Summer style: what I can't wait to wear this season

These Luciano Padovan sandals are circa '08 but I adore them and also this shot taken in Toronto in '10. I'll be forever grateful to anyone who can name the Essie polish shade I'm sporting because I want it NOW. 

Oh summer I have missed you so! What have I missed the most you ask? Summer fashion of course, especially summer shoes. Ahh, I get giddy just thinking about it. And given my excitement, how could I not share with you what I'm most excited about wearing this season. Here we go...


1. Yellow Accessories

Jil Sandar Clutch; Stuart Weitzman shoes

I bought this Jil Sander clutch last summer at a small boutique in Taormina, Sicily, a picturesque little town that had surprisingly excellent shopping. I remember my mom asking me what I'd wear such a color with and me replying "everything", and indeed -- it goes with everything. Thus began my yellow accessory obsession because you can match the color much like you would a neutral, yet it conveniently brightens any outfit. At the height of my color blocking phase last summer, I paired my yellow clutch with nude sandals, red jeans and a cobalt blue silk tank. At least I thought I looked cool. No? No one else?


The sandals I got two weeks ago for 50% off on Gilt.com (I'm obsessed). Stuart Weitzman makes some of the most comfortable footwear imaginable and I spent two summers working the sales floor at BCBG in a similar version in black patent leather. When I saw these babies in yellow -- all self-control flew out the window.


2. The Men's Shirt

J. Crew "The Boy Shirt"

Those of you who know me know my penchant for button-down shirts, specifically ones from J. Crew. I wear em year round, and I especially love linen/cotton blend ones in the summer. In fact, my default summer outfit is a button-down worn open over a t -shirt or tank top tucked into jeans or denim shorts, and a sweet belt. I also love tossing 'em over a summer dress for just the right amount of warmth if I'm indoors, or if I'm outdoors and simply don't feel like baring arms. This one from J.Crew is 54% linen, 46% cotton and is aptly called "The Boy Shirt" ($79.50) because of its washed out, loose fit. I'm a big fan of the preppy look, but I can't stand looking too proper so this piece is the ideal compromise. In this shirt, I know I'll feel like I just rolled out of my boyfriend's bed in the Hamptons and nonchalantly threw on one of his shirts. What? A girl can dream right?


FYI: J. Crew offers a 12% student discount with a valid I.D.

3. The Not Too-High, but High Enough Sandal 

Givenchy Sandals 

One of the advantages of having really tiny feet is you can often find heavily discounted footwear come season's end. Believe it or not, I got these Givenchy sandals at the same boutique in Taromina, Sicily, where I got my Jil Sander yellow clutch. They were the last pair left and I fell for their relatively modest heel and butter soft leather woven to create an intricate web. Dainty yet edgy, and totally comfortable, these shoes were worth every penny.


4. The Summer Frock

Sportmax Code slip dress

The look as it's meant to worn. What's great is the sweater can also be worn separately.

It's a dress, it's a t-shirt, it's a t-shirt worn over a dress! This drop waist t-shirt sweater/dress combo is by Sportmax Code, one of Maxmara's many diffusion lines. What I love is you can wear the sweater t-shirt separately with jeans, and also with the slip dress it's sold with. The top half lends the outfit a casual, sporty vibe, while the lace trim on the bottom of the top and the silk skirt give it a flirty, feminine feel. Sportswear inspired pieces and pastels are huge again this summer, but I bought this dress primarily because I adore garment's with slightly quirky proportions and because this lightweight dress feels sooo luxurious on.


5. Printed Pants 

J. Crew Cafe Capri in "Paisley". 

Prints? Yes please! I've never shied from color, so I'm thrilled that this season color is everywhere, J. Crew included. This Cafe Capri in "Paisley" ($148) instantly puts me in a good mood, and being a denim die-hard, I wanted to switch things up and give pants a try. Sure, I miss the stretch, but I like how I can pair these pants with a white cotton  pocket T (my favorites are from Club Monaco) and immediately look put-together. They'll be perfect to wear to my internship at Miu Miu this summer.