LE CATCH

I am a huge fan of Nigerian designer Duro Olowu's wildly vivid prints and use of color, and his collaboration with JC Penney, which debuted yesterday, does not dissappoint. Inspired by his Spring '13 collection, the range consists of bright, fun patterned skirts, flowy, feminine dresses and an amazing selection of home accessories, such as rugs, plates, and notebooks. I snapped up this summer-breezy dress and this bold animal print cardigan. (P.S. I just discovered that JC Penney sells the up-to-the-minute stylish and super affordable Canadian line Joe Fresh. Awesome!)

$48, jcrew

Doesn't this sun washed-looking tee transport you to deep summer? It certainly does for me (or maybe it's the 82-degree weather outside!). The ikat print is a fresh alternative to the ubiquitous mariner stripe, and it's also wonderfully versatile, which means it goes with everything from a pair of right-now-appropriate jeans to hitting-the-beach-in July printed shorts (or simple denim cutoffs) to something more unexpected and fun like this:

1. J.Crew ikat print t-shirt, $48, jcrew.com
2. Madewell jean jacket, $118, madewell.com
3. Asos bangle set, $42, asos.com
4. Monya camouflage beaded clutch, $145, shopbop.com
5. Elizabeth & James metallic sandals, $350, saksfifthavenue.com
6. Moschino Cheap and Chic ruched skirt, $450, netaporter.com

I've been intrigued by these origami-like skirts ever since Proenza Schouler trotted out its Asian-spirited asymmetrical-hemmed minis last fall. My obsession deepened during Netaporter's end of season sale, when one of Proenza's beauties slipped through my fingers, because I neglected to put it in my shopping cart as I browsed other options. By the time I got back to the on-sale skirt, poof, it was gone. So, I've been on the hunt. Here's what I've turned up: a silk wrap skirt from Topshop; a more minimalist, less layered Asos; a sleek color-blocked Nicholas; and Zara's white skirt-shorts hybrid that's a close kissing cousin to the one above (happily, it's already en route!).

Photos: Tommy Ton for Style.com, Pinterest

$29, express

All of a sudden I am into big honking bracelets. It's not that I didn't appreciate them before. It's just that lately they've been consistently accenting my day-to-day outfits. And I fell for another one yesterday, when at an LA showroom to preview Express' newest wares, I came across this geometric, artsy cool silver cuff. (BTW: I learned that the brand recently hired a new accessories designer, and I have to say, it showed!) I am telling you: this cuff has the power to turn heads. And it's glued to my wrist--for now.

1. Moschino studded cotton dress, $1295, netaporter.com
2. Tom Ford lipstick in coral, $48, nordstrom.com
3. Express silver cuff, $29, express.com
4. Clare Vivier laser-cut leather clutch, $144, shopbop.com
5. Christian Louboutin T-strap sandals, $895, bergdorfgoodman.com

A few weeks ago I scored a pair of vintage mint-condition Yves Saint Laurent lace-up heels from the '70s and I literally have been trying to wear them everyday since! Okay, so they're 86ed for walking my kids to school, but they are more versatile than one would think, and the proof is in these pictures, above and below. You might just be tempted to try this sexy leg-climbing shoe, yourself, whether with jeans or a dress. And, if that's the case, here a few options from Gisuseppe Zanotti (featured above and directly below), a leg-lengthening Aquazzura, and an out-and-out alluring Jimmy Choo.

Photos: Harper's Bazaar, Pinterest

$123, whistles

This clean, pristine white top has all the ease and wearability of a t-shirt, but is exceedingly more elegant, thanks to it sharp lines, scoop back shape, and luxe fabric. It's poised to become one of my wardrobe workhorses, the kind of thing I could dress up, dress down and never go a week without.

1. Whistles top, $123, whistles.co.uk
2. Balenciaga biker coat, $1599, matchesfashion.com
3. Topshop cuff, $30, topshop.com
4. Asos beaded clutch, $59, asos.com
5. Jimmy Choo patent leather pumps, $495, netaporter.com
6. Lela Rose printed pants, $695, bergdorfgoodman.com

With spring break within sight--and an 80-degree weekend forecast in LA!--these Rag & Bone beach blankets* are looking especially compelling right now. (Just an aside: one of these blankets would also make for a fantastically practical and chic hostess gift!) The attached canvas straps allow for easy transport, too.

*There's a sale at Shopbop through Thursday 2/28: get 10-20% depending on how much you spend over $250 by using code SPRINGEVENT.

$24, bauble bar

There's a super fancy jeweler located near the Ritz in Paris who makes the prettiest, most glamorous diamond rings that spell out your name (or whatever you fancy!), so that the letters wrap elegantly around your finger. These statement studs are a riff on that romantic idea--but they're beaucoup affordable and everyday wearable.

1. Iris & Ink cashmere sweater, $198, theoutnet.com
2. Bauble Bar love studs, $24, baublebar.com
3. Dorothy Perkins bracelet set, $27, dorothyperkins.com
4. Sara Battaglia metal clutch, $1210, stylebop.com
5. Pour La Victoire sandals, $375, shopbop.com
6. Altuzarra ikat skirt, $775, bergdorfgoodman.com

These Chanel espadrilles my slipped through my fingers last spring, but reportedly, they'll be available again this year but in different hues.