LE CATCH

Now that my summer vacation's glow is fading away into back-to-work reality, I thought I'd share the highlights from my mid-August girls' trip to Venice and Croatia. There were nine of us in all, first exploring the canals of Venice, touring the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and bellini-ing at Harry's. Then we boarded a boat to Croatia, an archipelago consisting of over a thousand islands. On our three-day odyssey, we cruised through teal-blue waters and anchored in scenic harbors and historic towns, such as Losinj and Trojir. The picture, above, was taken at Carpe Diem, a beach club restaurant on the island of Hvar. I'm wearing a bikini by LA-based swimwear line Marysia (which, ahem, is currently featuring me on its website--see it here!) We capped off our holiday in the bustling city of Split, all with the best memories and amazing snaps. Scroll down to see a few of my favorites! (You can also check out more pics on Instagram @marlienrentmeester)

Majestic sights from our water taxi!

My Valentino dress blending in with the stunning Venetian tilework. A quintessential #ihavethisthingwithfloors moment!

A Calder mobile hangs in the entrance of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. There was also art by Picasso, Miro, Jackson Pollack, Kadinsky, and Cezanne.

I think I ate about a pound of burrata while lunching at Compagnia della Vela Asd--the best caprese I've ever had in my life!

The color of the ocean looked almost like malachite--so clear and gorgeous.

Dressed in Marysia on deck!

Climbing up the 14th century Karmalengo fortress in Trojir, where I was hoping to bump into Jonathan Snow. Game of Thrones has filmed scenes here.

Lunching under grapevine ceilings, drinking the yummiest Croatian wine.

The perfect swimming spot in Hvar.

Our last seaside supper at Dvor in Split.

Perhaps it's New York's scorching temps that has fashion week attendees streamlining: lightweight dresses, barely-there sandals, and teeny tiny bags, specifically Simon Miller's Bonsai bucket. This new "it" bag has a structured, compact shape, metal ring handles, along with an detachable, adjustable leather strap. Snap it up here and here before they sell out!

Photos: French Vogue, Vogue

Like Olivia Palermo, above, I'll be running around this fall with a track jacket. I love its right-this-minute sporty edge and, at the same time, it's a little unexpected looking, especially with sky-high heels. Practically speaking, it's a layer that's not too hot and not too cold--just right! Olivia's jacket is past season Boden. I like these by Joseph, Pam & Gela, Fred Perry, and Adidas.

While my kids and their friends brandished their new and carefully chosen backpacks on their first day of school, a few fellow moms took the opportunity to bust out their new fall bags. Most noticeable among them: Balenciaga's Bazar leather tote, above, which is both practical (i.e., roomy enough to tote a toddler!) and statement making. As I don't have any two-year-olds to run after any more (boo hoo!), I'm considering the compact, clutch-size version, which also happens to be a lot more wallet-friendly. Other new fall bags I'm lusting after: this Prada trunk bag, this Simon Miller cross-body bucket bag, this denim Meli Melo satchel, this Loewe hammock bag, this plum And Other Stories bag and this embellished Gucci tote.

Photo: They All Hate Us

$125, tory burch

These earrings are like little modern pieces of art--and surprisingly reasonable, too!

1. Co bow-tie dress, $895, netaporter.com
2. Tory Burch hook earrings, $125, toryburch.com
3. Amber Sceats ring, $119, shopbop.com
4. F.E.V. snakeskin clutch, $1144, matchesfashion.com
5. Stella McCartney croc-effect pumps, $995, netaporter.com

I've decided: the only way I'm going to get over the end of summer is by going into fall feet first. In other words, I need a new pair of statement-making shoes! Opulent, over the top flats or heels will undoubtedly add some spring to my (school drop-off) step and add major zing to my cool weather wardrobe. What's more, it will put me in lockstep with fall's biggest trend. I adore these loud and proud lovelies from Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Loeffler Randall, Topshop, J.Crew, Gianvito Rossi, Bally, and Valentino.

Per my earlier post, I'm buttoning up and going back to the grind a little more stylishly this year--with a statement shirt! The kind that has equal parts whimsy and work-readiness, such as the ruffled one, above, by H&M, and these by Tibi, Sandy Liang, Sacai, Marc Jacobs, Wayf, Co and Warehouse.

$109, pixie market

For this back-to-work week, playful pinstripes are in order.

1. Pixie Market high collar blouse, $109, pixiemarket.com
2. Mango coat, $119, mango.com
3. Furla bag, $295, shopbop.com
4. Dolce & Gabbana embellished pump, $1445, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. Steve J & Yoni jeans, $295, netaporter.com

As we head into the long holiday weekend, hopefully full of fun, parties and friends, I thought I'd share some entertaining inspo! Recently, LA-based designer Jenni Kayne, stylist Jessica de Ruiter and I threw a festive, get-ready-for-fall luncheon. Of course, there was a fashion twist: we asked all our guests to wear a piece from Jenni's new fall collection and style it all their own. Naturally, we needed a suitable setting for all this chicness, so we situated ourselves in Jessica's gorgeous Silver Lake backyard and decked out a long table with blooms from Twig & Twine, a Hollywood florist known for mixing flowers, foliage and fruit. For food, we turned to Silver Lake favorite Sqirl for their signature healthy yet delicious dishes: vegan "Kabbouleh" salad, baked white fish with tumeric, Koda brown rice with dill and grilled broccolini with chili chimichurri. Topping things off was an incredibly tasty gluten- and dairy-free hazelnut torte with juicy Blenheim apricots. YUM! For recipes and to see more mouth-watering snaps, click here. Enjoy!

Photo: Katrina Dickson

$33, asos

Proof that pom poms make everything cuter!

1. Marques' Alameida frayed denim dress, $560, netaporter.com
2. Blanca Monros Gomez gold and diamond earring, $135, shopbop.com
3. IAM by Ileana Makri earring, $145, netaporter.com
4. Asos clutch, $33, asos.com
5. Christian Louboutin colorblock sandal, $995, bergdorfgoodman.com