LE CATCH

$39, target

I literally hit the ground running when I landed in New York last week, pretty much going straight from JFK to Prabal Gurung for Target's launch party at Pier 57. The carnival extravaganza provided an apt entree to the moving circus that is New York Fashion Week--and it was only right that I shopped the collection. My favorite purchase: these sexy lace-up sandals. They're thoroughly in tune with spring's lace-up gladiator trend but in a non-aggressive (i.e., more wearable!) way. I'll be sporting mine with...

1. Chloe cotton jersey top, $625, netaporter.com
2. Madewell jean jacket, $118, madewell.com
3. Dorothy Perkins bangle set, $29, dorothyperkins.com
4. Anya Hindmarch jacquard clutch, $640, saksfifthavenue.com
5. Prabal Gurung for Target sandals, $39, target.com
6. Isolda printed skirt, $390, modaoperandi.com

Here in New York (where it appears I am now trapped!) neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these fashion warriors from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. These pics, above and below, are from yesterday, and they do not disappoint. Today was a different story, as the wintry weather began to present some serious snow-pelting challenges (I swear I could have used a snow suit and goggles at one point, but all I had on me was Chewbacca and sunnies--at least it worked in the taxi!). For more New York Fashion Week street style, check out here and here.

Photos: Grazia, Harper's Bazaar

$89, mango

It's Fashion Week. It's freezing. It's blizzarding. And layering is the name of the game. Something like this under something warm and furry would be the ticket. (Note the biker jacket accents and this-very-minute light wash!) And when the mercury finally rises, it'll be great along with this...

1. Valentino dress, $2690, netaporter.com
2. Mango jean jacket, $89, mango.com
3. Asos cameo bracelet, $10, asos.com
4. Balenciaga bracelet, $201, matchesfashion.com
5. Charlotte Olympia clutch, $845, forwardbyelysewalker.com
6. Alexander Wang sandals, $495, bergdorfgoodman.com

I know, the varsity jacket is super trendy, but I am still a hardcore fan--especially when it's paired with something fancier, like an A-line skirt, or structured trousers (even though it looks incredibly cute, casually, case in point, above!). My lineup of the most valuable players includes these by Madewell, French Connection and Topshop.

Photo: french-voguettes

$290, forward

Not only did I discover good finds (a lace skirt, a fur stole) at last week's vintage fair, I came across what amounted to an archeological dig of embroidered tunics. I had to investigate each and every one, as I consider them perfect specimens of relaxed glamour. They're comfortable, versatile and work season after season. And they add a well-traveled accent to any look! Since I can't get enough of them, I've continued the hunt online, and yesterday unearthed this simple but striking top from Isabel Marant. I love it, and I'd wear it with...

1. Etoile Isabel Marant blouse, $290, forwardforward.com
2. Dorothy Perkins rope cuff, $17, dorothyperkins.com
3. Loft straw bag, $39, loft.com
4. Ancient Greek sandals, $215, shopbop.com
5. Current/Elliot denim shorts, $178, netaporter.com

$39, gap.com

A cute Gap find (or four!): Fold-over leather clutches in eye-catching, outfit-punctuating shades--for $39, each. (P.S. If you are a fan of Clare Vivier, the designer who galvanized this whole leather clutch mania, a few of her clutches are on sale at Shopbop!)

$300, reiss

A tech conference is not the most likely place to find fashion inspiration. But there I was in San Francisco last week, doing the rounds, when I spotted a woman, wearing a beautifully modern shift dress, just like this. She looked polished, yet comfortable, but here's the most genius thing: in the morning, she was wearing the dress with stilettos, but, later, as the day wore on, I spied her in cute ballerina flats. And she still looked impeccable. This dress, rendered in next season's sherbet hue (also available in forever-chic black), fits the conference-to-cocktail party bill and then some...

1. Reiss shift dress, $300, reiss.com
2. Maison Martin Margiela ring set, $380, forwardbyelysewalker.com
3. Loft clutch, $29, loft.com
4. Sophia Webster strappy sandals, $490, netaporter.com

J.Crew featured me on its blog today! Very exciting. The Q&A highlights my Malibu-getaway essentials that include, of course, my kids, their friends, loads of surfboards, and a golf cart for hauling everyone and everything down to the beach. You can also check out my current beach-friendly J.Crew favorites here.

$228, french connection

Simply looking at this clutch makes me feel more bohemian chic. It's exactly what I'd take to the tropics (imagine with a long, flowy sundress like this!), but I don't know that I could save it just for those too-infrequent trips. Fortunately, it also works quite nicely like this...

1. Topshop white tank, $56, topshop.com
2. French Connection white jacket, $198, frenchconnection.com
3. Assad Mounser cuff, $293, charmandchain.com
4. French Connection wood clutch, $228, frenchconnection.com
5. Isabel Marant ankle strap sandal, $730, forwardbyelysewalker.com
6. Vanessa Bruno tapered pants, $530, netaporter.com

Thanks to Hedi Slimane's first collection for Saint Laurent, felt hats are more than just a head-warming accessory. They have the power to make your outfit. In fact, Bill Cunningham of the New York Times dedicated his On the Street column this past Sunday to New York City women and their new hat obsession. (One could say LE CATCH actually scooped Mr. Cunningham on this story, with reporting from my bi-coastal twin sister!) I rounded up some of my picks from Topshop (my sister bought this one and LOVES it), Lanvin (on sale but still a splurge!), Free People and Eric Javits.

Photos: Pinterest, Harper's Bazaar