Summer Refresh

A wicker fan clutch, fun colors, sparkly sandals, and the two questions that will tell you if a piece is for you

Jun 26, 2025

Quick note:

This dream of a dress with a very Prada neckline was just restocked. Seems to be selling out again, so grab it if it’s for you. It looks like it may gap slightly at the neckline - an easy adjustment a tailor should be able to make for around $15 (likely by tucking in excess fabric in the center front seam). Susan at Hans the Tailor in West Hollywood is the best.

I think we all know we’re supposed to ask these two questions before buying something, but it takes a little discipline to put it into action:

1. What will I wear it with?
2. Where will I wear it?

My answers are below to get your wheels turning.

WARM TONES

Cherry red top: with just about any high waisted skirt or pant. I’d wear it any time other than hanging out at home. This is the kind of top that turns my look into an outfit.

Short shorts: I’d only wear these to the beach, but if you are a person who has the confidence to show leg elsewhere I applaud you. Wear with the top shown, or pretty much any tank or tee. Or an oxford tied at the waist.

Teeny tiny yellow bag: I’d wear it out on a summer night with jeans or a sundress. Colorwise, I like it with the palette below and with jeans. Quite versatile.

White linen pants: for me, linen pants are an alternative to sweatpants. Something to wear at home or by the beach. These, to me, are better than most linen pants: high rise, thin elegant waist band, ankle length hem, and not insanely wide.

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Buttermilk tank: goes with everything; wear it everywhere. Love all the colors and cuts.

Gingham jeans: too cute. Would wear with a light colored tank, tee, or sweater - white, cream, tan, even a light blue. A dark brown leather bag or shoes ground the cutesy factor nicely. Wear it anywhere during the day.

Wicker fan clutch: this would be the perfect little bag to wear to dinner instead of a satin pouch or similar. I’d also wear it when I am more dressed during the day time. Like when I want to look like I have an outfit on. Goes with jeans, a sun dress, a suit, you name it.

Chestnut cardigan: This shade makes white look very white and color blocks well. I’d do a white and neutrals look or pair it with a bright color that needs to be softened a bit. I see it draped over shoulders with a crewneck top or sundress.

Yellow pointelle tee: with jeans or a white skirt. It’s cashmere, so it ups the outfit.

EASY PIECES

Terry cloth pouch: to make your bathroom cuter, transport sunscreen and evian spray to the beach, or for your traveling toiletries.

Sparkly sandals: I’d wear in place of something like a havaiiana, and I’d also wear them to dinner. With every item in my closet.

Striped tote: everyday carryall, beach bag, or travel carry on. Nice colors that are bright, but soft, so they work with many other bright colors. I think it looks cool if it clashes a little bit and doesn’t appear to match.

Striped tunic: as a dress at the beach or tuck it into white, blue, or black jeans for a perfect soft summery billowy effect. I’d wear anywhere casual.

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Blue slip dress: feel glam and lounge at home in it, wear out to lunch, you could even dress it up and wear to a wedding or other occasion. I’d do a textured bag in straw or leather.

White pointelle tee: everyday with everything.

The cutest summer pants in the world: wear with white, cream, or tan tops - tanks, tees, sweaters. Maybe grey too? I’d tailor them to get the perfect fitted waist and length. I have this dress from their collection, which I tailored so it looks like it was made for me. I’ll keep it forever. If I were buying a dress now, I’d get this.

Gingham pants: with the white pointelle tee, or any tee/tank in almost any color. Simplest outfit is a white top and white or black sandals.

VACAY

One piece with rosette: A bathing suit that doubles as a chic bodysuit. Love it with a long skirt or jeans.

Gold sandals: I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m not willing to be uncomfortable, and so I no longer wear heels higher than an inch or so. These are basically flat, but give the dressed effect. With jeans and a tank, with a patterned skirt or dress, I can’t think of anything that wouldn’t go.

Blood orange tote: an outfit maker. Would wear literally anywhere day time when I have stuff with me, or for a grocery shop. I do the pre-checkout at the grocery store now where you scan and bag everything as you go. The structure of a straw tote is ideal for stacking and protecting everything.

Printed maxi skirt: With a bathing suit, a tank or tee in any color under the sun, or a tucked in crewneck sweater.

Yellow crochet dress: for the hot day when you want to look glam. Goes with self tanner, straw hats and bags, and fun sandals.

Pareo: I’d wear as a skirt with a button up oxford or t-shirt. Nicki Kule does the pareo + oxford combo well. But even if you only wear it to the beach or on vacation, it’s an item I consider a wardrobe staple and worth getting one you love.