As I pack for my weekend away with my husband and I pull out the pieces that I always turn to as my Spring/Summer essentials, it inspired me to write this article. Although these items are truly classic staples, not the latest trend or by the hottest designer, they are actually items I think are worth writing home about – or in this case writing to my Suzy friends about.

I'm on my 3rd pair: Leather Capri Sandals for $49.50 in metallic silver, jcrew.com (see above). These are truly classics as their design was inspired by Jackie O's own timeless footwear. The metallic adds the pop; the simplicity keeps them in style and on demand year after year; and the cut combined with the soft leather make them my most comfortable flips.


I won't go on and on as I've written about them before, but the true spring/summer staple is white denim. I recommend a cropped and slim cut for this time of year. They're sexy for night with heels but also perfect for bumming around any city or beach town.

I love this pair: Gwenevere in Clean White for $169.00, 7forallmankind.com.




Year after year Trina cuts the best tunic blouses for the season. I own this blouse and love it: Maribel Blouse for $288.00, trinaturk.com.  

Layer this over your bikini for day or wear it with white denim and your jcrew flips at night.



My favorite bikini of all time and one that I bought from J.Crew 5 years ago: Solid String Bikini top for $40 and Solid String Hipster for $38, both in black; (I don't advise the white for obvious reasons). jcrew.com

I swear to you this bikini looks fabulous on any body type, the reason why? It ties! These stringy ties are genius, they allow you to let it out or take it in as much as your individual body may need, that year, that month, that day…



A dress that I could literally ball-up in my suitcase and pop out with little need to iron, this is a must for travel as well as for everyday. I don't own this lovely little lightweight cotton-blend sweater dress but plan to find a way to.

Banana is known for their flattering sweater-dresses and this cut has to be one of the most flattering looks for everyone this summer: Cap-sleeved Textured Sweater Dress for $98, bananarepublic.com

Jennifer Bakken is a San Francisco based wardrobe consultant. For more information: cabinetdenvie.com.