with the band
Monday, May 12
This fun, throw-on-and-go dress with skin-baring cut-outs is what summer's all about. (Plus, it's 25% off!)
1. Tibi stripe dress, $320,* tibi.com
2. Saint Laurent sunglasses, $310, shopbop.com
2. Sophie Anderson woven clutch, $305, netaporter.com
4. Butter nail polish in Jaffa, $15, nordstrom.com
5. Alexander Wang cross-toe sandals, $550, shopbop.com
*Get this price--or 25% off any purchase--with the code FRIENDS25 through Thursday, May 15. I am also coveting this eyelet dress, this poplin dress, and these metallic sandals.
weekend getaway prep
Saturday, May 10
My husband and I are planning a weekend getaway in the next few weeks and I am looking forward to it like nothing else. The chillaxing-together part, especially. Already, I've started thinking about what to pack: my new statement Mikoh bikini, my metallic J.Crew slides, some uncoventional (but always reaps compliments) day-to-night bling, this fun-dinner-out Self Portrait dress, this never-been-worn before Phillip Lim patchwork frock, along with the funny novel Where'd You Go, Bernadette? (a good poolside read according to one of my most erudite friends).Of course, I've also startedfantasizing about all the new summery goodness that could/should be my suitcase. So far the wish list includes multiple easy-breezy dresses such as this halter neck Free People, this pretty gauzey white one, this flowy Hatch maxi, this Isabel Marant mini, plus this J.Crew pompom tunic, which I can throw over a suit or wear with a pair of cropped jeans, this embroidered Antik Batik kaftan, these Tory Burch quilted sneakers to dash through the airport, and this woven Madewell tote bag.
braided bunch
Friday, May 9
An everyday black leather sandal looks a whole lot more interesting (and nautical-French) when there's a braided red and white ankle strap deal in the mix. SO cute!
1. Band of Outsiders chambray shirt, $295, netaporter.com
2. Ray-Ban mirrored sunglasses, $155, piperlime.com
3. Topshop bag, $50, topshop.com
4. See by Chloe sandals, $235, zappos.com
5. Diane Von Furstenberg brocade shorts, $265, netaporter.com
beyond basic
Thursday, May 8
I've been looking for ways to spice up my most reliable, basic summer outfit. Exhibit A, above, (thank you, Leandra): work a pair of fun, whimsical sandals, such as these by Tory Burch, Jimmy Choo, Aquazurra, Givenchy or Asos. (Leandra's shoes are past-season Christian Louboutins.)
Photo: Manrepeller
piece of cake
Thursday, May 8
In honor of Mother's Day (and throwback Thursday), I thought I'd share this old Polaroid of my mother, twin sister and me, which was featured on The Hive earlier this week. I am on the left, in the orange top, and we are celebrating our 5th birthday. Considering the smile on my face, I don't seem to notice that my sister's cake is twice the size of mine. Which is why I love this picture. It captures the innocence of childhood, the joy of birthdays (and getting older--imagine that?!), and the unconditional love I felt from my mom (i.e., cake size doesn't matter). And besides chocolate is better than vanilla, right?!
feeling blue
Thursday, May 8
This blue linen maxi dress is going to be my ticket to instant summer glam.
1. J.Crew linen maxi dress, $138, jcrew.com
2. Ashley Pittman cuff, $595, netaporter.com
3, Emilio Pucci beaded clutch, $2290, luisaviaroma.com
4. Manolo Blahnik chain-wrap sandal, $845, neimanmarcus.com
sunnies and gwyneth
Wednesday, May 7
I saw my twin sister the other day and something about her looked slightly different--and yet a lot cooler. It was her new Wildfox Catfarer sunglasses, which look a bit similar to her stalwart black Ray-Ban Wayfarers, but edgier, statementy-er, fresher, with a little '80s-Vuarnet thrown in. Somehow they improved her overall look. (Just like the mirrored sunglasses kick things up in the pic, above.) Of course, I went and bought myself a pair, and during that quick sunglasses shopping stint, I noted a few other pairs that have the same look-enhancing but not crazy different effect. They include these sunnies by Le Specs, Saint Laurent, Ray-Ban and Kate Spade.
P.S. Last night I went to GOOP's pop-up store opening party and ran into GP, herself! If you live in LA, I highly recommend you check it out. Everything from the chairs to the light fixtures to the display shelves--all hand-picked by Gwyneth--is available for purchase, along with exclusive clothing by Stella McCartney, Michael Kors, L'Agence, Veronica Beard and Clare Vivier. The store is open through May 11 at the Brentwood Country Mart.
lining up
Wednesday, May 7
Here's more indefatigable striped cuteness to add to the collection.
1. Joie striped cotton tunic, $124, nordstrom.com
2. Illestevia sunglasses, $180, netaporter.com
3. Vita Fede pearl and silver ring, $360, shopbop.com
4. Accessorize coin purse, $16, accessorize.com
5. Hunter Boot jelly sandals, $85, neimanmarcus.com
6. Frame Denim jeans, $200, netaporter.com
case in point
Tuesday, May 6
Today I would like to be the girl in this picture, taking refuge in the shade in some hot, faraway land. Actually, scratch that. I really just want the girl's frayed denim tote bag to take with me to the beach, the farmer's market, etc. The reality is I can get it here for $59. (P.S. It comes with a decorative tag, which I would detach and toss.)
