With all due respect, it’s been summer weather in Miami pretty much since I moved here in November. That being said, most of my readers dwell in chillier parts, hence my decision to write about my summer wardrobe now. Besides, most of these items are pretty new anyways since now is the time retailers carry the season’s clothes. So here’s a little shopping inspiration for y’all.

Happy almost summer!

xoxo

Val

1. Tibi cut out dress

The neckline features a hidden zipper

I love the white contrast in the back and how the zipper emphasizes the spine’s natural curve

Tibi designer Amy Smilovic creates clothing that’s feminine with just the right amount of edginess. The brand’s cocktail and day dresses are my favorite in the contemporary market, and the one above is the epitome of summer chic. The playful stripes and cotton fabric mean I can easily wear it during the day with flat sandals or ballerinas, while its cut out details along the midriff and snug fit mean all I need is a pair of heels to make it work for date night. Packing light for summer getaways suddenly doesn’t seem as cumbersome.

Helpful hint: Often I find by the time 50% off sales start, sizes on popular items are scarce. However, if you find something you absolutely adore, many online and in-store retailers, including Tibi.com, have friends and family events where the entire collection is 25% off. So be sure to sign up for emails from retailers you like.

2. J. Crew high waisted floral print shorts

Going for the green on green look with a silk Equipment tank

High waisted shorts and their sartorial companion crop tops, are ubiquitous this spring/summer 2014. These shorts from J.Crew have a bold floral print that keeps them from starting too far into preppy territory, and there’s a zipper down the back to further accentuate the derriere. When I’m not inclined to highlight my tush, I’ll team them with a loosely tucked in tank or tee. But on days when I’m feeling more adventurous, I’ll work summer’s premier trend and throw on a loose crop top.

3. Splendid striped bikini 

Splendid bikini

Despite living in Miami, you’d be shocked by how little time I spend at the beach. So to answer your question, no, I’m not fully at easy in a two-piece, and yes, it’s still hard to pick out a flattering and comfortable style. Until recently I had no idea Splendid made bathing suits, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover they offer several fun options in the $100 range. I chose this one because I love the contrasting, slightly sporty orange straps, and because the ruffle creates the illusion of a fuller bust. Bingo. Instead of buying the bottoms modelled above, I chose a solid orange pair with fuller coverage. As sexy as string bikinis are, I find they untie too often and tend to bunch up in the front and back.

4. Any pair of Chloé shoes

Tell me these Chloe wedges aren’t perfection, I dare you.

I’ll admit it: I’m completely and utterly obsessed with Chloé shoes. I’m literally like a kid in a candy shop when I’m in their proximity, and choosing which single pair to buy come sale time is arguably one of the toughest decisions I make all year. They’re a fortune, but they’re ridiculously comfortable, AND gorgeous. Plus, they last for several seasons. So come Memorial Day designer sales, I hope to get my hands on my Cinderella Chloé shoes. No, I sadly don’t own the pair above.

5. Breton Stripe Saint James Shirt

The Guildo R A style from Saint James

Breton stripe shirts are quintessentially French, and Saint James has been making the iconic style for over 150 years. Since the 19th century the brand has been manufacturing its goods in Saint James, a small town in Normandy. The combed cotton tops were originally designed to protect Breton fisherman from the elements, and though I’m not spending my days at sea, I love the shirt’s durability and rich history. The somewhat boxy fit of the above silhouette (Guildo R A) works great with skinny jeans or denim short shorts for an easy summer look. So simple, so French, so chic.

1. Chloé Wooden Wedge Sandals 

Chloé wooden wedge sandals

Is it a wedge or a heel? Why, it’s a little bit of both thank you for asking, making these sandals as original as they are comfortable. While a high stiletto is the pinnacle of elegance — the jagged streets of Manhattan make getting anywhere in them a safety hazard, not to mention they’ll get destroyed faster than you can say Manolo. So if you’re like me, and want to at least have the option of walking short distances without having to do the obligatory flip-flop switcheroo, you’ll need to arm yourself with a chunky heel or wedge. I’ve had my eye on these Chloé’s for a while and pounced on them the instant word of Barneys‘ semi-annual sale hit my inbox. At 40% off, they’re not a deal by any means, but a beautifully crafted shoe, particularly in a classic style, will get you places.

2. Club Monaco black Tika Dress with side cutouts

Club Monaco LBD with side cutouts

I think it was Michael Kors who said when you find a perfect dress — buy it even if you don’t necessarily have an occasion to wear it to. It’s simply one of those things you never seem to find when you need it most. C’mon ladies, admit it, we’ve all been there: it’s the day before a major event and you’re contemplating feigning an illness because you’ve scoured every department store and found nothing to wear. Such logic came in handy when I acquired this LBD from Club Monaco. It fits me like a glove, and the side cutouts let me justify the purchase of yet another black dress. Is there such a thing as too many? Discuss.

Love the zipper detail in the back

3. MiH Jeans “The Phoebe”

“The Phoebe” jeans from MiH are mid-rise and have a slouchy fit.

Perhaps this explains why I’m still single, but I find the right pair of slouchy jeans on a woman can be inexplicably sexy. It must be the laid back, effortless vibe that comes through when one looks comfortable and slightly undone. Whatever it is, I’m planning on living in my MiH‘s this summer. The iconic British denim brand has succeeded in making a style that’s tight around the tush, but loose throughout the leg, and with a comfortable mid-rise. Cuffed once or twice, worn with heels or flats, these versatile light wash jeans will yield a good return on your investment. 

Here they’re shown cuffed once, but you can just as easily cuff them twice,  or not at all.

4. Mara Hoffman Nomad Bikini 

The modern print and cut of the top keep this Mara Hoffman bikini away from old lady shores.

Last year, my hunt for a retro bikini à la glamorous Hollywood screen siren from way back when, didn’t get me past dowdy-ville. This year, however, a Mara Hoffman number proved to be the game changer. No, I don’t resemble a screen siren (a gal can dream), but I do look quite cool (if I may say so myself) in this modern re-iteration. Clearly I’m not the only one feeling nostalgic this season because finding this bikini (top and bottom sold separately) in my size was no simple feat; I got the top from Shopbop.com and the bottoms at Anthropologie.com. Nobody said it would be easy.

A little detail goes a long way.

 

5. J. Crew Vintage Cotton Tank 

J. Crew’s airy Vintage Cotton Tanks are practically sheer, and the slight V neckline is flattering on most

I sweat. A lot. This isn’t one of my finest qualities, but it’s not exactly one I can change much either. That said, tank tops are my best friends when temperatures soar, and J.Crew‘s vintage cotton ones top my list. At $24.50 (I got mine when they were 30% off), you don’t have to feel guilty walking out with four because you were paralyzed with indecision over which color(s) to get (oops, did I do that?). The best part is how lightweight these tanks are, making them look and feel perfectly worn-in. Do the masterminds at J.Crew ever sleep?