We’re approaching the last stretch of summer, and I’m officially tired of my warm-weather wardrobe. For a fun update before the sobriety of fall fashion takes over, I’ll pick up a pair of patterned shorts that will keep me cool through August (and ensure I don’t continue to wear dresses every day until September).

I’m partial to an ikat-print pair by Alice + Olivia, perfect for weekends with a tucked-in jersey tank and layers of beaded Vanessa Mooney necklaces. But print shorts don’t have to look this casual: I can take the look to the office with a feminine pair of Club Monaco shorts, worn with a white Equipment blouse and neutral suede pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti.

--Tonya

Rachel Zoe and Shopbop have teamed up on an exclusive video to celebrate the launch of the much anticipated Rachel Zoe Collection.

The event starts bright and early the morning of Monday, Aug. 1, with our exclusive Rachel Zoe Collection lookbook. Then, Rachel will be chatting live, answering your questions, as the full film premieres at 12pm ET/9am PT (that’s 5pm in London for our international following).

Start thinking up your questions for Rachel. This one is not to be missed! RSVP here.

Follow Shopbop on Facebook and Twitter to get up-to-the minute updates.

Every gal’s got a drawer full of Hanky Panky thongs, but sometimes she needs something a little more special. Meet three new lingerie lines making intimates that are so much more than just underthings.

In Bloom by Jonquil
Launched in 1980 by Diane Samandi, the inspiration behind In Bloom by Jonquil lingerie is rooted in old Hollywood glamour and vintage design. Delicate lace mingles with intricate details, making each piece feel luxe.

Marlies Dekkers
A pioneer of the innerwear-as-outerwear trend, Dutch designer Marlies Dekkers is internationally known for her innovative creations. Marlies Dekkers lingerie plays with lines in a way rarely seen in intimates, accentuating every curve on the female form.

Amulette
Amulette lingerie is out to recover the delicacy of romance. Designed by Johanna Isaac and inspired by the country that all but invented lingerie, France, Amulette pieces are sentimental yet alluring, and they invite the wearer to escape the ordinary.

--Amie

Though I first felt like a full-fledged adult when I bought my own toothpaste after moving into my college dorm, I recently recognized the transition wasn’t complete when I found myself stuffing a day’s worth of essentials (yet again) into a worn-in canvas tote bag. I realized it’s time to splurge on a polished leather tote that won’t make me look like I’m still an undergrad when I walk into the office.

The candidates? The Large Emile Tote by Alexander Wang (I love the supple espresso leather and the structured corners), MM6 Maison Martin Margiela’s pebbled leather version, and a wool style with leather trim by DSQUARED2. But perhaps the most perfect for my purposes is from Diane von Furstenberg (pictured). Though it has the same shape as my old canvas standby, the ostrich-embossed leather lends it an unmistakable air of luxury. (And, like the DVF wrap dress, it’s perfect for all occasions.)

--Tonya

Pre-fall pieces continue to come in, and among them are some of the most gorgeous leather clothing items I’ve ever seen. Designers have managed to make the material once reserved for boots and biker jackets soft and feminine, the antithesis of intimidating.

There are plenty of leather jackets (my favorites are by Donna Karan New York, Helmut Lang, and 3.1 Phillip Lim), but the best items coming through this season are a little less obvious. Take the Alexander Wang shirtdress pictured. Chiffon sleeves and well-placed slits give the leather a logic-defying, airy feel. In the world of separates, there are skirts both pencil (Sachin + Babi) and full (AIKO, Zac Posen) that beg to be worn with an Equipment blouse, and a pair of Alice + Olivia shorts that make the notion of wearing leather when it’s 90 degrees far more plausible. Just pair with a weightless T by Alexander Wang tank, K. Jacques sandals, and Ray-Ban sunglasses.

--Amie

Go behind the scenes at the Paige Denim fall/winter 2011 shoot, starring Poppy Delevingne. Designer and Founder Paige Adams-Geller talks about what’s to come for the season—think rich colors, tough-girl hardware, and, of course, the classics you love.

Shop Paige Jeans.

Sparkling jewels, tennis bracelets, add-a-pearl necklaces. Who needs them? This season, jewelry brands are taking the prim out of accessorizing, toughening up their baubles with rough-edged stones, pointed spikes, and gnarled metal, without sacrificing the pretty.

Meet three Shopbop newcomers leading the pack:

FELIKS+ADRIK
Named after the Russian words for “lucky” and “dark,” FELIKS+ADRIK jewelry has a masculine tone with a playful spirit. The brand began in New York in 2010 as a collection of jewelry pieces both bold and elegant, and the fall 2011 collection presents a rough-hewn take on delicate metals and chains.

Assad Mounser
Inspired by the stars of the glam rock movement, Assad Mounser jewelry designer Amanda Assad Mounser weaves bullet-like spikes with luxe fringe in her latest collection. Statement-making without stepping over the top, each piece is a unique, treasured find.

Mima
The bohemian of our bunch, Mima by Marimerce Santiago is inspired by the designer’s religious beliefs and globetrotting lifestyle. Marimerce uses local artisans from her native Puerto Rico and other corners of the world to design pieces both elegant and significant in meaning. This season sees gothic barbwire and skulls mingling with natural stones and her signature macramé.

--Amie

With the heat wave currently taking a tour across most of the US, it’s hard to think about bundling up in wool and cashmere. But ponder the outerwear we will today, so crank up the AC and let’s look at some coats.

Classic Camel
Camel came back in a big way last fall, and it’s not going gentle into the abyss of trends that once were. It’s a timeless neutral, darn it, and it feels rich and elegant season after season. 3.1 Phillip Lim (pictured), Rag & Bone, and See by Chloé have put some luxe options on the pre-fall table.

Short Volume
I personally favor a longer coat for the dead of winter, but for the months leading up to January’s bitterness, a shorter jacket with a funky play on volume is unexpected and chic. Alexander Wang took a preppy double-breasted style downtown, and this Vince jacket has the makings of an heirloom piece.

Bold Color
Have you worn a variation on the same black felt coat for years? Time to branch out into bold color. Phillip Lim (who is clearly king of outerwear this season) has a pumpkin rendition that blends retro and modern, and DVF did up a shade of light-bright blue (pictured) that is simply gorgeous.

--Amie

Footwear is feeling a little bipolar lately. The extreme wedge is as covetable as the flat sandal, the embellished bootie as popular as the classic pump. And emerging as a must-buy for fall (so says WWD Footwear News): the smoking slipper, in variations both basic and bejeweled. It comes with fashion’s return to the leisure class, and thanks to the industry’s obsession with androgyny, ladies are wearing the footwear once reserved for cigar-puffing, scotch-swilling men in velvet jackets.

Sam Edelman offers haircalf variations that feel both decadent and practical, as well as a houndstooth version that’s funky, yet appropriately preppy. Steven by Steve Madden got in the game with leopard print—best worn with a white Equipment button-down and cuffed J Brand skinny jeans. And keep an eye out for Charles Philip, coming soon to Shopbop. He gives the classic silhouette a playful twist, using fun prints and unique fabrics.

--Amie

When Kate Moss donned a gown with a peek-a-boo skirt for her recent wedding, opinion was divided on whether it was too racy for the occasion or if it was just plain perfect. I fell into the latter camp, and the more I spot sheer maxi skirts and dresses on street style blogs, the more I want to try the trend out for myself.

Because I’d rather not get ticketed for indecent exposure, I’ll skip the bodysuits and booty shorts and simply layer a sheer, embroidered maxi dress by Free People over a short lace slip dress, or wear a sheer maxi skirt over a jersey miniskirt in an unexpected contrasting color. Or I could take out the guesswork and choose a sheer maxi skirt that has a shorter lining built in, like this one by Alice + Olivia.

What about you—will you be wearing sheer maxis this summer? Or do you think it’s a look that’s better in theory than in practice?

--Tonya