by Sarah Morrison
The span of a season can be likened to the sensory experience of sampling a piece of dark chocolate. Bittersweet. The season opens and we are awash with delight, enraptured by an initial overload of flavor that is sweet and light. As we continue on, bite after bite, that blooming sweetness soon fades into notes that are more balanced in nature—bitter, even. Still, the sweetness is there. And that lingering bittersweet aftertaste, signaling the end of a slightly better beginning and middle, encapsulates no better season than that of summer.
And what would summer be without its defining fashions? Perhaps that underlying sweetness of the season is best expressed, at least, for us prudent and discerning shoppers among us, in the incredible buys to be found as we near summer’s curtain call. When not wading in the ocean in our little-nothings, we turn our sartorial attention to still-insouciant pieces we can wear now and a bit later: flowy midi skirts and dresses, a linen short, or maybe a chic jumpsuit that’s statement worthy all on its own. Also top of mind is the abundance of deals that overcome our Instagram feeds and our every last scroll of the digital marketplace. As we watch those hot ticket items dwindle down in price, digit by digit, it’s surely hard not to bite the bullet. Which is why, with a little help from my friends at Google once again, I’ve scoured the web to bring you a healthy dose of these irresistible end-of-summer deals, all wrapped up in the below Labor Day-ready looks. Summer’s never tasted so sweet.
beach bound







Shop: Flashback Bikini Top by L*Space (Now $59 at Shopbop), Teen Spirit Deux Round-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses by Le Specs ($60 at NET-A-PORTER), Lara Pant by ELLEJAY (Now $112 at Revolve), Panama Hat in Navy by Cuyana ($85 at Cuyana), Easton Top by lovewave ($58 at Revolve), Women’s Riley Flip Flops in Cocoa Butter by TKEES ($50 at Amazon), Open Weave Straw Tote by Reformation ($48 at Reformation)
ladies who brunch




Shop: Gaia’s Ark Mini Clutch by Cult Gaia ($128 at Shopbop), Stone & Tassel Earrings by Madewell ($30 at Shopbop), Angie Dress by LOVESHACKFANCY (Now $297 at LOVESHACKFANCY), Women’s Samantha Platform Sandals by SCHUTZ (Now $92 at Bloomingdale’s)
fire up the grill



Shop: Sterling Short in Sand by Reformation ($98 at Reformation), Kai Bodysuit in Pepe Stripe by Reformation ($58), Packable Adriana Short Brimmed Fedora by Janessa Leone ($207 at Shopbop)
drinks with a view




Shop: Victoria Knit Tank Top by A.L.C. ($225 at INTERMIX), Jasper Floral-Print Crepe Wrap Skirt by Faithfull The Brand ($160 at NET-A-PORTER), Arianne Platform Ankle Strap Sandal by Tory Burch (Now $220 at Nordstrom), The Chain Crossbody Bag by Madewell ($88 at Madewell)
dancing in the moonlight




Shop: Dana Skirt by Loveshackfancy (Now $171 at Loveshackfancy), Metalik Ada Blush Espadrille by KAANAS ($149 at KAANAS), Naomi Ruffled Tie-Front Crop Top by I.AM.GIA (Now $61 at IAMGIA), Roxy Bag by LOVESHACKFANCY (Now $81 at Shopbop)