LE CATCH

Everything about the above outfit is perfection--its balance of ease and polish, uptown and downtown, feminine and masculine. But I'm even more obsessed with the person wearing it. Her name is Frannie Gilligan, and you may recognize her as Clare V's beautiful, bag-toting model. (Designer Clare Vivier happens to be her aunt!). Frannie compels me not only to stock up on all of Clare V's amazing bags, including the just-out woven tote, above (20% off here!), but also to want whatever she's wearing. Let's start with Frannie's vintage Levi's jeans, above, which she procured at Mille. They boast a high waist, straight leg and perfect length (i.e., most flattering combo ever). I found the most excellent versions from Levi's here and here as they're sold out everywhere else (I'd cut the hem to adjust length and for worn-in effect). Then there are Frannie's signature retro-chic, wear-with-everything loafers by Tod's, her cat-eye sunglasses, her adorable Peter Pan-collared blouses, like this and this, her pretty floral dresses (this, this and this) and, of course, her aunt's latest spring bags, including the Petit Bateau (third pic below, on sale here), metallic midi-sac (immediately below, also on sale) and this punchy lizard-embossed clutch (my fave and also on sale!).

Photos: Clare V, Frannie Gilly

I am more than ready for carefree days, spring breezes, warm sunshine and flowy dresses. You? You might be after checking out some of my on-sale but new-to-market dresses, including the floral Free People, above. Also tempting: this shoulder-tie check C/Meo Collective (throw a cropped black blazer on top), this gorgeous ivory Acler, this pretty and clever Rococo Sand dress-meets-skirt, this striped-mini Parker, and this ethereal, embroidered Capulet.

Coming in hot: cropped blazers! The Chanel runway in Paris yesterday was chock full of them and, naturellement, and so were the boulevards. Proof here! The fit is oversized, but the details are striking and feminine. I found a few inexpensive vintage ones here, here and here, and also these newbies from J.Crew (or this Chanel-y one), Nanushka, Acne Studios, and Zara. (The ones pictured here are from Chanel and Dior.)

Okay, people, here's respite from all the bad news out there: Shopbop just launched an exceptionally great sale, featuring new and amazing spring styles at up to 25% off (discount code here). There's tons of stuff I want and love, but I've whittled it down a bit to these Loeffler Randall sandals, above, this cutest-thing-ever Jennifer Zeuner heart necklace, these cool cream trouser-like BLDWN high-rise jeans, this (all-the-rage) chain-link under-$100 Studio 33 bag, this pretty yet simple Free People floral dress, this super chic, super versatile white Ramy Brook dress, these perfectly-cut Agolde jeans, this Veronica Beard leopard-print maxi (beach to street, baby!), this spot-on ruffled APC blouse, and these year-round Loeffler Randall booties. Check out all the goodness here!

We all know that French chic is effortless chic. What we don't know, however, is that it's actually easy to emulate. Simply with Paris' currently-all-the-rage classics: lived-in denim, a tweed check blazer, an statement trench or coat, and low to mid-heeled boots or pumps. For extra points, throw in some tousled hair (try my go-to OUAI Finishing Creme to execute!). These recent street style snaps highlight some right-now favorites, including this Levi's denim jacket (immediately below), a key layering piece; these distressed SLVRLAKE jeans (everyone I know is obsessed with them!); this AYR denim shirt, this perfectly-oversize Everlane check blazer (this Zara also good!); these outfit-making trenches by Veronica Beard Scotch and Soda, and Pixie Market, or this straightforward forever-stylish Reformation; and lastly, everyday-elegant boots by Saint Laurent and Schutz.

$290, intermix

Ready for weekend bling--and other non-news-related things!

1. Nicholas dress, $495, netaporter.com
2. Mounser drop earrings, $290, intermixonline.com
3. Code8 Lip Lacquer in Gala, $35, netaporter.com
4. Schutz lace-up sandals, $190, neimanmarcus.com

Leave it to me to talk shop while sweating through Body By Simone class. But thanks to a fellow in-the-know exerciser, I actually scored some great finds like this monogrammed iPhone case (for $22!!), this scalloped stationary set andthe above initialed gold-plated signet ring from wellness-central Goop!

This all-of-a-sudden knit set is like a one-and-done dress but better because you can wear the pieces separately, for extra mileage. Nice, right? I love the head-to-toe Joseph (and this one for summer), above, and these by Missoni (vintage at such a good price!), Tibi (on super sale!), Beaufille, and The Reformation.

New York City-based illustrator Jenny Walton wins today's award for best high-low combo, teaming GAP's high-rise straight-leg jeans ($42!) with a ruffly, gorgeous Chloe blouse. YES!

Photo: Jenny Walton

After an early morning hike yesterday, I sat down to my computer as per usual, came across the above pic on my Pinterest feed, and tried to recreate its effortlessly chic vibe (see my attempt here). The outfit's irreverent mix of laid-back and seductive is so up my alley right now--and it looks like I'm not alone. See the street style bikini/blouse pic taken last week in Milan and the deep-V situation, shot yesterday in Paris. Also, Saint Laurent's Fall 2020 show! So now I'm totally inspired to pull this off in more ways, namely with this Alex Mill button-up cardigan (which you can wear both front and back), this Red Carter crop top (underneath an oversized blazer), this Veronica Beard striped V-neck sweater (also this one!), this Khaite polo neck (I have in pink and can't get enough), and the animal-print Alberta Ferretti (last pic).