LE CATCH

Nothing against Golden Goose. They're cute and everything. But I'd rather spring on the above Steve Madden kicks and save my splurge for statement footwear like this, this or this. Just saying.

My summer modus operandi is head-to-toe simple: Clothing should be effortlessly chic (demonstrated above), and makeup, barely-there. Though it's just the beginning of the June, I've already whittled down my beauty must-haves to the low-maintenance following: Glossier's dewy-magic face moisturizer (game changer, no joke!); Klorane's Mango Hair Oil, which I discovered on a recent Goop shoot, for look-twice shiny hair and, seriously, the most amazing scent. (That being said, I can't live without my long-loved, signature fragrance Sana Jardin Berber Blonde.) To fill in my eyebrows (and make them look au natural), I use Chanel Stylo Sourcils Pencil in Brun Clair and to line my lids, I apply Jillian Dempsey Natural Khol Eyeliner in Rich Brown. For my lashes, it's all about Beautycounter's Lengthening Mascara. Lastly, a dab of RMS Beauty Champagne Rose Highlighter on my cheekbones and, sorry, Dr. Madhuri Chadha, a bit of afternoon sunshine, and I am good to go!

If you have a festive soiree (or five!) on the horizon, I suggest you scope out the bounty of amazing on-sale dresses here! The abundance of options is truly staggering, so, I singled out a few of my favorites for you, like, hel-lo!, the crazy gorgeous Johanna Ortiz fringed situation (still an investment but a forever keeper!), above, and this Fendi slip dress, below (I'd wear over a black turtleneck in the winter!). Less pricey but lovely and beautiful, nonetheless: this one-shoulder Isabel Marant Etoile, this almost sold-out Rebecca Taylor stunner (I also like this pretty floral one), this super feminine Love Sam lace-trimmed midi, this Equipment leopard-print shirt dress, this vibrant $100 Eliza J, and this mixed print Self Portrait. Hunt for yourself (NOT JUST DRESSES) here!

P.S. Other coveted designers on offer: Sea New York (love this everyday statement top) Ulla Johnson, Ganni, Alexander McQueen, The Reformation, and Isabel Marant. Venture forth and have a great weekend!

For my trip to New York last week, I packed two pairs of perfect everyday-running-around jeans (you can find them here and here), but, weirdly, nothing inspiring to go with! So, one day, I cleverly converted this balloon-sleeve Zara dress into a blouse, tucking it into my waistband and then I snapped up this Harvey Faircloth striped top that I will work over and over and over again. Next time, however, I will be better prepared, thanks to Leia Sfez's Instagram account, rife with loads of jean-chic inspo. A mother of two and hard-working brand consultant, Leia does denim simply--in a way that's easy to pull off and pleases the eye. Mostly, she relies on minimalist sandals and cap-toe ballet slippers like these (pictured above) and these (not Chanel, but almost!), along with effortlessly chic blouses and button-down shirts from Ganni (below), Figaret (second pic down) and Cashmere in Love (third pic). But, it's also her preferred high-waist jeans that do most of the work. She opts for these by Vince (above, on sale!), Levi's, and Mango ($45!, pictured immediately below).

Photos: Leia Sfez

$291, the outnet

Now here's an excellent way to dress up my day-in-and-day-out denim routine!

1. Co denim dress, $291, theoutnet.com
2. Scosha hoop earrings, $340, shopbop.com
3. Heritage Jewelry pearl, topaz and gold ring, $2000, heritagejewelryny.com
4. Indego Africa bucket bag, $112, nordstrom.com
5. Gucci sandals, $795, netaporter.com

This summer anklets and sandals will go together like rosé and the beach. Making the most of this pairing are jewelry maker Chan Luu and shoe designer Carrie Forbes, with their just-launched collab of pretty pearl anklets and chic raffia sandals. Both can be worn individually (and over and over again), of course, and can be found here! P.S. The gorgeous ikat-print Ulla Johnson dresses, above, are on super sale here and here!

My New York City upbringing taught me how to weave through Rockefeller Center's tourist traffic swiftly, but the other day I behaved more like a Californian, shuffling slowly with other sightseers--and actually halting (!) smack dab in the Center's center, right in front of J.Crew. Its windows were lit up with electric, eye-popping prints so compelling I had to wander in and gawk at them out up close. I ended up eyeing not only fantastic florals, like the dresses, above (and this one too), but all kinds of summer goodies I want to wear, including this amazing abstract (Marni-esque) print skirt (which I'd crank up a notch with a fitted white tee and Margaux ballet slippers or Havianas flip flops), these travel-perfect bucket hats (size down!), this gingham swimsuit (that also works as a cute top), this easy-going rainbow-stripe dress, this weekend-ready checked midi, and this forever-chic tie-back striped sweater. I have to say, it's been a while since I've seen this much greatness at J.Crew!

Last summer these gold satin sandals were basically attached to my feet (pics here are proof!). They magically worked with everything and went everywhere from Positano to London to New York City. By Labor Day, they were beyond dirty and tired-looking, and, reluctantly, I retired them. Enter Target's take for Summer 2019 in myriad shades (yellow! blue! green! pink!) for $34. Done, done, done and done.

Get ready to wrap your head

New York's 70-degreee-weather this week has me trotting out my new favorite summer staples, including the red Gianvito Rossi lace-up heels (on sale!) and Veronica Beard blazer, above, and The Reformation sandals and my floral Zara, below. (My decade-old dress, above, is from Bali, and my Jenna Blake charm necklace never comes off!) Truth be told, I've been on an excessive retail therapy tear as of late (for reals!), fueled by Memorial Day's crazy sales--watch out!!--here and here, and scored this amazing Chloe bag, this gorgeous lace H&M, and this pretty $30 Topshop blouse!