tie dye for?

Isabel Marant's spring 2012 collection was awash in tie-dye. I like tie-dye--but in small doses (as in this pair of Isabel Marant jeans), and if I wear it, I always counterbalance it with more polished pieces, so I don't look like I am running off to a Dead show. The jeans below, from Topshop, are a good way to get in on the trend without going overboard. I'd wear the jeans (I prefer the black/white version on the left) with classic pieces, like a tailored blazer, or a black knit sweater, or a crisp white top. Doing so will tame them, make them less loud and rocker-y.

$76, topshop.com

silverado

$24, anthropologie.com

I own a pair of spike stud earrings in gold that I wear incessantly. My twin sister has the same pair and she wears them day in and day out (she even sleeps with them in!). I've bought these same earrings as gifts for friends, who too have found them nothing short of amazing. Their perfection lies in the fact that they simply go with everything. And so will a nice new pair in silver. Wear these guys with... 

1. A.P.C. blouse, $195, apc.fr 
2. Jenni Kayne safari jacket, $595, shoplesnouvelles.com 
3. Anthropologie silver stud earrings, $24, anthropologie.com 
4. Prada pointy toe pumps, $620, bergdorfgoodman.com 
5. Miu Miu star-print cropped jeans, $550, netaporter.com

boyfriend jeans

It's a silhouette I really didn't embrace the first time around, despite its inherent ease and comfort, but the fact is the boyfriend jean is back. We saw them on loads of fashionable figures during the collections, and every designer from Current/Elliot to Gucci is serving up their own version. What initially put me off of these baggy jeans was their tendency to make you appear larger than you actually are. Not flattering. Not good. But this pair from J. Crew resolves that issue, with its loose-but-not-too loose fit. The wash is also perfect, sort of faded but not overly distressed, and I love that you can dress them up with heels and a feminine blouse. The jeans are not in stores yet, but available for pre-order (you can call 800-261-7422). I'm sold.

sweet and sexy

$107, warehouse.co.uk

Here's the thing about lace: it feminizes your look. This candy-colored creation looks as sweet as a Laduree macaron--and boasts the confectionary flavor of Louis Vuitton's Broderie Anglaise-filled Spring 2012 collection. And while it's demure, it's also very statement-y. I'd team it with tough accessories to make it less frothy. Wear it with...

1. Miu Miu cashmere and silk sweater, $505, netaporter.com

2. Irene Neuwirth citrine and gold earrings, $1060, ylang23.com

3. Tylie Malibu studded clutch, $202, endless.com

4. Bottega Veneta ankle strap sandal, $760, bergdorfgoodman.com

5. Warehouse lace skirt, $107, warehouse.co.uk

hurts so good

$89, zara.com

My first thought when I spotted this Zara clutch was, Oh no! Not because I didn't like it. But because I will HAVE to add it to my growing collection of clutches. It will be the statement maker that will conjure up remarks, both complimentary and quizzical (mostly from my husband, I am sure). It will come across as tough and (Alexander McQueen) punkish, and it will do wonders tempering the too-feminine dresses in my closet. It will be polarizing: I know who among my friends will appreciate it and those who won't. But, oh well for the naysayers.

summer loving

$40, riverisland.com

This Mediterranean-blue tassel-trimmed blouse is the embodiment of summer. I can just see myself wearing it on a scorching hot day, the billowy blouse sticking to my body (and ideally, my bathing suit), because of the humidity. And while it would go over swimmingly on an Italian Riveria vacation (with denim cut-offs), it would work overtime during my groundhog days at home in LA, running errands, working at a shoot, hanging out with the kiddos... you name it. I'd wear it on any old day with...

1. River Island blue print blouse, $40, riverisland.com 
2. Super Sunglasses, $163, shopbop.com 
3. Coach James Nares tote bag, $798, coach.com 
4. Gucci patent sandal, $495, bergdorfgoodman.com 
5. Mother cropped low-rise jeans, $180, netaporter.com

metallic jeans

I've been coveting metallic jeans for a while now--a pair that's not too shiny, one that I could get away with wearing while running around during the day. I found such a pair at H&M yesterday and they cost a mere $29. (Sorry I can't link to a pic. H&M does not have one available online.) What's cool about this particular pair is that they don't have too much sheen, and they are ridiculously comfortable (i.e., very pliable). I can wear them casually--as demonstrated above with a striped tee--or throw on a tailored blazer and some heels and be good for a nice dinner out. I searched high and low for other options and I found a few from Topshop (which excels in very flattering jeans), J. Brand and KARL (as in Karl Lagerfeld).

Photo: Luxuryshoppers

gladiator sandals

$24, oldnavy.com

Eagerly anticipating warmer temps (despite the early May gray in LA), I've already busted out my artillery of summer sandals, which range the gamut from sparkly (my current fave), to minimalist, to the good old gladiator. Though it's a small detail, the tassel on this gladiator sandal does so much: it feminizes the shoe and at the same time adds a fresh, new twist. And the neutral leather means you can milk major mileage out of them. Wear these sandals (all the time) with...

1. L'Agence Grecian dress, $550, barneys.com 

2. Madewell Super Panama sunglasses, $198, madewell.com 

3. Alexander Wang Diego bucket bag, $825, shopbop.com 

4. Old Navy tassel braided sandals, $24, oldnavy.com

the calm before the storm

This is a picture of my bedroom, and this coming Friday, there will be a gargantuan heap of clothes piled on my bed. That's because, typically, before I go out at night, I lay outfit options on my bed and try them all on. I am hoping there will be more viable possibilities than discarded ones on Friday, as one of my best friends and I are hosting a dinner party for Lucky's editor-in-chief. It will be an intimate gathering, but chock full of fancy people. So, the pressure's on, and I'm really wanting to hit it out of the ballpark this time. In my dream world, I'd have all three of the dresses below (by Issa, Missoni and Lanvin) as possibilities on my bed. Of course, in reality, I may only have one (if that!), along with an assortment of the usual Zara, H&M and vintage numbers. You know the fashion huntress I am! Anyway, I will be sure to show you a pic of what I settled on next week, post-festivities. Wish me luck! 

$1100, netaporter.com

$2500, netaporter.com

$3197, matchesfashion.com

vested interest

$89, mango.com

When you ride up in the elevator at the Conde Nast building in New York, it's always entertaining to look around and check out what everyone's wearing. (Invariably, I can guess who works where, based on the outfit.) The experience is almost like a lesson in shopping, providing insight into what I should be buying. During my last visit, I scoped out an impeccably dressed brunette, wearing a tuxedo vest much like this one, over a flowy abstract print cream colored silk dress. I've been searching high and low for a similar vest ever since, and I've now found it. Wear it with...

1. A Fine Line draped sleeveless t-shirt, $75, barneys.com

2. Mango vest, $89, mango.com

3. Tom Binns crystal necklace, $410, netaporter.com

4. Diane Von Furstenberg metallic clutch, $425, shopbop.com

5. Jean-Michel Cazabat sandals, $295, amazon.com

6. Topshop linen trousers, $64, topshop.com

the western shirt

Thanks to Isabel Marant's fall collection, we'll soon be seeing more Western-inspired blouses on urban cowgirls everywhere. Zara just came out with its studded version (that looks spot-on Isabel Marant), while J. Crew offers a classic, pared-down denim one. I am sure vintage stores have a bevy of options to consider, but another idea is buying the real McCoy, like this one, for $40, from Frontier Western Wear.

$40, frontierwesternwear.us

bead it

$58, anthropologie.com

I am embarrassed to admit it, but I own more clutches than underwear. How this came to be, I haven't a clue. Perhaps it has something to do with a clutch's ability to punctuate an outfit. Or that each little guy possesses so much individual character. Whatever the reason is, I have yet another to add to the collection. This graphic beaded pouch imparts a bohemian gypsy vibe and will look incredibly stunning whether paired with an elegant print dress or anything casually minimalist. I'd play up the boho angle and wear it to a festive summer cocktail party with...

1. Carven asymmetric jacquard dress, $1265, netaporter.com

2. Bauble Bar cabochon earrings, $20, baublebar.com

3. Anthropologie beaded pouch, $58, anthropologie.com

4. Zara sandal, $49, zara.com

girl crush

Meet my new girl crush, Geraldine Saglio. She's French (of course), a stylist at French Vogue, and a poster girl for Parisian chic, favoring streamlined staples, such as skinny jeans, a button-down shirt, leather jacket and sky-high heels. With her minimal makeup and undone hair, Saglio has the city's nonchalant flair nailed. Check out the inspiring pics below and divine the Gallic girl in you. (P.S. You can buy her Current/Elliot leopard print jeans here.)

Funny coincidence: Next week I was planning to feature a blue and white color-blocked sweater from Mango that looks exactly like the one Saglio is wearing in this picture. But here it is now, if you are so inspired.

a sheer thing

$39, asos.com

If there is one thing in my closet that's indispensable, I'd say it's my black ballet flats. They're my everyday go-to's. They're classic, comfortable and go with everything. So, here's another black slipper, with a little more pizazz, to rotate into the mix. The sheer lace and patent toe cap lend a very Chanel (or even Valentino) elegance. Wear them with...

1. Madewell sweater, $72, madewell.com 
2. Topshop lipstick in Fire Cracker, $16, topshop.com 
3. Jerome Dreyfuss Carlitos small tote, $289, barneys.com 
4. Asos lace ballet slippers, $39, asos.com 
5. Reiss printed jersey trousers, $150, reissonline.com

sharing is caring

Dear Readers,
I have a confession to make: this jacket is one of those items that I love so much, I felt the impulse not to share it. The little girl in me wanted it to be mine, all mine!  That being said, my fiduciary duty to you, LE CATCH faithful, is to share all my secrets. Having said that, and as long as we are on this sharing topic, I have a special request. A frighteningly large number of you have told me you love LE CATCH so much, that you feel a similar impulse not to share it with others (lest they get in on your fashion secret weapon)! My special request is please DO share LE CATCH with your friends, family, long lost acquaintances etc. (via email, twitter, pinterest etc).  Your spreading the word can make a huge difference, and I would be very grateful!  

Okay, enough with the public service announcement. Back to the jacket. My sister actually bought this leather-sleeved Zara jacket in New York last week. According to the sales clerk that helped her, the jacket has been selling out as soon as it hits the floor, with people calling in to put them on hold. The demand is understandable, what with the gold hardware, cinched waist and leather sleeves. I got lucky and scored mine two days ago at the Grove in LA (there were only two left on the racks). I've been waiting for the jacket to come up on Zara's website, and it finally did TODAY. If you're interested, now's the time to pounce. And don't forget to share!

studded, embroidered, oh my!

$39, nordstrom.com

This sandal combines two of my favorite trends--embroidered friendship bracelets and studded gold hardware--and the result is exceedingly cool. Now just imagine wearing them with a white Mexican style dress. Perfection.

kaftan cool

$48, riverisland.com

One of my best friends has more kaftans in her closet than regular clothes. And it's not like she spends her days lolling around on the beach. (Hardly. She's a hugely successful interior designer.) We've taken numerous girls-only getaways together, mostly to warm faraway beaches, and though our trips are often short and sweet, I kid you not, she brings enough kaftans to dress an army. She usually ends up taking up most of the room in the closet, as she likes to hang her kaftans, and every time I complain--until I need to borrow one, because the few I have in rotation end up too wet and/or salty to wear again. Or, I'll just want some variety. So, here's one more to add to my own repertoire, replete with tassels,  embroidery and a vintage bohemian spirit. Wear it (to the beach) with...

1. River Island kaftan, $48, riverisland.com 
2. Topshop African-print bandeau bikini, $52, topshop.com 
3. Anya Hindmarch beach tote bag, $295, anyahindmarch.com 
4. Corso Como sandal, $79, nordstrom.com

world traveler

$348, coach.com

I'll never tire of my LL Bean boat bags, but they're going on hiatus while I break in this new green leather-trimmed (yes, that's right!) Coach tote bag. It's a limited edition bag from the men's spring line, but it's chicly androgynous. Even though it's big and roomy, it's a carryall that looks less like luggage and more like a hip handbag. It also features a detachable shoulder strap, a practical inside pocket (for my cell phone), and it can be monogrammed. What I love most about it is that it's unidentifiable--i.e., you would never know it's Coach, or any brand for that matter. It's basically everything I need it be--a weekender to a beach bag to a cross-continental carry-on--and dashingly handsome, to boot.

a black and white basic

$225, barneys.com

This blouse is as versatile as a white button-down (i.e., I'd wear it anywhere), but a million times chicer. And enduringly stylish too. (In fact, I'd say it falls squarely into that fail-safe French girl category.) I'd wear the outfit below to work, and feel comfortable going straight to dinner afterward.

1. CO-OP Barneys color blocked blouse, $225, barneys.com

2. Madewell camo print jacket*, $128, madewell.com

3. Coach Op Art tote, $348, coach.com

4. Zara platform sandal, $89, zara.com

5. Reiss tapered trousers, $210, reissonline.com

* This jacket is like your average green parka, but only better because it has a cool abstract animal print and it's cinched in at the waist. But it's just as wearable!

the someday dress

Though I have no upcoming occasion to warrant the purchase of this Zara dress, I am compelled to buy it. (Afternoon update: I bought it, but apparently so did many of you, because it's already sold out! My guess is they will restock this one, so I'll tweet it if I see it again.) That's because it's classic in design, undeniably elegant and could stand up to the swankiest of occasions. I know I will wear it at some point, even if it's in the way distant future. And, oh, it's $89! Added bonus: I could style this dress in so many different ways. I could go all out and accessorize it with crazy blingy earrings, or punctuate it with a sparkly belt, like this one from J. Crew, or go casual and clean and simply throw on a pair of lace-up sandals. Okay, this one is in the bag...

scalloped khakis

$118, jcrew.com

J. Crew cleverly reinvents a pair of khaki shorts with a feminine scalloped hem. (Just FYI: these are my ideal day-to-night shorts: great with a lived-in white t-shirt or a statement blazer.) I'd wear it with...

1. 10 Crosby striped tank, $225, barneys.com

2. Callula Lillibelle oversized satin tuxedo jacket*, $450, netaporter.com

3. Givenchy buckle sandals, $880, barneys.com

4. J. Crew scalloped shorts, $118, jcrew.com

*Push up the sleeves on the blazer to effect a more casual vibe.

french lesson

What is it about French women? Why do they always get it right?  It seems to me that French women stay loyal to their signature styles and stick to them--in the face of all the neons, pastels, and floral prints out there. Take for instance, the French Vogue editors, who trotted out to every fashion show, from Milan to New York to Paris, in slight variations of the same basic outfit: jeans, high heels, a button-down blouse with a big jacket (leather or puffy) or sweater. (See pics of French Vogue editors above and below.) Perhaps this is what makes their style so distinguishable--so unmistakably, enviably, effortlessly, alluringly chic. The one constant in many French women's wardrobe is the button down blouse. It's obviously a classic, and while it can come across as conservative, the French make it look anything but. Here are some Parisian-polished blouses to consider integrating into your wardrobe: a denim color-blocked (Isabel Marant-inspired) one from Asos, another from Sandro, (a French line that nails Gallic cool, which explains why I also LOVE this one by Sandro too), and a pinstriped classic from J. Crew. 

P.S. Take a cue from the French and wear the blouses unbuttoned, with the sleeves nonchalantly rolled up, half tucked in. 

Photos: Grazia

metallica

$140, topshop.com

A shimmering metallic sheen dresses up this motorcycle jacket and makes it the perfect counterpart to everything from a flowy evening dress to black skinny jeans--and pretty much everything in between. Wear it with...

1. Lela Rose polka dot tulle dress, $2495, netaporter.com 
2. Topshop metallic motorcycle jacket, $140, topshop.com 
3. Lanvin shell minaudiere, $2190, barneys.com 
4. Valentino velvet ankle-wrap sandals, $695, bergdorfgoodman.com

the unlikely hero

Never mind the lizard print Mulberry bag or the slick Marni for H&M jacket. The greatest thing about Swedish blogger Columbine Smille's outfit here are her turquoise Converse sneakers. Considering the fact that fashionable sneakers are having a big moment, a pair of bold-hued Converses are in order--and, thankfully, a lot less expensive than the Alexander Wang and Balenciaga variety). I'm going for a pair in red, a punchy color that's easy to pair with other colors. P.S. Head-to-toe black is always a stylish foil to casual kicks.

(Photo: Columbine Smille)

laser cut skirt

$61, newlook.com

A perforated floral pattern is the perfect feminine counterpoint to the grey leather-y finish. It's also very Alaia. Wear it with...

1. Marc Jacobs beaded collar blouse, $795, netaporter.com

2. Warehouse bomber jacket, $98, warehouse.co.uk

3. Christopher Kane leather clutch, $695, netaporter.com

4. Givenchy buckle sandal, $880 barneys.com

5. New Look perforated skirt, $61, newlook.com