LE CATCH

With all my frequent flying this past spring--Mexico, St. Barth's, Aspen, New York, San Francisco!--I am closer to cracking the code on chic vacation wear. I now know that whatever makes its way into my suitcase must be able to stand up to heat and humidity, miles of walking city streets, hours of sightseeing, and day-to-night dressing--and look drop-dead chic while doing so! Now with summer travel(s) on the horizon, I'm looking for more do-it-all-around-the-world pieces--and I've hit jackpot with the following. A Tory Burch dress, above, which can wend around Florence during the day with easy sneaks, then sit down to dinner with a pair of sandals at Capocaccia. I'm also coveting these cosmopolitan-cool dresses by Cos, Tibi, GoenJ, Asos, Veronica Beard, Equipment, and 4. Collective. I'll definitely pack a pair of culottes like this H&M (which I have) or this Rebecca Taylor, because they are stylish yet easy and straddle the day/night gap. Of course, sneakers are a must: they can work fashion magic with my daytime dresses, minis, and midi-skirts , plus will let me canvass new cities and jet through several time zones in comfort. My current faves: this Superga, this Rag & Bone and this A.P.C. I limit myself to just one pair of heels, a super versatile open-toe sandal like this J.Crew, this Givenchy (on sale) or this Madewell. It's always wise to bring a warm layer, whether it's to fend off an over zealous A/C or keep an evening breeze at bay. A go-with-everything cardigan, like this or this is a no-brainer, but if there's room, I'd also throw in an outfit-elevating lightweight jacket like this and this. Bon voyage!

Photo: 9 to 5 Chic

$150, miss selfridge

This fringed suede mini masters the season's boho vibe in a rather fabulous way!

1. Miss Selfridge suede dress, $150, missselfridge.com
2. Givenchy gold-tone crystal bangle, $740, netaporter.com
3. Edie Parker python clutch, $1495, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Splendid metallic sandals, $78, shopbop.com

Clearly, Milanese women have the glamor thing nailed down. Witness the woman, above, who makes a mostly-eaten gelato cone look like just another chic fashion accessory. And not only that! She takes a pair of decadent chandelier earrings (find them here!) and makes them everyday, ice-cream-outing wearable by teaming them with a casually cuffed, button-up shirt. Bellissima! I'd like to take a cue from the Milanese with these day-to-night stunners from Mercantila, Valentino, Ben-Amun, Stella Jean, Argento Vivo, and J.Crew.

Photo: Tommy Ton

$69, mango

This is just the thing I'd wear over a slinky camisole or jumpsuit--or sling over my shoulders at night to top off a filmy, summery dress.

1. Saloni silk romper, $495, matchesfashion.com
2. Mango jacket, $69, mango.com
3. Prada canvas bag, $750, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Chloe lace-up sandals, $495, netaporter.com

The classic Breton striped top has spawned some fun summery renditions that are just as versatile and chic. The Asos tee, above, comes with cute French gamine extras, like bows and arm slits. Then there are those in unexpected vibrant hues and silhouettes by Madewell, Chance, J.Crew, and Solid & Striped and Tibi.

$68, topshop

This is my (fast and easy!) ticket to balmy-summer-day style.

1. Vivienne Westwood Anglomedia pleated top, $270, matchesfashion.com
2. Venessa Arizaga earrings, $50, shopbop.com
3. Sophie Anderson woven clutch, $381, matchesfashion.com
4. Isabel Marant sandals, $895, barneys.com
5. Topshop lace-up shorts, $68, topshop.com

Right now I'm obsessed with cropped wide-leg jeans. Cut right above the ankle and just below the calf, the silhouette has a relaxed and refreshing warm weather vibe. And believe it or not, they're flattering on just about every body type. I've already stockpiled a few pairs, including the white Asos frayed jeans, above, and perfectly-fitting reconstructed vintage Levi's jeans by Re/Done, a new LA-based denim label. Also great are these iterations by Current Elliott, J.Crew, Topshop, Citizens of Humanity and Blank Denim.

Photos: We Wore What, Pinterest

While it hasn't felt much like summer in perpetually foggy West Los Angeles, it looks like the heat is on east of the 405 and all the way across the country to New York, where some fellow bloggers are stylishly weathering it. Take Gala Gonzalez, for instance, in a little white asymmetrical dress, like this one (on sale!) and Charlotte Groeneveld, below, in a lightweight floral shirtdress by Rodebjer. (Find the solid white version at 40% off here.) Both these dresses are super chic, heat-proof and walking-friendly, plus game to travel beyond the concrete jungle! Some like minded options include this Yumi Kim, this Alexander Wang, this Madewell, this Saloni, this Club Monaco, this Asos, this Elle Sasson, and this H&M.

Photos: Amlul, The Fashion Guitar

$68, pixie market

Just looking at this dress gives me an easy breezy summery feeling.

1. Pixie Market dress, $68, pixiemarket.com
2. Le Specs mirrored sunglasses, $60, netaporter.com
3. Asos sequin clutch, $63, asos.com
4. Zimmermann ankle-tie sandals, $310, shopbop.com

New York-based art director Sofia Sanchez de Betak, above, is giving me a case of serious vacation--and shoe!--envy, as she suns and sandals her way around Positano. Highlights via Instagram include the pair, above, by Giuseppe Zanotti, (also in gold and 30% off here), which is not only Le Sirenuse-glamorous but cobblestone street-suitable. (Her vibrant batik print caftan is also pretty fab!) Then there is the Valentino pair, below, complete with braided black leather straps and ocean-inspired charms that blend in gorgeously with the Italian environs. Lastly, a pair of Toteme rope sandals prove that they're not only la dolce vita-worthy but up for arduous (suitcase-packing) tasks.

Photos: Sofia Sanchez de Betak