Editors Picks: Our Summer Essentials

Here at R29 Headquarters, it's like a daily battle of wits as to who has the coolest, newest, most wantable "thing" (note: Kristian usually wins). But don't be fooled: We get enough useless press releases, product launches, and news plugs that could choke a horse. Lucky for you, you never have to see any of that sincerely awful crap. You, dear discriminating readers, you only get the good stuff. And that's our job! We've rounded up our favorite clothes, bags, products, books, and summer obsessions of late. Things we're lusting for, things we already have, things we can't wait to use over and over again. Our tastes and whims cover a lot of ground, but across the board, our Refinery29 picks are the best summer shopping guides you'll ever find. Trust.

Christene Barberich—Editorial Director

Rachel Comey Utility Clutch, $276, available at TenOver6. "There really wasn't anything I didn't want from this collection, but I guess I do want this clutch extra specially!"

Donald Judd, The Early Works, available at Amazon. "I'm planning a return trip to Marfa in the fall, so I'm using this ode to Judd's wide-open spaces and beautiful land art to get me in a more creative head-space this summer."

Lauren Moffatt Long Silk Dress, $598, available at Lauren Moffatt. "I know this is a deceptively simple summer dress, but I almost want to get married in it, it is that beautiful."

J.Crew Agnyss Sandals, $135, available at J.Crew. "I wanted a pair of no-nonsense-but-still-chic sandals to wear all summer long, and here they are."

Archive Rhinestone Starfish Earrings, $98, available at Archive Vintage. "Archive Vintage can be pricey but they never disappoint with their jewelry. I love these, and would wear them clipped to my linen blazer lapel, too."

Bulgari Serpenti Watch, $29,900, available at Bulgari.com. "I've never been all that into watches, but this one could literally be the only jewelry accessory I would need all summer long."

Liptect Solar Protection, $8, available at TooTooBella. "I wore this all weekend at Fire Island and it kept my lips hydrated and protected. Plus, it doesn't contain any chemical sunscreens, which makes me happy."

Steven Alan Agatha Blazer, $118, available at the Upper West Side Steven Alan store; 465 Amsterdam Ave (between 82 and 83 streets). "I have to have plenty of lightweight summer blazers, and this one has got it all, including an awesome price."

Steven Alan Heddy Shirt, $188, available at Steven Alan. "A, ultra-lightweight button-up is an absolute summer staple. I'd wear this with everything from cut-offs to a white bandage skirt."

Florian Chain Bead Necklace, $225, available at Opening Ceremony. "A great, simple piece for throwing over a tee or a maillot. The beads remind me of my childhood marble collection."

Madewell Panama Hat, $58, available at Madewell. "I just bought this for a family trip to Greece. Very Humphrey Bogart."

Built By Wendy Bowl of Fruit T-Shirt, $70, available at Built By Wendy. "For when I'm feeling fruity."

M.A.C. Beachbound Lipstick, $14, available at M.A.C.. "Continuing my obsession with retro pastel lip hues, M.A.C. just introduced their aptly named 'To The Beach' collection including this fun creamsicle color."

Rachel Comey Silver Wedges, $360, available at TenOverSix. "Since the clothing options for 90-degree days are pretty limited, it's fun to have exciting accessories to jazz things up. I die for these silver Comey wedge brogues."

Tanlines Settings, The Radio Dept Clinging To A Scheme, Little Dragon Machine Dreams, and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Up From Below. "A summer without jams is like a red plastic cup with no beer. These four albums will be serenading me through the warm months, and for years to come will remind me of summer 2010."

J.Crew Dizzy Floral Wrap Tank, $82, available at J. Crew. ""I'm like Smurfette...I just keep accumulating different versions of the same thing in my wardrobe. So despite having a bunch of similar one-pieces already, I feel I must add this flirty floral one to the collection."

Sephora Chic Print For Nails, $15, available at Sephora. " While I'd love to keep Connie's Nail Salon a full-time thing, it gets exhausting painting on a billion little flowers every time I want to do my nails, but something about getting my nails done feels silly. These star-print stick-ons are like the poor man's Minx, which I'm totally cool with."

Grounded Hanging Bubble Terrarium With Air Plants, $49.99, available at Grounded. "As household plants' number one enemy, I haven't been able to keep anything bigger than a cactus alive for longer than a month. Air plants can survive an apocalypse, and this terrarium seems like the perfect means to display them."

Gap Denim Wedge Sandal, $98, available at Gap. "The last pair of denim shoes I had were these horrifying patchwork clogs I wore in elementary school (come to think of it, they're weirdly on-trend now, hmm?). These are the opposite of what those were."

Opening Ceremony Peplum Floral Dress, $368, available at Creatures of Comfort. "I'm always searching for clever ways to beat the heat. This backless, sideless dress from Opening Ceremony keeps me cool without making me look skanky."

Linda Farrow Tortoise Shell Sunglasses, $289, available at Farfetch. "My purse eats sunglasses for breakfast—my shades usually don't last for longer than a season. Though for these, I might have to start taking better care of my frames."

3.1 Phillip Lim Foldover Shorts, $595, available at La Garconne. "Have you seen a pair of shorts fancier than these? I'd wear them with loose, cotton tops and old lady shoes."

Sara Clendening Handmade Necklace, $20, available at Ooga Booga Store. "Metal necklaces feel way intense for summer, so I like this option for days when even the thought of something against my neck gives me hives. And for $20, I won't feel guilty if it falls into my jumbo margarita."

Copy Cat Waisted D Ring Bikini, $240.25, available at Zimmermann. "I haven't been brave enough to actually try out a high-waist bathing suit, but I predict that this summer is the one I actually do it! And if I do do it, I'll be doing it in this rust-colored bandeau bikini from Zimmermann."

Tom Ford Azure Lime Eau De Parfum, $180, available at Bergdorf Goodman. ""This new offering by my fave designing dude is on point for summer. It's inspired by Mustique, so it's got lime, orange, and jasmine."

J. McLaughlin Stripe Knit Tie, $65, available at J. McLaughlin. "It's super preppy, but the color gives it a lil' twist. The knit makes it perfect for summer cocktails."

Cole Haan Air Yacht Club Canoe, $148, available at Cole Haan. "These are super-comfortable with Nike air technology, but don't look orthopedic. It's a patriotic statement that would be perfect to rock at my July 4 party."

Links of London Metallic Copper & Grey Friendship Bracelet, $180, available at Links of London. "I got a black one a couple of years ago, and I still haven't taken it off. The new color is kinda military and bad-ass. Trying to decide what friend deserves this!"

Ondine, Limited Release, Select Theaters. "I've been sorta meh on Mr. Farrell lately, but he proves he's still got skillz in this Neil Jordan flick about a fisherman and a mythical sea creature—part woman, part seal."

T. Anthony Classic Duffle, $350, available at T. Anthony. "This canvas and leather number is a must for summer jaunts. The black and white feels fresh, and with a monogram it's J. Gatsby all the way."

Retro Super Future Summer Safari, $153, available at Eye Goodies. "I nearly cried when I lost these. Never has a pair of sunnies fit my face so excellently. Trust, they look dope on everyone."

Timo Weiland Asymmetric Cardigan, $171, available at Forward. "This cardie by my bestie Timo packs a serious color punch. It's got that Weiland twist, which will make for some raised eyebrows at the country club—and that's a good thing."

Saturdays Surf NYC Surf NYC Tee, $45, available at Inven.tory. "I don't really surf but I'll pretend I do with this graphic tee in fuck-off red. Gnarly."

Essie Lilacism Nail Polish, $8, available at Ulta. "I'm wild about the way this pale and pretty hue looks on short nails and I'm sure it would look lovely with a tan, too."

Dries Van Noten Ikat Clutch, $825, available at Mona Moore; "I would live in Dries Van Noten if I could, but until then, I'll carry all of my essentials in this oversized envelope Ikat clutch."

Karen Walker Round Sunglasses, $200, available Creatures of Comfort. "I've been wearing tortoise shell cat-eyes all spring, but I'd love to have these round sunnies in my summer rotation."

3.1 Phillip Lim Tulle-Trimmed Bra, $75, available here; and and Cheeky Bottoms, $75, available here. "I am obsessed with these super-beautiful unmentionables from 3.1 Phillip Lim."

Wren Navy Romper, $235, available at Wren Clothing. "I've been looking for a playful little romper to wear on a lazy Sunday, and this Wren number certainly fits the bill!"

LD Tuttle The Clear Wedge, $336, available at Creatures of Comfort. "I'm a little wedge-crazy this summer, and the structural heel of these LD Tuttle shoes is insane!"

Steven Alan Beach Blanket, $48, available at Steven Alan. "These bright and soft beach blankets are perfect for an impromptu picnic."

No. 6 Ruched Bodice Sundress, $288, available at Steven Alan. "You cannot go wrong with a sweet summer dress from No. 6."

Tumi for Opening Ceremony Laptop Case, $175.00, available at Opening Ceremony. "I'm hoping to travel this summer and I love the colors of this bag. The bright color means I won't ever misplace it, too."

Madewell Clambake Romper, $118, available at Madewell. "I love wearing rompers in the summer. It's such a quick and complete outfit!"

Korres Limited Edition Mango Lip Collection, $21, available at Sephora. "Korres makes awesome makeup. I love that you get 3 for the price of 1 and I really want to try spring's orangey-red lip. Plus, it's got the necessary SPF."

Lomography Mini Diana Camera with Flash, $105, available at Urban Outfitters. "This camera is so cute. I'm a sucker for tiny things."

Fletcher by Lyell Silk Tap Short, $14.99, available at Urban Outfitters. "I have a pair of Lyell shorts that I love, and for the price of these shorts, I can imagine wearing them all summer long under my short mini-dresses or a cute T-shirt."

In God We Trust Hammered Cuff Bracelets, $60, available at Refinery29 Shops. "The only jewelry I wear every day is a collection of bracelets on my wrists. For $60, I'd love to get a bunch of these and layer them on."

Balenciaga Red Round Frame, $395, available at Silver Lining Opticians. "These graduated tinted shades have such a Grey Gardens vibe about them that I love. All I need is a fur coat and a turban and I'd be set."