Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim's Spring 2012 collection was built around the ideas of geometry, activewear, and kites. Yes, those wispy things we send up to the sky inspired Lim's soft, flowing clothes, many of which ruffled and moved with the slightest breeze. There was lots of silk, from side-slit trousers to delicate dresses with geometric ruffles. There were sporty pieces as well, including tops that looked like they had been cut from a thin rubber (more chic than it sounds), micro twill utility vests, and a bonded leather round collar jacket. The trousers will be a must have next season, done in soft colors like limoncello and lavender for ultimate breezy style. So, too, will be the metallic silver sandals that look so insanely good with Lim's pastel-hued offerings.

• Trends: Sporty, structural shapes, pastels, vests.
• Colors: Soft pastels like limoncello, lilac, and shell pink; tempered with black, ivory, and pecan.
• Key Piece: The side-slit trousers, a black racerback maxi vest paired with slouchy pecan-hued trousers, the shell pink bonded leather jacket, a deceptively simple, but perfect, black halter minidress that floated around the body.
• Accessories: The silver Domina and Nishi sandals are gorgeous.
• Who Would Wear It: The effortless, downtown chic girls loved by Lim — from fashion bloggers like Hanneli to red-carpet stars like Leighton Meester and Rachel Bilson.

>> After a few rocky minutes of silence — and waiting for all the photographers to take their places — the audience at Phillip Lim's Spring 2012 show was ready to see some action. Instead, they got serenity in the shape of light-as-air separates and sherbet hues. Lim played with "free form" this season, employing weightless materials and geometric cuts to explore the spirit of kites in motion. On relaxed tops and dresses, fabric was left free at the seams where it caught air and floated away from the body, wing-like. On jackets and vests, the motif manifested in asymmetric folds, simple deconstruction, and fabrics in countering weights.

Our outfits would be nothing without the extra spark of an amazing piece of jewelry, so with Fall around the bend, we're looking out for the latest shapes and coolest colors. Since we've already covered our love for statement cuffs, slick earrings, and standout rings, we're shifting our enthusiasm toward the new breed of necklaces. Fall's new batch hones in on geometric shapes, natural elements — like stones and beads — gilded metals, and high collar silhouettes. A definite departure from last season's super-layered looks, and we like it. Check out our top 15 picks, ranging from a neon-accented leather column necklace from 3.1 Phillip Lim to a '70s-inspired wonder from Missoni, and start shopping.

>> Resort collections are usually synonymous with escapist inspirations, but Phillip Lim is going “against nature” for his Resort 2012 collection, sticking with what he knows best — an urban environment. “The idea of going away is essentially artificial for me. These skyscrapers are my trees,” he explained, indicating his Manhattan surroundings. “At the end of the day, wherever these clothes go, they have to come back here.” Hence the collection's utilitarian elements, found on drawstring-waisted pants and slouchy jackets. Lim is also launching his first accessories collection for Resort this season, including patent leather satchels and latex, open-toed platform booties.

We hope with the start of Summer you're in the midst of planning your own ministays at your destinations of choice. To get you started, we've done the packing for you — from a weekend at the beach to a country getaway at the family camp — there's a stylish solution to prepping for every travel scenario. So, click through to get started with three fabulous escapes.

>> With swimwear on our mind, we rounded up our favorite bikinis of the season. Think marbled prints from Seventh Wonderland, sexy string renditions from Missoni, a chic nautical creation from By Malene Birger . . . and more two-piece swim inspiration in the slideshow!