LE CATCH

$110, topshop

When I wrote about the mule--A.K.A. spring's must-have shoe--in January, some of you predicted that Zara would come out with a good one. Turns out Topshop did--and it's perfection.

1. Burberry embellished sweater, $1595, netaporter.com
2. Topshop satin embroidered bomber jacket, $130, topshop.com
3. Warehouse scuba skirt, $57, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
4. Monki clutch, $33, asos.com
5. Sam Edelman bracelet, $50, piperlime.com
6. Topshop mules, $110, topshop.com

While pretty much everybody's eyeballs are still trained on last night's Oscar-glam turnout, I've refocused my attention on Paris, where even though the Fall 2014 collections are winding down, there's still plenty of glam on display, albeit of the streetwear rather than ballgown variety. Generally, it's the individual instant-getting-glamour touches that make these outfits work their magic. Some of these details are entirely unexpected, others more predictable, but it's these nuances--the special sauce, so to speak--that make all the difference! The most inspirational (i.e., doable) among them include: a bold-hued bag such as this red Rebecca Minkoff, this yellow mini Givenchy, or this lilac Annabel Ingall; a graphic skirt like this monochrome one by Whistles (similar to yet less pricey than the black and white Proenza Schouler skirt below) or this striped lovely by Halogen; a cascading coat (I like this grey one by Asos); a vintage-looking jean jacket layered underneath under an ultra sleek coat; an embellished pair of flats such as these by J.Crew or Manolo Blahnik; a dramatic cape like this Mango or this Lover + Friends; and, yes, even a pair of socks teamed with statement pumps (a trend that seems to be cresting right now!).

Photos: Collage Vintage, Garance Dore, Style, Harper's Bazaar, The Cut

$175, madewell

I bet many of those actresses who walked the red carpet last night wouldn't mind slipping into this cute schmatta today. I'd like to slip it over a swimsuit ASAP.

1. Madewell embroidered dress, $175, madewell.com
2. Le Specs mirrored sunglasses, $65, netaporter.com
3. J.Crew paisley bikini top, $52, jcrew.com; J.Crew bikini bottom, $44, jcrew.com
4. Loeffler Randall sandals, $195, piperlime.com

I finally did it! I chopped my hair a few weeks ago when I was in New York at the John Barrett Salon. Some of you might have already seen my new 'do on Instagram (my handle is marlienrentmeester), but if you haven't, here it is! In its last-Sunday-afternoon, no-blow-dry, no-product glory. Yes, I love it, and it's exactly what I asked for. Which was, to be specific, a haircut like Beyonce, but more real-girl-on-the-go than major-pop-star. Since John Barrett actually cuts Beyonce's hair, I was in the right hands, and he gave me a cut that I've always wanted but have never had: one that goes out of the shower straight to wherever I'm going without much, if any, primping (yes, my minimalist ways rearing its ugly head again!). In other words, the miracle cut! While I love the length, it's taken a bit of getting used to. For example, it feels weird to have the back of my neck not covered by hair. Even my children have had to adapt. When I first came home, my five-year-old son told me I looked funny and that I needed to get my old hair back immediately. My oldest childhood friend said I looked like Lady Edith from Downton Abbey... "but in a good way." (Is there a good way??) My husband grew a kooky mustache in retaliation. Nonetheless, I adore it. With less hair, showers seem to be shorter and drying takes so much less time. I also look different, which is kind of fun. And I am enjoying how I can choose between wearing my hair up or down with various outfits (you know how much I appreciate options!). Let's just see how long I will go without reverting back to always pulling my hair up and back!

Photo: Coliena Rentmeester

$98, shopbop

The unexpected combo of pearls and spikes makes for a distinctly cool everyday earring.

1. Stella McCartney dress, $1247, matchesfashion.com
2. Fallon spiked earrings, $98, shopbop.com
3. Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Lost Cherry, $45, nordstrom.com
4. Asos pony hair leather clutch, $56, asos.com
5. Steve Madden calf hair flats, $99, nordstrom.com

Another week, another Italian girl crush. Mamma Mia! However, I do think you'll agree with me that Giorgia Tordini's style is pretty compelling. The Milan-based fashion designer embraces clean, classic, almost all black silhouettes, simple gold jewelry, and statement shoes (these pics prove her penchant for white heels). She believes every woman should own a Chanel bag, a pair of leather pants and an Alaia dress. You'll never catch her wearing anything but red nail polish and the only designer who could make her wear prints is Dries Van Noten. Inspired by her Euro-refined, pared-down style approach, I hunted down some of her bellissimo hallmarks (most of which transcend trends) to integrate into my own repertoire, including a structured top handle bag such as this Dolce & Gabbana or this Proenza Schouler (similar to above), a streamlined wear-with-everything black Sophie Hulme clutch, a tuxedo blazer like this one by Alice + Olivia, killer white pumps, a pair of loose-fitting leather pants, eternally stylish cropped black trousers like these by Jenni Kayne, and a classic pair of Ray Ban sunglasses.

Photos: Le 21-eme, Collage Vintage, Pinterest

$175, tory burch

This straw fringed bag is so spring break-bound. Of course, I'd use it all summer long too!

1. Cool Change floral top, $306, matchesfashion.com
2. Spektre mirrored sunglasses, $140, matchesfashion.com
3. Anthropologie cuff, $48, anthropologie.com
4. Tory Burch raffia clutch, $175, toryburch.com
5. Isabel Marant leather sandals, $510, matchesfashion.com
6. Paige jeans, $199, netaporter.com

$198, j.crew

Over the years my closet has turned into a lending library to close friends, who borrow clothes for various events. After suiting them up, I always find myself saying to them, "Now all you need is a good barely-there metallic heel and you're done." This is exactly the kind of shoe I'm talking about! P.S. I'd also seriously consider buying it in gold, too. It's just that forever good.

$198, club monaco

This jumpsuit is, to quote my five-year-old son, "easy peasy." And seriously cute too!

1. Club Monaco silk polka dot jumper, $198, clubmonaco.com
2. Mango linen boyfriend blazer, $99, mango.com
3. Pierre Hardy bag, $750, forwardbyelysewalker.com
4. Carrera by Jimmy Choo sunglasses, $199, shopbop.com
5. Sophia Webster sandals, $595, netaporter.com

Relishing Milan's relatively balmy, near 60-degree temps, fashion show-goers busted out their pretty pastels this past week, trial-running their new spring finery. Lucky for us, Shopbop is staging a rare two-day site-wide (!) sale*, offering both an early taste of spring's key pieces, as well as all the evergreens (like designer bags, jeans and underpinnings). My comprehensive scout of the site this morning turned up more finds than I could possibly buy (though this always seems to be the case with me!), but I thought I'd share my edit. It includes this very fashion editor-worthy pale pink Alice & Olivia blouse, these sexy Alexander Wang lace-up sandals, these classic will-be-worn-to-death Alexandre Birman black t-straps, this Ostwald Helgason color-blocked skirt, this effortlessly chic jumpsuit, these sleek metallic Tibi gladiators, this exotically cute Antik Batik minaudiere, this pretty lace (throw-it-over-your-bikini) Dolce Vita lace dress, these incredibly flattering Paige boyfriend jeans (which I actually have and wear all the time and think it would not hurt to have another!), this T by Alexander Wang night-out dress, and this Helmut Lang bomber jacket.

*Spend $250, save 20%, spend $500, save $25% and spend $1000 and save 30%. Use code BIGEVENT14 at checkout!

Photo: Josefina Andres/Vogue Espana