Not only is this a long holiday weekend, it's also the start (the official start, anyway) of summer. For me that means it's no holds barred when it comes to wearing white. White shoes, white bags, white shorts, white pants... white is where it's at, baby!

I hope you have the opportunity this weekend to plant yourself poolside and enjoy the kickoff to the summer season. You can bet I'll be oiling up the legs (they could certainly use more color) and tossing on my cutest bikini! Happy weekend, everyone!

The phrase "classics with a twist" is oft overused these days. I'm as guilty of it as anyone, as it sums up what I feel is the modern day Jackie O. The 2010 Grace Kelly. J. Crew. Rebecca Taylor. The timeless, chic look of the moment. Pretty and feminine - without being fussy and silly. Modest without being prim. Body skimming but not booty hugging. To me, it's a beautiful look.

So when I describe the Lela Rose aesthetic I'll share that she starts with a familiar silhouette and imbues it with details so intriguing they take on a vibe that is new and fresh. She takes a classic 50's housewife dress and turns it into a modern frock. She does asymmetry and makes it day appropriate. These dresses all say "meet your future in-laws" and still feel chic and sexy as you bounce off to dinner afterward. They might not be innovative or ground breaking, but they seem like smart items to add to your closet for special occasion.

I can think of countless events for which they'd be perfect: afternoon garden wedding, bridal shower, daytime country club fundraiser. Yes, there's a little bit of prepster in me that I can't deny. But Lela manages to help you look ladylike without looking like you're trying to hard. {In many ways I feel we can thank J. Crew for single-handedly making it okay to wear sequins and jewels mid-day without irony or self-consciousness.}

The collection at Neiman's is brief, but check out LelaRose.com to see her full array of beautiful attire. 

{Many of the silhouettes from her runway collections are a bit loose for my frame, but I think the selection at NM hits it right on the nose for me.}

Occasionally I've been lucky enough to add a J. Crew "Collection" item to my wardrobe. These are usually eBay finds or returns to my local boutique. Yet, for some reason I never researched the scoop behind this smaller (and considerably more costly) line of limited-edition goods. The sweaters are more fabulous the skirts are more elaborate and the overall look is more "socialite" that "Saturday afternoon." I tend to gravitate towards a dressier more glam look so these pieces - when I can score one - are always exciting to obtain. Those of you lucky enough to live in the NY area are likely yawning, as you've been many times to the flagship store and seen the environment Jenna Lyons created.

Ten Thirty-Five Madison looks like a fantastic place to spend a rainy afternoon. Brightly hued handbags in cubbies on the wall, club chairs begging you to rest for a while, fantastic chandeliers dangling above. And - of course - my favorite design element... the antiqued oversize mirror leaning against the wall. *sigh* Makes a girl want to settle in for an afternoon with my besties for what might be a dangerous shopping spree.

The catch? Your wallet won't get you as far as it normally does. Think of these as special investment pieces to led spice to your wardrobe. You only need one or two pieces to bring life to an otherwise staid closet. I'm in love with the bubble skirt (available via pre-order only) and this jacket. *swoon*

So if you find yourself tired of browsing the usual embellished tees, cashmere cardis and tattered chinos seen on every co-worker and co-ed from Waikiki to Wharton, you may want to step up your game a bit and browse the more elusive Collection inventory. Yes, even those of us living outside of Manhattan can grab a piece of action. Happy shopping, ladies!

Wondering where these amazing waterside retreats exist? Savvy travelers likely guessed correctly: W Hotels. The lower photos showcases the enchanting Hong Kong location. Exotic, pristine and just a touch mysterious. And of course the top photograph showcases the always stunning W Los Angeles, complete with the requisite privacy-enhancing cabanas.

But who are we kidding...most people swimming at the W are hoping to see and be seen. Isn't that the point of all that time logged at the gym and in your Physique 57 classes? Isn't that why you endure endless waxing sessions and regular mani/pedi appointments? Surely you didn't come all this way to hide behind the canvas and pretend you didn't want anyone to see you. Go ahead, girl... bust out the big sunglasses drop the towel and walk boldly to the other side of the pool and take a dip. Life is too short!

Consider yourself a pro on all-things-Tuscany? How well do you know your Montepulciano from your Arrezzo? Indagare is betting you might need a refresher course... of the stay at a premiere five star hotel, win a shopping spree from Tory Burch sort.

I've got your attention now right? Take the Italy Quiz to see how well you do. Oh... and one more thing, take a peek at Tory Burch's insider tips before venturing too deep into the quiz. There might be an answer or two in there.

Are you drooling over this kitchen? It's maybe just a touch too "old world" for me (must be the marble walls)... but I think this is a sensational space. Bright, white and warm... it just looks like the kind of space where you want to make pasta sauce from scratch, doesn't it? It's the handiwork of Karen Williams, a native New Yorker who clearly has an Italian soul. This is confirmed by what she says of the design:

“Today we plan for one or more cooks, as well as their friends and family. After all, who doesn’t want an extra hand in the kitchen? Insisting on a room that’s warm and open in feeling, where items are placed where they logically should be, makes it natural for all to join in.”