LE CATCH

A close friend of mine just returned from St. Tropez with a sun-kissed glow, a rose-at-lunchtime proclivity and a bevy of alluring new swimsuits. Specifically the French-chic kind, which, bien sur, have just the right amount of sexy! Take for example, the pretty lace bikini, above, featuring an oh-so-romantic ruffle-trimmed bralette top. I also love this this off-the-shoulder Lisa Marie Fernandez, this floral Zimmermann, this halter Motel one-piece, this Marysia one-shouldered bikini, this J.Crew seersucker shoulder-tie top (30% off!), and this criss-crossed back Lolli.

$138, banana republic

Fall is calling for a rainbow-hued lineup of heels, so I am stepping ahead with these purple pretties. (P.S. I'm also enamored with the navy version too!)

1. Zimmermann dress, $875, revolveclothing.com
2.Oscar de la Renta earrings, $171, bergdorfgoodman.com
3. By Terry Velvet Lipstick in Rouge 8, $47, netaporter.com
4. Whiting & Davis mesh clutch, $350, nordstrom.com
5. Banana Republic suede sandals, $138, bananarepublic.com

I'm now thinking that my scorching hot summer day style plan will center around the silk camisole top. Thank you, Celine, for bringing back this '90s hit. The comeback is warranted, of course, as it goes with summer's most key staples, such as a pair of wide-leg trousers, culottes, jeans and a midi skirt (I wouldn't go shorter than above the knee, lest I want to show off too much skin!), plus it's sleek, sexy and shoulder-baring--like that other ubiquitous summer top--and easy to layer. I prefer camisoles that look suitable outside the boudoir, such as these by The Reformation, Tibi, The Row, and Theory.

It all started with me wanting a new summer bag. One that I could use day in and day out. One that would fly in Malibu and Manhattan. It would be roomy enough to fit my laptop, kids' snacks along with other random, unessential things. Though I could clearly envision this dreamy bag, I could not find it. Anywhere. So, I called up my bag designer friend Clare Vivier and asked her to help me make one. And, voila, here it is the Le Catch x Clare V bag! On top of all those special attributes I listed above, this bag (which also comes in a pink/white stripe version) conveniently features long handles, so you can sling it over your shoulder, plus a detachable leather clutch. Additionally, its flip side looks different, which you can further personalize with your monogram. I'm talking three bags in one, people. No small achievement. Get them here before they go!

Autumn's chill may be on the distant horizon but I'm prepping for it today, as Nordstrom's epic early access sale is on, featuring just-hit-the-rack fall pieces at up to 40% off!** On my shopping list: this tie-sleeve Tibi top, these cropped, raw-hemmed Frame jeans, these suede Alexander Wang ankle boots, this Topshop leather moto jacket, this French Connection hooded parka, this lace-up Stuart Weitzman flats, and this super cozy Yigal Azrouel drape front cardigan. People, get ahead of the game--before it all goes!

**To access the sale now, you need to have a Nordstrom card which you can register for on the Nordstrom site. The sale items will be available to non-account holders as well in a week.

Photo: New York Magazine

Black pants are always in fashion, but right now they look refreshingly different from seasons past. They're cropped, high-waisted and wide-legged. I've been on the hunt for a new flattering pair, one that I can implement into constant (i.e, use and abuse!) rotation. Today I discovered what might be the most ideal black pants I've come across yet, thanks to a friend who was sporting them. They feature an ankle length hem, amenable to sandals, heels or even boots, and are made from super comfortable tencel fabric. They can be dressed up or down and will work through the colder months. Best of all is their price: $39! (Trust me, they don't look cheap.) You can find them here.

$325, intermix

My weekend-ready style inspo to get through hump day.

1. Ossa striped romper, $325, intermix.com
2. Self Portrait x Le Specs sunglasses, $125, shopbop.com
3. Cornelia Webb set of rings, $455, netaporter.com
4. Marni tote bag, $1760, matchesfashion.com
5. Loeffler Randall sandals, $225, neimanmarcus.com

I highly suggest dipping into Shopbop's designer boutique sale, replete with crazy discounts on gorgeous goods, such as The Perfext lace dress, above, this grommeted 3.1 Phillip Lim tank, this Sigerson Morrison lace-up sandal, this denim Stella McCartney dress, this floral Proenza Schouler shirt dress, and this ethereal Giamba frock. You can check it all out for yourself here.

$93, the outnet

This dress is made for blue-sky summer days!

1. Vix maxi dress, $93, theoutnet.com
2. Eric Javits fringed hat, $240, nordstrom.com
3. Majorica pave crystal earrings, $110, neimanmarcus.com
4. Charlotte Tillbury Lip Gloss in Red Vixen, $22, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. Clare V madras weave clutch, $82*, shopbop.com
6. Sophia Webster slides, $295, netaporter.com

*Shopbop is staging a two-day designer sale! I will round up my favorite picks and share them shortly!

I thought I had a comprehensive collection of stripes in my wardrobe, but then I came across this amazing asymmetrical tank top. I own nothing remotely similar to this statement piece, and it's downright irresistible (with a Rosie Assoulin train-like flair, no less!) at $76! You can find it here.