It’s impressive when your cover up is actually sexier than your bikini. Gold tone rings provocatively hold this Michael Kors Collection dress together, but on a beachy vacation, you could even wear it to dinner (just have something on underneath, please!). This is as glamorous as cover ups get, and considering I prefer cocktails and lounging to laps in the pool, glamour is what I’m going for. You can’t overdo it, though. Skip the heels and slip into some Jimmy Choo cork wedges (at Saks Fifth Avenue for $465) – they’re my trusty travel companions each and every summer. I also pack an Eric Javits hat. This cutout-trimmed number (at Saks Fifth Avenue for $295) is so much more interesting than the average straw hat. The finishing touch? Fendi’s drawstring tote (on Farfetch for $1,211.48). Between the perforation, red strap, and cotton drawstring fastening, it seems made for summer fun. Available on Shopbop for $406.
You don’t see many people carrying sun parasols, but trust me – they’re Snob Essentials for summer. Every available bit of shade and SPF is needed to keep your face looking fresh and youthful. Go kitsch or couture (which is still really kitsch) with one of these playful parasols. Just don’t take them out in the rain – delicate feathers/paper/lace screens are made to beat the heat, not a downpour.
Battenberg Lace Trim Cotton Parasol: Add a little extra pomp and circumstance to your style with this sweet lace-trimmed parasol. Prop it up in the sand for a day at the beach or carry it for a stroll through the neighborhood à la a classic Victorian lady. On Greatlookz for $35.99.
Battenberg Lace Parasol: This virginal white lace parasol will have you looking like a fine Southern lady. You might even be inspired to carry a dainty handkerchief. On Ladies’ Emporium for $39.95.
Pamela’s Parasols Chinese Take Out: The first paper parasol was created in China 2,000 years ago, so these Chinese-inspired styles are true throwbacks. In those days, they were considered status symbols, as nobility had their servants shade them with elaborately decorated sunshades. On Pamela’s Parasols for $12.95.
Pamela’s Parasols Gigi: You have to be a little ballsy to carry an ostrich feather-accented shade, but carrying a parasol in this day and age is a statement in itself. Don’t get shy on me now! On Pamela’s Parasols for $140.
Bikini season is upon us! Have you been keeping up with your Tracy Anderson exercises? Don’t worry if you’ve been a little lax – a swimdress is surprisingly just as feminine and even more functional. Take the Michael Kors Collection monokini (on Shopbop for $340). Always dreamed of being a Bond Girl? With this oversized metallic belt and sexy black silhouette, this suit will draw all eyes to you as you step out from the glistening waves (cue Adele singing “Skyfall”).
A day after being named the most beautiful woman in the world by People Magazine, Gwyneth Paltrow arrived to her Iron Man 3 premiere revealing why she received the honor. This woman is fit. Thanks to sessions with Tracy Anderson, the actress claims to have “the butt of a 22-year old stripper” (which I guess is a positive) – and it looks like she wanted to show it off. But did the sheer side panels of her Antonio Berardi gown bare too much? While I realize you can’t really wear underwear with this, you also don’t want everyone to know you’re going commando (or at least, I wouldn’t!). From the front, the Brit designer’s color blocked dress has a sophisticated forest green peplum and kimono-style sleeves. It’s just the sides that are the main sources of contention. This is an interesting choice – that’s all I’ll say. What do you think? Snob or slob? Inquire at Antonio Berardi.
I just met the lovely designer behind LUBLU, Kira Plastinina. At the young age of 20, this Russian-born talent has accomplished more than most people will in their entire lives. But if you think 20 is young, get ready for this – she launched her Kira Plastinina line at just 14 (makes you think about what you were doing at 14!), showing that style is often something you’re born with, rather than taught. In 2008, she unveiled a new, higher end collection at Milan Fashion Week – and so LUBLU Kira Plastinina was born. The feminine line has everything from RTW to bags to accessories, many decorated in florals and ornate, Baroque-inspired patterns (some intriguingly pixelated). While it’s not always best to wear pieces exactly as the designer paired them on the runway or in their lookbooks, when it’s done this well, how can you resist?? Available at the new flagship store at The Plaza at Preston Center in Dallas or online on Yoox.
The top of this Altuzarra tie front shirtdress reminds me of Rosie the Riveter. All it needs is a polka dot bandana and an impressive bicep! But the anything-men-can-do-we-can-do-better vibe is elegantly balanced out by the blouse’s flirty front tie. Wear this to a spring picnic or on a breezy day at the shore. Or get the look for less by buying separates (you’ll get more wear from these, too!). Equipment’s striped blue top (at Nordstrom for $138) is essentially the same except you have buttons from neck to navel, which is nice if you like to be more covered up (Altuzarra’s top is held together with a hidden hook-eye). Granted, DKNY’s khaki skirt (at Saks Fifth Avenue for $160) is shorter and pleated than the dress, but it’s almost summer – live a little! Available on Farfetch for $1,380.
