Singing the Summer Blues

Oh, hello, Summer. Just a few weeks ago, your little sister Spring bared her shy little face to the world, and suddenly, you’re here, with 100 degree afternoons and the muggiest D.C. air you can imagine. The rest of D.C. may not be rolling out the welcome mat to greet you, but I’m just about beside myself with happiness. I love that lazy, thick feeling of summer. And for whatever reason, the first thing I’m gravitating towards is deep near-navy on white accent pieces, a la MY FAVORITE look from the Derek Lam S/S ’11 collection:

I mean — did he nail it on the head or what?! I’d wear this in a hot second — l.o.v.e. the halter neckline, the gauzy fabrication, the Missoni-esque print. And I’d wear it styled similarly — wedges and all. That is — if it didn’t cost a cool $3K (those with deeper pockets: you can snap this bad boy up online — $2,890, Derek Lam). I’d get the bluesy, breezy look for less with this darling mini (Colette, $160, Barney’s):

I’d play down the girlishness of the look by adding some grown up leather wedges (Chloe, on sale for $345, Net-A-Porter)

And finishing with this woodsy statement necklace (Oscar de la Renta, $400, Net-A-Porter) and an oversized clutch (love this foldover style — $149, Clare Vivier):

If you get a chill easily (my main problem in life — I have seriously wre-tched circulation, to the point that I can sometimes look down in 65 degree weather and have totally lost circulation in my toes), layer a white blazer over top, with the collar flipped up, Miami-Vice style (Elizabeth and James, $395, Net-A-Porter):

I like the HI-DEF white and classic styling of the Elizabeth and James style above, but mine is actually by Madewell and is super light-weight and over-long. IT IS PERFECT. I’ve also seen similar, inexpensive styles in H&M, so might check there if you’re looking to get the look for less. It’d be the perfect counterpoint to this deep blue and black stained-glass-print Twenty8Twelve dress (on sale for $106, TheOutnet):

I’d sport it with some fuh-yierce platformed tootsies (I ordered these ankle breakers last month and am dy.ing. over their awesomeness — and affordability. Pelle Moda, $145 (!!!), Shopbop):

I’d finish with some dramatic danglers (Kara by Kara Ross, $200, Boutique1) and a statement clutch (this looks so Lanvin…for less — $225, KateSpade):

But perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself here…I’d rather be leaning toward the white-on-blue prints as summer dawns. Something like this amazing loose-fit caftan would be perfect at the beach ($200, Sirene), especially with some jet-setting chic gold-trimmed aviatahs (Gucci, $275, Nordstrom) and a long vintage Chanel pendant ($1,340, Stylebop):

Especially with a crisp white bikini (my favorite for this summer is the Palma NYC style I own…LOVE their line!):

Finish with some uber-high wedges (l.o.v.e the rope detailing — $850, Michael Kors) and an amazing rope-accent tote (made of recycled sails! — $160, SeaBags):

Also ideal for beaching it up this summer? This blue-on-white printed bikini ($670, Net-A-Porter). It costs a pretty penny, but…it’s Pucci. So there’s that.

I love it with these uh-mayzing mixed gold sandals (love the rose on yellow gold leather! TDF. — K. Jacques, $270, Opening Ceremony):

Perfect with an oversized, crinkly cargo style top ($68, EchoDesign) and this eye-catching reversible gold-and-camel tote from Tiffany’s new line of handbags ($395, Tiffany):

These conical Eddie Borgo studs in rose gold ($150, Eddie Borgo) and a couple of bangles (ideally, a mix of rose and yellow gold — $88/piece, Henri Bendel) complete the look:

Also digging this inky blue blouson-style dress (Seneca Rising, on sale for $132, Les Nouvelles), paired with a chunky white necklace ($50, TopShop):

I’d wear with some strappy white sandals ($99, Heels) and this oversized braided bag ($90, PiperLime):

Alternately, how about a large-gem statement necklace ($168, BCBG) with a flowy white dress ($295, Theory)?

A pair of blue espadrilles ($255, Endless) are right on-point:

For a dressier affair, do you not.die. over this asymmetrical Joseph dress (on sale for $222, Net-A-Porter — eerily similar to this Shoshanna style…)? Perfect for a late summer wedding, along with some enorma-studs ($70, Kendra Scott):