LE CATCH

Knee-deep into summer Europe's chicest women are opting for practical glamour and treating their tootsies to flat shoes. Consider them a step up from sandals, more interesting than basic ballet slippers and equally feminine to heels. Russian model Elena Perminova, above, turned up at the Dior Couture runway show in Paris yesterday in Tabitha Simmons ankle-strap flats (also available here) and a shimmery metallic Dior dress, while editor and street style star Miroslava Duma (last image) made her rounds in pointy toe Salvatore Ferragamo shoes with her young son in tow. Also going the pointed route: Danish stylist Pernille Teisbaek (third pic, below) in a graphic patent leather pair by Tabitha Simmons (also available here). More shoes that are flat-out chic include these by Jimmy Choo, Sam Edelman (similar to shoes in first pic, above), Chloe, Coach, Via Spiga and Zara.

Photos: Elena Perminova, Stockholm Streetstyle, Tommy Ton, Look de Pernille, W Magazine

$155, netaporter

Side ties take this cropped t-shirt to super cute status.

1. Toga jersey cotton top, $155, netaporter.com
2. Jennifer Zeuner ear cuff, $176, shopbop.com
3. Christian Dior Rouge lipstick in Iconic 999, $34, nordstrom.com
4. Primary python pouch, $215, shopbop.com
5. Manolo Blahnik sandals, $725, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. H&M skirt, $49, hm.com

An unusually temperate Pacific Ocean had me at the beach and in a bathing suit pretty much all holiday weekend long. Not just one, of course. I busted out my current favorites: this cut-out Asos (which garnered compliments from several fellow beach-goers!), this sleek Eres, and this wraparound L*Space. While I was stationed seaside in Malibu--where, by the way, it seems the most quintessential "California Girls" congregate and make good on their reputation--I couldn't help scope out other bathing suits, including one especially cute ruffle-trimmed bikini top that had me stalking the woman wearing it. I followed her into the ocean and swam up close to her, being careful not to make her think I was a crazy weirdo! Turns out she designed the suit herself and you can find it here. My husband couldn't help himself from, uh, gawking, as well, particularly when Hawaiian professional surfer Alana Blanchard strolled up the beach, who, my husband informed me, is not only ranked top 20 in the world for her surfing talent, but also possesses one of the more famous (and often photographed) derrieres in sports. One that he seemed to be very familiar with! I have to admit, her bikini bottom was great--and not just because of her famous asset (which was also, um, incredible). If anything, I think her Hawaiian-cut bikini bottom enhanced what she already has (or perhaps I'd like to think that's the case!). Cut up high on her bum, without fully exposing it, it was bold but very flattering. Some behind-bettering options I am considering: this Rip Curl and this Citrine.

Photo: Pinterest

$245, the outnet

This Thakoon Addition's sexy cut-out black dress would be a legitimate reason to throw a fun party ASAP.

1. Thakoon Addition dress, $245, theoutnet.com
2. Lionette by Noa Sade earrings, $358, forwardbyelysewalker.com
3. Miu Miu clutch, $1390, netaporter.com
4. Prada wraparound sandals, $790, bergdorfgoodman.com

Happy (almost) 4th of July! On my agenda this weekend: Seriously relaxing beach time with this new sexy Asos bikini, this striped J.Crew tunic, these Jeffrey Campbell studded sandals (similar to above and 50% off!), this lush Nine Space beach towel (P.S. also a great hostess gift!), this Thayer apres surf dress (30% off), and this adorable little eyelet Zimmermann romper (just for kicks!). Also in my beach bag: The Opposite of Loneliness (a collection of stories and essays that are a wee bit melancholy, but incredibly well-written and inspiring), these fun, shimmery, jewelry-like Lulu DK temporary tattoos, along with gobs of skin-saving Lancer sunscreen. Enjoy!


Photo: Columbine Smille

$285, asos

A Valentino doppelganger, this lavishly embroidered frock is summer soiree-perfect.

1. Asos embellished dress, $285, asos.com
2. Anthropologie earrings, $28, anthropologie.com
3. Charlotte Olympia satin pouch, $495, netaporter.com
4. Gianvito Rossi sandals, $765, bergdorfgoodman.com

Anyone who lives along the California coast is intimately familiar with the seemingly impermeable grey layer of fog that creeps in overnight and lingers till mid-morning or so. This kind of weather calls for a light sweater, and since I hate being cold, I always have one in my bag (or car) at the ready. Randomly, I also love the way a sweater looks over a bathing suit. Inspiration: Caroline Bessette boating off chilly Martha's Vineyard with John Kennedy, Jr. I like to throw a loose-fitting cardigan not all the way buttoned up and over a bikini. Hence, I am always on the lookout for more light sweaters, and lately I've found a few that are not only fog and fall-proof but summer sexy, including these by Madewell, Equipment, J.Crew, Theory, and Townsen.

$254, nordstrom

For weeks I've been coveting this quintessential summer dress. Lucky stars, it's now 40% off!

1. Tibi eyelet dress, $254, nordstrom.com
2. Marc Jacobs sunglasses, $350, shopbop.com
3. Rebecca Minkoff bracelet stack, $98, shopbop.com
4. Clare V printed leather clutch, $225, netaporter.com
5. Gianvito Rossi open-toe bootie, $504, neimanmarcus.com

With everyone on summer holidays, my Instagram feed is delivering the equivalent of picture-perfect postcards from around the world. Italian model Candela Novembre has been flitting around Milan and Capri, and her on-the-go wardrobe has been suitably stylish and flat-out inspiring. She keeps things fun and easy by sticking to matching tops and bottoms, statement-making prints, punchy colors, walk-everywhere sandals, and one-step-dressing rompers and jumpsuits. I'm inclined to follow suit with this Diane Von Furstenberg jumpsuit, these Sam Edelman strappy flat sandals, this short and snappy striped Topshop dress, the patterned Yumi Lim romper, this cutely coordinating J.Crew floral shorts and top (or this combo from Oasis) and these printed Tory Burch printed jeans (featured in last pic).

Photos: Candela Novembre