LE CATCH

$248*, j.crew

The heeled gladiator is shaping up to be the summer shoe, as I previously noted here and here (BTW: I am obsessed with my new black Mangos). So, I'm thinking a brown, neutral (read: super versatile) pair wouldn't hurt either, especially as it happens to be 2o% off ($198) right now.

1. Stella McCartney lace top, $1016, matchesfashion.com
2. Sole Society sunglasses, $24, solesociety.com
3. Gorjana friendship bracelets, $66, shopbop.com
4. Freida & Nellie woven bracelet, $198, shopbop.com
5. Anya Hindmarch fringed clutch, $325, theoutnet.com
6. J.Crew studded sandals, $248*, jcrew.com
7. J.Brand boyfriend jeans, $178, jbrand.com

*Enter SHOPNOW at checkout to get these for $198 through May 26. Sale discounts on all other purchases too.

Unlike me, Moda Operandi creative director Taylor Tomasi Hill is an equal opportunity employer of accessories, utilizing everything from jewelry to bags to sunglasses to chic outfit-making effect. But what's particularly noteworthy is her allegiance to belts (as demonstrated in the pics above and below)--an accessory that's usually an afterthought in my book. Clearly, I am going to have to rectify this and I may just start by adding some of these versatile waist-cinchers from McQ Alexander McQueen (very TTH-edgy), Club Monaco (studded and double wrap), Asos (for slinky dresses), and BCBG (Alaia-ish, but under $100!) to my styling arsenal.

Photos: Streetfsn.com, Vogue, Candace Lake, Pinterest

$84, topshop.com

A little Chloe-inspired patchwork business takes these jeans beyond your basic blues. Wear them (all the time!) with...

1. Chloe blouse, $1195, netaporter.com
2. Karen Walker sunglasses, $250, shopbop.com
3. SunuharA Malibu ring, $55, shopbop.com
4. Sophie Anderson bag, $630, modaoperandi.com
5. J.Crew sandals, $110, jcrew.com
6. Topshop jeans, $84, topshop.com

The Glamour Magazine girls came over the other day to check out my closet, my office and ask me questions ranging from how I got started in fashion to my recent and all-time favorite purchases. You can see it here along with a few close-ups of the aforementioned favorite purchases like this bag.
Photo: Miha Matei

$120, topshop

This shoe nails the stylish summer sandal triumverate: sexy, strappy and jeans-to-dresses versatile. Wear it with...

1. McQ Alexander McQueen dress, $575, netaporter.com
2. Mania Mania ear cuff, $170, shopbop.com
3. Shashi beaded bracelet, $62, shopbop.com
4. Jules Smith cuff, $85, shopbop.com
5. Dezso by Sara Beltran clutch, $75, modaoperandi.com
6. Topshop leather heels, $120, topshop.com

The Celine Trio has all the elusive qualities that define an "it" bag: an elegant, streamlined shape, an understated logo, scarce availability, and a high price tag. And, of course, it has spawned some less expensive but very viable lookalikes, such as this one from Steven Alan. It also comes in black.

Photo: Streetfsn.com

$54*, j.crew

I walked in late for a lunch with a friend--a start-up CEO--who was already sitting at the table, wearing an office-friendly blue blazer over a silk blue blouse. We ate, talked, laughed, and paid the bill. Then she stood up and, to my surprise, she was wearing graphic print shorts and wedges, making for an outfit that was all business on top and party on the bottom. Nice! With this as my inspiration, I'm feeling these shorts, which though a little bit more beach-friendly, are equally cool and statement-making.

1. Dagmar knitted sweater, $295, netaporter.com
2. Elizabeth and James sunglasses, $185, shopbop.com
3. Bauble Bar earrings, $24, baublebar.com
4. Coach tote bag, $448, coach.com
5. Madewell lace-up sandals, $59, madewell.com
6. J.Crew print shorts, $54, jcrew.com

* Get these shorts for $43 (and 20% off all J.Crew women's clothing) through May 21 with the code LOOK20

My newly purchased vintage Yves Saint Laurent sandals (above) and I made a cameo on Refinery 29, where I talk about my strategy for wearing lace-ups. Check it out here.

Photo: Jessie Webster

$234, asos

Meet my newest partner in crime, which will see me through this summer's cosmo-swilling soirees.

1. Three Floor lace dress, $234, asos.com
2. Lulu Frost earrings, $190, shopbop.com
3. Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Princess, $31, nordstrom.com
4. Edie Parker clutch, $1395, modaoperandi.com
5. Gucci buckle sandals, $695, netaporter.com

While logging some beach time over the last few weekends, I've been thinking about my summer hat strategy. For a while, I've been working the requisite straw fedora, like everyone else, but I'm noticing that style changes are afoot: hat brims are either shorter (of the porkpie/trilby variety) or longer (akin to a floppy hat) than seasons past. Which direction to go in? I'm thinking both, as it never hurts to have options. I've edited down my selects to these short-brimmers from Eugenia Kim and Bop Basics to these ultra shaders by Melissa Odabash and J.Crew.

Photo: Maritsa