H&M dress, J Crew belt, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent shoes, Jack Rabbit bag, Gucci sunglasses

Just when the sun is finally warm enough for us to entertain the idea of going out in a little sundress, and the marine layer that has given June it’s gloom moniker starts to fade, and the excitement of the outdoor fourth of July festivities leaves us with the sensation that summer has finally arrived, something devastating happens. For us magazine junkies, we may first take note of this tragedy when we catch a glimpse of those words, “fall preview,” on the covers of the issues that have  just arrived, in the heart of summer, mind you. For others, avid shoppers perhaps, we arrive at our favorite shopping destinations where we are greeted, not only with summer sales, but also (gasp!) fall clothes! Just last weekend, I saw sweaters and fur on display at Bloomies! Now for this summer baby, and all of us who may not have summer breaks but still longingly hold onto the memories of yesteryear and the childhood excitement that came with everything summer, beginning with the last day of school for the year (best day ever, remember?), fall’s arrival and everything that comes with it  can wait until September. Indeed, it’s not actually proper autumn until at least mid-October in sunny So-Cal, so putting off fall shopping until after Labor Day is not only perfectly appropriate, but sensible. Please fall, let us enjoy these precious days of summer without reminding us of the cold, dark months that lie ahead. In essence, come back later, you are not yet welcome here.

photographs by Manuel Vinicio  http://www.manuelvinicio.com/

The most exciting thing about Nordstrom’s Annivesary Sale this year seems to be this boy (pg. 86-87) … I don’t even have the urge to pre-order. While certainly not a big “fashion” event, the Anniversary Sale is usually a big “shopping” event. Nordstrom, step it up!

Helmut Lang tank, J Brand jeans, Steve Madden shoes, Karen Walker sunglasses, House of Harlow necklace, Invicta watch, Rebecca Minkoff bag

Let’s talk about leopard. I’m usually not a fan of it. It can be a bit much. Unless you have that total sexpot attitude where you feel totally confident rocking a little Dolce & Gabbana leopard number, in which case, go for it and make sure to own it like you wish you owned that Bentley that just drove by. For me personally, leopard as the main event feels trashy in that hip-hop video way, not sexy in that Sofia Loren bombshell way. Leopard in small doses, now that’s another story. A good story. And one I’d like to tell you about. Shoes, belts, and scarves — those are my choices. Like these shoes here. Paired with white, instead of black, unexpected.

photographs by Manuel Vinicio  http://www.manuelvinicio.com/

Karen Walker Sunglasses

These were on my resort birthday wishlist (here) and my amazing sister Simone was ever so kind enough to oblige my request. Let me digress for a moment and tell you about Simone. She isn’t OBSESSED with fashion and shopping like I am. Hence, she didn’t know where to find these fabulous Karen Walker sunnies. She went here and there and everywhere and most sales associates she asked at the high-end stores in Washington, D.C. had never even heard of Karen Walker. A travesty indeed! Now of course Simone couldn’t ask me where to find Karen Walker (Barneys Co-op, Shopbop.com, Eyegoodies.com) because that would have spoiled the surprise, so she did what any amatuer shopper would do….she ordered them ALL THE WAY from New Zealand (where the eponymous designer is from) and paid exorbitant international shipping prices too (I love you Simone!). I know you aren’t shopping for me (unless of course you want to be, in which case, I will insist), but if you happen to run into this problem in the future, there is a simple solution: just ask me. Please! I eat, drink, and breathe fashion. I live to shop. I shop online. I shop in stores. I study my monthly issues of Marie Claire, Elle, Harpers Bazaar, Lucky, Vogue, In Style, and People Stylewatch with the same intensity that an almost 40 year old might study the developing wrinkles around her eyes. Basically, I will have an answer for you, and if I don’t, I will diligently research your question until I find the answer. Believe me, I spend hours and hours every day diligently researching topics of much less interest to me. This is fun. Send me an email at gabrielle@resortrocksugar.com or visit me on facebook or twitter.

True story. I am obsessed with bikinis. In fact, obsessed is probably an understatement. Until recently, however, I was the girl who refused to walk around in just a bikini. Actually, that is an understatement. Until recently, I was never seen without shorts over my bikini bottoms. Consequently, until recently, my upper thighs and butt never saw the light of day. And yet, in the last five years, I have still managed to spend more money on bikini’s than any other item. It’s weird I know. I consider myself a bikini expert. All-time favorite brands: L Space, Vitamin A, Zimmerman, and Mara Hoffman. Mara Hoffman makes gorgeous cover-ups too, which I love just as much as bikinis. Not included in this post, but a new favorite for me is Mikoh. I saw Kourtney Kardashian (my fav Kardash)  rocking a Mikoh bikini in the pages of US Weekly and had to look the brand up. Unlike most bikini brands, the pattern choices  are very simple, but the styles are super-luxe. If I get the courage to post a photograph of me in a bikini, there will for sure be a Mikoh post. Excuse to invest in my fourth bikini of S/S11.

1. Mara Hoffman Embroidered Story Silk Chiffon Kaftan $310

2. Fallon Bracelet, Price Unknown

3. Zimmerman Copy-cat High Waisted Multi Strap Bikini $320

4. Eugenia Kim Max Straw Fedora $315

5. Missoni Brugge Crochet Knit Swimsuit $670

6. Lanvin 22 Faubourg Cabas Appliqued Cotton-Canvas Tote $1470

7. Missoni Giacarta Zigzag Crochet Knit Triangle Bikini $375

8. Missoni Giarre Crochet Knit Pants $590

9. Missoni Modern Jelly Thongs $198

10. Karen Walker Number One Sunglasses $180

11. Zimmerman Ruffled Strapless Swimsuit $345

12. Mara Hoffman Embroidered Balconette Bikini $275

13. Summer Scarf, Designer Unknown

14. Fallon Labyrinth Chandelier Earrings $250

15. Pamela Love Tribal Spike Cuff $195

16. Dolce Vita Eliza Flat Woven Sandals $155

17. Globe-Trotter Centenary 28” Suitcase w/Wheels $1600

18. Cutler and Gross 0983 in Grad Black, Price Unknown

19. Lisa Marie Fernandez The Leigh Maillot Strapless Swimsuit $385

20. Rag & Bone Bequia Long Skirt $495