California Dreaming: Minnie Mortimer's Spring Collection

Minnie Mortimer is fast becoming our go-to designer for chic, easy-to-wear pieces. Last week at the yet-to-be-opened East Side Club, she hosted an intimate gathering of friends (including socialites Hayley Bloomingdale and Olivia Palermo) and well wishers to showcase her beachy spring 2010 collection. Good news: All the dresses will retail well under $300.

Her nautical navy-and-white striped cotton styles are always a hit; think a mix of Petit Bateau comfort tees with the length and 'Ineed it now' appeal of a Balmain dress. "Ever since I was a child, Ialways dreamt of living in California and having that nonchalant, perfectly tousled, chic way of being," she said. Well Minnie, missionaccomplished. Apart from producing the clothes in California,Minnie lives on the west coast with herfilm director husband Stephen Gaghan.

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