I’m in Asia most of the summer, intense heat doesn’t even begin to describe the sticky hot months of July and August! I wear tank tops and shorts everyday but then freeze my ass off in taxi cabs and restaurants (I only get sick in the summer because of this). My favorite transitional piece of clothing to fight the hot/cold/hot/cold torture? Cardigans! Even those of your grandmother’s variety, if you drape it and merch it up with sick jewels, any style will work. A bright hued cardigan can dress up even the tattiest of denim cut off shorts. I’m in love with L’Wren Scott’s abstract red and white cardi, it’s the perfect thing to drape/layer over your summer whites. Whatever you choose, just make sure the fabric is cotton or some kind of breathable material. You do not want to be in Scottish triple ply cashmere or heavy wool during this time! But a fine wool like Valentino’s floral will work as will any silk blend. Happy summer, stay cool (and warm!).
L’Wren Scott Printed Silk-Satin and Jersey Cardigan
On Net-a-Porter for $1,250
RED Valentino Floral-Print Wool Cardigan
On Net-a-Porter for $475.
Milly Mirage Cardigan
On Shopbop for $254.
Paul & Joe Belfort Printed Washed-Silk and Fine-Knit Cotton Cardigan
On Net-a-Porter for $171.50
Moschino Cheap and Chic Cropped Open-Knit Cotton Cardigan
On Net-a-Porter for $275
It’s easy to find a good dress, but a good dress at a good price? That’s the challenge! So when I saw this black Tadashi Shoji, I knew I was in luck. Sheer paneling is in, and the horizontal bands on this LBD serve the trend well. It’s the kind of sophisticated yet casual dress that you can flirt and flounce in from sun up to sundown. For a sweet daytime look, pair it with Alaïa’s black tote (on NET-A-PORTER for $3,360) and graphic Loeffler Randall sandals (on Shopbop for $255). The laser-cut on the bag mirrors the sheer paneling perfectly. Then when the sun sets, amp up the sex appeal with Givenchy’s black strappy sandals (on NET-A-PORTER for $1,395) and Charlotte Olympia’s red perspex Pandora (on NET-A-PORTER for $975). With the pintucked bodice and flared skirt, you’ll look hotter than ever – even after hours spent on the dancefloor! Available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $198.
When I was a kid, I used to give my dad silly little things for the day of the year he was actually celebrated for being my father. As I grew older, I began to realize that simple trinkets really wouldn’t cut it. This year, I’m gearing up (and thinking about what really would go over well!) with a few ideas I’ve had. From my screen to yours, here are my top five gifts to celebrate the father in your life:
1. Coach Heritage Baseball Leather Colorblocked Glove:
Nothing really touches upon classic American nostalgia like a father tossing a baseball with his son at twilight on a grassy front yard. It really is a powerful message, and a beautiful baseball glove in a mix of stunning colors will definitely have a lasting effect. Crafted by Valkyrie as a collaboration between Insignia Athletics and Coach, it’s definitely a winning combination.
At Coach for $348
2. Orley Collegiate Tie:
Sometimes, a quality-laden, yet simple, gift is what will hit the spot for dad. This beautiful Italian silk jacquard tie will complete any suit, and is completely reusable for formal July 4th festivities. Suit up or be square!
On Orley for $195
3. John Lobb Phillip II Lace Up:
This classic English cobbler produces shoes that last basically for forever and are totally lust-worthy…not to mention they’ll help dad totally own the boardroom. Crafted by hand, and available in both brown and black, these shoes were made for walking.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,585.
4. WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie Vantaa Wrap Bracelet:
Started by the brilliant Peart brothers, WANT has grown to be the ultimate affordable accessories collection with beautiful bags. Their other accessories are definitely enticing, such as the Vantaa Wrap Bracelet. Perfect for the stylish dad, I’d frankly want one!
At Barneys New York for $125
5. Frédéric Malle Coffret Collection for Men:
Frédéric’s team of perfumers have created some of the most beautiful and attractive scents on the global fragrance for women and men. They even managed to collaborate with Dries van Noten on a custom scent. Giving the gift of a scent to a man can be risky, considering the amount and variety of scents on the market. This set is the perfect answer to that conundrum with a beautiful assortment of everything from the refreshing to the spicy to the (very) sexy musky.
At Barneys New York for $180
Jessie White founded Shakuhachi in the late ‘90s when she realized how difficult it was to come across affordable couture. The label has become one of the most popular in Australia, and it just keeps expanding worldwide. Her geometric designs are slightly sporty, while also decidedly feminine. The Barbarella-inspired Resort 2014 collection is distinguished by florals and low-cut, figure-flattering bustiers. From high waisted bathing suits to full-on jumpsuits ($240), everything you need for your next vacation is in this trunkshow. Spend the day in a cute lace romper ($260), then change into the minimalist black onesie ($180) and white skirt ($220). These are pieces you can restyle (the bodysuit would contrast so well under a trendy men’s cut blazer) and wear again before your trip is over, saving packing space and showing off your fashion savvy. Pre-order on Moda Operandi until June 8th.
Mrs. Roper isn’t exactly a style icon. If she had been chic, though, this floral print Etro would’ve been just her cup of tea. It’s dress you wear when you want to make a dramatic, sweeping entrance. While there’s a lot of fabric, the loose, billowing silk organza is cut out at the arms, ensuring that you’ll have no trouble staying cool (the back even lets you show off a little leg!). Wear it for a destination wedding on a tropical island or poolside on your next vacation. Petite girls included! As long as you throw on a pair of pumps to avoid looking like you’re walking around in a tent (even if it is a super stylish one), you’ll look great. Go for some statement earrings and a little clutch if you’d like, but this dress is so grand, it could fly solo. Available on Luisa via Roma for $2,211 (from $3,159).
Stella McCartney is the Galitzine of our generation. Her chic, matching “palazzo pajama” sets defined ‘60s fashion. Now take Stella’s red set. The seams on this stretchy, tailored top ($276) are sleek and flattering – the perfect contrast for the looser drawstring pants ($417). This is the key to PJ sets – they shouldn’t look like actual PJs. Try the style out for yourself! At 40% off, how can you say no? Available on NET-A-PORTER.
Contrast-Print Fine-Knit Wool Sweater ($624) & Leopard-Print Fine-Knit Wool Pants ($645): A double dose of leopard print might overwhelm on the average day. The fun part of a set is that you can wear its pieces solo or mix them together.
Floral-Print Silk Shirt ($528) & Christine Floral-Print Silk Tapered Pants ($555): Stella mutes the floral print in monochrome, leaving you with a style that’s summery, yet understated. Pop on some bright shoes if you long for shocking juxtaposition.
