LE CATCH

Unlike many people I know, I don't have a drawer full of denim shorts. I own just one pair--vintage Levi's cut-offs--because I am super discerning about fit, length and wash. But I am about to add another to my highly-curated drawer: The high-waist patch-pocket pair by And Other Stories, above, is a little more polished than my cut-offs, plus extremely comfy and flattering. And I love the cute striped sweater to go with! I'd also team with this St. Roche, Sea, Khaite and The Row.

While the pandemic stopped street style in its tracks last year, I'm glad to report it's now up and running again in Sydney, during Fashion Week. Personally, I'm almost shocked to see all the high heels, lug boots, and leather skirts on display--things that have been collecting dust for months now! But there were also plenty of easy-to-wear pandemic holdovers on parade, but with extra styling effort applied. Think dark-hued, straight-leg jeans (these, these, these and above), crisp, perfectly-fitted t-shirts (James Perse, Citizens of Humanity), menswear-inspired trousers, kitten heeled-sandals (love, love and love) and go-with-everything blazers (yes, yes, and yes). All more my current speed!

Photos: Vogue Magazine

All the statement-making swimwear you want to swan around in--but don't want to splurge on--can be snapped up for less The Outnet! Take for example, the Dolce & Gabanna stunner, above! Also sure to make a splash: this Missoni crochet knit bikini, this lattice-trimmed Zimmerman one-piece, this polka dot Lisa Marie Fernandez (or this floral number) and this beautiful scalloped Marysia.

My recent trips to Hawaii have been like discovery missions, yielding the most ground-breaking rainbow spotting, waterfall dipping, and wave-riding--all guided by my dear Honolulu-based friend Katherine Growney. She is a fellow writer and a former beauty editor, who worked at Elle, Harper's Bazaar and Lucky, and when she isn't telling me which snorkel mask to use, she's advising me on the latest and greatest face masks (Goop Glow Overnight Glow Peel) and other sunshine-proof beauty products that actually work. So far, she has turned me on to Heliocare Sun Care, anti-aging antioxidant-packed supplements that help prevent sunburns, to use along with topical sunscreen (her fave is oil-free, mineral-based zinc oxide Elta MD), plus the most deeply hydrating (no joke) facial moisturizer from Augustinus Bader, and Westman Atelier's Highlight Stick for a natural, dewy, made-in-Hawaii glow! Happy Weekend, all!

My friends over at The Avenue set a dinner table like no one else, thanks to their curated inventory of glassware, linens, cutlery and dishes. But there's also clothing, personalized stationary, coffee table books and cocktail shakers to complete the consummate hostess package! They invited me to curate my favorites from their robust site (more challenging than it sounds as there is an abundance of greatness). It's everything I want to entertain with this summer and then some. Check it all out here! It's truly a must!

Now that happy hours over Zoom have returned to actual nights out, I'm finding my zero-to-60 ride back into the vaccinated, post-Covid world quite fun. Yes, it's good to be out again, and, thankfully, there are so many under-$200 options to turn up in. Among them are the cut-out Mango, above, the eyelet Asos, below, and this Asos maxi and embroidered lace dress, this River Island mini wrap, this floral Astr, this smocked En Saison, this embellished Sister Jane, and this blockprint Cleobella.

Another killer collab alert: Brock x H&M launches on June 24! Albeit, it's a tiny collection, but there are gems to be had, for sure, including the quintessentially Brock ribbon-tie dress, above. Keep a lookout!

Hello, June! Hello, summer dress galore! There are so many gorgeous ones that just went on sale at Net-A-Porter, including the Ulla Johnson, above. (In fact, tons of marked-down Ulla!) Also summer-perfect: this floral Isabel Marant, these Khaite lace-up sandals, this blouson-sleeved Zimmermann, and this Faithfull the Brand linen midi. So much more here!

I'm pretty sure only California-based model Kristen Kiehnle can pull off a pair of men's board shorts--and make them look sexy. (Warning: do not check out her Instagram feed unless you're prepared to seethe with body envy.) At least I can mitigate the board short envy by suiting up my boys in Aloha Marina's super cute, Hawaiian-inspired board shorts, below. I might just try to "borrow" them at some point! P.S. I'm also loving Billabong x Salty Blonde aloha-spirited collab, available at Nordstrom (which, BTW, just kicked off its half-yearly sale. Go get 'em here!)

All that time lounging around in gym clothes has made some of us masters at making them look super chic. Claire Rose Cliteur, who splits her time between New York and Barcelona, is one of them. Her strategy is to pair her gym shorts (now a veritable summer trend) with more elevated--and unexpected--pieces, such as a polished button-down or stylish stripes. Of course, the right gym shorts (and their distant relatives) are clutch. So I boiled it down to these guys from Vince, Year of Ours, J.Crew, Theory, Donni, and The Frankie Shop.