LE CATCH

$60, river island

These cute abstract animal print shorts remind me of the Gucci shoes I'm wild about.

1. J.Crew cropped sweater, $75, jcrew.com
2. Ray-Ban sunglasses, $155, netaporter.com
3. Madewell braided ID bracelet, $28, madewell.com
4. Monserat sequin tote bag, $125, shopbop.com
5. Topshop sandals, $85, topshop.com
6. River Island shorts, $60, riverisland.com

Over the weekend, my twin sister (left) and I (right) reunited with a longtime New York-based friend, who came to visit LA with her family. It's been years since we've all spent more than a few hours together, but even so, it was as if we had just talked (and talked) yesterday. I love those kinds of friendships, where despite the distance, the familiarity remains in tact and you can pick up where you left off without skipping a beat. Such was the case when our catching-up on family and friends stuff soon segued to fashion (of course!) and my friend offered up a recommendation for a chic pair of summer sandals. They look like the Valentino Rockstuds (more here and here), she said, knowing they'd be precisely up my alley. Of course, she was right. And her timing, spot-on, as I have a similar pair of sandals that I love but have frequented the shoe repair shop one too many times. So, in the friendly, sharing-is-caring spirit, you can partake in them here!

$68, anthropologie

This color-block clutch looks like a little piece of modern art.

1. Stella McCartney dress, $1290, netaporter.com
2. Bauble Bar metallic studs, $24, baublebar.com
3. Jasper & Jeera woven clutch, $68, anthropologie.com
4. Nicholas Kirkwood sandals, $1195, modaoperandi.com

This J.Crew studded linen tank will do wonders for the stylish summer uniform. The only question is which color, or all three??

$255, saks fifth avenue

The color blocking makes a statement yet the neutral tones keep these summer heels infinitely versatile.

1. Equipment silk dress, $250, netaporter.com
2. Henri Bendel metal bracelet, $98, henribendel.com
3. MAC Lipstick in Korean Candy, $17, nordstrom.com
4. Rebecca Minkoff floral clutch, $75, shopbop.com
5. Joie leather and suede sandals, $255, saksfifthavenue.com

Super duper cool: Goop asked me for a round-up of some amazing summer pieces that won't break the bank (plus a few splurges), and the feature is live today! You can check it all out here!

$268, jcrew.com

Of all the "it" white bags this summer, I especially like this one for its priceless where-did-you-get-that aura and striking horn handle.

1. J.Crew perforated sleeve top, $88, jcrew.com
2. Bauble Bar turquoise studs, $32, baublebar.com
3. Saint Laurent cat eye sunglasses, $295, shopbop.com
4. J.Crew leather hobo bag, $268, jcrew.com
5. One by Mint & Rose metallic cap toe espadrilles, $125, shopbop.com
6. Frame Denim jeans, $210, netaporter.com

The plan last Saturday was for my husband, kids and their cousins to attend a Giants baseball game in San Francisco. Mine was to shop. Yes, store-hopping is one way to familiarize yourself with a new city! The touristy adventure, of course, requires an outfit that is stylish, heat-proof and walking-friendly--one that, in my opinion, should involve a sophisticated pair of shorts. The kind that you team with low-heeled or flat sandals and a crisp blouse, maybe even a blazer (see above), and wow, you're done. Ones that are tailored, flattering and not too short. (P.S. They should also be able to go seamlessly from the city to the seaside!) In other words: perfect all-around shorts. Among my favorites are pairs by J.Crew, Whit (70% off!), Rag & Bone, Joie, Tibi, Kate Spade Saturday, Gucci and Zara.

$237, nordstrom*

A glam, go-with-everything summer sandal is hard to come by, much less one by Lanvin, on sale (60% off)!

1. Saloni crepe de chine dress, $450, netaporter.com
2. J.Crew open-weave hat, $32, jcrew.com
3. Ray-Ban sunglasses, $155, netaporter.com
4. River Island tapestry leather clutch, $85, asos.com
5. Jules Smith ear cuff, $39, shopbop.com
6. Lanvin sandals, $237, nordstrom.com (60% off)*

* The Nordstrom designer clearance sale happening now has a ton of amazing stuff at serious discounts. Check out yesterday's post to see my favorites!

Indeed summery prints are in full bloom (expertly demonstrated by New Yorker Lily Kwong, above)--and on crazy sale at Nordstrom--by the designers who do them best like Erdem, Missoni, and Phillip Lim. My picks include this sequin floral Erdem dress (60% off), this Prabal Gurung pansy print silk top (60% off), this Mary Katranzou photorealistic print dress (60% off), this embroidered Marc Jacobs lace skirt (60% off), this MSGM candy-colored dress (40% off), and this Valentino Rockstud camouflage reversible tote bag (30% off). Other summer scores: these Prada wraparound sandals (50% off), this zipper-trimmed Alexander McQueen leather clutch (35% off), this classic Chloe satchel (35% off) and this elegant 3.1 Phillip Lim color-block shift (40% off).

Photo: Pinterest