I finally made some vacation plans for the summer—first stop
Nantucket, for 4th of July weekend, followed by a trip to Marrakech a few weeks later. The destinations couldn't be more different, and I couldn't be more excited. I've started hunting for outfit inspiration, and am in love with
this tunic from
J. Crew, which is somehow totally perfect for both places. It's pulled together but laid-back and breezy enough to wear with
cargo shorts for a beach barbecue, and a blue and white palette always seems fitting on an island. I'm a big fan of the exotic print, and it's sufficiently covered up for traveling in a Muslim country, but since the cut is roomy and the material very thin, it'll also keep me cool despite the extreme mid-summer heat in Morocco.
PS: I'm also obsessed with
these striped shorts the model happens
to wearing in this photo—though can't seem to find a link to buy them on the site. Such a tease! Does anyone know if they've already come and went??
Tobi.com is offering 40 percent off the
entire site through 11:59pm PST tonight with code "GETOUT40". I just used it to order a replacement pair of
low-top white Chucks and a bottle of
lime hand wash from Malin and Goetz (possibly the best, freshest-smelling soap ever). There was plenty more that tempted me though—particularly since the discount works even on sale items and shipping is free—
from
these marine blue Havaianas to
this silk mini with an exuberant floral print by See by Chloe.
Two of my favorite bloggers, mother and daughter duo Judy and Jane Aldridge, are off visiting
Tokyo right now, and have been chronicling their trip online at
Atlantis Home and
Sea of Shoes. The umbrellas people were carrying in
Judy's rainy day street shots caught my eye—they're gorgeous!
Bright, unusually shaped, and often patterned, they're a long way from the basic black disposable ones you see everyone with here in New York. Scouting around for an authentic Japanese umbrella of my own, I found
this old fashioned dome style with fine red pinstripes and a dainty curved handle from umbrellas.net. I'm also digging the options from this Japanese company, Rakuten Ichiba, that ships to the States (Conveniently, there's a shipping calculator on the
site. A 3 pound package costs about $30 to ship to the US—steep, but the umbrellas themselves are priced reasonably enough and are so special I think it's actually worth it): like
these, with solid exteriors lined with intricate florals.
The color block umbrellas are another favorite, as is
this lipstick red version with graphic black boning.
PS: Jane is launching a line of shoes she designed for Urban Outfitters (not bad for a 17 year-old living in suburban Texas)!. Stay tuned for more when they hit stores.
One of the things that makes me happiest on a daily basis is
my Tivoli stereo. With the cherry wood casing and pared down aesthetic, it's hands-down the chicest sound system on the market. The audio quality is amazing—despite the compact size, the speakers are really clear and rich and are more than adequate for the occasional late night dance party that's been known to go down in my apartment! As a radio, it can pick up even really remote stations without any static. It's really easy to plug an iPod into the back, though I highly recommend taking things a step further, using an
Airport Express to stream music wirelessly from the iTunes library on your computer to the stereo. Seriously. It'll change your life.
Rain is in the forecast today in
New York City for what feels like the millionth day in a row, and to combat my depression, I spent the morning poking around at all the different rain boot offerings out there. The biggest surprise comes from London Fog, a company I hadn't given much thought to since the 80's, when their
outerwear line peaked in popularity. They're now doing
these slick high-gloss boots with little wedges that are totally waterproof. They look refreshingly like regular boots as opposed to rain gear, which means you could wear them all day and not feel like you're clunking around in big, heavy galoshes.
My morning is pretty much shot, ever since I checked my email and read that
La Garconne is offering an extra 20 percent off all sale items through Friday (use coupon code "SUMMER20"). I just whittled away the better part of an hour combing through all the options, and I think I may have narrowed them down to one favorite:
this Lyell top. It's made of silk charmeuse, which is such a lush material. The star-shaped lace paneling at the neckline is a beautiful, sophisticated embellishment, and the piece feels very classic yet totally original at the same time. I like its versatility too: dress it down with weathered
jeans and bright ballet flats, or pair it with a pencil skirt and patent leather heels for a cocktail party. The sale price is particularly good on this one—originally $425, it's now $102. Click
here for an overview of all their sale items.
So it turns out my white jeans search is still ongoing. I had really high hopes for
the J Brands I ordered, but they ended up being too big in the waist and way too low. I realize now that shopping for white jeans isn't as easy as I'd thought. They need to be sufficiently thick, to avoid transparency issues, and I'd like some that are nice and lean (I'm open to a skinny or straight leg) but not too tight (pale + overly clingy = not good). I also prefer a mid to high rise waist, and I always avoid an excess of embroidery or any sort of obvious branding. I've heard people rave about
J. Crew's matchstick style, which might be next on my list. Have you guys tried them? And if so, do you think they'll fit my criteria?
Neiman Marcus just took another 25 percent off already reduced items. There's still a ton to choose from. Here are the pieces I'm dying to get my hands on, all under $200:
1)
Nanette Lepore Jump Rope Dress, was $260, now $117. A sweetly cut dress emboldened with graphic black and white stripes—such a great day-to-night piece.
2)
Rebecca Taylor Paisley Rhapsody Bohemian Dress, was $435, now $195.75. I've been coveting this 70's-glam silk dress for months and now it's finally on sale! Don't you love when that happens?!
3)
Tory Burch Ioanna Dress, was $385, now $144.75. The exotic abstract print and crimson palette are
attention-getting in the chicest way possible.
4.
Splendid Striped Tank, was $49, now $18.75. I'm always a sucker for a striped top, but the watermelon color and twist on the back makes this an especially good one.
5.
Stuart Weitzman Serpent-Embossed Wedge, was 298, now $150. Loving moderate-heeled wedges, and this one seems sufficiently dressy and comfy to wear just about anywhere.
I'm not sure if it's the result of growing up so close to the border or what, but it doesn't feel like summer to me until I've put on a gauzy cotton Mexican-style embroidered blouse. I try to find a new one every year, and since I don't actually have plans to head to
Baja anytime soon, I'll happily settle for
this sheer pullover from
Ann Taylor Loft. There are lots of pretty details that give it a sense of refinement, like scalloping around the neck with delicate pointelle trim, and smocked bits on the yoke and sleeves. The white-on-white palette makes it especially versatile, and at $29.99, it'll cost me way, way less than a trip down South.
Reader Noisette asked for help in tracking down cute gold
wedges to wear to a summer wedding—more specifically, something delicate with no more than a three inch heel. Here's a round-up of my favorites:
1)
Etienne Aigner Rory Sandal, $70. The braided detail adds a touch of earthiness, which is a great counterpoint to all the glitz.
2)
Lilly Pulitzer Inner Circle Wedge, $242. Between the basket weave
heels and the bamboo-shaped metal rings, there's a cool mix of textures happening here.
3.
Christin Michaels Adele Sandal, $145. Something about the t-strap and high-gloss metallic give these a subtly
Studio 54-ish feel.
Let me know if there's something else you've seen out there that I may have missed!
