Welcome to the first in a new series of exclusive photo features showcasing seasonal style essentials inspired by classic icons of elegance, sport and design, photographed with the most beautiful and coveted cars on the road. The emphasis is on luxury of course, but of the timeless variety as opposed to mere extravagance.

In our recent Classicist column on the 2010 Jaguar XK convertible coming out this August, we remarked on the sleek new cat's stylistic heritage dating back to 1948's XK120, as driven by the likes of Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable, as well as later models like the D-Type (or XK-SS) made famous by the great Steve McQueen. The first in our new series of exclusive shoots is inspired by them and stars the XK in homage to these stylish icons, both man and automotive (read all about the new XK here).

In particular, the influence of Gable (with his XK120 in 1954, top right) and McQueen (with his XK-SS, center right) can be seen in the summery style essentials we've assembled for this shoot. For the pastoral setting we drew on another classic Jaguar reference, an image of writer Truman Capote in a Jaguar XK-E, the model most closely aligned with the new XK, in the Hamptons in 1965 (bottom right).

In the spirit of summer we've chosen a classic combination of navy and white, popular as fashionable resort wear for a nearly a century and still going strong in the right circles. While navy blazers of the type shown here originated as part of English cricket club scenery and other elegant sporting occasions such as the Henley Royal Regatta, without gold buttons it needn't be unnecessarily nautical or costume-y.

The jacket shown here, in tropical weight wool with soft shoulders by the dashing Italian house of Etro, references its sporting antecedents with grosgrain tipping on the lapels, pockets and cuffs; however, since it is finished in the same color as the jacket the effect is a subtle one, while the slim cut updates the look with Italian flair. A cream linen camp shirt by Paul Stuart and white linen pants by Polo Ralph Lauren round out the rest of the ensemble.

As an alternative on cooler days or evenings - which we've certainly had plenty of this summer - we've also included a variation of the navy blazer by Brooks Brothers made of butter-soft goat suede with spiffy sporting details including a throat latch, stand-up collar, action back and pure Irish linen lining, which calls to mind the jacket worn by Gable above.

While a polka dot foulard silk scarf by the venerable British clothier Turnbull & Asser (shirtmaker to the Prince of Wales) provides not only another classic touch and added dose of sprezzatura, it also protects against the elements while piloting the XK with the top down at serious speeds. A hefty dose of McQueen meanwhile can be seen in the rakish cap, sunglasses and watch. For the feet and the road, a pair of pebble-sold leather driving moccasins by Tod's keep the haute Italian vibe going.

The checked linen driving cap - this model is made by Brooks Brothers - of the type favored by McQueen has no brim to collide with a car's headrest, and is infinitely more elegant than a baseball cap. Also on view: iconic Italian Persol sunglasses, in particular the model made famous by McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair. Starring in this feature are a foldable version of McQueen's faves, as well as a couple of other killer Persol models; all are available at Ilori. Also included is a pair of shades by Paul Smith. The watch is a classic and vintage stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II, available at Tourneau, of a similar design to the Rolex Submariner model favored by McQueen (and which recently fetched a record price at auction). Read on for details of the rest of the accessories after the jump.

Pink looks great any time of year but there's just something about the heat and lushness of summer that really makes it pop and somehow more fun to wear. This summer the designers haven't let us down and have come up with all kinds fashion fun done up in every shade from pale champagne to neon to deep fuschia. Of course we don't recommend wearing them all at once (lest you look like a wayward Barbie) but we've compiled a pretty mix of pink dresses, shoes, handbags, and jewelry in the gallery below to keep your girly side rolling this summer in whatever way you see fit.

Barbecues, family reunions, birthday parties on the lawn, and weddings galore are part of what makes summer so much fun for fashion lovers. This year, as in every year, summer shoes are out in force -- but is your collection complete? If you're missing something, and don't have the perfect pair of peep toe pumps, booties, and gladiator sandals, we've got some suggestions to get you inspired. Of course there are so many shoes we could only show you a few, so feel free to share your favorite summer kicks with us in the comments.

Plow & Hearth offers some very nice outdoor living items, but this one caught my eye because of the continuing trend of creating outdoor rooms (thank you, HGTV). The Retractable Roof Pergola creates a shady setting for entertaining and outdoor dining on a porch or patio or in a yard. The smooth-moving retractable top lets you control the sun and shade and offers shelter from a passing shower. Powder-coated aluminum and steel frame with an all-weather polyurethane-coated polyester shade. 10' sq. x 84" H. Assembly required. $999.95

We feature a lot of fantastic handbags, but what about what you keep inside your handbag? Here's a small splurge, just in time for summer (which I am so ready for after a cold, cold East Coast winter!). Kate Spade's cute and colorful Jitney Coin Purse, named after NYC's Hampton Jitney bus line, comes in two patterns, both with a summer theme: SPF (this page) and G&T (see below). The coin purse is cotton canvas with smooth cowhide trim and features a zipper closure and 14-karat light gold plated hardware. Unlined; 2.4" H x 3.5" W; $50.

Forget renting a car the next time you are in a new city, many hotels are now offering bikes to guests. It's a great way to see a new city and be green too. And the bikes are pretty special too. The Bowery NYC has branded red Earth cruisers, shown at right. Gansevoort South in Miami loans out glow-in-the-dark Puma bikes.The James Chicago has adult and child Paul Frank city bikes.In Boston, The Liberty Hotel offers an Electra Amsterdam Classic 3i bike that you an take for a spin along the Esplanade that stretches along the Charles River. Starwood's Element hotels have Trek bikes for their guests. Many other hotels also offer bikes for their guests and even if your hotel doesn't you can always ask the concierge to find a rental service for you.

As beautiful and comfortable as shirt dresses are, at times they can be too casual and subdued lacking a powerful presence within a classic style. Leave it the the designers of Emilio Pucci to take a simple silhouette and combine their colorful signature print to create an unmistakably striking and versatile dress. Pucci's Orchidea Shirt Dress is made of cotton with a stretch satin weave and features slanted side pockets and rolled cuffs for a casual feel, while its belted waist accentuates a woman's curves and creates a dressier aura. Whether you wear it with stilettos or flats, the Orchidea Shirt Dress will make you stand out from the rest. Price: $1535.

LaROK was started in 2004 by the same fashion house that brought you the high end denim line 7 For All Mankind. Since it's debut it has been steadily starting trends and gaining quite a following. This adorable sequined tunic is versatile and comfortable, it can be worn alone as a breezy sundress or over leggings as a long tank top. Fans include Ashley Tisdale, Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan. Available in black, blue and grey (shown in grey on Ashley Tisdale), Thehipchick.com has it in all three shades, for $220.

Every summer has it's own set of "must haves," and this summer is no different. Portfolio.com has come up with their set of 'can't do withouts,' and it's a mix of luxurious exclusives available to a limited few. Like tickets to the 2007 Hamptons Social that go for $15,000 each, Hermès' newest version of its 1928 Cape Cod watch in a limited edition of only 10, and a tote or trunk from exclusive Parisian luggage-maker Goyard. What's on your "must have" list for this summer? What about this upcoming fall?

The Paige Collection is one of my favorite accessory lines from Cole Haan. I find that particular line to have timeless appeal while still reflecting the trends of today. Made of leather with hand crochet leather detailing, the Paige Crochet Clutch emanates the balance of sophistication with everyday casual use. Who says you have to lug around a over-sized tote to be fashionable? The summer is being on the go, soaking up the sun and not having to carry around so much stuff. The Clutch features an interior pocket, magnetic flap closure and is lined with a cotton and linen blend. Bag dimensions: 13''L x 5 1/4 H x 2''D. Price $130.

The new sunglasses from FriezeFrames certainly aren't subtle but that's what makes them so fun. The sunglasses set with Swarovski crystals have a retro-chic Old Hollywood type of style that seems perfect for lounging poolside and flipping through gossip magazines. Designer Rhonda Spiegel found design inspiration in her collection of 1950s rhinestone-studded pieces. Each style is named for a Greek or Roman goddess (and Pegasus, the horse, for some reason). The six frames come is a variety of luxe colors and are also available as eyeglass frames. The sunglasses sell for $240 per pair. The above pair is from the Ceres line.

For kids who have parents that can afford it, long gone are the days of riding to summer camp on a hot loud bus that smells like peanut butter and sweat. Many families are instead going the route of private jet flights, thanks in part to charter company Revolution Air assigning more than 20 jets to just that purpose this month. Costing about $8,000 per flight, most families choose it to both save time and make for a special experience. The designated jets have specialized menus featuring chicken fingers and ice cream, and it's such a treat for some they're opting to fly instead of taking a bus ride of almost the same length!

We all have things that consistently appeal to us, and I always find myself drawn to art that represents the seasons. These 4 Tree of Enchantment Glass Orbs, designed by Stephen Kitras, are hand blown with a "trunk" in the center that branches out into the orb. Meant to represent winter, spring, summer, and fall, spots of jewel tone colors form the leaves of the trees (or in the "winter" one it could be snow) in corresponding colors like greens for spring and browns/golds for fall. The whole set would look beautiful hanging together in a bright window, or one alone switched out every few months. 6" diameter, $45 each.