LE CATCH

$195, shopbop

This basket bag boasts a vacation vibe but its lined pocket interior yields everyday practicality.

1. Tome asymmetric blouse, $340, netaporter.com
2. Harvey Faircloth peplum jacket, $448, intermixonline.com
3. Rebecca Minkoff basket bag, $195, shopbop.com
4. Comme des Garcons x Converse sneakers, $120, nordstrom.com
5. Frame Denim jeans, $230, netaporter.com

There is nothing hard about St. Barth's--except getting there from Los Angeles. One red-eye, a connecting four-hour flight and a (harrowing) prop plane later, I landed mid-afternoon, rumpled and tired. Despite my fatigue, I made a quick presto change-o and met up with friends, who were well into a wine-steeped lunch at Shellona, a gorgeous restaurant perched above the idyllic Shell Beach (pictured below). The meal instantly perked me up and got me into the island's happy groove! The sun-soaked days that followed served up all of my favorite activities: yoga, swimming, shopping, sailing, and long decadent lunches. Check out the glorious highlights below.

After my scrumptious first meal on the island of salad nicoise, burrata, grilled zucchini, and homemade french fries (possibly the finest I've ever tasted!), I swam off a few calories in the Caribbean Sea, then made a beeline for the chaise lounges. That's when the rose wine started flowing and basically didn't stop till I departed!

The next day kicked off with swimming at the secluded Colombier Beach, followed by--you guessed it--another yummy lunch and shopping at the super chic pink and white-accented Cheval Blanc, above, where I snapped up the insane lace caftan, below.

Shopping in St. Barth's was my sport. I boutique hopped in Gustavia (my faves included Vanita Rosa, Lolita Jaca, Poupette, Gisele, and MC2 St. Barth's) and St. Jean (Terra, Cabane, Filles des Iles).

Another must-stop was Le Guanahani Hotel, above, where the view of the reef-protected lagoon and turquoise blue water is postcard perfect and the fried calamari rocks.

St. Barth's fashion mandate: swimsuits that make a splash! I went for it with this embellished, ikat print Asos.

And with this Asos crochet top, which stayed put while paddleboarding, snorkeling and jumping off the sailboat.

Right now, this St. Barth's pina colada is calling my name and I'm already plotting to go back and drink it one day soon!

$49, h&m

Back to work, working on effortless summer style!

1. H&M stripe cotton dress, $49, hm.com
2. Shashi earring set, $85, shopbop.com
3. Sophie Anderson raffia tote bag, $245, netaporter.com
4. Rag & Bone leather wedges, $495, bergdorfgoodman.com

Apologies for the lack of posts this past week, but I've been on island time! I spent an extended spring break in the Caribbean, specifically St. Barth's and Anguilla, sailing, swimming, sunning, and sipping rose! (More pics to come soon!) Now that I'm back on terra firma, I'm determined to perpetuate St. Barth's chicness in my Southern California life, which means I need things like this plunging Reformation dress, this Blue Life sexy one-piece swimsuit (I bought it in red), this Free People wraparound maxi dress, these sleek Asos jelly sandals, this ruffled Petersyn top (similar to my top, above), and this Mango beach-to-street mini.

Now's the time to pounce on party dresses, like the ruffled wonder, above, and all things summery and festive with Shopbop's sale of the season. (Read: up to 25% off everything!). On my shopping list: this day to night Cinq a Sept top, this Talulah asymmetrical dress, this Red Carter lace romper, this off-the-shoulder Line & Dot dress, this Inge Christopher wood clutch, this pom pom-trimmed Club Monaco top, this striped English Factory dress, and these Jennifer Behr statement earrings. Check it all out here.

Photo: Natasha Goldenberg

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.