pretty pleats

The pleated skirt trend is still going strong, and I love how Olivia Palermo, in London last week, gets in on it with a striped Topshop standout. I also love these skirts by MSGM, Tibi, Proenza Schouler, Mark Jacobs (on sale!), J.Crew and Zara.

full of flounce

$68, topshop

In case there was any confusion, a little ruffle never hurts!

1. Topshop ruffle shirt, $68, topshop.com
2. Topshop bomber jacket, $110, topshop.com
3. Tibi pants, $295, tibi.com
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs chained stud earrings, $85, bloomingdales.com
5. Chanel bag, $5500, shopbop.com
6. J.Crew sandals, $278, jcrew.com  

take two tee

The t-shirt, our most tried-and-true warm weather staple, will get an upgrade this spring. Look for the new and improved versions to feature unexpected flourishes, demure cut-outs, asymmetric and cropped silhouettes--and yet remain as versatile as ever. My favorites include this one-shouldered Rosetta Getty, this tie-trimmed JW Anderson, this cut-out Whistles, this knotted Stateside, this slit-sleeved Mango, this scalloped See by Chloe, this pleated back Sacai, this frayed Acne Studios and this ruffle-accented Rag & Bone. 

stellar sandals

$396, shopbop

These can read bohemian, elegant or edgy--it's all in the styling and all good!  

1. Suno denim dress, $495, modaoperandi.com
2. Bronzallure rose gold ring set, $129, shopbop.com
3. Sisley-Paria Lip Gloss in Nude, $57, barneys.com
4. Proenza Schouler embellished leather bag, $1590, nordstrom.com
5. Vince leather sandals, $395, shopbop.com

bomb squad

From New York to London to Milan, fashion show-goers are faring mercurial springlike weather in the seemingly adaptable bomber jacket. Besides being just-right warm, the bomber is easy to layer, dress-to-pants versatile and comfy as can be. While I prefer the clean and simple iterations, the embellished bombers undeniably pull together an outfit with a bang! Consider joining the ranks with these options from Topshop (below, or this straightforward one), 3.1 Phillip Lim, Veronica Beard, Stella McCartney, Zara, Maison Scotch, and Kolor.

the italian job

$450, shopbop

I went shopping the other day with a friend, who was looking for easy dresses to wear all over Italy next summer, the kind that go from the Forum to a Tuscan sunflower field--with flair! If it were me, I'd pack this oh-so-flattering, day-to-night do-it-all!

 
1. Veronica Beard ruched dress, $450, shopbop.com
2.  Illesteva sunglasses, $300, shopbop.com
3. Phyllis + Rosie chain cuff bracelet, $85, shopbop.com
4. Sophie Hulme tote bag, $971, farfetch.com
5. Loeffler Randall lace-up sandals, $250, nordstrom.com

a leg up

Having once held a fitness editor post at a Conde Nast magazine, I know that keeping my body happy/healthy requires mixing up my workout--hence my weekly rotation of running, Body by Simone dance classes, strength-training, core work, yoga, and hiking. But lately I've been feeling that my workout outfit is what needs some mixing up. Specifically, my everyday black leggings. I must have a dozen pairs! Yes, they are most flattering, but I'm thinking a printed pant--or at least one with some unexpected, stylish details--could jazz things up a bit, help crank up the heart rate and consequently carve the curves! When you dress the (kick-butt) part, then it's easier to walk the walk, right?! I'd like to sweat it out in these leggings from Beyond Yoga, The Upside, Free People, Prismsport, LNA, Phat Buddha, Tory Sport, and Under Armor. 

lace love

$169, stylekeepers

Since lace will be huge (again!) this spring, a dramatic, balloon-sleeve blouse is only fitting!

1. Stylekeepers lace blouse, $169, stylekeepers.com
2. J.Crew sunglasses, $98, jcrew.com
3. Sarah Chloe ring set, $174, shopbop.com
4. Rebecca Minkoff pouch, $85, shopbop.com
5. Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer in 141 Day Bloomer, $28, nordstrom.com
6. Isabel Marant sandals, $445, bergdorfgoodman.com
7. MiH cargo pants, $345, matchesfashion.com

crochet crazy

Speaking of crochet, it's going to have its moment in the sun, come bikini season (or even earlier, spring break!). I'm loving all these mix-and-match (and well-priced!) suits from Victoria's Secret (also here). These other styles from Zimmermann, Robin Piccone, Pily Q, andKiini will also surely make a splash!

heating up

$280, whistles

The next LA heat wave will see me in this glam crochet dress!

1. Whistles crochet dress, $280, whistles.com
2. Nars Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red, $28, nordstrom.com
3. Gabriela Artigas tusk ring, $132, shopbop.com
4. Madewell ring, $18, shopbop.com
5. Eliza Gran straw tote, $98, shopbop.com
6. Guiseppe Zanotti patent leather sandals, $650, neimanmarcus.com

crew team

Something just made my spring shopping significantly easier: the J.Crew Style Guide, because a substantial portion of what I want to wear next season (and later) is contained inside! For starters, the cooly re-invented khaki pants, above, that are inspired by the cultish Rayner wide-leg jeans). I love the metallic sandals featured with them too! My other favorites also happen to be fresh takes on wardrobe classics, including these striped heels, this off-duty linen tee, these statement-making sunglasses (last pic), this striped sweater (below), this cotton linen button-down (as sexy over a bikini as with a pair of jeans), these attention-getting chandelier earrings and this grey feather-trimmed top. You can check it all out for yourself here.

kicking back

In recent times, my surfer/skateboarding husband has been threatening to build a half-pipe in our backyard(!), for the kids, he says. I try to be supportive of his interests, but couldn't I  just agree to something else, like wearing Vans to date night? Well as it happens, that actually might work (for me) as New York fashion editors are now sporting old school Vans sneakers in a manner I quite like. And the monogramming is a cool touch (anyone know where you can get them done??), but I wouldn't mind a standard-issue anonymous pair. I have a feeling my husband would prefer them! You can find them here and here. 

Photos: Marina Larroude, Vogue

back to back

Last fall's super sexy, super sought-after Celine dress (seen here) escaped my clutches, but not this (super less expensive!) one from Zara. Score!

shining sunnies

Were I trying to survive the arctic tundra that is currently New York City, I'd be focused on warm coats, gloves (socks!) and the like. Probably the last thing I'd have on my cold-snap priority list is a pair of statement sunglasses. But after checking out these street style pics, I can see that I would be in the minority, and also that it's time to do some sunglasses upgrading, as spring, believe it or not, is just around the corner! Clearly, the next pair has to have some cool retro (photogenic!) spirit, such as these by Dior (above and last pic), Super by Retrosuperfuture, Ray Ban, Topshop, and AJ Morgan (similar to below). Oh, and you can find that most excellent (and spring-friendly) Isabel Marant jacket, above, here and here.

P.S. Speaking of cold weather must-haves, I spotted a slew of them on sale at Nordstrom, including this Rag & Bone cape, this Topshop coat and this Vince Camuto parka, plus a Dolce & Gabbana bag or two! Check it all out here.

Photos: Craig Arend, Vogue, W Magazine, Harper's Bazaar

sock hop

Show goers are choosing function over fashion to fend off the New York City freeze and what do you know, it's now a full blown trend! Socks with pumps (and kicks) not only keep the tootsies warm, but make a cool statement. I'd brave the frigid streets in these sock-friendly heels by Gucci (below), Prada, MSGM, Vince, Aquatalia, Club Monaco, Miu Miu and SJP (both similar to above). As for the socks, I like these by Wolford, Mira Mikata and J.Crew as they're thin, don't bunch up and hit perfectly above the ankle.

Photos: Pop Sugar, WWD, Grazia

beret brigade

Gucci's berets debuted at the Fall 2015 show and now they (and their lookalikes) have taken the wintry streets by storm. Fashion show goers recently braved the chill in Paris, Copenhagen, and Oslo in the chic chapeau, as seen in the snaps here, and yesterday in New York, there was a strong showing in myriad colors. I fancy this one (also here), this one and this one. I'd also love to keep warm with these additional heat-trapping accessories by The Third Piece, Lulla, Rag & Bone, Topshop and Ugg.

 Photos: A Love is Blind, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar

head over heels

This spring when you kick up your heels, make sure the heels stand out! Designers like Acne Studios (above), Gabriela Hearst, and Fendi are elevating block heels with all kinds of eye-catching details from sculptural textures to vibrant prints. I also love these on-trend styles from Gucci (or these!), Gianvito Rossi, Vince and Asos.

pretty pouches

I definitely see one or two of these cute little woven pouches (at $25 a pop why not?!) traveling with me to an island-y resort, where they will accommodate my room key and lipstick and nicely accentuate my out-to-dinner dress! Adore the fun pom pom, too!

spring shift

$170, river island

Shifting into spring calls for a dress that's equally cool and effortless, just like this!

1. River Island striped shift dress, $170, riverisland.com
2.  Dax Gabler sunglasses, $550, barneys.com
3. Tai tassel bracelet/necklace, $95, shopbop.com
4. Marni bag, $1670, modaoperandi.com
5. Marni embellished sandals, $610, nordstrom.com

gucci goods

Spotted during fashion week in Copenhagen and Stockholm last week: the new "it" bags. Some feature a floral motif (above, find it here), others embroidery (below, available here), and yet more with bold logo-bearing hardware (third image, find it here, second to last pic, here), but they all have one thing in common: they're made by Gucci! For Valentine's Day, I'm going to get in on "it," by giving myself with love this stunning painted-looking Gucci clutch that's not as pricey and therefore bound to sell out! (It's also available here.)

Photos: Vogue, W Magazine

romp around

$100, nordstrom

I'd like to breeze through LA's current heat wave in this light and airy jumpsuit.

1. Topshop lace-up romper, $100, nordstrom.com
2. Alexis Bittar earring set, $130, shopbop.com
3. Smith & Cult Nail Polish, $18, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Clare V. suede tote bag, $485, shopbop.com
5. Valentino sandals, $1495, nordstrom.com