LE CATCH

$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

This recent Instagram pic of my friend (and powerhouse behind LA-based charity Baby2Baby) Kelly Sawyer Patricof, far right, and her pals in St. Barths made me long for my sunny days on the isle--and for a new pair of statement sunnies! A round frame is clearly the way to go. Kelly is wearing a retro-spirited pair by Illesteva. I'm also loving these by Celine, Ray-Ban (or this, similar to above), Kaibosh, Super Sunglasses, Leith and Topshop.

Photo: Kelly Sawyer Patricof

Yes, crop tops, fringed kimonos, and ethnic print dresses were out in full force at Coachella this past weekend, but, in my opinion, it was the stealth players--i.e. not-your-typical festival attire--that stole the spotlight. For example: Kate Bosworth and Rosie Huntington Whitley turned out in clean and streamlined separates, like this lace-up blouse (or this one), and these subdued bohemian Coach cross-body bags, which are now on my most wanted list! Other standout looks that go from Coachella and well beyond, below!

I love DJ Harley Viera Newton's sweet but sexy gingham Michael Kors dress.

Alexa Chung's ethereal Chloe dress is pretty heavenly. I like this version by Club Monaco.

There's that awesome Coach bag again, sported by Kate Bosworth.

Photos: Vogue, Harley Viera Newton, Racked

$45, front row shop

This season's denim skirt touts a longer, more ladylike hemline, cool standout buttons, and a crisp, clean finish.

1. Nina Ricci sweater, $1475, netaporter.com
2. Kristen Elspeth earrings, $194, shopbop.com
3. Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer in Saharienne, $27, nordstrom.com
4. Clare V. clutch, $220, clarev.com
5. Prada leather t-strap sandals, $850, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. Front Row Shop denim skirt, $45, frontrowshop.com

I love my gladiators, but there's something nice about these simple and subdued (and timelessly classic) about these sandals.

My recent travels have made me realize that what I wear flying across time zones is just as important as what's in my suitcase. My outfit needs to be comfortable, stylish, and most importantly, wearable throughout the trip (or at least elements of it!). When I went to Tulum earlier this month, I wore this breezy Tory Burch top, which fared well on the flight down and then later basked on the beach (see below). I usually sport stretchy jeans (one of my favorites is by Madewell and they're on sale!) or wide-leg pants--nothing constricting and never, ever workout leggings!--a basic lightweight sweater that can be used for layering, like this or this, and a versatile, unfussy blazer (such as this or this) that goes with everything from shorts to dresses. The right-sized carry-on is also key. When it's too big I tend to stuff it with even more (non-essential) stuff. Along with my laptop, book, and magazines, my carry-on should be able to accommodate a few indispensables such as a bathing suit and sandals in case my luggage gets lost! Ideally, it also doubles as my handbag for the trip, suitable for sightseeing new cities and beelining to the beach. The Gigi bag, above, fits the bill, as does this, this and this.

Photos: Life with Emily, Coliena Rentmeester