Summer 09 is all about bold colors and startling combinations, but don’t be afraid. Wear those bright colors with white jeans, a cute pair of denim cut-offs (girls only, men should never wear a denim short) or a pair of khakis which balances the bright. Think color balanced by a neutral. Accessories? Think green. And when I say green I mean eco-friendly; canvas slip-ons for boys and wood bangles or maybe a gorgeous cork clutch for girls. Yes, I said cork.
Here are my hand picked selections for cool cats and hot chicks to look sweltering this summer. First up the men:
Michael Kors/Dsquared² – A wave of Americana hit the Spring 09 runways. It’s all about bright colors, prints and cropped trousers. It’s the classicism of the Kennedys with a Miami meets Palm Beach punch. No one did it better than Michael Kors (note brights balanced by neutral accessories) and suprisingly the Italian twins at Dsquared².
John Varvatos – John is one of America’s great menswear designers. His clothes are classic with a hip music inspired edge. For spring/summer 09 he has launched limited edition sunglasses available at all John Varvatos boutiques. The glasses were designed to celebrate the opening of the John Varvatos store on the hallowed grounds of the fabled CBGB club in NY. They’ll add a lil rocker style to your summer look.
PF Flyers – Yes, I said it, PF Flyers. They have been around since the 30s and have been hip ever since. Did you know that BF Goodrich (the tire company) patented the insole used inside PF Flyers? That makes them comfy and cute. This season the colors are right on. If you are a brave boy, the tennis shoes come in pink, turquoise, red and even lime green! A splash of color is perfect with jeans! My personal fave that I’ll be wearing all summer is the ‘Bob Cousy’ in natural. It’s the perfect, easy neutral shoe to wear with everything.
And now more than a little something for the ladies:
Laundry by Shelli Segal – California based Laundry is so of the moment for Spring/Summer 09. These are the perfect lil dresses to toss on for a big night out, an afternoon shopping (on Rodeo Drive) or over your swimsuit (if you happen to be sunning on the isle of Capri). The dresses are a riot of color, have ethnic flavor and that huge WOW factor. I love the the Border Print Shift Dress in orange peel. Chic.
Paul & Joe Sister – Paul & Joe has been a label to covet since the mid 90s. They do menswear, womenswear and even kids. My fave piece of clothing right now is the ‘Kiwi’ Combishort in red silk. I call it a romper. Whatever you call it, it’s cool. Very downtown NY girl meets 70s YSL. This isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s funny, young, sexy and ironic. Who wouldn’t want to be described like that?
Cameron Hawaii – I get excited when I see something new and cute. My heart races. I immediately think ‘how do I incorporate this into my life?’ Cameron Hawaii is a surf inspired fashion line that takes casual beach chic and makes it modern, hip and so fresh. The Flower Pedal shorts are mens board short inspired. Wear them with a cute, solid bikini top and it’s the most adorable look on the beach. The ‘Wayfarer Kimono’ top and ‘Hello Sunshine’ board shorts are summer perfection. Love the sunglasses & sleeve on the tee and love the print detailing and tie on the shorts.
ViX – This is the swimwear line of the moment. Period. Sophisticated is the word that describes ViX. ViX is luxe with a touch of boho chic. Maybe it was designer Paula Hermann’s childhood growing up in Brazil that helps her cut the perfect suit? We can’t deny that the Brazilians know their swimwear. Or maybe it was spending time on the beaches of San Diego where Paula came to learn English? Whatever the influence this world traveler makes sensationally sexy swimwear. The ‘Embroidered Ruffle’ tunic is the greatest swimsuit cover-up ever but so wearable off the beach too.
Ananas Collection – Can you be eco-friendly and chic? Is it possible to be green and hip? Well if you grab one of these gorgeous timeless yet so of the moment bags by Ananas you can. After living in Tokyo, designer Jennifer Baum Lagdameo found herself in the Philippines and inspired by the local techniques and materials. Now back in NY she’s melded her global influences into a smart line of handbags and accessories. The Cork ‘Coco’ clutch is fantastic and a bag to keep forever. The ‘Market Basket’ bag makes the perfect beach tote but looks equally hot working the urban jungle. And in a truly green touch for each bag sold, ten trees are planted in deforested areas of the Philippines through “Trees for the Future”. That is green done right.
It’s all here: cute, hip and some surprisingly inexpensive goodies to look super hot this season. Happy shopping. Happy summer. M*