LE CATCH

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.

To breeze around myriad sweltering islands in the Med (Mykonos, Menorca, etc), designer Lisa Marie Fernandez wore the prettiest and most lightweight dresses that the rest of us can wear, too, back in the land of real life. I love her plaid pretty, above, and pastel stripes, below, along with her pale blue linen cover-up and tie-skirt, all pictured.

For me, a summer-walk up the beach in Malibu is the equivalent to Christmas window-shopping on Madison Avenue. So much to see! Picture Kaia Gerber in a teeny bikini playing with her cute Golden Retriever and legendary pro surfer Laird Hamilton hydro-foiling in the surf. Buff boys and beautiful girls, sun-kissed and smiling, everywhere. The majestic rock bluffs and homes atop look just like in the movies: ginormous and inviting at the same time. It's the quintessential Southern California surf-glam scene. The other day, however, I spotted something new and different "on set:" a cool customized beach blanket that looked suitable but was completely unidentifiable. After a bit of investigation, I learned that it was from Bauble Bar--and, it turns out, there are so many colors and patterns to choose from! Added bonus: it can be used as a post-summer throw blanket or as a statement topper on any bed. I mean... how cute, right!? Yep, I want them all! P.S. They're all 25% off right now this code.

After getting married on the Greek island of Andros earlier this month, London-based Lucy William is crushing high-summer style with a mix of timeless staples and standout prints. Bold bikinis by Sir the Label, Nanushka, and Fisch are everyday constants, teamed with flowy dresses by Rhode Resort (below), Doen (last pic) and Veronica Beard (below). Vacation packing perfection!

My first Monday morning meeting was an introduction to these newly acquired Reformation pants, in which I discovered what it feels like to be equal parts weekend-comfortable and weekday-polished. I am now so sold on them, I want to buy the black and oyster versions.