the world according to sherimaven

Good afternoon and happy Friday.

As we all know, we're living in cuckoo times. I read the news today, oh boy times. It was the worst of times, it was the worst of times times. So it goes without saying we all need a distraction. And for me, that much needed break from reality into sheer fashion fantasy was the Valentino couture show this week in Paris. OMFG. Couture as religion. Magical.

Of course, Kaia Gerber's outsized hair almost broke the internet. But there was so much more going on. The clothes were everything that my referential wheelhouse could imagine. There were 60s moments. 70s moments. Texan moments. Dandy moments. Almost every moment I'd ever want to have.

Vogue's review of the show included the term "magic" over and over again, but also the following nods to the overwhelming amount of influences on this unforgettable collection. When quoting the designer: "

"Couture involves a deeper and more intimate perspective, to go further into your own vision of beauty.” 

The review then goes on to say "this season his vision involves a mash-up of Greek mythology, 17th- and 18th-century painting, the films of Pasolini and the photographs of Deborah Turbeville, medieval armor, and Ziggy Stardust. Sounds mad yet looks magnificent, especially in capes appliquéd, embroidered, and even perhaps quilted with gods and goddesses. An evening dress composed of multiple brocades, rhinestones, sequins, pearls, and vivid textural embroideries is described by Piccioli as “Renaissance meets Versailles meets ’60s whatever” but the truth is far more fabulous: It’s not a set of references, but a dream of a dress, which is what couture should be, frankly".

Truly you just need to see for yourself. I fell in love a million times on this runway. I almost couldn't believe how beautiful, and apparently Mr. Valentino got teary eyed as the audience leapt to its feet. Well done to the next generation at Valentino. Thank you for letting this gal, and the rest of us, dream a little bigger. Thanks for reminding me to shoot for the stars. Link to your dreams here. That green cape alone has me rethinking my entire life.

Cause that's what's up this haute Friday in the 212. Yours, in middle fingers to practicality and beautiful, beautiful clothes. XO

Good afternoon, y'all. Happy pre-4th. So much to celebrate this year (loud throat clear).

Moving on, it's hot. Like, real hot.

I was just cruising through Refinery 29 this afternoon and they had lots to say about what to wear when it's too hot to wear just about anything. Perhaps I'm not quite the demo, but those looks are not gonna fly. A bra top as top? Um. No. Not.

Biker shorts? Absolutely no way.

Would Bianca Jagger wear bike shorts? Absolutely no way. The bra as top? Perhaps. I myself always lean in to my love for vintage when it comes to Summertime, particularly the 70s. All day, every day.

For me, the only way to do hot is to wear something long and breezy and of the dress varietal. I only want dresses in this heat and that's that. I like a bit of Bedouin chic myself and this Barney's dress/caftan fits the bill. Love.

This Madewell striped number (ya I'm into stripes right now) has the right shape- loose. Drink all the rose and look cute while doing so. Done. 

This Black Crane overall situation is real good. I love how easy it is- perfect for weekends out and about. I'm breaking the no pants rule here cause jumpsuits don't count. And this one has a grownup kid thing that suits a playful mood. And yes, love black and white simple Summer moments.

This Gap dress is so my style- love the Indian print vibe and super cool and breezy and nicely priced, unlike the vintage Indian cotton dresses it is inspired by.  And nice and bare if that's your vibe.

And this little Ulla girl I happen to own. Love her. Super comfy and even though long sleeved, awfully cool. Love the vintage 70s feel and have never bought a piece from Ulla Johnson I haven't worn to death. Cute. Very cute indeed. Could even wear this in fall with leather leggings and a denim jacket. Scored her at a sample sale last week.

So truly, fear not if you don't want to wear a bra as a top. or if biker shorts don't suit your scorch. I for one love an easy, breezy dress or casually loose jumpsuit. 

Cause that's what's up this pre-4th swelter of a day in the steamy steamy 212. Yours, in sand between the toes and attempts at patriotism. Oh, and lots of beverages. XO

Good late afternoon, Sunday. I know- weekend posting. Weird.

But today is a special day- and this weekend is a special weekend- it's Pride Weekend here in New York City and I wanted to take the opportunity to wish the very best and happiest day to all of those partaking. This has always been a big weekend in New York, but somehow, this year it feels bigger. 

And marketers far and wide are taking the opportunity to sparkle- from Target to Uber to Kimpton Hotels to Soul Cycle, I'm seeing a ton of support for the LGBTQ universe, which is great, even if it does smack as slightly opportunistic but what else is new? What I do like more than an attempt to grasp the zeitgeist is that this very strong community deserves the support of culture at large, and when marketers get in on the act it just goes to show the power of this very vibrant group to transcend boundaries and be part of something more mass.

And to me, Pride weekend has become a lot more than an opportunity for the gays, although that is always front and center and will continue to be thank goodness. In our current political climate, Pride is a celebration of diversity in general. And there is no city more diverse than New York, even if you read the Harper's article like I did, it's still true. We come to New York to be who we are, to run from more close minded area codes, and to live in a city where we can connect with people just like us, and people nothing like us. It's a welcoming place for people of all sorts, no matter who you love, what you love, and who you are. We may be saddled with an overly affluent existence that feels unattainable, but there is still the sense of not having to be afraid to be yourself. Yes, there are crimes that happen there that are steeped in hate, but we fight back against them. I feel very fortunate to live in a city where we can be who we want, love who we want, wear what we want, and do whatever the heck we want. And where a jackass who spits racial slurs at a midtown lunch joint gets trolled by a mariachi band outside his apartment is shown who's boss. New Yorkers. That's who.

I love that straight and non-straights alike are celebrating Pride this weekend. Love is love and that's the truth. Even though we are living in a time when anything "other" feels threatened,  we have to raise a glass to inclusion and individuality.  Cheers to all who show bravery for what they believe in and stay true to who they are. Thank you for fighting for your freedom and waving the flag today. I hope you're celebrating wherever you are. Amidst so much distress, I am so happy to see joy today. Our city and our world is better because of all of you.

Cause that's what's up this pride filled Sunday in New York City. Yours, in hearts and rainbows, in the name of love. XO

Oh, hi Wednesday. Howzit?

So as most of you know, I finally went on a proper holiday, to Scotland. As a Jew, I realize it's an unlikely place for me to vacation. From my mother's reaction ('why there?') it was clear that this not be the obvious choice for someone of Jewish descent. I don't expect you non-Jews to get that, but if you are Jewish, you will. Jews and haggis don't really hang out together.  In recent years I feel like there's more of an interest in this gorgeous country because of the show the "Outlander". And trust me, it won't disappoint. I won't say you'll travel through time and marry a sexy Scottish warrior,  but still- it's lovely. Very, very lovely. 

So anyway, I have a long and storied history with said country. I visited for the first time early on in my career when I had absolutely not a single clue of what I was doing on a terribly massive photoshoot. Think scouting locations in real time, driving around Scotland with an art director full of pills, and seeking solace in the arms of our winnebago driver. Yes. That was the first time. It was so amazing I had to go back. All that wackiness aside- I had one of my only past life experiences in the Highlands and somehow knew my way around. 

Second time found me there for work once again, when I convinced my old boss to send me there to check out the music scene there. That's back when I worked in trends. I had a major time, lovely people, fell madly in love with Glasgow. Also the heyday of Irvine Welsh and I remember trying very hard to get through his books, even though I spoke not a lick of Glaswegian. 

This time I went with my hubs and we had the loveliest time. A bit of time in Edinburgh (beautiful city, not quite for me though), two nights in Glasgow (scrappy, salty, and very much for me), and then on to the Highlands (obsessed) and up to Skye (even more obsessed).

Scotland may be an unlikely trip for many, but it is really an exceptional experience. It's one of the few countries where I prefer being out in the country vs. the city. Even though I love cities, there is something about being out on Skye that is just so stunning and awe inspiring. Around every turn on the road is something to take your breath away- craggy cliffs, gorgeous dappled water, sheep outnumbering people and of course, those epic, low clouded Scottish skies. Fantastic. Plus copious pints. And many wee drams of single malt. It's really all that.

Here's five ways to know if you'd like a Scottish sojourn:

1. You're craving something unpretentious. Scots are simply the nicest, loveliest people around. And they have no snobbery or attitude whatsoever. It's the best. Oh and dress codes are really nonexistent. Where whatever you want. Fashion and Scotland are not really a thing. And that's wonderful. I wore my hole infested favorite navy v neck sweater for days on end and felt perfect. Oh and ladies- there is no shopping. Nothing major, anyway. You may end up with a cashmere sweater, but I have to say- refreshing to go somewhere that's not so retail focused. Tons of little souvenirs, but nothing to truly buy. That's a gift in itself. More time to enjoy the scenery and the local color. 

2. You like "weather". Listen- there's nothing better than laying on a beach, particularly when you are stressed as f in city life. But to go somewhere where at any moment it could go from stormy to sunny it's just divine. Plus temps in the 60s. In June. Perfect for me. I love a chill in the air. And big, fluffy low hanging clouds.

3. You dig history. I'm very much my father's daughter in that I adore history. And Scotland's history is fascinating. From medieval castles to epic Highland battlefields to sacred old lochs. Scotland has it all going on. And I love that. Oh and there are many moments on Skye where you feel like you are either on another planet or have traveled through time to somewhere completely ancient. it's surreal in the best of ways. 

4. You love a road trip. I love a road trip. Always have, and fortunately, so does David. We rented a car in Edinburgh and literally drove our way through the country. There are many one lane roads that feel a bit hairy, particularly since you're driving on the other side of the road than you do in the States. I had the luck of being passenger on what's typically the driver's side and a couple times I needed to shut my eyes. But it was fun and so beautiful. So many lovely towns to stop in. So little time. Oh and bonus- UK radio. BBC Radio 6 is so my jam. I found myself writing down everything new they played and singing along to Blur and other classics. Excellent.

5. You appreciate nature, but maybe you're not outdoorsy. OK- if you are outdoorsy, you are going to LOVE it in Scotland. Hiking, biking, all of that. But if you're more the type to just do a walkabout and breath the fresh air and pet a baby lamb, then jackpot- you can do that too. Guess which one I prefer? ;)

There are so many other reasons to love Scotland- it's loaded with charm and it's romantic as could be. It's full of great museums and there are dogs in every pub.  The pubs themselves are wonderful and full of local color, and of course, pints and single malts abound. There's a resonating quirk that makes my heart sing. People there are eccentric and interesting and as mentioned, extremely kind. Oh and huge bonus- the whole country is green as green gets. And green is my happy color so for me, there's nothing better.

Also, there are a million ways to slice it up in terms of where to stay- we did everything from a beautiful boutique hotel in Edinburgh to a wacky pod hotel in Glasgow (the bed was heaven) to a small in in a small town in the Highlands to the most lovely little bothy Air BnB complete with a pet lamb which I named Lambo. I love a place where you can experience different lodging- it makes it so much fun to explore. You can go super high end in Scotland or go way more dialed down. Feel like there's room for everyone and that's what makes it such a great choice. 

Anyway, if you want my full itinerary happy to send it to you. Just write to me at sherimaven@gmail.com and I'll put it together for you. Oh and I guarantee I'll go back again. Because there's simply something about Scotland. Cause that's what's up this tartan of a Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in Speyside single malts and excellent adventures. XO

Good morning, Wednesday. I'm loving Scotland but this is not a post about Scotland. I've taken a few days off to travel and enjoy but truly there's something so troubling on my mind. And it's so unfortunate that the post prior to this was also about suicide.

Many of you know how deeply I loved Anthony Bourdain.  A photograph of him holding his knife on the streets of New York has lived in all of my kitchens since it was given to me by a now deceased photographer, who took is portrait years ago. I always said he was just an ideal human.  I loved his lank, his wickedly funny snark, his rock and roll, poetic brilliance. He showed us the world in ways we had never seen, and I think he's responsible for so much of our love of local and that sentiment that traveling is rarely about being a tourist. It's about embracing the culture and food and life that foreign places bring to us.

My closest friends reached out when they heard the news. It's true- I was in love with Bourdain, and from the looks of all of my social feeds, so was everybody else. This was a hard one. A very, very hard one. And we all want to know why. Who the f knows why? I've seen various dissections of suicide all over the news and some brilliant essays post mortem, but here's my rather simple take.

I grew up as a kid of the 80s, and the 80s had a dark veil encasing pop culture. Sure it was a time of bubblegum pop like Madonna, but there were also bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, Gene Loves Jezebel (random but top of mind), and the Smiths to name but a few that explored the darkness. As a teen I read Baudelaire, I read Rimbaud, I read Byron. I know that is now a gross cliche of teenage, new wave angst, but truly- I explored what it meant to be dark. And that's probably because as a teen I was, for all intents and purposes, darker than dark. I wish I could say I was happy go lucky, but I was nowhere near that. I've always loved a dark horse. We enjoyed being dark back then. It was part of the brief. There was a romance to it.

 My point is- back then there was an acknowledgement of sadness. That life was messy. That relationships were messy. That our minds were messy. And then of course we got to the 90s which went dark in a real fucked up way- Kurt Cobain. That's all I need to say there. Then the darkness gave way to anger. And we lost a lot of those souls but it was also the era of "Prozac Nation" and Fiona Apple and it became more than ok to talk about depression. In fact, in was pervasive. We all took antidepressants, or at least everyone I know did. They made us fat, they numbed us out, but they made us feel better for a little while. Cut to now.

I'm not sure what happened but happiness has taken over. Fake happiness. Or at least it feels that way right now. For a good minute now, life has been all about sunshine, personal fulfillment, and perfection. It's absolutely ridiculous.

Look at your Instagram feed. It's full of good looking people doing good looking things. It's full of #blessings and #bullshit. Yet every day terrible things are happening all around us but somehow, our happiness is what prevails. Good on you, I guess. But for some, the candy coated world makes the teeth hurt. And it becomes a bit too much. I'm not saying Kate or Tony killed themselves because of Instagram. I'm just saying we've hidden our sadness for far too long. And we've replaced it with unicorn pool floats and rose all day.

I'm not saying I want anyone to be sad. But it's time to get real. The futility of this so called "happy life" has become a bit much. That sometimes even if you "have it all" you might not be able to keep it together.  We need to balance all of this saccharine sweetness somehow.

I too am guilty. This blog has become like therapy for me in many ways- but many have asked why I keep things like a light and fluffy omelette when my soul is anything but. I do it because it feels good to shuffle the nasty bits aside. I will continue to do so and thank goodness I'm not suicidal but Lord knows I fight every day to keep from going far too dark. I'm predisposed to it and I've always really frowned upon it. I'm definitely more of a keep calm and carry on type but often I'm anything but. And I trust many of you feel the same way.

I'm friends with one person on Facebook who openly talks about the darkness. And it makes me wince every time because it seems like oversharing and I think about how many colleagues or potential colleagues are reading it and whether it's just plain wrong to share things like that. Now I have to reassess that. Is it really hard to believe anyone is living their less than best life because Instagram tells us otherwise? These here are tough times, kiddos. We need to support each other and talk to each other and admit that life is very, very fucked up. It's beautiful and candid and hilarious too. But it can be very dark. And that has to be ok.

I have no idea why Bourdain killed himself. Maybe he was just ready to peace out. To all of us, he had so much more to live for, to see, to do. But so many suffer in silence because of a commitment to some sort of silent code that tells us we need to present as shiny and happy. Sure he always had an edge, that's why we loved him. He was so very real. And in many ways, so was his death. A very real reaction to a very real world that is often unkind and dark and a bit too much.

As I sit here and write this, I'm staring out my window on the Isle of Skye and it's cloudy and rainy and chilly. And it suits me fine. Because that's just what my soul needs. I'm not always Suzie Sunshine, and I'm feeling like we don't always have to be. Because there's beauty in the dark too. Don't shut out that part of your soul, but please dear Lord, don't let it kill you. Just know that amidst all the bikini pics, sun flares, and Gucci bags, there's life actually being lived. And it's tough. Beyond tough. I've seen so many books and articles on how to achieve true happiness and fulfillment. Maybe that goal's unattainable for some. Maybe just being able to see your way out of the cave is ok, too. I'm not saying depression is in any way a goal. But I'm just saying- the full monty SHINY HAPPY thing may not be your trip. But if you can't shake that darkness, you need to get help. And there is no shame in that. None.

I'm so sad about Bourdain- he was in many ways, my patron saint. But his death and Kate Spade's death has many of us examining our own demons and darkness. And just know- if you ever need me, you can always talk to me about what's eating you. And I'll continue to enjoy Instagram and everything else, but maybe just maybe I'll indulge a bit of the dark to go with all the light. Or be there for anyone who likes to drink their coffee black and not too light or sweet.

Cause that's what's up this drizzly Scottish morning on the Isle of Skye. Yours, in getting real. XO

Good afternoon, Tuesday. I leave for holiday tomorrow and it's a whirlwind to get out of town, that's for sure. But I wanted to take a pause and say how truly gutted and chilled I am by the news of Kate Spade's passing. Though I am far from the prototypical Kate Spade girl, I worshipped her achievements. She was the first of her kind to create a truly integrated lifestyle brand, and with her husband and partner Andy be her side, some of the most iconic fashion advertising the world has ever seen. An icon. Now gone.

I was obsessed with her story. Because she showed girls and women that we could. We could leave big jobs and follow our dreams and create iconic fashion brands out of our living rooms. When I was young in New York, all I thought about was how I could be my very own version of Kate Spade. I moved to NY in 1993, the same year she founded her brand. I thought she was so on point, and I admired her branding sensibilities beyond anyone else. I loved her midwestern mystique- the nod to vintage, the gentility, the manners. Kate was the type who would send handwritten notes, make you the best gin and tonic, and I imagine she knew how to give a beautiful and heartfelt gift. She meant a lot to me, and I felt like I knew her. That was her genius. To many of us ladies at a certain moment in New York- when Carrie Bradshaw reigned supreme and we were all just so damn excited to be here and Kate was right there with us, living the dream- one purse at a time. I'll never forget Kate Spade and the moment she represented in my life. And though I was never really a customer, I understood her brilliance and her celebration of feminine ideals- moms, polka dots, family- all of it. Her preppy meets poppy thing. Her candy coated magic. Her Kodachrome take on American life.

It's hard to think of someone who spread so much sunshine as being so deeply unhappy. I'm sorry for her and her family and her legacy. I truly think she made the world a better place. A more colorful place. A smart place. And of course, a more stylish place. From those ubiquitous bags to shoes to clothes to home goods and beyond, Kate was great. And that's that. I can't ever forget how much her presence and mystique was part of New York life when I was but a young pup here. These ad campaigns are etched into my memory as much as weekends at the shore with my family when I was a kid. That's how good and how memorable they were to a Philly girl on her way up.

Sad beyond belief. Here are some of my favorite campaigns of hers. RIP to one of the greats, that had all of us dreaming just a little bit bigger. Cause that's what's up this sad afternoon in New York City. Yours, in loving each other.  Take care of each other. XO

Good morning, Monday. It's a less than beautiful day in the neighborhood but who cares? I'm off to a fun adventure on Wednesday and counting the minutes.

I have not started packing but was looking to streamline my cosmetics/toiletries so stumbled into the Deciem/Abnormal Beauty Company  store in my neighborhood for a peek at their now culty, waitlisted foundation. If you've been under a beauty rock, you may not have heard of this brand- but it's making quite a bit of buzz- from its weirdo CEO to it's affordable yet aspirational product line-up. Here's the deal:

So far so GREAT. I am loving the serum foundation- I bought the heavier coverage one too (at 7 bucks a pop why not?) but feel the sheer version is a better, more luxe consistency- super sheer and more like a tinted moisturizer which I love for Summer sweatiness. I highly recommend giving it a go.  Comes in many different shades so a bit of a guessing game, but I ended up in medium beige land with pink undertones.

I've also used two of their eye serums -both of which I like very much. The Subq is great for under eye bags and wrinkles. And the Fractionated Serum is fabulous for anti-aging properties. I really, really love it and see a big difference. It's a bit more expensive but still less than La Mer by a long shot.

Anyway, with Summer here it's time to lighten up the makeup bag and keep things a bit more low key. I highly recommend the foundation- no harm in trying and super easy on the budget. 

Cause that's what's up this beauty biz of a Monday in the 212. Yours, in money well spent. XO

Good morning, Wednesday. I'm flying in a week and off to the land of haggis, castles, and beautiful green. I'm ecstatic. And with an overnight flight looming, of course I've been thinking about what to wear on the plane. And somehow, I've come up with pajamas. Silk ones.

Now I know some of you are wondering wtf is wrong with me. But truly, I love the look of pajamas on the street and it truly works on certain people. Jena Lyons case in point. I'm just not sure I fit the brief but we shall see. There's a pair on sale at The Outnet from Equipment that caught my eye, and these wild printed ones at Matches are pretty spectacular. And the navy polka dot version from Asceno? Love.

Then again, I may go Pashko, Patrick Robinson's travel friendly line with pieces that pack and wear well. I ordered a blazer and some pants (you can order two pieces to try free of charge) so look forward to seeing how those look. I own two pairs of pants from them and they are amazingly comfy and chic. 

Either way, I like a chic airplane look. It sets me up well for a sleepless flight. I can't sleep on planes no matter what class I'm sitting in, so I might as well look above board. Would love to hear what my fellow fashionistas wear on a plane. I spoke to one pal who told me she likes to disappear so nobody will look at or talk to her thus black leggings, black sweater. I wear that anyway, so leggings are most definitely an option. And I think I may have a black sweater or two. I like to wear a lightweight cashmere en flight myself- Rag and Bone's cashmere v-neck sweaters (particularly when they are on sale) are my favorites.

Anyway, don't get me started on how I shall pack. I'm not terribly worried but one does think of McQueen in Scotland- his collections were oft inspired by his ancestral homeland (particularly the Highland Rape and Widows of Culloden collections) of Skye and his ashes were scattered there. I do so love a good tartan.  And though this picture is of a castle of England, this image remains one of my all time fashion favs and always reminds me of my time in Scotland- I can't wait to go again. There's something about that place.

Cause that's what's up this almost outta here kind of Wednesday in the 212.Yours, in sleepwear is streetwear. XO

Good afternoon, Tuesday. Hope you all had a restful and lovely long weekend. We were deeply entrenched in Operation Scotland and planning our trip point by point. Very much looking forward to it.

So this weekend I wrote a post on Facebook about how much I love Summer weekends in the city, particularly at the start of the season. There is something so lovely and Vanilla Sky-like about having the city to yourself- our weekend was quiet in the best of ways, the leafy streets getting time to breathe from the huddled, gentrified masses who yearned to breathe free and hightailed it up the Hudson or the Hamptons. Generally this causes a deep FOMO within my soul thanks to the magic of Instagram and the endless stream of sunflare/rose pics. But this time, I felt giddy. Because all the D bags were gone out of the city and the rest of us were left to enjoy endless parking spots, open restaurant reservations, and a general chill vibe I needed desperately. I went to a movie, met a friend for brunch, took endless walks with Khan and D, and everything was just right.  I felt like the only living girl in New York. And it felt really, really good.

Listen none of us live here for a quiet life. We make a deal with the dev and spend hours in traffic, in cramped subways, and wonder why we can still never seem to get a table at this restaurant or that. But when this city is dialed down for Summer, it's truly magical. And delicious. And easy breezy.

I'm sure later on in the Summer, I'll be hankering for some time out East. Perhaps. But now that I can get lobster rolls in Red Hook while not having to put up with all the flash, I'm so happy. So if you don't have 40K or so sitting around to rent a spot in Montauk for a month, it's cool. We can kick it in the city and enjoy the quiet hum of Summertime in New York. For the rest of you who wish to "get away" by simply doing everything you do at home out East, go on. You know where to find me. I do love myself a beach of course, but I may just ban the Hamptons. I prefer to go in October or post-season. Much more civilized. 

Yes, I think that will do.

Cause that's what's up this FOMO free Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in enjoying the silence. Can't wait till Summer Friday this week.  XO

Good late morning, Thursday. It's about to be a long weekend, and I for one can't wait to disconnect and reconnect. And though the forecast looks slightly less than beachy keen, I'm happy to straight up kick it at home. But that doesn't keep my mind from going to the sunshine.

I'm a girl who fantasizes about the perfect vacation wardrobe, and ideally, dressing like I'm on vacation all the time. I love flowy and loose frocks, I love Summer boho, luxe hippie, gypsetter, or whatever the cool kids are calling it these days. That's just so my vibe. Even though I bitch and moan about the heat, I do love me a good Summer frock. Easy, breezy, lovely.

So I'm crushing HARD on a few brands of late that had me at first glance. Here's a few peeps at some Summer vacation ready pieces that are just the absolute most.

Marysia is a brand I discovered on Net-a-Porter (if you haven't checked out their sale yet, run, don't walk. Unreal deals). I love the ease of their pieces and since I'm an all around dress fan, there's so many great options. Plus eyelet. I love eyelet. Brown eyelet. Yes please.  l love the French vibe of it- the designer is a former ballerina from Poland but there's something distinctly French about it all, non? 

Another brand I love is Three Graces London. Think Talitha Getty. And if you don't know who that is, just think Moroccan/gypset/luxe hippie vibes. I am DYING over this maroon dress. It's just too perfect. The aforementioned Net-a-Porter has many of their pieces on sale. Yes.

One more for the road is my recent rediscovery of Mara Hoffman. Not only are her bathing suits completely divine, but the cover ups are somehow modern and not too hippie dip if that's not your trip. Super cute. More Rockaways than Hamptons in a way. PS that one piece bathing suit is called the "Maven". Love that.

And for bonus points, this Ulla Johnson Rona bag is so, so major. I love it- vintage and modern all at once.

So in anticipation of the soft launch of Summer, have a restful and safe weekend. I'll be dreaming of the ocean and all of these flirty little frocks. XO