LE CATCH

$68, nordstrom

This origami wrap skort does an excellent job of looking dressed up while feeling at ease.

1. Needle & Thread embroidered top, $160, netaporter.com
2. Elizabeth and James cat-eye sunglasses, $180, shopbop.com
3. Bauble Bar initial ring, $24, baublebar.com
4. Sam Edelman clutch, $59, shopbop.com
5. Guiseppe Zanotti sandals, $650, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. Topshop origami wrap skort, $68, nordstrom.com

Last month I traveled to Tulum, Mexico, for my brother-in-law's milestone birthday. He and my twin sister have the had to fortune to spend many vacations in Tulum over the last few years, and it's now their go-to happy place. During my visit, I had the pleasure of sight-seeing, shopping, and restaurant-hopping with what felt like locals guiding me. Of course, I also wandered off my own... straight to the beach chaises. Here, the highlights. (Among them: wearing the flowy Asos dress, above, which was just right for the breezy, tropical weather.)

Sunning and siestas were made easy, thanks to the chaise lounges and palapas that lined the beach in front of our hotel, La Zebra.

The lush grounds at La Zebra are postcard perfect--except late at night, when the lights are turned off. Electricity (and internet access for that matter) is limited and supplied by generators. Next time I will be bringing a flashlight!

One afternoon's meanderings deposited me at Posada Margherita, a fantastically chic boutique hotel and restaurant that's totally solar and wind-powered. The menu specializes in Italian cuisine, with the best homemade bread (focaccia!) and pasta. The fresh-caught fish, marinated in sea water, is also insane.

One of the best things about a tropical vacation is being able to wear shorts to dinner. Yes, I am wearing a short pair underneath my cute Tory Burch tunic. The outfit served me well at Hartwood, a jungle-abutting, hipster-teeming restaurant owned by New York expats, where all the cooking is done by open fire in a wood burning oven. The family style meal, which featured delectable roasted beets, candied sweet potatoes, and smoked trout, was hands-down the best of the trip.

Speaking of list topping, this mojito won the gold medal in Mexico's national championship of bartenders. No joke. I can personally vouch for it!

As you can see, by the end of the trip, I got into Tulum's eco-friendly, tree-hugging spirit, sporting an embroidered top I picked up at a local boutique and a floral Tory Burch bikini.

The last day under the palapas called for a festive Haney silk wrap dress over a J.Crew polka dot bikini. Adios, Tulum! Until next time...

$69, mango

Just the bag to make a night out on the town even more glamorous.

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim dress, $695, netaporter.com
2. Lulu Frost earrings, $168, shopbop.com
3. Cle de Peau Beaute lipstick in 310 V, $40, nordstrom.com
4. Mango metal clutch, $69, mango.com
5. Gianvito Rossi suede sandals, $765, bergdorfgoodman.com

Stylist Natasha Goldenberg, above, has me thinking I should rotate in pointy-toe slides during go-to sandal season. Why not? They're equally comfortable and versatile--and yet refreshingly cool. I also like the idea of wearing them with cropped jeans, shorts and culottes. I adore these versions by Narciso Rodriguez and Delman.

$168, NG

This studded suede mini sums up my spring statement.

1. A.P.C. button down blouse, $195, netaporter.com
2. Elizabeth and James sunglasses, $220, shopbop.com
3. Kevin Aucoin Lip Gloss in Nerinese, $30, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Diane Von Furstenberg clutch, $158, matchesfashion.com
5. J.Crew mules, $118, jcrew.com
6. Nasty Gal suede skirt, $168, nastygal.com

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