LE CATCH

There was a lot to take in at my son's pre-prom party on Saturday night: the giddy anticipation of all the parents gathered and jostling to get good photos; my son's good friends who looked almost unrecognizable, buttoned up in suits rather than baggy sweatshirts, and all the girls in short, sexy dresses. Although I can't pull off their leg-baring looks, I can age-adjust, with these summer-appropriate looks from Khaite, above, and below, from J.Crew (linen shorts), Self, And Other Stories and Doen. I also want to work this sequin Norma Kamali!

While showing up late and blaming traffic is an accepted LA behavior, I am driven to rectify my habitual tardiness. Or at least mitigate it with a throw–on-and-go dress that dazzles in a way that distracts from my unpunctuality. Such was the case last week when I showed up in this new ME +EM, which had nearly all my fellow garden lunch guests already deep into their first course pressing me about its provenance rather than, um, where I’ve been. I shared details about the dress–so comfortable, pairs with high or low heels, comes in blue–and that there’s more where it came from, like this, this, this and this. Hoping all these ME + EM options will keep me on time from now on!

Lunch at Chateau Marmont not only commands an order of its famously delicious truffle fries but discrete people-watching and a Hollywood glam outfit to take it all in. A few diners broke protocol the other day by directly staring/glaring at me--only to come up to me and compliment my L'Agence textured knit blazer. Thankfully, they can order one of their own--and fit right in to the chic scene!

$170, cos

One way to have a slinky summer!

1. Cos knit dress, $170, cos.com

2. Hermes Rouge Matte in 47 Cinematic, $79, neimanmarcus.com

3. Alaia mesh bag, $1600, bergdorfgoodman.com

4. Aquazurra sandals, $875, netaporter.com

A summer trend is taking hold in my getting-warmer wardrobe in the form of a few new lace-up tops. Not sure what inspired it, but I'm loving the cool detailing and necklace-revealing perks. Above, the striped linen Anthropologie and below Guest in Residence-spirited rugby for $60! Both suitable on and off the beach!

$348, cinq a sept

Clearly, binge-watching Ripley is rubbing off on me. Detach the scarf to dial down the glam.

1. Veronica Beard silk dress, $700, mytheresa.com

2. Cinq a Sept blazer, $348, cinqasept.com

3. Stuart Weitzman crystal mesh bag, $795, bergdorfgoodman.com

4. Khaite sandals, $950, mytheresa.com

Okay, Cesta Collective, I'm completely sold on all your summer-perfect bags--especially the Taco Tote, above, and bow-trimmed Party Pail below--but I also want the South of France-chic stripes, retro sunglasses, crochet to go with! I love the vintage-looking pink and blue shirt, above, and I'd also like to take this gorgeous striped Johanna Ortiz one-piece and bikini, this lace-up striped rugby, white pleated linen shorts, a beaded mini, and long crochet dresses like this and this on my summer getaway, too. P.S Cesta bags are hand-crafted with locally sourced, renewable resources by artisans in Rwanda, Africa, whom are paid 500-700% times that national average salary!

Almost everything about last night's dinner party at my friend Gregg Renfrew's home was perfect from the Antony Todd-designed setting to the power-female company to the ratio of protein to vegetables to honeycomb-covered chocolate. The only thing askew: my jeans! I was the only one in denim and was instantly horrified upon walking through the front door. If only I had worn something more splashy, like the Endless Rose fringed skirt ($110), or the All Saints sequin skirt ($299), or the red maxi H&M. Next time...

My latest Substack is just out (hooray!) and it's about how I am preparing for several splashy occasions--one of which I'm not invited to. For those I've sent in my RSVP, you might see me showing up in the above $149 statement top from Antonio Melania x M.G. Style, or perhaps the $229 festive fringed dress, or the handkerchief-hem, below. See everything else fun (and affordable) I'm eyeing here! P.S. Shopbop just marked down a ton of spring styles (Missoni, Cara Cara, etc) up to 70%!

$371, bergdorf goodman

Phillip Lim's updated jean jacket can be tied in the front or back--or not at all!

1. Hunza G dress, $270, mytheresa.com

2. 3.1 Phillip Lim jean jacket, $371, bergdorfgoodman.com

3. TKEES lace-up sandals, $115, shopbop.com

4. Gucci bucket bag, $2700, netaporter.com