While I am a big proponent of white denim year round, I tend to reserve head to toe white  (including dresses) for the time between Memorial and Labor days. Of course the fact that a number of Fall collections were a study in purity, with all white looks gracing such runways as Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurung, and Derek Lam, prompted me to change my position. And this reversal of stance was solidified when I saw this all white look sported by the lovely Lara of Wink.

I love that she paired Wink’s flirty and feminine crochet mini dress with a hipster white fedora for a modern and decidedly girlie take on the writer Tom Wolfe’s signature look. Lara’s ensemble is pitch perfect for Spring and Summer as well as day and night. Rock it for a day running around the city with a borrowed from the boys cream loafer and a luxe caramel colored leather tote.  For dinner out, swap the flat for a Summer chic thong sandal, and the tote for a fold over clutch in blush. No matter what the calendar says, this dress and hat combination is one look that feels, well, white now.

When the temps rise my heel height tends to fall. Late Spring and Summer seem the perfect time to go a little lighter on my feet with some sort of flat that offers ample air supply.  But open shoe season doesn’t have to be exclusive to a sandal. Seems you can have the cool comfort of something strappy and flat  and the structure—and support—of a shoe with Dolce Vita’s Imogen loafer.

This hipster approved slip-on is made from perforated leather that not only gives it major street chic cred, it also keeps your feet nice and airy when the heat is on. Slip into this to add a quirky cool vibe to a slew of Spring and Summer staples, such as a tonal look of a coral skinny jean paired with a similarly hued silk racer back tank top. You just might want to play up the whole monochromatic mix by adding in a luxe ladylike coral bag. You can also create an urban tribal look by pairing these loafers with an Ikat print short , a tassel tie silk blouse and a Moroccan-esque print summer weight scarf, or go for a sporty preppy vibe when you wear them with a crinkled baseball jersey inspired blouse, a teal mini skirt and a chicster fedora. But perhaps my favorite way to wear these borrowed from the boys shoes is with something decidedly girlie such as this sweet and sassy romper or this flirty floral frock. While the dog days of Summer may require nothing more on your feet than a flip flop, right now these dreamy cream loafers will certainly put a spring in your step.

There’s no question that the peplum is having a moment this Spring. It was seen on the runways of such influential designers as Jason Wu,  Thakoon and Vera Wang. And while dresses in this style had a major role, tops and jackets had even more play, in part because they are a much more wearable take on this trend. This silhouette is flattering for most of us as it cinches in the waist, highlights the curves and distracts from any bloat in the belly. So even if this chic shape which is rooted  in couture seems a little intimidating, it’s time face your fear and rally around the peplum. A good place to start is with Parker’s stunning strapless version.

This bustier inspired top gets a a dose of demure with a ruffled flared peplum bottom and the cool and understated color. This silk sensation will upgrade a pair of skinny jeans in a classic black, a romantic renaissance floral or a graphic polka dot print. But it really shines when paired with these sparkling sequin shots (available at all wink NYC stores) and Amrita Singh’s stunning stone statement necklace—also available at Wink stores—or this bedazzling chain and cascade of crystal fringe stunner from Dannijo. Finish the look with a metallic tasseled sandal or something a little more quirky and unexpected like this cream perforated loafer. Of course you could also rock a killer heel but you might want to consider keeping all the flare on top.

While a short and sassy sundress is a traffic stopper for sure, I like  my  summer frocks on the longer side. For me a maxi dress really goes the distance in warm weather as it’s equally chic and appropriate by the beach as it is on city streets. And a floor sweeping frock can add the illusion of height—petite girls, pay attention—especially when you rock one with a heel, but even when you pair one with a flip flop.

Although I usually save my maxis for the height of summer (and then wear them to death) I was inspired to bring mine out for Spring’s slightly cooler climate when I saw this snap of Olivia Wilde out and about in LA. I love the way she paired her chic black and white striped maxi with a black leather jacket, luxe leather bag, cool shades and the piece de resistance, Converse sneakers.  As luck would have it, I just acquired a similar dress, Parker’s knockout pleated number in a black and white striped chiffon. While I had planned on wearing this in the summer with a black and blue color block thong sandal or a wicked red peep toe wedge , I’m totally tempted to take a cue from the trendsetting Ms. Wilde and wear this dress now with a sleek leather motorcycle jacket or a colorful cropped silk blazer, a sumptuous suede sac, glam sunnies and an unexpected, quirky shoe—while I love the sneaker, I’d go for a menswear inspired perforated leather loafer. Clearly, this is one star who knows how to rock her stripes.

New Yorkers got a real taste of summer yesterday and there was no shortage of effortlessly cool girls in chic sundresses and cute wedges or sexy sky high platform sandals. I on the other hand ventured out in —wait for it— an  all black ensemble. (Albeit a warm weather version consisting of a pair of lightweight and loose fitting Helmut Lang cropped trousers , an A.L.C scoop back tank and strappy wedges. You see, the first day of truly warm weather launched me into pure panic mode, and given I didn’t have the luxury of time to try on several options, I stayed in my comfort zone. But when I saw all those stylish girls in their super cute and colorful dresses, I realized I needed to get with the Spring/Summer frock program, and I’m starting with Wink’s Louca Dress.

While I wouldn’t wear this ruffled strapless sensation to work, I do think it’s spot on for weekend days and a hot summer night. The muted orange hue is indeed a color, but one that’s subtle enough for recovering color phobics such as myself. To keep it casual I would pair it with a metallic flat sandal, or even this teal suede bootie, a python wrap bracelet and a colorful crochet woven bucket  bag. To take it up a notch for night I would swap the flats for a modern metallic and leather tri-strap heel, the colorful bag for a sumptuous brown leather tote,  plus, add a pair of oversize rose gold hoops and a colorful print scarf to fend off a breeze. And to get this dress down with date night, pair it with a sexy sky high platform heel and a chic luxe leather clutch in blush. There’s no question this flirty number has Summer frock star status—making it a must-have for any girl’s wardrobe line up.

Despite the fact that there are no showers in the forecast of my near future—in fact, quite the opposite with NYC calling for sizzling summer temps over the next couple of days—I have been thinking about rain boots. It could be that my friend who was in Miami this past weekend texted me that there was a deluge on Saturday, or that yesterday was tax day which no matter what the weather, casts a heavy gloom. Or maybe it’s just that “April showers bring May flowers” always plays in my head this time of year. But chances are the real reason I have foul weather footwear on the brain is that I recently  spotted Hunter’s latest boot, the super chic Ashton Wedge.

This short and sleek style is the ultimate in a posh puddle jumper. The higher heel, ankle length and glossy finish give this black bootie an effortlessly cool status in stormy weather. Though completely out of character, I am dreaming of a downpour so I can sport this sweet boot with an equally sleek black coated denim skinny jean, a bright, bold and ladylike color block blouse and a neon pink luxe leather  mini cross body bag (after all, you want you hands free to hold an umbrella). When there’s less chill in the air, I’d head into a tropic thunderstorm pairing these puddle ready wedges with a graphic print silk halter mini dress, a tribal inspired patterned summer weight scarf, and a lightweight leather shoulder bag in a bright yellow. The best part is these chic and shiny boots can hold their own with something dressy so if an evening shower is in the forecast, pair them with your favorite LBD and a purple python embossed leather clutch. Though it seems to makes sense to save these chic boots for a rainy day, they’re so cute, you might want to consider them a fair weather friend as well.

Electric shades of blue such as royal and cobalt have been dominating the runways the past few seasons. And judging from such stellar Fall collections as Stella McCartney, Peter Pilotto and Prabal Gurung, these brilliant hues aren’t heading into the, um, wild blue yonder anytime soon. As a general practitioner of putting together all-black ensembles, I do like to add some color into the equation, and these azure accents are perfect pop offs. So no surprise I am having major lust for Clare Vivier’s Simple Tote in Royal Blue.

This chic sumptuous suede bag has a super luxe look without all the extraneous bells and whistles that weigh heavy on other handbags. The best part is this lightweight top handle tote also boasts a removable shoulder strap for the ultimate in versatility. And while it is also the ultimate in stylish sacs for work, it is just as adept at play. Make it your off duty go-to bag by pairing it with an effortlessly cool black and white maxi dress and a color block thong sandal in blue, black and tan—a pitch perfect look for a serious Saturday shopping spree. Or pair it with this water colored printed silk romper and a black strappy wedge for Sunday brunch followed by an art tour and late afternoon cocktails. Come the work week, imagine how chic you’ll be sauntering into the office in a 9to5 ready ensemble of slim black jeans, a white silk tuxedo shirt, a pointy toe black pump, a this means business gold watch, with this bold beauty of a bag on your arm? It might give a whole new meaning to blue Monday.

When it comes to fashion, I’ve never been one to hide my affection for a one-and-you’re-done number. But being the kind of girl who opts for pants more often than dresses, my options were severely limited. Of course the revival of the jumpsuit several seasons ago— a trend that is still holding strong—opened up a wealth of sartorial opportunities. And when its warm weather cousin, the romper, made its way back into the fashionable fold, I knew I had found my answer to the sundress. This season, I’m lusting for Yumi Kim’s Liz Romper and I know I’m not alone.

This chic and sexy short suit is made from a sumptuous silk in a vivid water color print that’s a modern take on tribal. The cross over V-neck, tie waist and loose short make this a flattering piece for many figures. And the three-quarter sleeve means it’s an optimum day to night option. For a late Spring Saturday in the city, I would pair this with a cool girl stacked heel suede bootie in a tempting teal, a pair of sleek serpentine wrap bracelets in black and blue, a luxe suede tote in a brilliant cobalt, and a glam pair of oversize sunnies. In the midst of Summer, I’d swap the boots for a color block thong sandal, the buckle bracelets for neon studded wrap numbers in yellow, pink and orange, and the tote for a colorful crochet beach bag. I’d top it all off with a chic straw fedora . After hours, I’d get this romper party ready by wearing it with an electric blue suede sky high wedge, an edgy yet refined stone drop earring, and a chic simple fold over clutch in blush. This clearly is an all-in-one that’s one for all.

I seem to have Spain on the brain and that probably has everything to do with the fact that I just booked airline tickets to Barcelona and Majorca where we will be spending our Summer holiday. Of course with all things Catalonian on my radar, it’s no surprise that I sniffed out these fabulous Soludos espadrilles that have just hit the Wink stores and website.

With all these great styles how can a girl possibly pick just one? Fortunately you kind of don’t have to limit yourself as they won’t set you back much more than a bottle of Rioja from a decent vintage. But of course, the return on investment is much greater — a night of fun with the possibility of a morning hangover vs. a Summer’s worth of stylish shoe options. My favorite of the five is the Aztec print pair. This tribal inspired pattern will add a kick to Summer solids like these navy shorts and poppy camisole or make a masterful mix with a chic striped T-shirt dress. The graphic grey and white stripe numbers have a preppy chic vibe making  them the perfect pick to pair with a pale blue ankle cropped jean, a crisp white short sleeved button down shirt, and a ladylike structured coral bag. The classic pin stripe patterns in both red and white and the patriotic red, white and blue are spot on with white denim and a navy camisole, or try the red and white with a flirty floral romper in complimentary hues and the red, white and blue with a red flared jean and a white burnout tank. Of course, I could never live without the oh-so-chic black pair which are a go-to pick for sophisticated summer prints such as this silk water color patterned romper as well as this sleek silk black kimono wrap top and a bikini. Which, with the addition of some bling, would be a perfect look to rock from day at the beach to dancing all night, on my Spanish holiday. Of course that would require adding a stop in Ibiza to my itinerary.

While fashion does have the reputation of a quick change artist, we can rely on  designers to retain some of the old when they bring in the new by reinventing the classics. Such is the case with snakeskin. Be it real or faux, reptilian is all the rage for Spring—especially when it comes to accessories. While Michael Kors showed a fabulous snake skin swimsuit—albeit one that is suited only to a select few—there were plenty of bags, shoes and jewelry that screamed serpent—much of it dyed in Spring ready colors. Standouts included a clutch at Emilio Pucci and Brian Atwood’s sky high heel. And while those are lust pieces, I’ve found a few serpentine musts that you don’t want to let slither through your fingers.

1. Leighelena Double Wrap Buckle Bracelets in Natural Python, Electric Blue and Tangerine. The definition of chic and sleek, these wrist wraps are a superb warm weather accessory. The natural python is an exotic natural snake skin that will look as perfect with pale pink (the new white!) jeans and a tank top as your favorite LBD. The electric blue and tangerine lizard versions (OK technically they aren’t snake but reptilian none-the-less) will add pops of color to a tribal inspired black and white textured dress. Or stack them together and let them be a dynamic duo to a colorful bikini top and bottom.

2. Emily Cho Fold Over Clutch in Purple. Made from a soft and supple calf leather embossed with a python print, this gorgeous grab bag is just the right combination of edgy and refined.  The fold over design and exposed zippers give it a downtown vibe while the pastel purple hue keeps it sweet and chic. Pair it with casual looks like a retro inspired faded red jean and a faux suede fringe tank in gray, or a party ready frock in a flirty floral print.

3. Sam Edelman Corbin Sandal. Inspired from a vintage gem, this wooden wedge platform gets a 21st century spin with the embossed python leather straps. A perfect shade for Spring and Summer, this shoe will be your go to heel for all your warm weather favorites including a sassy stripped short and white tank top, a faded flared jean and a kimono sleeve top, or a quintessential summer sexy strapless mini dress.