LE CATCH

Longer days, warm nights, gentle breezes and.... straw bags! Yes, it's that time of year, when, thankfully, your beach bag can double as your bop-around-town carryall. I've already come across so many good options and thought I'd share before they're all snapped up. Check out these from Mango (spot on boho-cool), Anthropologie (cutest print ever! Love this one too!) Mar Y Sol (love the stripes), Clare V. (chic and simple), J.Crew (easy and bright), Mark Cross (the essence of elegance), Banana Republic (a most excellent bucket bag) and Madewell (roomy and forever stylish). P.S. You can find some amazing straw Balenciaga bags like the above on Ebay!

$198, j.crew

More fringe. More fun! (P.S. J.Crew is offering 30% off on heaps of just-in, summer-ready pieces, such as these super versatile open-toe sandals, this denim skirt and this tassel-trimmed beach tunic.)

1. J.Crew fringe tank, $198, jcrew.com
2. Elizabeth Cole earrings, $120, shopbop.com
3. Topshop straw clutch, $38, topshop.com
4. Sophia Webster sandals, $595, jcrew.com
5. Tibi satin culottes, $475, netaporter.com

I'm head over heels in love with Chloe's ethereal lace dresses (above). Their price tags? Not so much! So, I just got this--and, yes, my heart is set on it!

$50, aldo

This sandal brings the fringe thing to a whole new (compelling!) level.

1. Carven dress, $890, modaoperandi.com
2. Super Sunglasses, $319, shopbop.com
3. Giles & Brother spiked ring, $75, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Sonia Rykiel striped clutch, $400, netaporter.com
5. Aldo fringed sandals, $50, aldoshoes.com

Back-to-back social events over the past week have called for dresses, dresses and more dresses. Specifically, the lightweight, effortlessly chic, spring-perfect kind--my favorite! So I went a-hunting for more and turned up these beauties from A.L.C., Rebecca Minkoff, Apiece Apart and Toteme. I also adore the silk shirt dress, above, by Tome. It has an alluring cut-out in the back!

Photo: Vogue

$38, henri bendel

Henri Bendel calls this terrycloth clutch a "bikini bag," as it features a waterproof canvas interior. I call it brilliant--and would tote it off the beach, too!

1. Whistles fringe cropped top, $230, whistles.com
2. Kenneth Jay Lane bracelet, $60, shopbop.com
3. Kevin Aucoin Matte Lip Color in Eternal, $33, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Henri Bendel terrycloth clutch, $38, henribendel.com
5. Burberry raffia wedges, $650, netaporter.com
6. Topshop skirt, $95, topshop.com

Just spotted 7, 500 miles away at Australia Fashion Week: all the clothes I want to wear right now! Specifically: feminine, flowy, and romantic dresses like this Asos, this Rebecca Taylor, this Zimmermann and this Club Monaco. Subtle statement jackets such as this Veronica Beard and Topshop. And denim, denim and more denim! Think new, spot-on silhouettes--along with your good old jeans--such as this sleek 1205 pleated top, this ultra chic, wear-with-everything Banana Republic blazer, this Marc by Marc Jacobs shift dress, this quilted collarless French Connection jacket and these high-waist Zara shorts (which I'm wearing as I write!). Also, note the prevalence of round Ray-Bans and Balenciaga bags. Below, more inspiration from down under!

Photos: Style, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar

$80, warehouse

The perfect blend of lounge-around comfort and intensely cool.

1. Warehouse sweater, $80, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. Le Specs mirrored sunglasses, $69, shopbop.com
3. Eddie Borgo cube bracelet, $325, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. J.Crew bucket bag, $138, jcrew.com
5. Ancient Greek Sandals cross-strap slides, $235, shopbazaar.com
6. Emilio Pucci shorts, $785, netaporter.com

I am a New Yorker by birth but wearing a crochet bikini makes me feel like a true California girl: natural, easy-going and beach-ready. I recently bought a crochet bikini in Tulum (pics to come!), and I have to say: it's more comfortable than you think, dries faster than you think and is unrepentantly sexy. I LOVE the suits by All That Remains, especially the one, above. I'd also take the plunge in these lovelies from She Made Me (or this one), Luli Fama, Zimmermann, and Becca.

$79, nine west

Consider these sandals jewelry for your feet!

1. Diane Von Furstenberg dress, $548, matchesfashion.com or shopbop.com
2. Pamela Love earrings, $158, shopbop.com
3. Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint, $35, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Kate Spade clutch, $248, shopbop.com
5. Nine West sandals, $79, ninewest.com