Warm weather and the lure of the Mediterranean motif.
The Teacel blouse by Fredericksburg designer Jukes Reid channels l’espirit rayure in pink. Lavender lace bell bottoms ($495), suede fringe vest ($595) and blouse ($295). JulesReid.com
What do the French and British know that you don’t? They know the secret to a great summer day is to sink your bum into an espadrille-striped deckchair. Add to that a highball of sparkling water with three shots of Monin almond syrup and you’re halfway to the Riviera. $121. DeckChairStripes.com
Espadrilles are the most ephemeral of shoes. Despite their hardy Catalan heritage, they, like fireflies, give up the ghost at summer’s end. The jute sole unravels and the canvas splits–but not before they’ve been your comfy best friend for this season’s every morning beach walk, trip to market and Fourth of July celebration. $59.50. EddieBauer.com
When summer ends and you need an off-season pick-me-up, whip out these espadrille-covered notebooks and smile. $12-18. LesToilesduSoleilNYC.com
Whether in a child’s bedroom or hanging from your porch, nothing says summer party like bunting in espadrille. About $36. DeckChairStripes.com
The Benedict Arm Chair by McKinnon and Harris (below) is a chic addition to any summer scene. Based on chairs once owned by John Fowler, the design partner of Virginian Nancy Lancaster, the Chinese Red Finish adds a cheeky flourish. Sold to the trade only. MckinnonHarris.com
Paris-based Jamin Peuch, a darling of the European press, is a brand just reaching our shores with a highly elevated collection of bags and accessories drawing on unexpected materials and a Riviera-inspired palette. The Wanda Day Bag in twisted cotton is available at Roan in Richmond’s Carytown. $780. RoanShop.com
As our thoughts turn to summer, we are reminded of the greatest migration of them all—from Paris and its arrondissements down to the shores of the Mediterranean, where the combination of sun and bright espadrille stripes are an irresistible force. And when those stripes are in shades of crisp red, white and blue nothing could be more French … or American.
