My 9 Favorite Designers for Summer 2020

by Lily Tracy June 4, 2020

I’m a fashion fanatic, but let’s face it: I’m also a mother of 5 young children who’s getting her eponymous clothing line off the ground. So while I’d always love to rock Bottega Veneta curve sandals and a timeless Hermes scarf, I tend to support smaller fashion companies that deserve serious recognition. With more affordable prices than major fashion houses – but incredible attention-to-detail – I’m able to spread more love about my favorite designers (Lower prices also keep my husband happier!).

So as we swing into Summer 2020, here are some of the brands I’m currently obsessed with:

1. Vita Fede Jewelry

Friends and family know that I’m absolutely in love with this US-based jewelry brand’s aesthetic. Their pieces are modern, simple, and sleek. Take their Franco Crystal Necklace: It’s a timeless chain with a textured twist and dash of Swarovski crystals. Available in gold, rose gold, and silver, there’s something for everyone to love here.

For baubles with a bite, who wouldn’t love their Mini Titan bracelet? The dual-tipped conical arms offer a punk edge while the Swarovski crystals keep this piece resoundingly feminine. This is – without a doubt – one of my favorite pieces to pair with jeans and a t-shirt.

2. Paloma Barcelo Shoes

I’ve just discovered this Spanish shoe brand and am loving their use of natural materials like wood and raffia. This pair of raffia slide sandals, for example, have the cutest band of crystals along the strap to spice things up. They’re perfect for me to throw on with the next item in this list...

3. Misa Los Angeles

This Misa faux-wrap skirt is equal parts “cool mom” and “boho chic” – exactly the style I’m going for. It’s simple enough to be paired with a casual cardigan or a crop top for one of our date nights (we still have those after 9 years of marriage!). We’ve all been missing out on brunches too, but when we’re able to get back together, these wide leg pants are making an appearance with plenty of mimosas.

Rosa Cutoff Denim Bermuda Shorts

4. Rag & Bone Jeans

While they might be the most famous brand on this list, it’s for a good reason: As a tall girl in the early 00s, finding high-rise cuts was next-to-impossible. Since discovering Rag & Bone, I’ve never looked back. This season, I have a crush on the Maya High Rise jeans that have the clean Rag n Bone silhouette but the lightest pink tie-dye details. Perfect for family walks or farmer’s markets, I can’t wait to pair these with my upcoming loungewear tops.

When the weather heats up, these high rise shorts never let me down. Perfectly distressed, effortlessly chic, and incredibly well-made, I’ve owned the same pair for 3 years and the color is still bright. Best of all, because they sit higher on the waistline, I can pick up my kids without needing to yank them up.

5. Loeffler Randall Shoes & Accessories

This shoe and accessories brand exceeds all expectations of cute and functional. Currently, the Camellia bow heel is speaking to me, with its vibrant colors, pleated organza, and padded heel. This is the ultimate wedding guest shoe.

I’m always hunting for accessories and pieces, and their Mallory crossbody bag is reminiscent of huarache sandals – in the best way possible. Though they might be a big fashion brand, I really appreciate Loeffler Randall’s ethos, too.

Right: Hemant & NanditaPlunging Long Peasant Dress

6. Hemant and Nandita

Speaking of amazing patterns, Hemant and Nandita dresses – like the Tiana mini dress – pair unlikely patterns together in a surprisingly flattering way! The New Delhi brand strikes the perfect balance between flirty, feminine, and flower child, as evidenced by their stunning Esme jogger pants, a high-waisted number with gold embroidery and a modern twist on tie-dye. These are epic, and I’m looking forward to wearing them with a crop top, layered necklaces, and stacked bracelets.

7. Hunter Bell NYC Dresses

Thanks to its smocked bodice and wide skirt, the Lydia dress will flatter and fit most body types. The skirt’s trumpet-esque flare adds an element of elegance and the detachable belt means I can “zhoosh” up even more outfits.

With three daughters, there’s plenty of dress-up being played in our house, but the Rebekah dress feels like one that’s made just for me. With the leg-of-mutton sleeves and high-low hemline, it’s got everything a modern princess could want.

8. Song of Style

I’ve followed this blogger for years and was thrilled when she started creating a line of her own. The 90s are back in a big way, and I’m not mad about it! The Isla Midi Dress comes in the most perfect rust color, and the buckle straps and oversized buttons are the icing on top. This simplicity of this dress means that the accessorizing options are seemingly endless.

As I said earlier, the Bottega Veneta Curve is currently giving me life, but the price point and heel height are a bit impractical for a mother of 5 young kids. That’s another reason why the Song of Style Euro Heel is such a great choice: It’s still on-trend but the square toe gives more balance as I undoubtedly have to dodge toys on my way to date night.

9. Zimmermann

Zimmerman has been on too many celebrities to count, from Beyoncé to Emma Roberts to Margot Robbie. And honestly? This Australian fashion brand has it figured out, with their soft prints and summery vibes.

Currently, I’m obsessing over Zimmerman’s Super Eight Wide-Leg Trousers. The ultra-pale pink – combined with an effortlessly cool high waist – makes this a ‘must’. As soon as I spotted the Edie Tie Mini Dress, I was reminded of the beautiful Italian frescoes and tiles I saw with my then-boyfriend (now-husband) ten years ago. The simple, feminine cut and complementary patterns are perfect for a simple pair of sandals and jean jacket (for cooler nights).