the blue button-down

You've heard me sing the praises of a classic white button-down shirt many times before, but what about its blue brethren? It's equally timeless and versatile--and the perfect (neutral) foil to summery statement skirts and pants. Here are some amazing iterations from J.Crew, C&C California, and Boy. by Band of Outsiders. 

Photos: Vogue UK, Pinterest

birthday suit

$260, topshop

I've got a friend's fancy dinner-and-dancing birthday bash coming up in early May and I'm thinking this dress might just be perfect for it. It's fun, sexy, flowy...and different, thanks to its straps and peekaboo cut-outs. Very Dance Fever--and I'm all over that!

1. Topshop silk strappy dress, $260, topshop.com
2. Bing Bang Sacred Geometry earrings, $108, charmandchain.com
3. Henri Bendel jeweled clutch, $398, henribendel.com
4. Givenchy chain-wrap sandal, $1250, bergdorfgoodman.com

the leather sweatpant

I am intrigued by the loose-fitting leather sweatpants that seem to be proliferating in a defiant response to last-season's skin-tight leather leggings. The thing is though, I don't know if I could pull them off. They certainly are de riguer given that French Vogue editor Emmanuelle Alt (second picture below) has been sporting them, and designers like Rachel Zoe and Reem Acra are on board for Fall 2013. If you are more adventurous than I (or taller and skinnier), you might consider these options from Vince, J Brand, Asos (on sale!), and Helmut Lang (also on sale!). Or you might just go for these coated chinos from 7 For All Mankind instead, which is what I did. These comfy pants manage to be slightly slouchy without adding five pounds to your frame (i.e., they're flattering!). I also think they have a much longer shelf life.

Photos: Camille Over the Rainbow, Style

spring break-bound

$59, mango

I got one thing on my mind: vacation. All I want to do is find a chaise lounge and read US (I can see my husband rolling his eyes now!) magazine. Please come find me languishing in this cute dress and bring me a mojito while you're at it...

1. Mango embroidered dress, $59, mango.com
2. Asos sunglasses, $19, asos.com
3. J.Crew bikini top, $52, jcrew.com, J.Crew bottom, $48, jcrew.com
4. Mar y Sol raffia tote bag, $110, shopbop.com
5. Rebecca Minkoff metallic sandals, $165, shopbop.com

slip in sneaks

Leave it to Celine to re-imagine the old slip-on Vans-style sneaker and make it a (highly coveted) thing. New York-based uber makeup artist Gucci Westman sported Celine's snake print sneaks pretty much everyday during New York Fashion Week. Zara, of course, has already come out with its iteration (a black pony hair riff on Celine's blue pony-hair original, pictured below), but, it's not yet available online. My sister, however, managed to snap up a pair this week in LA. (In Europe I've heard it's long been sold out.) Have no fear, because there are other compelling options to be had from Vince, Chausseure Lapin, and Vans.

Photos: Little Aesthete, Camille Over the Rainbow

work it

$298, madewell

Though I conduct much of my business out of my own home office, I still like to get dressed for work every morning. It makes me feel more professional--plus, there are too many clothes in my closet that need to be worn! Enter this graphic striped skirt, which though I picture it primarily with my off-duty activities in mind, would double nicely as an I-am-at-work-take-me-seriously ensemble anchor...

1. Topshop t-shirt, $24, topshop.com
2. Lauren Wolf pyrite earrings, $88, shopbop.com
3. Theory blazer, $385, netaporter.com
4. Henri Bendel stack ring, $98, henribendel.com
5. Asos bag, $53, asos.com
6. Jeffrey Campbell cap-toe booties, $160, shopbop.com
7. Whit asymmetrical skirt, $298, madewell.com

white start

This picture of talented stylist and friend (and my former intern!) Samantha Traina inspires me to sub in an unexpected pair of loose-fitting white pants for my perennially-stylish crisp white jeans. Sam thoughtfully counterbalances these slouchy trousers with sexy lace-up sandals and a tailored blazer for a completey polished but still relaxed look. Here are a few white pants to try from Phillip Lim, A.L.C., and Vince.

Photo: Jak & Jil

peep-toe boot

$101, asos

These peep-toe booties are the summer version of your trust-worthy, fail-safe, go-with-everything, wear-everywhere winter boots. Wear them with..

1. Issa floral print dress, $526, matchesfashion.com
2. Super Sunglasses, $249, shopbop.com
3. A.L.C. spiked hoops, $75, shopbop.com
4. Jerome Dreyfuss snake effect mini shoulder bag, $675, netaporter.com
5. Dune booties, $101, asos.com

on my watch

Not too little, not too much: this, to me, exemplifies perfect wrist stacking. This look is something you can pull off day in and day out. It's subtle, uncontrived yet statement-y. But it all hinges on that beautifully retro, elegant round face watch, which is by Daniel Wellington. It looks way more expensive than its $229 price tag. And I love that it's as interchangeable as any other outfit-finishing bracelet. For less expensive options, check out these from Kate Spade, Asos, and Kenneth Cole. The bracelets you can find here, here and here.

Photo source: Pinterest

french lesson

$84, monsoon

Hanging out with dozens of effortlessly chic French women is how I spent the better part of Sunday. I took my kids to an Easter party-fundraiser hosted by a few friends for a local French elementary school. The poolside setting had all the trappings of a South-of-France rendezvous, complete with kir royales, straw fedoras, strappy sandals, Birkin bags and a scorching hot sun. After I devoured the poached salmon and asparagus lunch and fed my kids handfuls of chocolate, I endeavored to crack the secret of French summer style--and I can tell you this: it starts with something classic, fuss-free, and bare-leg-friendly. Something like this louche print tunic, along with...

1. Monsoon wooblock print smock top, $84, monsoon.co.uk
2. Topshop straw fedora, $45, topshop.com
3. Alexander McQueen round sunglasses, $365, shopbop.com
4. Foley + Corinna canvas and leather tote, $295, revolveclothing.com
5. Ishvara lace-up sandals, $250, shopbop.com
6. Current/Elliot cut-off shorts, $178, netaporter.com

the flared skirt

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the grown-up (and girls-only) version of a pizza party. My friend's wood-burning outdoor pizza oven (manned by an expert pizza chef) turned out one insanely delicious piping-hot pizza after the other, all of them tastier than the next: artichoke and pesto, margherita, black truffle and asparagus (my fave!), proscuitto and arugula, spicy meat, etc. I seriously must have eaten ten slices! It was fantastic! Until, of course, I awoke this morning and remembered....I had eaten ten slices. (Not to mention the yummy heap of arugula and parmegiano salad, strawberries and cream for dessert, and, oh, two magnums of pinot noir.) Needless to say, my thoughts soon turned to whether I would ever be able to wear any of my clothes ever again. Fortunately, as it happens, for Fall 2013 Celine (above), Givenchy and Lanvin showed below-the-knee skirts, all with a subtle flare or ruffle peeking out at the bottom. This means, naturally, that the flared skirt is the shape of things to come. But more importantly, this new silhouette is flattering, even for those who dare (accidentally?) to eat more than the daily recommended allowance of pizza. If you're interested in getting a jump start on this new trend, check out these feminine options from Peter Pilotto and The Outnet.

Photo: Style.com

sleek shorts

$190, stylebop

Meet a linchpin of a well-rounded warm-weather wardrobe: this genius Theory short-skirt hybrid has a sophisticated tailored fit but is as easy-breezy as can be. (very Taylor Tomasi Hill, I might add.) And, oh, the places it can go--from work meetings to lunch to poolside cocktails...

 

1. Topshop ribbed sweater, $90, topshop.com
2. Wouters & Hendrix copper stud earrings, $129, shopbop.com
3. Sandy Hyun pyramid bracelet, $65, maxandchloe.com
4. Sophie Hulme navy leather gold-toned brass clutch, $430, netaporter.com
5. Topshop sandals, $124, topshop.com
6. Theory skort,  $190, stylebop.com

simply good

This picture is not of me, but it could have been not too long ago. That's because it brings to mind a simpler time when, if not in the ocean myself, I would kick it on the beach (or in the car if it was cold, think late fall in Montauk) while my future husband caught a few waves. Of course, then we got married, had kids and the simpler time became less simple. The next time I do this routine (think Mexico while the kids are home with their grandparents), I'd like to be doing it in a cute, vintage-y, Malibu-ish beach-to-bar top just like the one pictured. Something exactly like this.

Photo: Pinterest

over the moon

$82, max and chloe

I pinned this cute mismatched pair of turquoise earrings to my Pinterest board a few months ago and, desperately wanting to buy them, searched high and low for their source. I finally found them online today--yippee!--and was delighted to discover their under $100 price tag.

1. Reiss poppy print silk dress, $320, reiss.com
2. Max and Chloe turquoise stud earrings, $82, maxandchloe.com
3. Max and Chloe gold band three ring set, $50, maxandchloe.com
4. Dolce & Gabbana lip gloss in Candy80, $29, saksfifthavenue.com
5. McQ Alexander McQueen clutch, $310, netaporter.com
6. Aquazurra  cut-out booties, $465, shopbop.com

doubly good

A pair of matching cuffs may evoke Wonder Woman--but it's as clear as her jet that the look is super striking. I'm loving these by House of Harlow (the ones pictured above), Asos and Topshop.

Photos: Marie Claire, Peace Love Shea

the chain gang

$195, shopbop

I walked into a luncheon the other day--late as usual--and when my table of friends saw me they all stopped talking to ogle a bracelet I was wearing. It reminded me how much power one little accessory can have. This hefty chain-link stunner would, no doubt, have the same stop-and-stare effect.

1. Marni sweater, $290, theoutnet.com 
2. Michael Kors chain link bracelet, $195, shopbop.com
3. Proenza Schouler PS11 bag, $1950, forwardbyelysewalker.com
4. Elizabeth & James t-strap heels, $350, shopbop.com
5. Le Frame jeans, $189, netaporter.com 

spring into summer

On this last day of winter (yay!), I am craving warm breezes, wearing feather-light dresses, and barely-there sandals. The ones above by Isabel Marant are my latest obsession. I love the gold metal ankle straps and how good they'll look against sun-kissed skin! Plus, they'll pretty much work with every warm-weather outfit. They also come in a black version, which are equally glam.

Photo: Sincerely Jules

i heart ikat

$49, mango

My interior designer friend recently declared that she's all about ikat these days--ikat pillows, ikat finials, ikat rugs. You may recall that I am too. Here's a tribute to our mutual obsession.

1. Mango ikat print sweater, $49, mango.com

2. Wendy Mink filigree earrings, $245, charmandchain.com

3. Clare Vivier wallet, $220, shopbop.com

4. Maiyet ankle-strap sandals, $905, netaporter.com

5. Maiyet pleated woven shorts, $475, netaporter.com

peekaboo purses

Toting a transparent bag would definitely call for some major editing on my part--but that wouldn't be such a bad thing. I could definitely use a little spring cleaning! The idea of carrying something like this once in awhile appeals to the inner voyeur in me--I love that you can transform its look (and yours) depending on what you put inside. The contents personalize the bag and add to its design. The ones above and below are by Valentino; In the bottom pic, Miroslava Duma shows off a Shourouk. Other options to check out from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Charlotte Olympia, Accessorize and Kotur.

Photos: Phil Oh, Pinterest, Vogue

cat call

$99, amazon

On Saturday night at an engagement party, my friends and I joked that we could all use a doting, dashing, big-diamond-ring-wielding fiance--and a sexy new pair of heels to go with! Well, I got the shoe thing down with these alluring leopard-print and metallic sandals. The fiance part I'll have to enjoy vicariously.

1. Equipment silk top, $188, netaporter.com
2. CC Skye bangle, $125, shopbop.com
3. Michael Kors leather watch, $160, shopbop.com
4. Gorjana bracelet, $38, shopbop.com
5. Comme des Garcons reversible clutch, $145, forwardbyelysewalker.com
6. Nine West leopard print sandal, $99, amazon.com
7. Sportmax leather wrap skirt, $413, matchesfashion.com

marant-to-be

Like a zillion other women in this world, I am obsessed with Isabel Marant. But since many of her pieces come with high price tags, I am not above the Marant-to-be's--i.e., clothing inspired by Isabel Marant. Enter the embroidered ethnic print jacket--a signature Marant staple--which will be pretty ubiquitous this spring. I love how they inject that insouciant French-girl cool into any outfit, and the ones that somehow really, really work include these Marant-to-be's from Monsoon (LOVE!),  Zara (just got this!), Iro (similar to above), and Mango.

ready, set, go!

$57, miss selfridge

I have a full-tilt weekend in store, packed with kids' birthday parties and basketball game, a picnic in Malibu, an engagement party, and hanging out with the in-laws. A throw-on-and-go dress, like this, would see me through these back-to-back activities (save for the engagement party, which calls for cocktail attire). And it would make me look way more pulled together than I actually am!

1. Miss Selfridge boucle dress, $57, missselfridge.com 
2. Ray Ban New Wayfarer sunglasses, $139, shopbop.com 
3. C.Wonder shark tooth stud earrings, $28, cwonder.com 
4. J.Crew leather tote bag, $325, jcrew.com 
5. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent sandals, $245, shopbop.com

call out

My iPhone has had nine lives--maybe more--thanks to its case. But for all the years I've had an iPhone I haven't much cared what the case looked like. Until now. Strangely, all of a sudden, I am hyper-aware of what my case looks like and that of everyone else, too. That's because your choice of case can say so much about you--i.e., your style, humor, passions, etc. And the fun thing is that you can change it up all the time. Crazy as it is, I'm currently digging the knuckle ring brass holder, above. But it's not really me. So I'm toying with these options from a monogrammed case to an old-school surfboard-inspired cover (my husband would approve!), to a conversation-starting camera-printed one.

value-tino

$299, the outnet

It's not everyday you come across a forever-chic Valentino jacket for less than $300 (it was reduced from $1995). I mean... so good, right? And you'll find a whole lot more at the Outnet's bonkers pop-up blowout sale, which goes through Sunday. (Think YSL jackets, Calvin Klein dresses, Marc Jacobs skirts, etc.). Take this score of a jacket and go all out with...

1. Mason lace jumpsuit, $575, intermixonline.com
2. Dannijo earrings, $216, shopbop.com
3. Valentino jacket, $299, theoutnet.com
4. Bobbi Brown lip gloss in Cosmic Pink, $24, saksfifthavenue.com 
5. River Island clutch, $60, riverisland.com
6. Manolo Blahnik sandals, $695, barneys.com