirt, above, at 25% off at Matches. (I love that its alter ego is buttoned-up and city-slick.) I'm also tempted to slip into the alluring Sea top, below, along with many other discounted next-season beauts, all at Matches, that will go from beach to street to backyard and beyond, such as this Zimmermann patchwork midi dress, these studded Ancient Greek Sandals, this striped canvas DeMellier tote bag, and this paisley-print D'Ascoli. Shop the sale here.

Since I received a slew of DM's asking about the provenance of this dress, featured on my Insta feed while in Cabo over the weekend (more deets to come!), I thought I'd answer here: it is by Self Portrait and almost four years old! But no to worry! There are so many similar and equally good options currently available, ones that even make the leap from Mexico to Manhattan, including this Anna Kosturova, Sea, H&M and Zimmermann.

The jean jacket has long been a springtime staple, but this season's renewal fits more an oversized button-down shirt, and models Tylynn Nyuyen and Leia Sfez, pictured here, show exactly how to pull it off: with more denim, of course! I like these iterations from Closed Official (above and below), Tibi, APC, and Tory Burch.

Leave it to me to shop on the sidelines of my son's volleyball game. I couldn't help myself because I discovered not only one but TWO pairs of must-have jeans thanks to a well-dressed friend. Let me further explain (read: justify my impulse buying) by disclosing that I am very discriminating when it comes to jeans as they need to be many things all at once: flattering, comfortable, versatile and polished. The best jeans in my wardrobe are the jeans I want to live in, ones that rival the ease of sweatpants! The high-waist, wide-leg pair by Zara, above, meets my exacting criteria--as well as the opinion of my friend/fellow volleyball mom, who has them in every color they come in, including black and this new hard-working khaki color. The other must-have pair? These by AGOLDE, which I just bought and wore out for the first time yesterday and scored a zillion compliments! The non-stretch denim lends a structured fit and the ankle length is day to night chic! I promise you: they're dream jeans!