featherweight biker

$107, warehouse

It's almost unfathomable that I don't already have a lightweight motorcycle jacket like this in my closet! Seriously, the concept is genius, because it's perfect for California's cool summer evenings (or east coast buggy nights) or just plodding around a frigid air-conditioned office. It's definitely the kind of thing I'd dress up (slung over my shoulders with a strapless dress) or down, like this...

1. Stella McCartney top, $800, netaporter.com
2. Warehouse biker jacket, $107, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
3. Clare Vivier wallet, $230, shopbop.com
4. Gucci ballet slippers, $425, neimanmarcus.com
5. J.Crew jeans, $115, jcrew.com

daytime sparkle

A few days ago I was inspired by this picture to bust out my sequin pencil skirt, usually reserved for evening events, and wear it with a denim blouse and barely-there sandals. The look went over well at a work meeting and then on to lunch with a friend. It's easy but glitzy and fabulously unexpected. These sparkly skirts by J.Crew (or this one in white), BCBG (on crazy sale!), and Moschino Cheap and Chic can help you pull it off in a snap.

Photo: Harper's Bazaar

gypset dress

$350, shoplatitude

I love how this dress reads globetrotter, like it was snapped it up at some exotic, faraway bazaar. And yet it perfectly suits back-at-home, real-weekend-life. 

1. Gypset dress, $350, shoplatitude.com
2. Jerry Grant ruby and diamond cluster earrings, $398, stevenalan.com
3. Foley & Corinna bag, $315, piperlime.com
4. Topshop nail polish, $10, nordstrom.com
5. Jeffrey Campbell skull-studded sandals, $109, nordstrom.com

bathing suit baubles

My jewelry designer friend Pam has long had a knack for wearing the right, bathing suit-appropriate baubles. She avoids anything overly blingy or pieces that scream beach, like a puka shell necklace. In fact, the kind of things she wears--leather strand bracelets, stacks of thin gold rings, fun necklaces--even stand up to the Ditch Plains waves she regularly surfs. The girls in Hawaii have a similar thing going, as they're accessorized with jewelry that looks designed to go with a string bikini, but could also work post-sunset, too--kind of like these lovelies from Gorjana, Monica Vinader, Carolina Loyola, and Blanca Monros Gomez. 

Photo: Frankie's Bikinis 

zipper-trimmed mini

$67, asos

Summer's only just begun and yet fall clothing is already starting to trickle into stores. I'm seeing loads of cool biker-inspired minis, with asymmetrical zips and leather detailing, including this graphic skirt and this sleek black one. Both will bridge the seasons and transition nicely into winter along with a pair of black tights and French editor boots! I'd wear this skirt right now with...

1. Madewell blouse, $74, madewell.com
2. Henri Bendel earrings, $48, henribendel.com
3. J.Crew pave bracelet*, $125, jcrew.com
4. Isaro by Jill Golden cuff*, $88, jcrew.com
5. Rebecca Minkoff bag, $195, shopbop.com
6. Prada sandals,  $370, nordstrom.com

*Get these for $93 and $66 respectively (25% off everything in store today only) by using code LOVEJCREW at checkout.

aloha!

School's out and we traveled to Hawaii last week to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary for my in-laws and do some serious relaxing. We also surfed, snorkeled, hiked, swam, kayaked, and played endless rounds of Go Fish, on top of some long, uninterrupted nights of sleep. Below are a few pics and highlights. All in all, it was a wonderful family gathering and a slice of thank-my-lucky-stars-heaven!

Here are our kids and their cousins racing/chasing their grandparents (in the distance) to their favorite swimming spot on the North Shore of Oahu. Every afternoon several huge green sea turtles would beach themselves here for their late day nap, while others swam around us in the surf. The beaches on this stretch of coastline also have some of the biggest and most famous (and scary) waves in the world during the winter, but in the summer they are a placid swimmer's paradise.

The mountain landscapes on the rainy side of the island are Amazonian in their lushness. But Hawaii is so "new" and remote, the jungle is almost totally devoid of many of the animals and insects you typically find in the tropics. I am not a fan of snakes or biting insects, so I like this.

Here I am at Sharks Cove, where we snorkeled and saw schools of crazy beautiful and sometimes rather large fish. Thankfully, no sharks! Oh, and yes, I am wearing my Victoria's Secret bikini bottom! Postscript: Everyone is asking about my top, above, and kaftan, below. I bought them both a ways back, so they are no longer available, but here's one similar to the top, above, and a few others I love here, here, and here. 

This Clare Vivier canvas tote summed up my mood over vacation and happily accommodated all our gear, from sunscreen to sarongs to a growing shell and rock collection carefully curated by my kids.

We reigned over the deserted beach in our backyard from dawn to dusk.

We also hiked up to Waimea Falls for a dip in its pool. If it looks like the set of Lost (to which I was addicted), it's because it is--the show was shot here. Fortunately, we had more food than the Survivors, but we also struggled in vain to crack and eat/drink a coconut until our friendly neighbor, a local, taught us how.

Speaking of food, the best meal of the trip took place at Cafe Hale'iwa, where this painted fish welcomed us. The kale salad is off the charts, and though they don't sell wine, you can buy yours in the adjoining Bonzer Front, the only wine store I have ever been too that also sells surfboards. And the wine is good. And they sell clothes. I was both thrilled (as the retail establishment that can please both me and my husband is a rare find) and puzzled, until my husband explained that behind the Bonzer Front, is the Campbell family whose various entrepreneurial achievements include the invention 40 years ago of the Bonzer (surfboard), viewed by surf aficionados as one of the greatest design breakthroughs in the history of the sport.

We spent one night in Waikiki (above), so my kids and I could surf the beginner-friendly seemingly endless waves. It was barrels of fun, since I actually do enjoy surfing, just not shopping for surfboards, in case there was any confusion.

 

Me in my vacation uniform. In this case, it's a Turkish-inspired kaftan that I gave to my best friend and decided to take back. She was OK with it...

now and laters

$183*, shopbop

There are so many things going for this Rebecca Minkoff shoe: its now-and-later (post-summer!) wearability,  its walk-to-work-friendly block heel and about-to-big mule-like silhouette (yes, mules are coming back in!). What's more, it's on sale* (48% off) through Thursday.

1. Proenza Schouler dress (40% off), $1170, netaporter.com
2. Warby Parker sunglasses, $95, warbyparker.com
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelet, $74, shopbop.com
4. Joli clutch, $35, shoplatitude.com
5. Rebecca Minkoff heels, $183*, shopbop.com

*Get this price (and an additional 25% off all other sale items at Shopbop) by typing in EXTRA25 at checkout through Thursday 6/27.

super sandals

I've just returned from a week-long holiday in Hawaii (the north shore of Oahu, to be exact) and dealing with post-vacation flotsam: multiple suitcases to unpack, carry-ons filled with sand and half-eaten snacks, along with stacks and stacks of mail. At least my own suitcase is unpacked (I did it last night as soon as I put the kids to bed!), and the process was relatively quick given my vacation wardrobe consisted of kaftans, shorts, dresses, and shoes. Make that shoe. Besides my running sneakers, I brought a single pair of simple thong sandals, which I literally wore non-stop during the entire trip. They're an old J.Crew pair from last year that are no longer available, but they look similar to the ones above, and proved themselves to be sand-to-city chic. In other words, they stood up to climbing craggy lava rocks and bopping around Waikiki. The only thing is that after this trip they don't have much mileage left, so now I am in the market for another pair. I've narrowed down my options to these by Michael Kors, Prada (the same shoe worn by the woman on the right), Topshop (in brown), and J.Crew. Thoughts or other ideas welcome!

P.S. Look out for vacation pics and highlights shortly!

Photo: The Sartorialist

electric avenue

$168, asos

Playful zingy hues update these leopard print pants in a very Stella McCartney-meets-Mulberry way, and I love that they are wearable both day (with a simple white tee and a pair of oxfords) and night, like so. . . 

1. J.Crew featherweight cashmere sweater, $188, jcrew.com
2. Circle and Square white topaz and citrine drop earrings, $295, circleandsquaresf.com
3. Henri Bendel bangle, $88, henribendel.com
4. Proenza Schouler PS1 Pochette clutch, $895, netaporter.com
5. Vince pumps, $350, shopbop.com
6. Jaeger leopard print pants, $168, asos.com

suiting up

I'm still head-deep into my jumpsuit kick and thoroughly confident that this sexy one-shoulder stunner from Asos will resolve those dreaded pre-party what-am-I-going-to-wear conundrums in one simple step. Done! 

day to night sequins

$350, netaporter

I have a few statement-y sequined tops like this in my closet that are remarkably and unexpectedly versatile. This sporty gleamer by Sass and Bide is both day and night-worthy. I'd dress it down with a pair of white jeans like so...

1. Sass and Bide sequin top, $350, netaporter.com
2. Henri Bendel stud earrings, $48, henribendel.com
3. Henri Bendel cage ring, $88, henribendel.com
4. Stella McCartney patchwork clutch, $1120, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Rebecca Minkoff sandals, $177, shopbop.com
6. J.Crew white jeans, $98, jcrew.com

twinkle, twinkle

A few weeks ago I bumped into my friend LA-based jewelry designer Lena Wald, who was wearing these teeny tiny yet super sparkly diamond stud earrings. "They're inverted diamonds," she explained, meaning that the pointy end of the diamond faced out. The effect was wholly unique, subtly glamorous, and quintessentially Lena, who has made a name for herself in designing gorgeously spot-on baubles. In fact, she was the first to create the diamond initial earrings that spiked a huge trend in personalized jewelry as well as the hugely popular pyramid spike earrings (which have been my go-to earrings for years). These earrings are her next must-have, and I can tell you that since I got them they have not come off!

fine lines

$190, topshop

The Celine-ish stripes roped me into this silk pencil skirt. I'd play up this graphic statement with...

1. Splendid t-shirt, $48, netaporter.com
2. Ray Ban cat eye sunglasses, $144, jcrew.com
3. Iosselliani ring, $325, shopbop.com
4. Pierre Hardy clutch, $225, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Chloe heels, $420, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. Topshop silk skirt, $190, topshop.com

hot stuff

Even though summer has not officially begun (summer solstice occurs on Friday!), J.Crew's last summer collection shipped today, and there are gems aplenty, all reduced by 25% courtesy of the site-wide sale through June 24*. On my wishlist: this graphic print cover-up, above, this striking fringed skirt, this embellished party-ready striped sweater, and these floral print shorts.

*Use code NEWSTYLE at checkout.

summer clutch

$98, luisaviaroma

Pretty sure I've never seen a straw bag as glamorous--and well-priced--as this! And it works equally well on a tropical getaway or just a summer night out in the concrete jungle.

1. Biyan embellished dress, $1075, netaporter.com
2. Juicy Couture pave feather drop earrings, $48, shopbop.com
3. Jennifer Meyer for J.Crew cuff, $178, jcrew.com
4. Laurence Heller straw clutch, $98, luisaviaroma.com 
5. Manolo Blahnik heels, $389, neimanmarcus.com

boho blouse

I am a fan of the bohemian blouse, and with summer in full swing, I seem to be wearing one more often than not. It's understandable, after all, as they're incredibly relaxed yet chic, and each one looks original, like a souvenir from some far-flung place. They're also wonderfully versatile--perfect over a bathing suit or with a pair of jeans. I own some gems, but am always on the hunt for more. There are so many good options out there right now it's almost dizzying. But I've boiled  it down to these forever-stylish favorites from Free People (or this FP one), Velvet, Monsoon, Joie, Isabel Marant, and Asos.

tank girl

$198, piperlime

It would be nice to slip into this languid print top on one of those sweltering hot days, no? I'd keep cool like this...

1. Clover Canyon print top, $198, piperlime.com
2. Ray Ban sunglasses, $150, netaporter.com
3. Madewell chevron pave cuff, $24, madewell.com
4. Madewell bangle, $27, madewell.com
5. Rebecca Minkoff bag, $195, shopbop.com
6. Tory Burch sandals, $156, shopbop.com
7. Theory chambray shorts, $160, netaporter.com

resort time

Ages ago a well-known fashion-wiz friend advised me when you are thinking about investing in high-end designer clothing or even just looking to it for inspiration, the resort collections are a good starting point. Though it's eclipsed by the bigger fall and winter collections and therefore often overlooked, resort not only offers a peek into upcoming trends, it also tends to feature fewer season-specific pieces, making them more wearable over time. Stella McCartney unveiled her Resort 2014 collection last week, and to say it rocks would be an understatement. It's fun, flirty and thoroughly wearable, replete with drop waist dresses, jumpsuits, structured shifts, rompers, short skirts, and peplums--directional silhouettes that are likely to be predominant next spring. There were also loads of prints (soft florals to embossed snakeskin) and kitschy embellishments. I want it all, but of course it's not available yet. However, as I was perusing the wares, I did get inspired to rummage through my closet to find a vintage satin dress I bought years ago. Reminiscent of the collection's snappy '60s-inspired frocks, it's still beautiful as ever. The last time I wore it was to a Chanel fashion show in LA, when a top notch Hollywood A-list stylist accosted me and told me I was wearing the best dress in the house. I'm thinking now it still may be!

P.S. If you're a Stella fan, you can shop her current collection on crazy sale here and here. 

Photos: The Cut

rock out

$120, miss selfridge

A bejeweled jumper is perfect for swilling cocktails on a hot summer night. Trust me...

1. Miss Selfridge embellished jumper, $120, missselfridge.com
2. Wendy Mink onyx hoop earrings, $98, maxandchloe.com
3. Topshop jacket, $130, topshop.com
4. Charlotte Olympia clutch, $995, netaporter.com
5. Rochas ankle strap sandals, $357, shopbop.com

striking shirt

$195, moda operandi

This is the (unusually striking) stuff that fashion editors are made of, and like a fashion editor you can get it at 70 percent off due to the amazing Moda Operandi Sale going on now! I love it with...

1. Eco leather panel shirt, $195, modaoperandi.com
2. Joomi Lim faux pearl earrings, $85, shopbop.com
3. Fendi clutch, $1294, matchesfashion.com
4. J.Crew ankle strap heels, $225, jcrew.com
5. Band Of Outsiders cropped tuxedo pants, $495, netaporter.com

moda sale

Perusing the designer desirables on Moda Operandi's site is a bit like rifling through street style star Taylor Tomasi Hill's masterfully curated closet (this may have something to do with the fact that she's the site's creative director!)--and the current sale items are almost too-good-to-be-true good. Like, ridiculously insane. Like, check it out before everyone knows it's all there (all 23 pages of it)! Even TTH's leather dress by Patricia Viera, pictured above, is on sale at 70 percent off(!). Among the impeccable markdowns: an elegant Marni pencil skirt, a Charlotte Olympia fringed clutch, a Delpozo embellished linen summer party-perfect top, a sleek Calvin Klein Collection tank, a fancy frock from Peter Som, and this Carven denim jacket.  You can have a look at it all for yourself here.

Photo: Harper's Bazaar

maxed out minis

$80, warehouse

It seems like I can't go a day without seeing a picture of a stylish woman wearing a bold print mini (like this, that and this). It's definitely inspiring me to follow suit in a skirt like this...

1. Splendid tank top, $60, netaporter.com
2. Super Sunglasses, $249, shopbop.com
3. Kenzo sweatshirt, $217, matchesfashion.com
4. Asos faux ponyhair purse, $37, asos.com
5. Cynthia Vincent sandals, $205, piperlime.com
6. Warehouse ikat print mini skirt, $80, warehouse.andotherbrands.com

tie one on

Celine's Phoebe Philo may be officially responsible for the neck scarf's comeback, but I'm really admiring how women in and around town are wearing this old-school accessory in a cool, modern, not-just-for-the-runway way. It seems the winning formula is anchored in a graphic bold print scarf set against a clean, minimalist outfit. These scarves from McQ Alexander McQueen (on sale!), Missoni and Theodora & Callum would pull off the trick perfectly.

Photo: Savor, Pinterest