Must-Haves for Summer

The way we shop is changing. TikTok is branching out into livestream shopping events fueled by hashtags. “Buy now, pay later” options have proliferated, with many brands offering third-party payment installments for merchandise. And the “buy online, pick up in store” (BOPIS) concept has skyrocketed. According to an Epsilon survey last year, almost 67% of U.S. shoppers used this shopping method in 2022, a sharp increase from 50% in 2021. While this purchasing option existed long before the pandemic, the need for social distancing during COVID-19’s yearslong run really drove this concept into the mainstream. And consumers have grown to love the time-saving option so much that it is replacing the traditional shopping experience. It doesn’t just shave minutes off the shopping process, it can save the whole trip since you’ll be alerted if an item is no longer in stock before you even get into the car. Of those polled who prefer BOPIS, 77% reported the reason was the ability to see an item before taking it home and return it on arrival if it doesn’t suit them, avoiding the hassle of packaging and shipping fees.

Think of this curated collection of summer’s hottest items as an analog way to browse before you buy.

ORANGE CRUSH

  1. You’ll be lapping up compliments wrapped in this Hermès terry cloth beach towel. With its sherbet hues and retro ‘60s pop vibe, it’s more like a work of art than a poolside necessity. $680 at Hermès, 434 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-278-6440 and hermes.com
  2. No need to worry if you lingered too long at the shore (and who could blame you?); you can forgo an outfit change in these crisp and stylish two-tone swim shorts by Brunello Cucinelli. They can go straight from the beach to the bar, and no one would be any the wiser. $595 at Brunello Cucinelli, 220 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-724-8118 and shop.brunellocucinelli.com
  3. The sleek, knife-edge design of the “Atlas X” hoop earrings by Tiffany & Co. was inspired by the jeweler’s famed 1886 engagement ring setting, which started it all. Roman numerals, etched into the sides of the polished 18-karat rose gold hoops, are a nod to the giant clock that sits atop the brand’s landmark Fifth Avenue flagship in New York. $3,600 at Tiffany & Co., 210 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-273-8880 and tiffany.com
  4. Made of turquoise, coral and 18-karat rose gold, this bangle from the “Perlée” collection by Van Cleef & Arpels masquerades as an everyday casual bracelet, but it’s been keeping a secret. Slide the larger stone to the side, and you’ll discover an elegantly hidden timepiece with a mother-of-pearl dial and diamond-studded bezel. $37,800 at Van Cleef & Arpels, 300 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-276-1161 and vancleefarpels.com
  5. Whatever you may call it—a fanny pack, hipster, or belt bag—the hands-free capabilities of this luxurious leather version by Gucci are invaluable when you’re traveling or going anywhere with small children. $1,700 at Gucci, 347 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-278-3451 and gucci.com
  6. Slip this bright and breezy Carolina Herrera skirt over a one-piece bathing suit for a quick cover up or pair it with a simple white tank and dressy sandals for a chic upgrade. $635 at CH Carolina Herrera, 230 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-276-8900 and carolinaherrera.com

ICE POPS

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  1. Move over itsy-bitsy, yellow polka dot bikini, this sunny, pineapple print one-piece bathing suit from Eres is just as playful but decidedly more grown up. $496 at Eres, 9566 Dayton Way, 310-246-1008 and eresparis.com
  2. Raise a glass to this stunning David Yurman cocktail ring. With a pale pink morganite gemstone at its center surrounded by circling 18-karat rose gold ribbons studded with pave diamonds, it looks like a bottle of Rosé chilling in a bucket of ice. $6,900 at David Yurman, 371 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-888-8618 and davidyurman.com
  3. The cotton candy pink shade of Balmain’s “Sponge” shoulder bag calls to mind the spun sugar treats served up at county fairs and amusement parks, and it’s made out of the season’s most quintessential fabric—terry cloth.  What says “summertime” more than that? $1,500 at Balmain, 8421 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, 323-230-6364 and us.balmain.com
  4. A cooler is an indispensable summer accessory and this “Tagalong” cube by Igloo, available at Nordstrom, will become your go-to for beach days and long car trips. It comes in five different taffy-like colors such as turquoise, orange, pink and yellow. $59 at Nordstrom, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., 424-207-1177 and nordstrom.com
  5. With a highly anticipated live-action film based on the beloved doll coming out this summer, it certainly feels like it’s a Barbie world right now. Hop on Funboy’s Pucci-esque Barbie private jet pool float from Neiman Marcus and take the next non-stop flight to relaxation. $99 at Neiman Marcus, 9700 Wilshire Blvd., 310-550-5900 and neimanmarcus.com
  6. Elevate a pair of faded jeans or white ankle-cropped capris with these Fendi slides. Their tufts of bubblegum-pink mink fur and sculptural block heels will add drama to any ensemble. (If pink isn’t your thing, they are also available in denim blue.) $1,490 at Fendi, 201 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-623-3420 and fendi.com

SEA & SHORE

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  1. When it comes to sun protection, you can’t go wrong in a classic wide-brim straw hat by Prada. The beauty is in its simplicity—it’s artfully woven and decorated only with the brand’s understated triangle logo. $1,100 at Prada, 343 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-278-8661 and prada.com
  2. Channel your inner action star in these Tom Ford “Bronson” sunglasses, named after the inimitable Charles Bronson, who dazzled audiences in the ‘70s with his tough guy persona and effortlessly cool style. $555 at Tom Ford, 346 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-270-9440 and tomford.com
  3. This gauzy, eco cashmere, crewneck men’s sweater by Amiri is made right here in Los Angeles. Its cascading shades of aquamarine give the effect of rolling waves crashing against the shore. $1,190 at Amiri, 461 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-878-2996 and amiri.com
  4. Stuff this easily packable Longchamp “Le Pliage Filet” knit bag from Nordstrom in your suitcase, and you’ll have the perfect beach tote on hand for transporting towels and sunscreen on your next tropical vacation. $110 at Nordstrom, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., 424-207-1177 and nordstrom.com
  5. Part Birkenstock, part pool slide—all comfort, these surprisingly lightweight, arch-supporting, lambskin “Dioract” sandals by Dior are perfect for strolling along the water’s edge or roaming the city streets of some far-flung destination. $1,050 at Dior, 309 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-859-4700 and dior.com
  6. Inspired by minimalist Japanese design and hand-crafted from teak, these “Porto” solar lanterns from RH offer a dramatic play of light and shadow—all powered by the sun. $335 each at RH, 8564 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310-652-0323 and rh.com

SAND DUNES

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  1. Made from natural raffia woven into a simple box pattern, the “Cassette” crossbody bag by Bottega Veneta is neutral enough to pair with your boldest summer garb. $3,400 at Bottega Veneta, 320 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-858-6533 and bottegaveneta.com
  2. These flat-front Bermuda shorts by Loro Piana straddle the line between casual and leisure wear. The combo of silk and linen gives them a luxe look, but they’re so soft and comfy, you’ll want to sleep in them. $725 at Loro Piana, 360 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-860-0765 and us.loropiana.com
  3. A garden trellis trompe l’oeil wraps this Giambattista Valli frock (available at Saks Fifth Avenue). Its effect is demure and sophisticated, yet appropriately flirty. $2,935 at Saks Fifth Avenue, 9600 Wilshire Blvd., 310-275-4211 and saksfifthavenue.com
  4. Proof that there is elegance in simplicity, the “Gates” bracelet by Harry Winston features a single 18-karat gold rosette surrounded by 29 round, brilliant-cut diamonds. To Winston, the symbol represented opportunity, new beginnings and good fortune. $5,100 at Harry Winston, 310 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-271-8554 and harrywinston.com
  5. Smartwatches and fitness trackers have their uses, but neither offer what the “Calatrava” by Patek Philippe does—zero software upgrades. It’s the epitome of a classic wristwatch guaranteed to stand the test of time. $40,216 at Gearys Patek Philippe, 360 N. Rodeo Drive, #2, 310-887-4200 and gearys.com/patek-philippe
  6. If even the sturdiest of succulents put your gardening skills to the limit, the collection of incredibly realistic faux potted cacti at Pottery Barn will fool everyone. $299 at Pottery Barn, 300 N. Beverly Drive, 310-860-9506 and potterybarn.com

ANCHORS AWAY

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  1. These round, navy blue, acetone shades from Chanel, with their matching gradient lenses and detachable beaded necklace, are so chic they would make Jackie O jealous. $1,375 at Chanel, 400 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-278-5500 and chanel.com 
  2. Crisp navy blue, horizontal stripes cross a field of white on this short-sleeved cashmere and silk sweater from Dior. And an 18th-century seafaring vessel decorates the front, just to send the nautical theme sailing home. $1,250 at Dior, 309 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-859-4700 and dior.com
  3. Renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is back for a second collaboration with Louis Vuitton. Her trademark Infinity Dots are reinterpreted in this cheerful tomato red and bright white top-handled clutch. $3,400 at Louis Vuitton, 295 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-859-0457 and louisvuitton.com
  4. The “Yacht-Master II” from Rolex is the king of nautical watches. Launched in 1992 for navigators and skippers, the regatta chronograph celebrates sailing’s rich history. $18,700 at Gearys Rolex, 360 N. Rodeo Drive, #1, 310-887-4200 gearys.com/rolex
  5. When the sun suddenly disappears behind a band of rogue clouds and the temperature plummets, women can opt for a poncho or a shawl, but for gents, it’s one of those times when having a hoodie on hand is a lifesaver. This bright red version from Balenciaga is not only functional, but it’s also high fashion. $1,290 at Balenciaga, 338 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-854-0557 and balenciaga.com
  6. What summer barbecue or lawn party is complete without a game of bocce ball? This set from Shinola, available at Gearys, comes with its own rubber-bottomed canvas tote so you can bring the fun with you. $295 at Gearys, 351 N. Beverly Drive, 310-273-4741 and gearys.com

GOLDEN HOUR

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  1. With bright and bold blooms in hues that evoke the sky just before twilight, these jersey-knit pants from Etro are an upscale alternative to yoga pants, but just as comfy on long flights. $690 at Etro, 9501 Wilshire Blvd., 310-248-2855 and etro.com
  2. Fans of HBO’s hit series “The White Lotus” couldn’t get enough of season two’s Portia (played by Haley Lu Richardson), particularly the character’s quirky (and divisive) fashion sense. We think this silk scarf hat with its Nappa visor by Fendi is the posh vibe she was going for in the look that won over social media. $650 at Fendi, 201 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-623-3420 and fendi.com
  3. The hefty weight of the “Maxi Iconica” ring by Pomellato is impressive. But its bevy of baubles—pink tourmaline, orange sapphires, blue sapphires, tsavorite, red spinel, tanzanite and amethyst—is downright dizzying. $7,800 at Saks Fifth Avenue, 9600 Wilshire Blvd., 310-275-4211 and saksfifthavenue.com
  4. Add a pair of these colorful, metallic leather slides from Valentino and like magic, you’ll transform your outfit from dull to dazzling. $1,150 at Valentino, 324 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-247-0103 and valentino.com
  5. Known for its sumptuous “silk calfskin” leather goods, Loewe elevates the lowly wallet with a buttery trifold in swimming pool blue. $650 at Loewe, 327 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-388-6771 and loewe.com