summer suitcase edit

 

 

A friend of mine called me the other day, panicked about packing for an upcoming vacation in Italy. I'm talking daunted to the point that she was on the brink of canceling her trip! After first volunteering to take her non-refundable hotel room off her hands, I assured her I would be more than happy to FaceTime with her and help her pack--with my eyes closed! Because what needs to go in her suitcase is obvious: nothing but clothes she can wear both day and night. A mix of staples and statement pieces, with a few flat sandals, a knit layer, and reliable sneakers. Basta! One example: the crochet Zimmermann dress, above, which can be worn on the beach in Positano and on the boulevards of Paris (a la Blaire Edie, above). Other do-it-all pieces that make the cut: this Ulla Johnson stunner, this Valentino cover-up that goes out to dinner (at 40% off!), these Lou Lou Studio trousers, this floral (on-sale*) Zimmermann, this crisp Khaite denim skirt, these go-with-everything TKEES sandals, these on-the-go Toteme cargo pants, this versatile Cult Gaia, and this Staud one-piece that doubles as a top. 

*Heads up that Nordstrom has a healthy stock of on-sale Zimmermann, fit for weddings to weekend getaways, and the most desirable designer bags like the below Paco Rabanne are discounted big time at  Bergdorf's! 

cute collabs

Two compelling collabs to check out! First up is Rhode x West Elm, which marries Rhode's playfully vivid trademark prints and West Elm's everyday practicality, manifest in hand-quilted mix and match bedding, above, bright, botanical-print dishes and table linens. Love! Also compelling: Cesta Collective and sustainable textile producer Kassatex created a luxe, vintage Italian Rivera-spirited beach capsule, complete with graphic-print, next-level plush cotton beach towels that practically lull you to nap, along with silk chevron sarongs, and the most chic beach bags.

 

out of africa

My twin sister and I recently traveled to Marrakesh to celebrate a wonderful friend's milestone birthday, and, as per usual, we hit the ground running. On our first day (and everyday thereafter!), we meandered the Medina's sprawling, labyrinth-like alleyways, ogling everything from ceramics to hand-woven rugs to embroidered dresses, while dodging mopeds and donkeys. One night we made our way outside the bustling city to the Agafay Desert, a vast and dramatic red rock landscape of sandy dunes, gorges and canyons and danced under the stars. We indulged in spicy-meets-sweet tangines at Les Jardins du Lotus, a resplendent, vibrant-tiled 19th-century riad turned restaurant that's off the beaten track and feels like an enchanting secret garden. And we did it all, wearing the most do-it-all dresses and tunics from Tory Burch's new summer collection, pictured here. Our favorites (read: summer getaway staples) include the print shoulder-tie dress, above, the floral smock dress and brass-coin sandals, the iridescent day-to-night lace-trimmed slip dress, the black trimmed silk blouse and striped suit, the striped knit cardigan, and pink crochet bag that stylishly lugged back all of our souk souvenirs! See lots more here and here!

 

 

 

coco inspo

 

Since my sister won't let me steal her perfect white dress, above, I had to buy my own for $125, below! P.S. It costs much less than hers, so there! 

 

 

cannes do

 

 

The eyebrow-raising exposed bra trend that trotted down Cannes' red carpet last week is about to hit the beach!  LA-based Same Swim's summer collection is anchored in peek-a-boo, layered-looking bikinis and one-pieces, above and below, featuring contrasting prints and vibrant hues that will surely make a splash. I especially love this black/gold one and this pink/green one! 

 

 

power pieces

 

This pic proves the power of a power suit! It looks polished and camera-ready, without even a spot of makeup and/or a blow-out. What makes it work is British brand Me + Em's tuxedo tailoring and signature clean, flattering lines. Seriously, it fits like a glove! And I love that I can wear the jacket and pants separately, too. Other new and noteworthy power pieces from Me + Em: this boucle cardigan blazer and this lace midi dress, both below. Posted in paid partnership.

 

 

french farm

 

I'll be honest: I had second thoughts about buying the above Farm Rio dress while I was in Paris a few weeks ago. In spite of all the Bon Marche-chic, only-in-France options to choose from, the pretty lace dress that I could easily buy online from anywhere in the world pulled my heartstrings. Ultimately it served me well in Marrakesh, pictured above, and beyond. Now that I am back home, I actually want more pretty and punchy a la Farm Rio. The latest looks boast a most excellent Johanna Ortiz-meets-Dolce & Gabbana-meets-Hermes vibe, and I want to wear all of it, maintenant. Specifically, the wrap skirt, the cut-out coconut dress, the print set, the floral midi, and the palm tree blouse. Everything seems to run a little big, so size down! P.S. Turns out I was on to something with my hankering for Brazil in France, as Farm Rio just launched a collaboration with Paris-based label Sezane! The result is bom!

summer suit

 

 

Years and years ago my summer Monday mornings would start at the crack of dawn on the eastern end of Long Island, with me praying for light L.I.E. traffic and throwing on something Conde Nast-caliber that would not wrinkle during the 2+ hour drive into the city. If only I had one of these easy, breezy vest-and-trouser suits that are currently a go-to for on-the-go women from Sydney, pictured here, to New York City. At least I can throw one on now and get going! The ideal version comes from here and doesn't cost an entire paycheck! 

 

 

warm weekend

 

 

Contrary to the calendar, the official start to summer kicked off this weekend. At least for me! Hence, it's time to debut some new warm weather pieces. On my holiday agenda: the asymmetrical Zara, above, this pickle ball-perfect (and all-around) Upside dress, and the Gucci one-piece-doubles-as-top statement, both below! Happy Memorial Day! 

man up

 

 

That it's a men's shirt makes this on-sale Valentino even more of a score for me! But there are so many primo designer steals at Bergdorf Goodman to wear this summer and way, way beyond, like this gorgeous Silvia Tcherassi maxi, this Chloe blouse, these amazing Stella McCartney sandals, and this Simkhai vegan leather skirt. More here!