LE CATCH

$85, topshop

When it's time to get seriously dressed, I'd like to bling it on in this!

1. Topshop sequin tank, $85, topshop.com
2. House of Harlow 1960 stud set, $48, shopbop.com
3. M Missoni raffia bag, $395, shopbop.com
4. Gianvito Rossi leather and vinyl sandals, $835, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. Peter Pilotto skirt, $1705, netaporter.com

I'm in Tulum, Mexico, and while I have yet to experience the Mayan Ruins, swimming in the cenotes, and sipping margaritas at Coqui Coqui, I have already discovered (on my twin sister) the greatness of this super cute beach-to-street Zara jumpsuit (it has attached shorts underneath the skirt!) above, this reversible Basta Surf bikini bottom and these walk-everywhere Tory Burch sandals. Snaps of my adventure to come! In the meantime, you can see me in action on Instagram @marlienrentmeester

Yesterday I assumed the role of a lady who lunches and played it rather successfully, thanks to Vogue and Etro, who hosted me at the Sunset Tower Hotel. (I am on the left, second one in, wearing this dress.) Bubbly and sorbet were on hand, of course, and the incredibly gorgeous Joseph Free blooms bestowed the most intoxicatingly sweet smell of spring. I wanted to wear this floral dress, which would have blended in nicely with Etro's printastic vibe, but, as fate would have it, it did not arrive on my doorstop until after lunch! However, once I tried it on, I got a whole new buzz. It's gorgeous! To see more snaps from the lunch, click here.

Photo: Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Vogue

This Instagram pic of model Anita Hodosi, seaside in Tulum, not only inspires major wanderlust but seriously sexy bikini lust. Hers is by Agent Provocatuer. I just snapped up some of my own beach-ready statements, including this luxe-looking choker-accented bikini top, this wraparound black top and this one shoulder triangle top, all from Victoria's Secret. I'd also like to hit the beach in these options from Ephemera, Missoni, L*Space, Bettinis, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch.


Photo: Anita Hodosi

In my (style) book, there is a crop top, above, and a cropped top, below. I am a fan of the latter, the kind that falls at the waistline and shows no skin. Historically, for me, the right cropped top has been hard to find (either too short, too tight, too wide, etc.), but now suddenly there is a plethora of perfect-fitting options. I'm chalking up this phenomenon to the resurgence of high-waisted jeans, pants and skirts, which go inextricably with cropped tops. Topping my list are these by Club Monaco, Tibi, Alice & Olivia, English Factory, Elle Sasson, Vika Gazinskaya, and Zara, which I have, or this one, as recommended by my sis.

$75, madewell

I love Madewell's summery take on the denim shirt. So cute!

1. Madewell chambray side-tie top, $75, madewell.com
2. Ray Ban mirrored sunglasses, $186, asos.com
3. Chan Luu beaded bracelet, $45, nordstrom.com
4. Jonathan Adler clutch, $48, shopbop.com
5. Tamara Mellon sandals, $495, netaporter.com
6. Maje skirt, $315, netaporter.com

While the lace-up gladiator sandal is spring's go-to shoe, the blingy embellished sandal is a close runner-up. Lately a friend of mine has been masterfully demonstrating just how versatile the latter is, wearing her Marni gem-encrusted sandals, similar to above, everywhere from a festive sit-down lunch to a casual poolside barbeque. I love how these shoes are able to dress up even the most mundane warm-weather staples and yet are easy on your feet. What's more, they're also evening out-worthy. My favorite sparkling statements include these by Report, Sam Edelman, J.Crew, Kate Spade, No. 21 and Guissepe Zanotti.

Photo: Sincerely Jules

$49, mango

This woven fringed clutch nails the prevailing bohemian chic mood.

1. Carven side-tie dress, $570, modaoperandi.com
2. Rebecca Minkoff earrings, $38, shopbop.com
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelet, $45, shopbop.com
4. Tom Ford Beauty Nail Lacquer in Toasted Sugar, $32, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. Mango fringed clutch, $49, mango.com
6. See by Chloe sandals, $295, netaporter.com

Jean shorts are getting an upgrade this spring, thanks to designers like Chloe (above). Tailored in crisp indigo denim and finished off with a flattering high waist, the warm weather staple comes off more sophisticated and refined--and refreshingly different from our old tattered cut-offs! Pretty pairs to ponder include this Mango, this 7 For All Mankind, this Victoria Beckham, this Balenciaga and this Zara.

$49, h&m

This breezy top just made a poolside lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel all the more glamorous.

1. H&M marigold blouse, $49, hm.com
2. Karen Walker tortoise shell sunglasses, $250, shopbop.com
3. ONE by Banago tote bag, $110, shopbop.com
4. Sergio Rossi sandals, $920, netaporter.com
5. J.Crew shorts, $79, jcrew.com