the nap dress

 

I feel like I'm the very last person on earth to discover Hill House Home's internet-famous nap dress! It even has its own hashtag #napdressnation. Well, at least I have one on the way now, The Collector's Edition Ellie in black lace--only after being a stumped by the paradox of choice: It comes in no less than 20 different colors and fabrics! What makes this dress so compelling that 8,000 of them sold in 30 minutes after launching? Its A-line silhouette and elasticated smocked bodice makes it universally flattering, plus it's equal parts sexy and modest. And it costs $125! Better late than never!

paris accords

It seems everyone got the keep-it-casual memo before the men's fashion shows kicked off in Paris last weekend. Uniformly, cool tank tops, relaxed shorts, print skirts and one-and-done dresses breezed around the boulevards. Tousled hair and easy-to-walk in sandals finished things off. Inspired, I'll be adding to my must-wear list this day-to-night Loewe slip dress, this throw-on-and-go Bondi Born mini dress, this outfit-making Rixo skirt, these sleek pleated Anine Bing shorts, these high-rise DL1961 white jeans, and this do-it-all AGOLDE tank top.

Photos: The Sartorialist, Vogue

crew team

 

$180, j.crew

Yes to this incredible collab from AAKS designer Akosua Afriyie-Kum and J.Crew, featuring one-of-a-kind raffia bags, all handcrafted by female artisans in Ghana! 

 

 

1. La Ligne dress, $550, netaporter.com

2. Le Specs sunglasses, $59, netaporter.com

3. Demarson rainbow hoops, $250, shopbop.com

4. J.Crew x AAKS bag, $180, jcrew.com 

5. Fendi  sandals, $870, bergdorfgoodman.com

summer lunch

Although my hostessing skills are quite rusty from Covid's time-off, the small luncheon I had at my home last week went off, thankfully, without a hitch. Of course, a great party always kicks off with a great invitation (Thank you, Evite, for the plethora of newly-designed animated options. I chose this one by Phoebe Tillem!). For the table linens, I went with a vibrant, earthy vibe, inspired by the flourishing lemon, lime and passion fruit trees in my backyard. Naturally, I hit up my friends at La Double J to provide the most exuberantly colorful floral-print tablecloth and napkins. For place cards, I used Clare V's hand-painted monogrammed luggage tags, knowing guests could bring them on summer trips. The festivity flowed like the ice-cold rose: We toasted the start of summer, the re-commencement of gathering together, and the anticipation of long, sunny days ahead. All in all, it was a success. One summer party down, many more to go!

surf's up

 

I spent this past week in Hawaii (Big Island!) squealing with delight, above, while celebrating (and sporting) Carolyn Murphy x Mother Denim's new eco-minded collection. The surf-loving activist and model (and friend!) drew inspiration from vintage California surf and skate culture and personal trips to Hawaii. The upcycled 12-piece capsule, called Surf's Up, features one-of-a-kind patchwork tapestry ponchos (above), Hawaiian Aloha shirts, fitted ribbed knits, board shorts, and a beach tote, with a portion of sales donated to Saves The Waves Coalition (STW). I'll be wearing the lightweight print hoodie, above, like crazy this summer, along with these super cute shorts,  this striped tee and this vintage-looking shirt. Check out the entire collection here and more fun action-packed pics here and here.

fringe case

 

I am not missing cold weather. I repeat: I am not missing cold weather! But I am completely looking forward to wow-ing in the insanely chic fringed wrap-meets-coat, above, by Whistles. It's one of those unexpected yet tantalizing pieces discovered off season but destined to be worn like crazy when the time's right. Read: the kind I hesitate buying and then pat myself on the back for. To tide me over, I did indulge myself in some right-now-fringe with the H&M, below. Sorry I am not sorry.

 

 

strap happy

 

Summer's go-to dress boasts lots of straps and sex appeal. And yes, it's also day-to-night wearable. Sign me up! The beauty, above, is by Christopher Esber and below is Cecile Bahnsen. Get strap happy in these compelling lovelies from Ulla Johnson, Joslin, Matteau, and Astr The Label.

 

 

blazers and shorts

 

Teaming a tailored blazer with cut-off denim shorts may seem counter-intuitive, but Zara proves it's perfecto, as exhibited here.  The $69 linen blazer, below, in either gray or beige, will also go over a dress, with jeans--or anything for that matter!

 

 

hot ticket

 

Europe's weekend heatwave precipitated some haute summer looks, all anchored in bare-minimum basics. Makes me want to strip down, too--into crop tops, strapless dresses, flowy shorts, billowy maxis, and slits up to there! The sleek pleated shorts and oversized shirt and voluminous dress, below, are by Cos and the slit skirt is from Coperni. Other simple yet hot-to-trot options: this open-back English Factory, this not-too-cropped Cotton Citizen t-shirt, and this sheer lace L'Agence dress.

broderie on a budget

 

If you're like me and have a thing for broderie lace dresses, be sure to check out the delightfully affordable stash of options I recently discovered at Asos, including the very decadent black maxi ($230), above! Also stunning: this red wrap, this tiered pink and this statement puff-sleeve shirt dress.