LE CATCH

$138, jcrew.com

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

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.

$124, nordstrom

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

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.)

The juxtaposition of wood and gems

$130, netaporter

This flirty neoprene skirt is my answer to my surfer husband's wardrobe of wetsuits.

1. Sophie Hulme crepe and organza top, $835, netaporter.com
2. Kismet by Milka diamond studded earring, $1276, shopbop.com
3. Asos gem and wood clutch, $75, asos.com
4. Alexander Wang sandals, $495, shopbop.com
5. J.Crew neoprene skirt, $130, netaporter.com

Celine's coveted gold-plated shoes from last fall, above, have paved the way for this summer's gold plated sandals. Chloe took the lead with its glinty neoprene slides, below, which are, of course, sold out, save for a few small sizes here. I love how the gold hardware ups the glam factor without sacrificing comfort. Other less expensive, arguably more chic possibilities include these by Sam Edelman, See by Chloe, Casadei, Aldo, and Zara.

$300, reiss

I'd like to step into summer with this wraparound statement sandal.

1. Vanessa Bruno dress, $1100, netaporter.com
2. Karen Walker sunglasses, $250, shopbop.com
4. Samudra clutch, $65, shopbop.com
4. Reiss wraparound sandals, $300, reiss.com

Last night a friend's birthday party with a "dress to impress but in a casual way" dress code had me trying on at least a dozen outfits. And I still got it wrong! This morning I came across this image and it made me think that next time I'll dress around a pair of fancy flats, like the Valentino pair, above. (I also LOVE this sandal version.) These flashy shoes bridge the casual-impressive gap with their easy-breezy flatness and dazzling embellishment. And wearing them means I can keep the rest of my outfit pretty simple. I'm thinking one of these head-turners from Guiseppe Zanotti, Tabitha Simmons, or J.Crew could pull of the trick!

For me, LA's days-long heatwave is causing a fashion meltdown. I literally want to wear next to nothing--but can;t.