LE CATCH

Things that make life easier are things I deeply love. Which explains why I have my heart set on these super cute $95 carry-everything-around solutions. Love the tassels! (Leaning toward the white one.)

$95, topshop

This cute cotton striped dress is so spring break-bound!

1. Topshop cotton stripe dress, $95, topshop.com
2. Alison Lou diamond and enamel earrings, $1050, netaporter.com
3. Pierre Hardy canvas clutch, $264, modaoperandi.com
4. Vince open-toe booties, $395, nordstrom.com

While technicolor fur and over-the-top statement coats took over the streets (and catwalks) of New York last week, in London, where fashion week is now in full swing, it's all about rain-ready utilitarian parkas and puffers. This type of outerwear is not only English weather-suitable, but also ideal for our imminent spring showers. My recent (and prescient!) purchase of this moto-inspired stylish Patagonia puffer has enabled me to go from the Sierra ski slopes to soggy school runs in style. Other spot-on options include this Red Valentino (70% off), this Madewell, this J.Crew, this Moncler, this Gap, this Joe Fresh, and this Acne Studios (20% off).

Photos:Vogue, Style, A Love is Blind

$39, joe fresh

A Saturday night dinner at my sister's house featured a delicious Mallorcan feast (courtesy of a chef friend in town from the Spanish isle) and great fashion inspo, provided by a television producer pal, who turned up in a classically chic striped top, wide leg trousers and a Burberry trench. The striped staple, above, featuring an anything-but-basic zippered neckline, captures her distinctly cool style perfectly.

1. Joe Fresh zipper-trimmed top, $39, joefresh.com
2. Joe Fresh faux fur leopard print jacket, $49, joefresh.com
3. Saint Laurent flared jeans, $570, netaporter.com
4. Vita Fede ring, $225, shopbop.com
5. Sophie Hulme box tote bag, $595, shopbop.com
6. Puma sneakers, $65, jcrew.com

The new button-down staple we all need for spring is the skirt kind. It has a cool retro spirit, echoing the '70s vibes on the runways, but the flattering, A-line cut keeps it looking thoroughly modern and fresh. My favorites include this supple suede Theory (also in navy), this denim H&M or this Stella McCartney, this black Topshop, this sleek leather Alexander Wang, this white pencil Current/Elliott, this faded denim Moschino and this mini Esprit.

Photo: The Northern Light

$72, topshop

Nothing like a fun fringed top to remind us that spring is on its way!

1. Topshop fringe top, $72, topshop.com

2. Illesteva sunglasses, $290, netaporter.com

3. Madewell ring, $26, madewell.com

4. Star Mela embroidered clutch, $64, asos.com

5. Splendid sandals, $78, shopbop.com

6. Toga pleated shorts, $396, matchesfashion.com

My sister has a gorgeous pair of lace-up tassel-trimmed pumps that I've long been coveting (i.e., plotting to steal), but now I can have my own, thanks to this just-out J.Crew version. The tassels are strategically placed to accent/sexify your ankles; they also playfully peek out under cropped jeans and add whimsy to the most basic dresses. Also hard to resist at J.Crew: loads of new spring wardrobe-making pieces that are 20% off through February 24, including this pretty sequin embellished sweater, this dauntless metallic striped tee, and these spot-on cropped wide leg navy trousers. Find the discount code here.

I was vacationing the last few days with some friends, one of whom is the most committed turtleneck wearer that I know. He lives in LA, yet somehow manages to work the cold weather staple into his wardrobe with incredible frequency (even in an 80's-everyday "winter" like the one we are having). His execution of this getup is always warm, but decidedly not stylish (think English professor / blazing hot beach / scratchy wool neck piece) which happens to be his goal. Needless to say, it drives his wife a wee-bit crazy, and has turned her against the turtleneck in any form and for any person, man, woman or child. Well, not so fast I say, for (as illustrated above and below by NYFW fashionistas) the turtleneck is not by definition an item to be avoided. Done right, it can make you toasty and stylish when you really need to check both boxes. It makes sense, after all: a turtleneck adds a welcome layer of warmth and yet almost disappears underneath more interesting, statement-y pieces. It also extends the wearability of spring and summer (or lightweight) clothes--and gives them a cool new look, to boot. Plus, the turtleneck, especially the clingier, form-fitting styles, dovetails nicely with the current '70s fashion movement. They're also ubiquitous on the Fall 2015 runways, courtesy of designers like Derek Lam, The Row and Tome. Here are some great iterations of the knit du jour from Equipment (forever good cashmere at 40% off), Vince (perfect for layering), Acne Studios (statement-making, on sale and about to sell out), Stella McCartney (very '70s and 75% off), and J Brand (excellently chunky).

Photos: Grazia, Harper's Bazaar, Style, Refinery 29

Along with snow and minus 15 degree wind chill, last weekend's winter storm also precipitated a fur stole takeover on the streets of New York City. Not only is this plush accessory heat-sealing, but outfit-making, and the more printastic and colorful, the better. I found some fun faux fur options from Asos, all on sale, including this one (pictured above), this one (similar to the last pic) and this one.

Photos: Harper's Bazaar, Style Bistro, Grazia, Vogue, The Cut

$180, whistles

A classic staple gets a spring-fresh update, courtesy of frayed edges and a round collar. Want!

1. Steve J & Yoni dress, $515, netaporter.com
2. Whistles frayed jean jacket, $180, whistles.com
3. Anya Hindmarch straw tote bag, $795, shopbop.com
4. Giuseppe Zanotti snake embossed sandal, $750, bergdorfgoodman.com