Best of summer fashion at South Coast Plaza

Summertime an’ the livin’ is easy. But what to wear to the

summertime picnics at the beach, a romantic dinner for two on the

terrace or an afternoon on your neighbor’s new yacht? That should be

easy, too. Summertime fashion in Southern California calls for ease,

simplicity, the right amount of style and casual sophistication.

We spent an afternoon at South Coast Plaza checking out the

hottest summer looks.

This summer, fashion is all about white. So we started at Anne

Fontaine for the perfect white shirt. We chose the “Nelya,” a

delicate wrap blouse in a sheer French cotton, with short sleeves and

all over cutout daisy pattern. It’s wonderfully feminine, short

enough to top the denim mini skirt we found at Diesel but long enough

for those fabulous low rise, black stretch cotton capris at agnes b.

Add the white slide with stacked wood heel and double straps with top

stitching from Sergio Rossi and you’re all set for a causal summer

afternoon.

Chiffon, organza and floaty feminine fabrics top the charts for

summer evening fashions. For that special romantic dinner on the

terrace we found a fabulous short silk organza skirt in a light sand

color with a delicate thin black stripe pattern from TSE. We paired

it with a gorgeous black cashmere halter also from TSE and added a

sexy black slide from Sergio Rossi for a stunning look. Also at TSE

we found a pale pink, loose weave, ultra- lightweight, cashmere slip

dress layered over a white silk slip. It was sexy, feminine and hot.

Every summer wardrobe needs flip-flop sandals. The Burberry

flip-flops in the signature Nova plaid look great with shorts or a

swimsuit. For a playful alternative try the Burberry jelly

flip-flops. For the beach we picked up Gap’s updated flip-flops with

leather toe toggle in light blue. At this price you’ll want one in

every color. We also loved Gap’s flip-flops with woven straw sole and

beaded strap in several colors. J. Crew has a good selection of

updated flip-flops in many different styles and colors. Celine also

has a darling one with a pooka shell strap.

Of course feet and toes need to be perfect for all those sexy

sandals and fun little flip-flops. We suggest you treat yourself to a

pedicure; with expert Olivia Remijio at The Spa (across Bristol

Street from South Coast Plaza on Town Center Drive). We chose a sheer

light pink polish to take us from the beach to a romantic dinner for

two at Pinot Provence.

This summer the denim skirt is a must-have wardrobe staple that

will carry you right into the fall. Just about every store has a new

denim collection. Here are a few we recommend adding to your closet.

Escada--light weight denim from the new fall collection

Burberry--dark denim, pencil skirt agnes b.--dark denim, button

front, detailed with white top stitching and front patch pockets

Christian Dior--light denim, pencil straight with detailed ribbon

lacing detail from waist to hem, on each side

J. Crew--tab front stretch textured cotton denim in dark blue

Club Monaco--distressed stretch denim.

And last, if you’re looking for a fabulous swimsuit for an

afternoon by the pool or that day on the yacht, Christian Dior has a

year-round collection. We especially loved a one-piece in a Russian

inspired print in red and black, with ribbon lacing detail on straps

and back, we were also inspired by the black ruffled bikini. La

Perla, known for it’s fabulous fitting swimwear has a great selection

right now. Our favorite was the “Panther” an acid green (we loved it

in the 80’s!) bikini made of Lycra with embroidered sequins on the

bra. Oh la, la....

* This column was provided by representatives of South Coast

Plaza.