LE CATCH

Chanel and Rodarte introduced the ear cuff (of the blingy, glamorous, high fashion ilk) several seasons ago to much (street style) fanfare. I liked them, as they were dazzling, directional and punk-edgy cool. But, occasionally (at least for my tastes) a little... much. Introducing the Ear Cuff 2.0. They are a much more subtle yet still stunningly pretty versions of this eye-catching accessory and come in forms such as this dainty sparkler, this pave beauty and this cute gold one, all fantastically, quietly elegant. These demure ones work, I think, because they don't scream fashion victim (or wireless Bluetooth headset) or compete for attention with your other bold accessories. But they are fresh looking and original. And all of this I thoroughly like!

$76, topshop

Stripe-y, sexy, and statment-y--and a bit of asymmetrical Dion Lee-ciousness thrown in for good measure. Now that's a skirt.

1. Alexander Wang t-shirt, $78, netaporter.com or here
2. Illesteva sunglasses, $165, netaporter.com
3. Paralux braided nylon bracelet, $75, shopbop.com
4. Jennifer Zeuner gold bracelet, $143, shopbop.com
5. Henri Bendel eyelet clutch, $198, henribendel.com
6. Jean-Michel Cazabat patent leather sandals, $159, piperlime.com or here
7. Topshop skirt, $76, topshop.com

My twin sister Coliena recently photographed Gwyneth Paltrow, mega celeb and LE CATCH fan(!), for British Glamour's June issue cover story. I love the pics (above and below)--and the random fact that Coliena and Gwyneth both showed up to the shoot wearing light-washed jeans (Coliena in Isabel Marant, Gwyneth in Chloe) and button-down shirts. Usually, it's me who turns up looking similar to my sister! Oh, and one more coincidence: I happen to have a feature in this same issue (see below).

$135, piperlime

These head-turners offer the same wear-with-everything mileage as a basic pair of black pumps--with some fierce attitude, to boot.

1. Reiss dress, $320, reiss.com
2. All Saints earrings, $85, allsaints.com
3. Anya Hindmarch clutch, $650, netaporter.com
4. Joe's ankle-wrap pumps, $135, piperlime.com

It all started a few weeks ago when my friend (bag designer) Clare Vivier showed up at a gallery opening wearing a jumpsuit. She looked stylish and at ease. And smart too, because she probably didn't spend thirty minutes like I did getting dressed! Then a few nights later, another friend (a stylist) arrived at a cocktail party sporting a vintage YSL black tuxedo-inspired jumpsuit. And my new obsession took hold. The jumpsuit has many merits after all: it's one-step-dressing, works around the clock and comes across unexpected looking. I especially love the modern strapless style, above, as it's day-to-night-proof (with a blazer thrown over it at the office). I found a similar Zara version, imbued with a sleek Stella McCartney-meets-The Row aura. I am also digging these genius takes by By Malene Birger, Viva Vena! by Vena Cava and A.L.C (on sale!).

Photos: Vanessa Jackman, Stockholm Street Style, Pinterest

$52, oasis

A bold stripe mixed with some flower power adds up to a Portofino chic-channeling top. Glam it up with...

1. Oasis stripe top, $52, oasis.andotherbrands.com
2. Lydell NYC earrings, $48, lydellnyc.com
3. Tory Burch bracelet, $150, shopbop.com
4. MAC lipstick in All About Orange, $15, nordstrom.com
5. Anthropologie beaded clutch, $39, anthropologie.com
6. Stuart Weitzman patent pumps (55% off), $153, piperlime.com
7. J.Crew sequin skirt, $484*, jcrew.com or here

*Get it at J.Crew for $484 (25% off) through June 6 using discount code SUMMER

The end of season sales bonanza continues, and I just did an edit of Elyse Walker's sale (whose storefront happens to be located a few blocks away from from my house). Among the most desirable items imho are this highly coveted Valentino studded clutch (available in black), these summer-ready JBrand jeans, this head-turning Rodarte dress, plus this, this and this. You can peruse all the options here.


Photo: Vanessa Jackman

$364, the outnet

I feel weird toting a big leather bag around when it's a zillion degrees out. It just feels.... wrong, or more specifically, too heavy. Enter Alexander Wang's sleek city-to-country canvas tote that can be responsible for carrying my life around and look easy breezy at the same time (and, oh, it's half off, too).

1. Madewell silk bow blouse, $88, madewell.com
2. Sensi Studio hat, $125, netaporter.com
3. Kelacala Q necklace, $194, shopbop.com
4. Topshop bangle, $80, topshop.com
5. Alexander Wang canvas tote, $364, theoutnet.com
6. Alexander Wang sandals, $351, bergdorfgoodman.com
7. Mango paisley print pants, $44, mango.com

Is it just me or are this season's bathing suits more daring than ever? There are cut-outs, crochet, mesh and laser-cut accents, graphic prints, high-waist bikinis, you name it. I'm inclined to think that a statement-y suit can (can being the operative word here) help draw eyes away from other body parts you don't necessarily want people focusing on, you know what I mean? But since I am not that adventurous, I may just dip my toes into this trend and start off with some more-attention-getting-than-usual-but-not-crazy-over-the-top suits such as this Amore & Sorvete black beauty, this French Connection one-piece and this leopard print bikini.

Photo: ATG Swimwear

$80, miss selfridge

It's just about beach o' clock in these parts, hence the recent parade of summery dresses. This one has the wherewithal to go from beach to street (and perhaps a music festival or two) and look fun and fresh throughout.

1. Miss Selfridge lace dress, $80, missselfridge.com
2. Ray Ban mirrored sunglasses, $165, shopbop.com
3. Ginette NY rose gold signet ring, $685, charmandchain.com
4. Sophie Anderson handwoven bag, $350, modaoperandi.com
5. Isabel Marant sandals, $1035, netaporter.com