LE CATCH

If you, like me, are still pining for this long-sold-out Proenza Schouler pleated metallic skirt, you can take some consolation in this sleek Asos version--for a mere $142. (Oh, and just FYI: there is a pretty pleated non-metallic Proenza dress that's 40% off here.)

$109, pixie market

I could not buy this cute (and insanely priced!) fringed denim tank and skirt set fast enough. I'm planning to wear these pieces separately, too. (P.S. They run small, so order a size up!)

1. Pixie Market denim tank and skirt set, $109, pixiemarket.com
2. Noor Fares 18-karat gold and sapphire studs, $1500, netaporter.com
3. Jerome Dreyfus cross body bag, $575, shopbop.com
4. Joie sandals, $150, piperlime.com

I spent late Saturday afternoon at the kind of children's birthday party where the kids are happily occupied (i.e., pretending to be Star Wars stormtroopers) and perfectly chilled Rombauer is on tap. In other words, the kind of fete that warrants a cute outfit. One friend had on a pretty skirt just like the one, above, that managed to stay cupcake-free till the end.

Matches, the venerable UK-based, designer-rich retailer, recently asked me to share my tried-and-true style rules. (They also photographed me in my sister's New York City apartment in various cute shirts, above.) You can check out the cool feature here--and shop the incredible sale (30 to 50%) going on, too. Some amazing finds include these $350 Gucci suede sandals (you don't see that everyday!), this Peter Pilotto dress, and this Fendi clutch.

This picture is making me think it would be nice to give my strappy sandals a break from time to time this summer. Just throw in some lace-up oxfords to change it up a bit! Especially with a little dress. Options to consider: these cut-out black ones by Loeffler Randall, this perforated beige style by Kate Spade, and these spectator oxfords from Nina and Mercanti Fiorentini (similar to above).

Photo: The Sartorialist

$96, topshop

Look for me in this fringed knit cardigan on those cool pre-summer nights.

1. J.Crew striped tank top, $39, jcrew.com
2. Topshop fringed knit cardigan, $96, topshop.com
3. Loft striped bucket bag, $39, loft.com
4. Diane Von Furstenberg sandals, $245, neimanmarcus.com
5. Acne distressed jeans, $350, netaporter.com

Yesterday I indulged myself in some Neiman Marcus sale shopping, champagne in the dressing room and all. Among the highlights: this sexy lace dress (40% off) and this boxy floral top (33% off) by Stella McCartney, this Tom Ford clutch (33% off), these iconic frocks by Chloe and this Proenza Schouler. For me, though, the coup d'etat were these sexy Alexander Wang lace-up sandals (30% off) procured in black. Yes, they are awesome. And I haven't lost steam yet... I'm wanting to tackle Barney's next, where incredibly desirable pieces marked down by 40% such as this Isabel Marant Etoile tunic dress, this Saint Laurent classic duffel bag and these (hard-to-find) rose gold Givenchy sandals await!

$181, asos

I love how this lavishly-embroidered dress possesses the decadence of an evening gown. And yet you could also wear it with flat sandals!

1. Asos embroidered dress, $181, asos.com
2. Rebecca Minkoff earrings, $58, shopbop.com
3. Lanvin metal clutch, $1909,* barneys.com
4. Nicholas Kirkwood lace booties, $950, netaporter.com

*Barneys kicked off a crazy sale today. This clutch and other primo designer pieces are 40% off.

A quick getaway to Napa over Memorial Day weekend provided me with a dress rehearsal for summer, among other valuable things! The 90+ degree weather meant that I could wear many of my new (and old) warm-weather pieces and the back-to-back activities--running, yoga, dining, poolside lounging, swimming, biking, wine drinking, and late-night dancing--demanded multiple outfit changes. I was confident I had packed all the clothes suitable for the itinerary (given I've done this trip before)--until a friend threw on an oversize blue button-down blouse for our leisurely bike ride through the vineyards. Not only was it perfect for the outing, but perfect for the summer. It's something I could throw on over a bathing suit, or with a pair of jeans, shorts or skirt (as demonstrated in these pics, here). The loose fit yields much-needed ventilation in the sweltering heat, and it looks effortlessly, summery cool. So, of course, as soon as I returned, I hunted down some options for the warms months ahead. They include but are not limited to this Band of Outsiders pinstripe shirt (30% off), this lightweight cotton Elizabeth and James, this Steven Alan button-down, and this J.Crew boyfriend-fit classic.

Photos: Stockholm Street Style, Vogue Mexico, Josefina Andres/Vogue Espana

$346, avenue 32

This Sara Battaglia steel clutch is the ultimate sleek statement--and 70% off!

1. Mango dress, $69, mango.com
2. Fendi sunglasses, $340, netaporter.com
3. Sara Battaglia clutch, $346, avenue32.com
4. Steven leather sandals, $129, shopbop.com