LE CATCH

Not that I was judging or anything, but I was amused this morning when a friend of mine (and a devout reader of this site) texted me from the Bahamas, where's she vacationing with her family, asking me whether she should buy the denim espadrilles featured earlier or the python print ankle strap sandals from yesterday's post. (Clearly, I'm not the only one who'd let paradise get in the way of shopping!) Naturally, I responded, "Both," as they're quite different. Her next pressing question: which white jeans are the most flattering? Funny she should ask, because I've been thinking about and researching this myself lately, as white jeans are, of course, a summer essential. You may recall that I've written about my favorite white jeans in the past, but with each year comes new styles and better options. Hence this year's top seven: the amazingly flattering AG Stilt Cigarette (they run small, so go up a size), the classic straight-leg Rag & Bone (similar to above), the skinnifying Paige ankle peg Skyline, the mid-rise slim-leg Victoria Beckham (they're fitted but not tight--just right!), J Brand's high-rise skinny (for a long, lean line), Blank Denim Flare jeans (great price, perfect flare), and J Brand's slim-fitting boyfriends. (P.S. If you are curious to know what my new favorite blue jeans are, they are these straight, high-rise Paper, Denim & Cloth.)

Photo: Stockholm Street Style

$120, revolve

Some friends and I wanted to go in on a pair of denim Chanel espadrilles as a group birthday gift for a friend--but alas, they were sold out. Along the way though, I happened to discover this baby, which at a fraction of the price, would make a nice gift for moi!

1. Isabel Marant lace silk blouse, $800, netaporter.com
2. Ray Ban mirrored aviator sunglasses, $160, shopbop.com
3. Jennifer Meyer thin turquoise ring, $175, shopbop.com
4. Vanities chain link beaded bracelet, $120, modaoperandi.com
5. Paige Denim jeans, $189, netaporter.com
6. Marc Jacobs shoulder bag, $1295, neimanmarcus.com
7. Jeffrey Campbell denim espadrilles, $120, revolveclothing.com

P.S. This espadrille also comes in cute white leather and quilted color-blocked suede. Seriously enchanted with all of them!

There are certain outfits that I have no qualms about wearing over and over (and over) again. This would be one of them. Its endless (and shameless) wearability is anchored in a combination of classics and a little print mixing. And it's easy to re-create with these J.Crew leather pants (or these J Brands that are 30% off or this $100 faux leather pair by Michael Kors), this striped sweater by Kule or Pam & Gela, this Clare V. animal print clutch, and these black flats by Vince, Jenni Kayne or 3.1 Phillip Lim.

P.S. Speaking of classic pieces that are over and over again wearable, this $39 Joe Fresh cropped denim (Chanel-like) jacket qualifies and then some. Though you can't buy it online in the US (Canada only right now), you can call a store and they will ship it to you free. Nice!

Photo: Death by Elocution

$116, topshop

The frayed edges on this denim jacket--a spring-perfect substitute for a leather moto--give it a cool, deconstructed vibe.

1. J.Crew sweater, $88, jcrew.com
2. Topshop frayed denim jacket, $116, topshop.com
3. J.Crew embellished pants, $995, jcrew.com
4. Ardency Inn Modster Lip Gloss in Studio Mix, $23, sephora.com
5. B Brian Atwood snakeskin clutch, $350, neimanmarcus.com
6. Ca & Lou ring, $325, shopbop.com
7. Ann Taylor python printed ankle strap sandals, $128, anntaylor.com

Years ago, I wrote a Self Magazine story about actress Kerry Washington and her love for entertaining. She shared lots of advice on everything from how to quickly dress up a table (in-season monochromatic blooms, votive candles) to her favorite dinner soundtrack (old standards by Frank Sinatra and Billy Holliday). But the one tip that really resonated with me focused on what to wear to your own dinner party, because, of course, figuring out what to wear can be as time-consuming as the menu and table seating planning. For starters, it should be something special, an outfit that will both wow and welcome your guests and reflect the party's vibe. But Kerry pointed out that above all else comfort is key. I find this so true, and my interpretation of "comfort" is, for example, a low heel or elegant sandal, as you’ll be making lots of trips to the kitchen and flitting from guest to guest. A dress that stands out but isn't overly complicated is also ideal in my book. As Kerry explained,"I don't want to be fussing with straps or lots of buttons, but rather focusing my attention on friends." So, when I threw my first al fresco dinner party of the year in my backyard for my father in law's 75th birthday the other night (table above, with accessories from Set Sip Serve!), I thought back again to Kerry's hostess-wear advice, factored in more of my own party wear mantras--such as add sparkle, lean toward loose, easy and flowy, and incorporate head-turning accents--and sought out some spot-on fabulous looks. My faves include this striking scarlet-hued Tibi, sparkly Needle and Thread mini, this sleek Jay Ahr, this embellished Issa shift, this easy Helmut Lang jumpsuit, this cute ruffled Tambourine, this effortless Karl Lagerfeld maxi and this print-happy Peter Pilotto. All of which, I think, will help me look more like a relaxed and unflappable hostess--the kind who perhaps kicks her shoes off before dinner is served and doesn't flinch even when a guest is late!

$395, shopbop

In my opinion, a well-rounded wardrobe has a few dresses that work perfectly both day and night. This gorgeous lace LBD fits the bill.

1. Zimmermann lace dress, $395, shopbop.com
2. Topshop embroidered jacket, $130, topshop.com
3. Asos calf hair clutch, $56, asos.com
4. Isabel Marant black and gold bracelet, $160, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Tamara Mellon lace-up sandals, $395, netaporter.com

$44, mango

Stripes, tassels, laid-back ease. I just can't resist!

1. Mango striped blouse, $44, mango.com
2. Madewell sunglasses, $39, madewell.com
3. Alexis Bittar Swarovski crystal cuff, $345, shopbop.com
4. Golden Lane satchel, $693, shopbop.com
5. See by Chloe sandals, $285, shopbop.com
6. Victoria Beckham jeans, $295, netaporter.com

Love 'em or hate 'em, it's inarguable that criss-cross sandals will be summer's "it" shoe, specifically Isabel Marant's version, above, which are practically sold out in every size everywhere except for here and here. Other (much less expensive) options include Topshop's leather cross-overs, available in both black and white, these Jeffrey Campbell slides, and these Ancient Greek Sandals.

Photo: Pinterest

$116, topshop

This fun, ruffly dress makes me want to throw a party just so I could wear it.

1. Topshop cape maxi dress, $116, topshop.com
2. Daniela Bustos coin bracelet, $115, madewell.com
3. Rafe mother-of-pearl clutch, $398, anthropologie.com
4. Givenchy snake sandals, $940, netaporter.com

These $45 jute monogrammed pouches by Mark and Graham are not only the antidote to weekend getaway organization but they make mighty fine hostess gifts too. Double score!