LE CATCH

A good friend of mine--a super busy, super successful brand-building entrepreneur--texted me the other day to talk shorts. She needed a pair for the summer, one that could potentially go to work or be at home in Malibu. Along with being versatile, the shorts also needed to be leg-lengthening yet not too short, and, of course, up-to-minute sophisticated. Got that? I actually do, because this season specializes in exactly this pair of dream shorts. They feature a high waist, are loose-fitting, can be worn with a belt (work) or without (Malibu), equally cool with an everyday t-shirt or a tailored blazer, plus are eminently flattering. My faves in no particular order come from Loulou Studio (above), Vince, Frame, Knot Sisters, Phillip Lim, and H&M.

The siren call of sunshine and sea air was downright compelling this past weekend, prompting some to even sunbathe atop their cars parked on Pacific Coast Highway! What I also spotted on the Malibu shorelines was a healthy dose of eyelet, myself included (below). I also love H&M's cute, budget-friendly dresses/cover-ups like the eyelet embroidered maxi, above, or the $34 shorter iteration.

The usual harbingers of summer--striped Positano umbrellas, Mykonos' mouth-watering Greek Salads--may not be carpet-bombing my Instagram feed right now, but at least I'm seeing some sartorial signifiers. And they're looking as chic as ever, due to a few new pieces that instantly summer-fy our city wardrobes. Take for example, Paris-based Leia Sfez's Levi's cut-offs, above, perfectly relaxed (size up for looser fit), cranked up with Chanel Mary Janes. Another magic maker: Londoner Camille Charriere's Nanushka's one-shoulder top, below, which I'd temper with a do-it-all blazer or a wrap skirt. Manhattanite Leandra Cohen's Bottega Veneta's spiral sandals are, of course, the season's cult shoe, but any (less pricey) toe sandal will do like this and this. Meanwhile, LA stylist Jen Wonders' J.Brand pleated jeans (the new must-have silhouette--see here and here), look a little dressier than our over-worn go-to's, great for running around town or in circles at home. The just-right t-shirt is also key, as a layering piece (above) or simply on its own (below). My faves here and here.

Good news to kick off the week: the pre-Memorial Day Weekend sales are proceeding as usual. I'm embracing the annual tradition with Forward, Matches, Moda Operandi, Verishop, and Farfetch, all brimming with greatness like the gorgeous Rotate, above, plus a handful of Rixo dresses (below), including this floral (coveting long time!). Also topping my edit: this half-off Borgo de Nor, these ready-to-go Ganni chinos, these By Far snake-print wear-with-everything sandals, this Dodo Bar Or stunner, this Billie the Label side-tie blazer (to wear over my dresses!), this J.O.A button-down midi ($65 ), this Ulla Johnson mini, this Altuzarra suede tote, and this Zimmermann one-piece swimsuit.

I'm feeling nostalgic for carefree mingling and meandering, triggered by these snapshots from one year ago, bopping around NYC, in the same Rebecca Taylor dress with my twin sis, above, and below, with my girl friends in Santa Ynez. At the very least, I can still wear these dresses (lace one below), both imbued with happy memories. And if you like them, you can wear them too, as Rebecca Taylor just launched its archive sale, offering an additional 40% off on sale prices (read: really, really marked down). Among the gems: this ruffled floral, this denim mini, this pinstriped linen blazer, these relaxed jeans, this eyelet blouse, and this jacquard jumpsuit. Enjoy the weekend!

I'd guess with about 99.9% certainty that my 11-year-old's summer day camp will be cancelled. Which means I'll be adding camp counselor to my to-do list. To execute my role successfully, I'll need some fun things recommended by my son: extra cool pool floats (this and this), giant bumper balls (I'm not going to lie: I am little scared to play this game with him!), and Spikeball. Obviously, I'll also need to dress the part with do-everything clothes like this season's go-to (but functional) shorts by Staud x New Balance (see how to style here!), Free People and Ninety Percent, this dress/cover-up/tunic by H&M, below, this easy linen And Other Stories romper, these Everlane carpenter pants (I'm obsessed with them!), and this Madewell crochet polo top. With all this, I should be a happy camper!

One day it may be cold. Another day it may be hot. That's the month of May--and it may be a good excuse to have a cute, throw-it-on cardigan at the ready for those up's and down's. I just snapped up the Vita Grace pearl-trimmed $120 cardigan, above. (The $98 embroidered one below is also adorable!). Also a good idea: the most perfect white button blouse by L.F. Markey that can go over this summer's statement tank, a slip dress, or even a bikini!

My next date night out has no set date yet, but now's the time to prep for it, because The Reformation is offering all of its head-turning looks, including Kaia Gerber's print dress, above, at 30% off. Other cuties to consider: this simply chic midi (underneath a slightly oversized blazer), these ultra-flattering high-waist, straight-leg jeans, and this floral maxi. View the entire assortment--including new arrivals--here.

$59, mango

Hints of Hermes--at a High Street price.

1. Petersyn dress, $318, shopbop.com
2. Chanel Rouge Allure Matte Liquid Lip in 148 Libere, $38, nordstrom.com
3. Soko Nene Charm Stacking Rings, $98, shopbop.com
4. Soraya Hennessy woven bag, $175, shopbop.com
5. Mango sandals, $59, mango.com