LE CATCH

It used to be a summer wardrobe was not complete without white pants. But this season colorful pants are in order, at least for the fashionistas currently attending Copenhagens runways shows, pictured here. They're opting for pastel pink and yellow hues, which yield a warm, relaxed vibe, yet come off as a versatile neutral. There are some good options from The Frankie Shop, Veronica Beard, Denimist, Victoria Beckham, Zara (second to last pic) or these, Cos, and Alex Mill.

My devotion to Merlette dresses has only intensified this summer. The ones I have in constant rotation, including the wrap-meets-cover-up, above, are LA-breezy but still full of New York-sleekness, all totally lightweight (this white drawstring one especially held up in steaming hot Mallorca) and fantastically versatile. Truly, no need to wear anything else! P.S. The cute knit bag is also by Merlette.

Copenhagen Fashion Week typically features an eye-popping kaleidoscope of colors but this year, neutrals and pared-back silhouettes saturate center stage. Pleated trousers and oversized jeans from Cos are a mainstay, along with roomy H&M's cargo pants, below, (this more fitted Vince pair is also good). They're all being paired with one-shouldered tanks from Susana Monaco and The Reformation and The Frankie Shop's big button-downs. My favorite standout accessory: the hefty Prada crochet tote bag, Isabel Marant clogs and classic Christian Louboutin pointy-toe stilettos!

Casual layered necklaces that I can wear 24/7 are my accessories staples. Of course, it's fun and different to change them up from time to time, so I partnered again with OIYA designer Priscila Zoulla, who layers jewelry like no one else I know. Each of the pieces we created stands on its own but looks even better stacked together to make a style statement. And everything is under $125. Check it all out here!

Just wanted to give a shout-out to my latest summertime staples that have worked magic from Menorca to Malibu. They include the billowy Doen dress and the sexy beaded tank, below, my jumble of jewels from Adina Reyter, Maison Mayle, and Lisa Statt, the braided Veronica Beard denim blazer I've been throwing over everything and the cut-out swimsuit (last pic). There are now loads of summer-perfect pieces on sale at Shopbop for two days only. My picks include these tie-waist ecru jeans from Paige, this Ulla Johnson floral print dress (P.S. SOOOO much Ulla on sale!) and this crochet Sea top. Shop it all here!

Like it or not, baggy jeans are big right now. I find it hard to like something that makes me appear larger than I actually am. But, I actually found a few pairs that tick the trend box while still look flattering, including Levi's 501, above, (go up 1 or 2 sizes), Golden Goose, Alexander Wang, Zara and Maison Margiela.

utilization

Deep into summer, LA-based stylist Nicole Chavez is going big with her bathing suits--and I am all for it! Her sizzling style strategy boils down to cut-outs, bold prints, and blazing-hot hues, and, yes, all of that together, too. I bought the It's Not Cool striped suit, above, within seconds of seeing it on her Instagram. Now I am tempted to get the Montce floral, below, and the puff-sleeve top, the peekaboo Devon Windsor (last pic), along with these cover-ups and sunshine-ready dresses that she favors by Farm Rio (last pic), Zimmermann, Love the Label, Clare V, Birkenstock, Adina Reyter, and Loewe.

Photos: Nicole Chavez

Driving north on Pacific Coast Highway deep into Malibu during rush hour felt daunting, but as soon as I arrived at Kelly Meyers' sprawling One Sun Farm, I knew I had made the right choice to wing it! Kelly and My Theresa staged a beautiful al fresco dinner, with much of the meal harvested from her fields of heaving tomatoes and zingy citrus. Of course, the views were also spectacular, punctuated by the setting sun and ocean shimmering like wavy corduroy. The fashion was also a sight to behold! There was chef party planner extraordinaire Olivia Muniak, above middle, in a swingy fringed Zimmermann, and Dorsey founder Meg Strachan, above left, dazzling in (what else but) Dorsey. I opted for a frilly print Zara (that everyone thought was La Double J), Prada sandals and a new Valentino clutch. Also on hand: Eye Swoon editorial director Sacha Strebe in a chic minimalist Anine Bing strapless top, stylist Petra Flannery in loose-fitting jeans and a puff-sleeve quilted Sea New York blazer and singer Claire Khodara serenading us in Dolce & Gabbana. I also spotted these notable pretties by Saint Laurent, Rachel Comey, and Sir.

Photo: Stefanie Keenan

Yes, everything is more expensive these days, from plane fares (up 34%!) to fruits and vegetables (8.1%)--and the price of a pretty dress! So when I stumbled upon this $340 Sabina Musayev year round-friendly stunner I not only got extra excited but inspired to source even more. I found these beauties by Likely, Andrea Iyama (I'd shorten to midi length to make it more wearable), Rotate Birger Christensen, Asos, Cos, and Jonathan Simkhai.