Most of the times, grandiose statements applied to websites tend to be in bad form. (Take for instance, the results page to a Googling of “The Best Website Ever Designed.”) The folks behind Viktor & Rolf recently revamped their website, announcing it “A World Bigger Than Life,” a dramatic idea that given this day and age, I frankly find alarming. However, I cursory glance at the new site did indeed prove rewarding: Page after flash-action page unfolds with dramatic, dream-like interiors, kooky V&R dolls that are currently on view at the Barbican Art Gallery in London, and a tour of the pixelated mansion by a cyber version of the duo themselves. (What’s next? V&R avatars?) While not exactly larger than life, the site mirrors the designers’ extravagant vision–which with a little desktop tinkering, you can now see for yourself on a daily basis.

See that far-off look in her eyes?

She’s wondering why she didn’t think of wearing a White +Warren cardi earlier…

Chances are, if you live and work in the Continental United States, the office is plagued with wardrobe woes during the summer months: If not the ol’ what-does-casual-Fridays-really-mean? conundrum, then there’s the sundress-and-perma-shivers combo that results from The Man’s high-octane air condition units. Behold, the answer to these and other sartorial issues: Summer-weight cashmere. Warm enough to make the A/C bearable and breezy enough to be youthful (i.e. this is ain’t no Grannie knit), the delicate cardigans from White + Warren come in every color—so there’s sure to be one that pairs well with your workday look, be it a casual Friday confection or not.

Modo Frames

Talk about shade-y business: Starting this week, with every purchase of their sleek sunglasses, Modo will give a cool, shade-giving tree back to Mother Nature. The initiative, One Frame, One Tree (not to be confused with E-photoframe’s similar environmental project) is a result of Modo’s partnership with Trees for the Future and the Arbor Day Foundation which is aimed at improving the globe’s eco-system and helping developing countries restore their barren lands. So trek on over to your nearest store and snag a pair–be it from Modo’s own collection or Derek Lam and Philip Lim‘s line–to score a look that’s stylish, SPF-safe, and environmentally sound.–Claudia Crousillat

It takes a certain savvy to parlay great style into fashion and fêtes, and Cynthia Rowley has that aesthetic X-factor in abundance. Known for both her playful sense of fashion and fuss-free approach to entertaining (see The Swell Girl’s Guide to… series for proof) the designer recently hosted a presentation of her 2008 resort collection at her not-so-shabby-and-100%-chic West Village abode. While the word “presentation” might evoke images of PowerPoint slides, laser pointers, and high school science class (gasp), Rowley’s display was nothing of the sort.

After entering Rowley’s first floor flat, I descended down a narrow flight of stairs and entered into a sun-soaked ground floor kitchen. While waiters whisked by with fruit-kebabs and rows of champagne, the “presentation” took place in the designer’s dreamy courtyard garden. Twelve models—each draped in Rowley’s kittenish resort wear— lounged around the outdoor lap pool.

Cynthia Rowley Resort 2008

Some stood, hunched in floral jumpsuits and loose black pencil dresses, while others leaned on one another (à la the enchanting sisters in the Virgin Suicides) in branch-patterned outfits and bold beaded necklaces. All sported Rowley’s crocheted white espadrilles (“They’re comfortable!” one said). Though the color palate remained simple (mostly white, black, and grey) the collection seemed ideal for balmy weather—and perfect for the design-focused hostess like Rowley herself.—Alexandra Goldstein

Buckle up boys and girls: There’s a special, private Kate Spade sale underway online. A select assortment of those cheeky, delectable goodies are now up to 60% off. (For instance, the patent charmers below are just $159!) Inventory–understandably–is limited so get ready to indulge in some e-commerce fun: While the sale is slated to continue from today until June 20th, a little birdie just told me that these sales can sell-out within one day! So what are you waiting for? Snap out that credit card and get shopping!

If you are anything like me, you loved 1965 cult-classic “Get Smart” with the crime fighting dynamic duo Maxwell Smart (Don Adams) and Agent 99 (Barbara Feldman) whose mission was to thwart evil do’ers trying to take over the world!! (MUAAHHAHAAH) If so, then you must be ecstatic to know that this summer the delightful tv show is making its way to the big screen…with a modern twist!

The one thing I am looking forward to (besides the comedic relief of Steve Carell) is the fashion!!! Anne Hathaway WOWed us in “The Devil Wears Prada” and she’s doing it again as Agent 99 the levelheaded, daring, and the oh so sophisticated sidekick whose casual-chic appearance is versatile easily taking her all over the world as a top international spy.

My wardrobe has been waiting for an upgrade and what a better boost than to stock it with a modern take on a 1960’s feel. Get these fabulous finds so that your style can become useful in many undercover operations…

Color Block’n

The Bucket list

Cat Lady

KAOS in CONTROL

These boots were made for walk’n

Check Mate!

They say that when people see the color red, their hearts beat faster. (Hence the romantic connotation to the hue.) Well, nothing gets a fashion girl’s pulse racing more than the sight of Topshop logo–be it in a cherry, orange or lemon-lime hue. For years, budget-conscious trendsetters in the US had to worshipp the UK mega-store from afar. (Kate Moss-designed duds! Trendy accessories! Free personal shoppers! What’s not to love!?) But come October (16th-18th sources say), this long-distance love affair will come to an end as a Manhattan outpost opens its doors. As a recent stateside preview of the label’s fall line showed, the store will be filled with so many stunning looks at shockingly low prices–nothing in the store will top $400–it may send a bevy of Soho shoppers into cardiac arrest.

Carlos Miele Resort 08/09 

An Hour is a Sea by Emily Dickinson

An Hour is a Sea
Between a few, and me –
With them would Harbor be –

 Tower Of Light by Pablo Neruda

O tower of light, sad beauty
that magnified necklaces and statues in the sea,

Monique Lhuiller’s Resort/Holiday collection 

calcareous eye, insignia of the vast waters, cry
of the mourning petrel, tooth of the sea, wife
of the Oceanian wind, O separate rose

from the long stem of the trampled bush
that the depths, converted into archipelago,

O natural star, green diadem,
alone in your lonesome dynasty,
still unattainable, elusive, desolate
like one drop, like one grape, like the sea.

Erin Fetherston’s holiday collection, accessorized with Van Cleef jewels

Sonnet 44, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Beloved, thou hast brought me many flowers
Plucked in the garden, all the summer through
And winter, and it seemed as if they grew
In this close room, nor missed the sun and showers.

So, in the like name of that love of ours,
Take back these thoughts which here unfolded too,
And which on warm and cold days I withdrew
From my heart’s ground. Indeed, those beds and bowers
Be overgrown with bitter weeds and rue,
And wait thy weeding; yet here’s eglantine,
Here ‘s ivy!—take them, as I used to do
Thy flowers, and keep them where they shall not pine.

Instruct thine eyes to keep their colors true,
And tell thy soul their roots are left in mine.