Most of the times, grandiose statements applied to websites tend to be in bad form. (Take for instance, the results page to a Googling of “The Best Website Ever Designed.”) The folks behind Viktor & Rolf recently revamped their website, announcing it “A World Bigger Than Life,” a dramatic idea that given this day and age, I frankly find alarming. However, I cursory glance at the new site did indeed prove rewarding: Page after flash-action page unfolds with dramatic, dream-like interiors, kooky V&R dolls that are currently on view at the Barbican Art Gallery in London, and a tour of the pixelated mansion by a cyber version of the duo themselves. (What’s next? V&R avatars?) While not exactly larger than life, the site mirrors the designers’ extravagant vision–which with a little desktop tinkering, you can now see for yourself on a daily basis.

See that far-off look in her eyes?

She’s wondering why she didn’t think of wearing a White +Warren cardi earlier…

Chances are, if you live and work in the Continental United States, the office is plagued with wardrobe woes during the summer months: If not the ol’ what-does-casual-Fridays-really-mean? conundrum, then there’s the sundress-and-perma-shivers combo that results from The Man’s high-octane air condition units. Behold, the answer to these and other sartorial issues: Summer-weight cashmere. Warm enough to make the A/C bearable and breezy enough to be youthful (i.e. this is ain’t no Grannie knit), the delicate cardigans from White + Warren come in every color—so there’s sure to be one that pairs well with your workday look, be it a casual Friday confection or not.

Modo Frames

Talk about shade-y business: Starting this week, with every purchase of their sleek sunglasses, Modo will give a cool, shade-giving tree back to Mother Nature. The initiative, One Frame, One Tree (not to be confused with E-photoframe’s similar environmental project) is a result of Modo’s partnership with Trees for the Future and the Arbor Day Foundation which is aimed at improving the globe’s eco-system and helping developing countries restore their barren lands. So trek on over to your nearest store and snag a pair–be it from Modo’s own collection or Derek Lam and Philip Lim’s line–to score a look that’s stylish, SPF-safe, and environmentally sound.–Claudia Crousillat

It takes a certain savvy to parlay great style into fashion and ftes, and Cynthia Rowley has that aesthetic X-factor in abundance. Known for both her playful sense of fashion and fuss-free approach to entertaining (see The Swell Girls Guide to series for proof) the designer recently hosted a presentation of her 2008 resort collection at her not-so-shabby-and-100%-chic West Village abode. While the word presentation might evoke images of PowerPoint slides, laser pointers, and high school science class (gasp), Rowleys display was nothing of the sort.

After entering Rowleys first floor flat, I descended down a narrow flight of stairs and entered into a sun-soaked ground floor kitchen. While waiters whisked by with fruit-kebabs and rows of champagne, the presentation took place in the designers dreamy courtyard garden. Twelve modelseach draped in Rowleys kittenish resort wear lounged around the outdoor lap pool.

Cynthia Rowley Resort 2008

Some stood, hunched in floral jumpsuits and loose black pencil dresses, while others leaned on one another ( la the enchanting sisters in the Virgin Suicides) in branch-patterned outfits and bold beaded necklaces. All sported Rowleys crocheted white espadrilles (Theyre comfortable! one said). Though the color palate remained simple (mostly white, black, and grey) the collection seemed ideal for balmy weatherand perfect for the design-focused hostess like Rowley herself.—Alexandra Goldstein