hawaii time
Tuesday, August 4
Aloha! I just returned from a week-long vacation in Hawaii with a deep tan, natural highlights, a refreshed perspective, and... seven new bikinis! Yes, paradise doesn't get in the way of my shopping, and besides, there may be no better place on Earth to buy a swimsuit, because what bikinis are to Hawaiian girls, jeans are to Angelenos: it's their daily uniform! I surveyed the bikini pros day in and day out on the beaches of Waikiki and the north shore of Oahu, spotting mostly "cheeky" bottoms (i.e., the ones that expose more than a Brazilian, but less than a G-string). The sight of it all got me thinking that if I acquired an authentic Hawaiian-style suit (or seven!), I too would look more bikini pro, less "haole." To get real beach cred, I called a good friend, born and bred in Hawaii, who used to work with me at Conde Nast in New York and now lives in Honolulu, to give me the insider-y rundown on where to shop (Rebecca Beach in Honolulu, Splash, San Lorenzo and The Guava Shop in Halewia) and brands to look for (Acacia, Malia Jones, Mikoh). Among the ones I scooped up, I especially love these styles by Tigerlily (pictured above and 30% off now!), L*Space (it's reversible!), and Mikoh (on sale!). P.S. Neiman Marcus is clearing out loads of swimsuits and cover-ups, many of them up to Hawaiian snuff! You can check out the sale here.
stark raving plaid
Tuesday, August 4
This faux fur trimmed cape will make the upcoming transition from warm to cold way more smooth.
1. J.Crew cashmere polo sweater, $228, jcrew.com
2. River Island plaid cape, $80, riverisland.com
3. Current/Elliot slim boyfriend jeans, $220, netaporter.com
4. ZAC Zac Posen bucket bag, $295, shopbop.com
5. Maiyet gold cuff, $795, shopbop.com
6. 3.1 Phillip Lim boots, $650, bergdorfgoodman.com
fall's new "it" boot
Monday, August 3
The ankle boot has long been a wardrobe staple, but this fall, it will get an update, courtesy of a higher cut and a chunky block heel. Of course, Isabel Marant offers up the most excellent version: it has a round toe, hits and hugs at the shin (perfect for all the cropped fall pants we'll be wearing) and features an easy 3.5-inch heel. Think of it as the next Dicker boot--i.e. the must-have you'll wear infinite number of times! You can find the boot here and here. Less expensive iterations here, here, and here. P.S. Londoners, above, prove it's not too early to bust out boots now!
Photo: Style
denim skirt 2.0
Monday, August 3
This cute and crisp denim skirt quickly cured my Monday morning blues!
1. Carven sweater, $341, matchesfashion.com
2. Marni bracelet, $490, shopbop.com
3. Chloe bag, $2225, nordstrom.com
4. Isabel Marant suede boots, $1035, netaporter.com
5. Topshop denim skirt, $60, topshop.com
in the trenches
Friday, July 31
My sister travels between New York and Los Angeles on an almost weekly basis for work, but no matter which city she is in, she stays true to her one-style-fits-both-coasts aesthetic. Which explains her affinity for her trench coat, rain or shine, beach or city. Of course, she is not the only one living on this axis, and when I saw this H&M trenchcoat-inspired dress, it seemed that it was made for her and the rest of the the NY/LA crew. It will work very well for bopping around both cities (and elsewhere).
on-the-go style
Wednesday, July 29
Later this summer I'll be running around New York City, kids in tow, with museums, the Planetarium, the Intrepid (again!) and Central Park on the agenda. What will I be wearing? The outfit, above, is a good place to start: a languid, stylish, day-to-night-worthy skirt--hers, by Ellery, carries the whole look--an easy, breezy blouse and comfy, walk-a-million-blocks sneaks. In short: a look that's relaxed, cool, unexpectedly chic, plus uptown-to-downtown-ready! While I have a similar top and shoes in my arsenal, it's the awesome, throw-on-and-go chic skirt I need. So, I went a-hunting and here's what I turned up: this Nanette Lapore, this By Malene Birger, this Topshop, this Whistles and this Asos.
Photo: Gary Pepper Girl
future faux
Tuesday, July 28
I'm obsessed with Stella Jean's clever take on the faux fur vest. Since it's backless, it adds warmth without heft! Perfect for layering under jackets or over lightweight sweaters.
sexy stripes
Tuesday, July 28
Who knew that a striped sweater could be so sexy?! Love the unexpected cutout!
1. A.L.C. striped sweater, $325, intermixonline.com
2. Illesteva sunglasses, $300, bloomingdales.com
3. Valentino cuff, $295, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs bucket bag, $278, shopbop.com
5. Nicholas Kirkwood patent loafers, $425, netaporter.com
6. Victoria Beckham denim shorts, $280, netaporter.com
the pinafore dress
Monday, July 27
Leave it to Celine to re-invent the pinafore dress and make it out and out sexy. Street style star Anya Ziourova, above, executes it--and then some! Of course, you can expect to see various iterations coming your way. This French Connection one is spot-on and exceedingly wearable (i.e., work appropriate!), and, best of all, the price is right!
knit pick
Monday, July 27
Exactly the kind of summer dress I'd reach for day in and day out.
1. Warehouse dress, $75, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. Ksubi sunglasses, $160, shopbop.com
3. Jennie Kwon black diamond earring, $395, shopbop.com
4. Shiraleah clutch, $48, nordstrom.com
5. Stuart Weitzman sandals, $345, bergdorfgoodman.com