the calm before the storm
Tuesday, April 24
This is a picture of my bedroom, and this coming Friday, there will be a gargantuan heap of clothes piled on my bed. That's because, typically, before I go out at night, I lay outfit options on my bed and try them all on. I am hoping there will be more viable possibilities than discarded ones on Friday, as one of my best friends and I are hosting a dinner party for Lucky's editor-in-chief. It will be an intimate gathering, but chock full of fancy people. So, the pressure's on, and I'm really wanting to hit it out of the ballpark this time. In my dream world, I'd have all three of the dresses below (by Issa, Missoni and Lanvin) as possibilities on my bed. Of course, in reality, I may only have one (if that!), along with an assortment of the usual Zara, H&M and vintage numbers. You know the fashion huntress I am! Anyway, I will be sure to show you a pic of what I settled on next week, post-festivities. Wish me luck!
vested interest
Tuesday, April 24
When you ride up in the elevator at the Conde Nast building in New York, it's always entertaining to look around and check out what everyone's wearing. (Invariably, I can guess who works where, based on the outfit.) The experience is almost like a lesson in shopping, providing insight into what I should be buying. During my last visit, I scoped out an impeccably dressed brunette, wearing a tuxedo vest much like this one, over a flowy abstract print cream colored silk dress. I've been searching high and low for a similar vest ever since, and I've now found it. Wear it with...
1. A Fine Line draped sleeveless t-shirt, $75, barneys.com
2. Mango vest, $89, mango.com
3. Tom Binns crystal necklace, $410, netaporter.com
4. Diane Von Furstenberg metallic clutch, $425, shopbop.com
5. Jean-Michel Cazabat sandals, $295, amazon.com
6. Topshop linen trousers, $64, topshop.com
the western shirt
Monday, April 23
Thanks to Isabel Marant's fall collection, we'll soon be seeing more Western-inspired blouses on urban cowgirls everywhere. Zara just came out with its studded version (that looks spot-on Isabel Marant), while J. Crew offers a classic, pared-down denim one. I am sure vintage stores have a bevy of options to consider, but another idea is buying the real McCoy, like this one, for $40, from Frontier Western Wear.
bead it
Monday, April 23
I am embarrassed to admit it, but I own more clutches than underwear. How this came to be, I haven't a clue. Perhaps it has something to do with a clutch's ability to punctuate an outfit. Or that each little guy possesses so much individual character. Whatever the reason is, I have yet another to add to the collection. This graphic beaded pouch imparts a bohemian gypsy vibe and will look incredibly stunning whether paired with an elegant print dress or anything casually minimalist. I'd play up the boho angle and wear it to a festive summer cocktail party with...
1. Carven asymmetric jacquard dress, $1265, netaporter.com
2. Bauble Bar cabochon earrings, $20, baublebar.com
3. Anthropologie beaded pouch, $58, anthropologie.com
4. Zara sandal, $49, zara.com
girl crush
Friday, April 20
Meet my new girl crush, Geraldine Saglio. She's French (of course), a stylist at French Vogue, and a poster girl for Parisian chic, favoring streamlined staples, such as skinny jeans, a button-down shirt, leather jacket and sky-high heels. With her minimal makeup and undone hair, Saglio has the city's nonchalant flair nailed. Check out the inspiring pics below and divine the Gallic girl in you. (P.S. You can buy her Current/Elliot leopard print jeans here.)
Funny coincidence: Next week I was planning to feature a blue and white color-blocked sweater from Mango that looks exactly like the one Saglio is wearing in this picture. But here it is now, if you are so inspired.
a sheer thing
Friday, April 20
If there is one thing in my closet that's indispensable, I'd say it's my black ballet flats. They're my everyday go-to's. They're classic, comfortable and go with everything. So, here's another black slipper, with a little more pizazz, to rotate into the mix. The sheer lace and patent toe cap lend a very Chanel (or even Valentino) elegance. Wear them with...
1. Madewell sweater, $72, madewell.com
2. Topshop lipstick in Fire Cracker, $16, topshop.com
3. Jerome Dreyfuss Carlitos small tote, $289, barneys.com
4. Asos lace ballet slippers, $39, asos.com
5. Reiss printed jersey trousers, $150, reissonline.com
sharing is caring
Thursday, April 19
Dear Readers,
I have a confession to make: this jacket is one of those items that I love so much, I felt the impulse not to share it. The little girl in me wanted it to be mine, all mine! That being said, my fiduciary duty to you, LE CATCH faithful, is to share all my secrets. Having said that, and as long as we are on this sharing topic, I have a special request. A frighteningly large number of you have told me you love LE CATCH so much, that you feel a similar impulse not to share it with others (lest they get in on your fashion secret weapon)! My special request is please DO share LE CATCH with your friends, family, long lost acquaintances etc. (via email, twitter, pinterest etc). Your spreading the word can make a huge difference, and I would be very grateful!
Okay, enough with the public service announcement. Back to the jacket. My sister actually bought this leather-sleeved Zara jacket in New York last week. According to the sales clerk that helped her, the jacket has been selling out as soon as it hits the floor, with people calling in to put them on hold. The demand is understandable, what with the gold hardware, cinched waist and leather sleeves. I got lucky and scored mine two days ago at the Grove in LA (there were only two left on the racks). I've been waiting for the jacket to come up on Zara's website, and it finally did TODAY. If you're interested, now's the time to pounce. And don't forget to share!
studded, embroidered, oh my!
Thursday, April 19
This sandal combines two of my favorite trends--embroidered friendship bracelets and studded gold hardware--and the result is exceedingly cool. Now just imagine wearing them with a white Mexican style dress. Perfection.
kaftan cool
Thursday, April 19
One of my best friends has more kaftans in her closet than regular clothes. And it's not like she spends her days lolling around on the beach. (Hardly. She's a hugely successful interior designer.) We've taken numerous girls-only getaways together, mostly to warm faraway beaches, and though our trips are often short and sweet, I kid you not, she brings enough kaftans to dress an army. She usually ends up taking up most of the room in the closet, as she likes to hang her kaftans, and every time I complain--until I need to borrow one, because the few I have in rotation end up too wet and/or salty to wear again. Or, I'll just want some variety. So, here's one more to add to my own repertoire, replete with tassels, embroidery and a vintage bohemian spirit. Wear it (to the beach) with...
1. River Island kaftan, $48, riverisland.com
2. Topshop African-print bandeau bikini, $52, topshop.com
3. Anya Hindmarch beach tote bag, $295, anyahindmarch.com
4. Corso Como sandal, $79, nordstrom.com
world traveler
Wednesday, April 18
I'll never tire of my LL Bean boat bags, but they're going on hiatus while I break in this new green leather-trimmed (yes, that's right!) Coach tote bag. It's a limited edition bag from the men's spring line, but it's chicly androgynous. Even though it's big and roomy, it's a carryall that looks less like luggage and more like a hip handbag. It also features a detachable shoulder strap, a practical inside pocket (for my cell phone), and it can be monogrammed. What I love most about it is that it's unidentifiable--i.e., you would never know it's Coach, or any brand for that matter. It's basically everything I need it be--a weekender to a beach bag to a cross-continental carry-on--and dashingly handsome, to boot.