LE CATCH

Last week I was whisked away by some friends on a last minute trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico--and, thankfully, totally prepared wardrobe-wise due to my diligent spring shopping! A new billowy floral Warm dress, above, came in handy for a late lunch at Palmilla, while a lavishly embroidered Fanm Mon top made a serious statement back at the villa, below. Read on for more deets!

The stone wall behind me in the entry of the villa we rented is actually a waterfall. (Read: cool picture backdrop!) I'm wearing a black bikini I bought ages ago and wear all the time, because black, duh, is always flattering. Other good ones can be found here, here and here.

Of course, no trip is complete without a little shopping. We scoured the around San Jose del Cabo's old main sqaure, all rife with cute pom pom-trimmed basket bags, straw hats (like the one hanging around my neck), embroidered dresses and tunics, silver jewelry, etc. I sported a gauzey gingham Veronica Beard dress over my bathing suit to stay cool while strolling around.

At Chileno Bay Resort's taco bar, above, the pork al pastor is a must-have, but the rattlesnake tequila? No gracias. My Gucci sunglasses are on major sale here!

In a new lushly embroidered top I bought, I blend in with the scenery! My smocked Tory Burch bikini can be found here. Hasta luego, amigas!

If you've been following me on Instagram (@marlienrentmeester), then you'll know I've landed south of the border, where I've been busting out some major dresses, among them this floaty Haney, above, and this gingham Veronica Beard, below. More pics to come shortly!

Valentino's lace-up velvet and leather sandals are the essence of summer luxe. . .but Mango's take, above, is pretty strong too!

$34, h&m

My summer whites just got a little sweeter thanks to this frilled top!

1. H&M ruffled top, $39, hm.com
2. Illesteva sunglasses, $177, shopbop.com
3. Pascale Monvoisin turquoise and diamond cuff, $785, netaporter.com
4. Whistles striped straw tote, $159, whistles.com
5. Miu Miu ballerina flats, $690, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. J.Crew cropped chambray jeans, $98, jcrew.com

For me, one of the best parts about going on a vacation is shopping for it. With spring break (in Mexico!) on the horizon, I want to pack my suitcase with these beach-ready statements from Free People, Fella, She Made Me, Three Graces of London, Iro, Topshop and Muzungu Sisters. I'd also like to take a cue from the cute girl squad, above, and tie on a new, sexy sarong like this, this or this. A pair of playful sunnies, such as these by Prada, Komono, and Kate Spade would also add to the getaway fun.

Every spring calls for a new little day dress

Photo: Lucy Williams

$129, seed heritage

A little peekaboo lace will help me get through a long, hot summer, no sweat!

1. Seed Heritage lace blouse, $129, seedheritage.com
2. Salvatore Ferragamo sunglasses, $376, shopbop.com
3. Marni ring, $315, shopbop.com
4. Zara straw tote bag, $49, zara.com
5. Gucci sandals, $695, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. MiH jeans, $290, netaporter.com

A statement shoe canstep up an outfit--but don't overlook the way it can elevate your everyday jeans. Of course, it needs to be comfy too, and not too OTT. Thankfully, there are some just-right spring styles out there for the taking. Among my faves: this feather-tufted Prada, this knotted Chloe mule, this sleek MR by Man Repeller, this ruffled Isabel Marant, this re-imagined Nine West Mary Jane, this leopard printed ankle-strap J.Crew, and this bow-embellished Alexandre Birman.

Mixing up my stripes just got easier and chicer with this Anthropologie shirt dress.

I'm not the type to let it all hang out, which is why I'm a fan of this spring's only slightly skin-baring tops. Strategically designed to show just the tiniest--but arguably sexiest--bit of skin, these blouses make a fresh statement, plus provide the perfect amount of ventilation. I particularly love these by Tome (above), Cheap Monday, Tibi, Asos, Maison Mayle, Banana Republic, Milly, and Madewell.

Photo: Harper and Harley