The Living Is Easy

TRULY, ONE OF the most wonderful things about New York in the summer is that you actually experience the city slowing down. Everyone is taking a collective breath and it’s time to have some fun. While there are endless luxurious escapes so close to New York, may we remind you that there is also so much to love about our city in the summer?

In this issue, a few of our favorite chefs divulge their ultimate cool creations, and notable New Yorkers from Stacey Bendet to Gail Simmons reveal their favorite summer pastimes.

KristenWiig—anardentNewYorkerandSaturdayNightLivefavorite—starsonour cover. Truly talented, she is as down-to-earth as she is hilariously funny. And you’ve seen these guys here, there and soon to be everywhere: Photographer Alexo Wandael shoots eight New York men (including actor Ben Hollingsworth and model Chris Collins) who have their fi nger on the pulse of the art, fashion and theater scenes. Wandael then turns his lens to graphic black and white beachwear.

It’s impossible to talk summer and not talk about fashion. Alber Elbaz opens his first exquisite New York Lanvin boutique on glorious Madison Avenue. Right nearby J.Crew is slated to open its fi rst bridal boutique modeled after a French salon and filled with the kind of details and personal attention any bride would adore. We search for inner tranquility in our piece “From Within,” where wellness takes center stage and we learn, simply, that we must slow down.

On that note, try to break the habit of attempting to get everything done in a Gotham minute and embrace a slower pace in our beloved beach community, the Hamptons (our first issue of Hamptons is out Memorial Day weekend). We hope to see you there!

SAMANTHA YANKS EDITOR IN CHIEF

Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/smylife.

Summer's Best Bets

“Every year I hunt down the perfect beach tote. This is the one for this summer.” La Plage tote, Jamin Puech ($635). 14 Prince St., 212-431-5200 “ I am always running around, so I’ve pared down my clothing to the basics and I accessorize with statement jewelry.” Coralized goldplated cuff bracelet, Ann Taylor ($48). 600 Fifth Ave., 212-922-3621 “An invitation should still come in the mail.” Stationery, Cheree Berry Paper (price on request). Contact info@chereeberry.com.

“ I adore coffee-table books. They are an inexpensive way to dress up your apartment.” Botanicals: Butterflies & Insects, Assouline ($50). 768 Fifth Ave., 212-593-7236 “The packaging on these is divine, and the scent of the soaps is even lovelier Ilyria bath bar, Claus Porto ($18). LAFCO/Santa Maria Novella, 285 Lafayette St., 212-925-0001

PHOTOGRAPH BY BELL SOTO FOR NO-NAMEPRODUCTIONS.COM (YANKS); HAIR/MAKEUP BY SCOTT MCMAHAN FOR INTROARTISTS.COM; DRESS, ALICE + OLIVIA; NECKLACE, J.CREW; RING, MIRIAM SALAT