LE CATCH

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

$72, topshop

A stylish-but-easy-sightseeing-(or running-around-town)-in-hot-weather solution.

1. Topshop print romper, $72, topshop.com
2. Gorjana sunglasses studs, $35, nordstrom.com
3. B-Low The Belt fringe bag, $195, shopbop.com
4. Loeffler Randall sandal, $429, shopbop.com

In walked my friend to pick me up for dinner at Scopa in Venice the other night, wearing a creamy white organza shift dress by Topshop. Her tanned limbs practically glowed, and with her hair up in a loose ponytail, she personified summer's lustrous ease. Of course, short little dresses go hand in hand with summer like long beach days and rose wine. I am enamored with them as they easily go from day to night, stand up to the grimiest heat waves and, with either flats or heels, look impeccably chic. Other small, summery miracles include this fringed Alexander Wang (pictured below, also available here), this DKNY, this Rag & Bone (similar to above), this Lover, this Club Monaco, this Mango, and this Alice & Olivia.

 Photos: Garance Dore

$16, forever 21

Glinty, strappy, and goddess-y. Well, why not?!

1. Tory Burch dress, $795, netaporter.com
2. 3.1 Phillip Lim sunglasses, $250, shopbop.com
3. Hipanema bracelet, $128, shopbop.com
4. Saint Laurent clutch, $745, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Forever 21 sandals, $16, forever21.com

A white t-shirt is one of my year-round wardrobe staples, but I really put them to work during the summer. To anchor statement skirts and print shorts. To temper a sequin skirt or patterned pants. To stay cool without compromising style. The pic, above, makes me want to wear a white tee even more frequently--and, of course, seek out better, chicer options than I currently have. As we all know finding the right t-shirt is no simple task, as nailing all the details--fit, fabric, sleeve length--can be complex. Still, I think I've already hit upon some ideal ones from Current/Elliot, Rag & Bone, Toteme, Acne Studios, and Free People.

Photo: Vogue.it