It's Summer, and the Wardrobe Should Be Easy

Here at FA2L, we love summer clothes but ask a lot of them: they should be comfortable, hold up to considerable wear and tear and, above all, look effortless–when it's 90 degrees in the shade, no one appreciates tricky effects. But that doesn't mean abandoning fashion.

In other words, there are basics, and then there are chic basics. So instead of flip-flops (best kept for the beach), women might want to consider French Sole's comfy, quilted leather ballerina flats from Manhattan's new French Sole Comfort store. Men, if the occasion calls for a tie, should skip heavy silk and try cotton knit versions by J.M. Dickens. As for hats, they're not just good-looking, they're smart: they protect your face and scalp from the broiling sun. This one's by Rod Keenan, who imbues each design with personality to spare. Meanwhile, "the basics" have been left far behind in the wake of a stylish summer.

Polaroid photographs by Anthony Philip Festa, www.anthonyphilipfesta.com.

A Little Bit of Scotland Plus a Lot of French Flair

The French house of Hermès is famous for its printed silk scarves and ties, but the company's menswear designer, Véronique Nichanian, also creates unusual accessories such as ties made of leather, cotton-and-silk or marvelously-textured wool tweed. FA2L loves this go-to-hell version of a Scottish plaid, complete with fringed edges and bright colors. It's the perfect bit of dash for any stylish man: traditional enough, but not so much that he'll want to play the bagpipes; and very, very chic. It's hanging in Hermès stores now (at a reasonable price, considering the tags on adjacent items) so snap one up while you can. And remember how nice those orange boxes look next to birthday cakes, peeking out of Christmas stockings or piled up under the tree.