I recently returned from a fabulous week in Croatia, beginning in the glistening city of Dubrovnik and ending on the nightlife-centric island of Hvar. Croatia is quickly becoming to new jet-set summer destination in Europe, so read below and pack your bags!

What to Wear: 
The summer months are hot, so for day men should be sure to bring light linen shirts and women should include breezy sundresses. Dubrovnik, especially the Stradun, is paved in highly polished (and highly slippery) marble, so include shoes with traction for a day of sightseeing. On high profile Hvar (often touted as the new St. Tropez), bring your party clothes for nights out at island hotspot Carpe Diem. Croatia is all about the gorgeous blue-green Adriatic Sea, therefore swimsuits and beach gear are a must. A warning: the water is full of sea urchins, so rubber shoes for serious swimmers are essential!

Where to Shop:
My favorite store in Dubrovnik was by far Maria. This boutique carries current season pieces by Celine and Miu Miu, to-die-for shoes by the wonderful Rene Caovilla, Erikson Beamon jewels and offerings from Gharani Strok (I picked up a electric blue printed scarf blouse), the London based design team of Croaatian native Vanya Strok and Iranian-born Nagress Gharani.
Maria, Ul.Sv. Dominika bb, 20 000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, 00385 20 321 330, http://www.maria-dubrovnik.hr/ 

-Lucia Marcelle Tait

Why we love it: Thanks to a recent edition, East 11th Street now boasts two of the chicest men’s boutiques around. First there was Odin, an established spot offering a uniquely edited collection of must-have clothing and accessories for men. This small store boasts lines such as Y-3, shades by Marc Jacobs as well as indie offerings from Rag & Bone, Phillip Crangi jewelry and super-soft tees by Nostalgie. In the back, you’ll find luxe skincare products by Sharps, cologne by Comme des Garcons, and even fish eye cameras by Lomo.

The latest addition to Odin’s family, Den, offers a new concept in shopping; owners Eddy Chai and Paul Birardi devote the entire store to only one designer at a time. At the moment, they are showcasing the line Cheap Monday, which will be followed by other emerging talents such as Tim Hamilton, and Karen Walker.

Piece to covet: S2W8 Canvas duffle bag. Perfect for those last-minute weekend getaways. Throw your Havaianas and some board shorts in there and you’re set!

Odin, 199 Lafayette Street, 212-966-0026; 328 East 11th Street, 212-475-0666; Den, 330 East 11th Street, 212-475-0079

- Amanda Doll Sheppard 

Why we love it: A welcome destination for Meatpacking District shoppers, this bright boutique is nestled in a non-Scoop plot of Washington Street and is outfitted in dark wood flooring, cow-skin rugs and original photography installations on the walls. Carrying all the established fashionista staples (See by Chloe, Vivienne Westwood), Dernier Cri also stocks the next-big-thing designs of Tsumori Chisato and Gen Art alum, Chris Habana. “We offer something different, but we make it accessible,” explains store owner, Stacia Valle. “We sell fashion-forward, inspired design without making it too precious, and the customers really respond to that—they get creative and become less self-conscious.” With their highly-edited offerings, laid-back vibe and knowledgeable sales staff, Dernier Cri is a spot you’ll be going back to again and again.

Piece to covet: We are obsessed with cool, white cotton t-shirts during these overly-hot summer months, and Dernier Cri offers a superfine version, with lingerie embellished stitching, by Harlow.

Dernier Cri, 869 Washington Street, NYC, (212) 242-6061
- Lucia Marcelle Tait