me and em

 

The dresses I appreciate most are the ones that offhandedly execute the kind of glamor that others take lots of primping to get right. My recent faves (above and below) come from the UK-based line Me & Em, also, in part, because they are not instantly identifiable, due to a screaming logo, recognizable print or run-of-the-mill silhouette. They’re distinctly cool in that innately London-cool way. And the line has more than just excellent dresses, but tailored, polished separates that I plan on wearing all summer long. You’ll soon be seeing me in this striped crochet, this batik floral, these pinstriped pants, this lace trimmed blouse and these wide-leg trousers. Check it all out here. #AD.

sequins and stripes

$298, j.crew

 

There's no better combo than sequins and stripes, in my book.

 

 

1. J.Crew striped sequin dress, $298, jcrew.com

2. Magda Butrym blazer, $1698, mytheresa.com

3. Mar Y Sol clutch, $149, shopbop.com

4. Rene Caovilla sandals, $875, netaporter.com

spring suit

 

 

My recent busier-than-usual schedule has demanded a new kind of throw-on-and-go polish, comprised of a tailored blazer, t-shirt and a feminine pleated skirt (seen here). I'm loving it so much I might just take this spring uniform straight into summer and beyond. The skirts currently in my rotation are by Cos, Sacai, Erdem, and Loulou Studio.

reffing

 

 

We all know The Reformation has a lockdown on sexy day dresses, but this spring it's nailing eye-catching, round-the-clock shoes. I especially love the flat mesh mules, above, that can be worn with everything, as well as the (could-be-Prada) metallic sandals, below. 

 

 

 

 

fringe dressing

 

My penchant for dramatic dressing is nowhere more apparent than in my current stockpiling of fringe-trimmed frocks. I feel like I can't have enough for summer--but I have narrowed it down to these from La Ligne, below, this striped Zara, this knit Alanui, and this mini Alexis.

 

 

summer warm-up

 

Everything about Mafalda Patricio's Balinese honeymoon is bagus (means fantastic in Indonesian), especially her spot-on, heat-proof wardrobe. The Lisbon-based stylist brought along some dresses I'd love to have in my holiday line-up, including the crochet Zulu and Zephyr crochet dress, the yellow ruffled Doen, the floral Lisa Cortu, and the striped Shona Joy, all below. Plus: this striped Red Valentino, this Karla Colletto bathing suit-meets-bodysuit, this leopard print Ganni, this terry Kule, and this fringed midi skirt,

linear thinking

 

I've never met a stripe I didn't like! Hence my wrist is now brandishing a few too, with the cute Clare V ($95!), above. Also intrigued by the stripes, below, from Kilometre Paris, H&M, and Dorothee Schumacher.

 

 

laveste love

 

Blanca Miro, above, gets all the credit for my first win(s) of the week: the Laveste denim jacket, below, with a chic brown/black trim, and the fringe dresses, below. 

 

 

you haul

 

There's almost too much to love at H&M, starting with the leather sandals ($75), above, the fringe skirt, the knit maxi, the denim wrap, the pink ruffle skirt and blouse, and the studded sandals. All bound to blow out the door!

 

 

work end

 

I'm wrapping up this work week with approximately 30 open tabs on my computer browser, one of which features the Pinterest image, above, of stylist Brie Welch (AKA the whiz behind Katie Holmes' New York-cool look), wearing the chicest (and most effortless) shirt dress ever. I was shocked to discover that this picture was taken in 2016--and yet she looks totally up to date, if not ahead of the curve. Of course, her outfit inspired me to source a timeless shirt dress of my own (and open several more tabs!). So far, I've found this, this and this! And these shoes by Loeffler Randall are right-now updates on her old Miu Miu flats. Another open tab links to the simple off-the-shoulder $300 Sir dress, below, which I will close as soon as I buy it. It will be put to work for summer weekends and then some!

 

 

 

net worth

 

Finally, the sun's out in LA and it feels like... LA again! Which means it's time to put my warm-weather wardrobe back into rotation--and enhance it with an assist from Net-A-Porter, offering 20% off on select spring-ready styles, such as the striking Agua by Bendita, above, and the Faithfull the Brand dress, below, plus these straight-leg Frame jeans, this Hunza G bandeau bikini, this Proenza Schouler maxi and these Aquazurra embellished lace-up sandals. Shop the rarely-staged sale here!

hot shirt

 

 

I've always appreciated the timelessness and versatility of a button-down shirt. Mine have always gotten a ton of wear, including on the tennis court yesterday (!), which has not only deepened my gratitude for this wardrobe staple but has whet my appetite for more. The best of the current options are beyond basic, plus the right amount of loose-fitting and chic. I just bought the punchy, pinstriped (and on sale!) Faithfull the Brand, above (also here), to wear with both bikinis and my favorite blue jeans (and these cute new flats!). Also top-notch: this Madewell, this Denimist, this Staud and this Vince.

studly

$134, nordstrom

 

Everyone will think they're Valentino and that's ok!

 

 

1. La Ligne dress, $425, netaporter.com

2. Missoma earrings, $317, shopbop.com

3. Rhode x Target crochet bag, $35, target.com

4. Jeffrey Campbell sandals, $134, nordstrom.com

spring stock-up

 

When I spontaneously spring-cleaned my closet(s) on Sunday morning, I had no idea I'd be able to replenish today with all sorts of new sunny pretties at a discount, thanks to Shopbop's just-launched Style Event. (Get up to 25% off sitewide with the code STYLE through 4/17). The sale is teeming with approximately 2800 gorgeous dresses to compliment my future sun-kissed glow, such as the rickrack Sea New York, above left, plus these soiree-ready lovelies from Sea, Zimmermann, Xirena, and Scotch & Soda. There are also everyday statements on offer, such as these perfect Khaite jeans, this Clare V bucket bag, these Nili Lotan trousers, and these Proenza Schouler mules. You can also find the fun floral Cara Cara shirt I'm wearing, below! Check it out here!

baggy and beautiful

 

For me, warmer weather usually comes with the challenge of finding the newest and cutest pair of white jeans. This season is proving trickier than usual as the current must-have silhouette is distinctly baggier and looser-fitting. I'm good with this new relaxed fit and its inherent ease and comfort--but I won't wear it unless it's 100% flattering! Thankfully, there are a few options that manage to tick the trend box and compliment my figure. They include these loose-but-not-too-loose pairs by Grlfrnd, Khaite, Anine Bing, Levi's, and The Row.

crown jewel

 

$89, zara

 

I snapped up this bejeweled blouse with major Miu Miu vibes--and sized up for a louche, oversized fit. 

 

1. Zara embellished top, $89, zara.com

2. Citizens of Humanity jeans, $320, mytheresa.com

3. Bauble Bar ring, $178, baublebar.com

4. Retrofete bag, $450, bergdorfgoodman.com

5. Loeffler Randall flats, $275, loefflerrandall.com

heat wave style

 

Courtney Grow is weathering New York's heat wave, no sweat, in a sized-up, roomier-fitting Khaite, above, and inspiring me to stock up on all things sunshine-ready, including the new monogrammed Mark and Graham straw hats, below, the rattan Serpui clutch, the denim Reformation dress, and the Gap shirt, all below. Now, if only the sun would shine in LA!

 

bit by bit

 

The true cuteness of these Jeffrey Campbell jelly slides is thoroughly realized upon comfortably slipping your foot inside. And, yes, it's a dead ringer for Gucci--all for $44! Added bonus: this bit-hardware sandal comes in other compelling colors, like red, black and beige. I am seriously contemplating buying them all! 

 

 

the bead goes on

 

I tend to wear jewelry that does not need to be taken off every day or even every year. My favorite go-to designer Adina Reyter makes the rare, beach-to-black-tie pieces that I live in and leave on! I just added a new spring statement to my steadfast line-up: the colorful enamel beaded choker, above, that also boasts unexpected glints of diamonds. I love how it sparkles with the other myriad beads around my neck--and fetches lots of compliments. Should you too want in on this bling ring, you  can custom design your own necklace (or bracelet or a preset version) with colorful enamel, solid gold, pave diamond beads and charms and save 20% on any purchase through April 17 with the code LeCatch20. They're so much fun to create, and the options are endless and endlessly wearable! 

 

 

Photos: Coliena Rentmeester