Summer style: 5 items I can't wait to wear this season

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?