LE CATCH

This Vogue pic is just one indication that denim pencil skirts are making a huge comeback right now. It makes sense after all: they practically go with everything and go anywhere. The chic, high-waist one, above, by Mother is available here. The Gap just came out with a button-down version, similar to the one pictured, below. Other distinctly good options include this distressed Current/Elliot, completely sold out everywhere but here, and this one by Rag & Bone.

Photos: Vogue, Pinterest, They All Hate Us

$76, topshop

I'm into the asymmetrical hem on this pretty lace skirt and the idea of wearing it in an offhand way, like this...

1. Mr. & Mrs. Furs stripe logo sweatshirt, $493, matchesfashion.com

2. Blanca Monros black diamond stud earrings, $198, shopbop.com

3. Zilla clutch, $65, modaoperandi.com

4. Alexander Wang sandals, $495, shopbop.com

5. Topshop lace skirt, $76, topshop.com

When I first moved from NYC to LA I was totally anti-t-shirt. They looked trite and un-chic (and very LA) to me. Especially with jeans. Then somehow several years in a handful of tees made their way into my wardrobe, mostly in white and grey, perfectly lived-in-looking yet refined. I'd wear them under blazers, with dressier pants and pencil skirts. To this day, I only have a handful, as I am still picky about fit, fabric, texture and feel--and wear them here and there. However, when I discern a good t-shirt (or five!) in the crowd, I pounce. My latest finds include this scoopneck linen Madewell (in white and black), this lightweight Acne, this jersey Rag & Bone, and this boxy Emerson Fry (pictured above).

Ever since I saw stylist Samantha Traina work this white Proenza Schouler jacket in Paris, I've been lusting for a similar game-changer--one that's both basic and edgy and can, just like that, chicify an outfit. Lucky days as this Proenza piece is now 70% off here.

$89, madewell

Once again feeding my insatiable desire for stripes, this easy versatile boatneck sweater with cute side zippers hits all the right notes.

1. Madewell cotton stripe sweater, $89, madewell.com
2. Sole Society star and moon ring set, $24, solesociety.com
3. Louis Vuitton Murakami bag, $2500, shopbop.com
4. Marc Jacobs sandals, $595, netaporter.com
5. Scotch & Soda shorts, $99, scotch-soda.com

I'll admit it's a very only-in-LA kind of thing to stage a school mom's retreat at the beach. But, for me, that's exactly what went on last Friday. The premise: to get away, relax and bond. The result: success! Margaritas were on tap. There were enchiladas and kale salad. Both funny chitchatting and deep conversations happened. And there was sandals galore. The best of the bunch: a new J.Crew black leather slide that everyone agreed was excellent in its very right-now-Birkenstock-likeness, but notness. Think: feminine, elegant, sleek and versatile. And bet that many of us will soon own a pair.

$72, topshop

For me, throwing on a cute little skirt is one of the best things about a warm spring day.

1. J. Crew tank top, $88, jcrew.com
2. Ray Ban sunglasses, $145, jcrew.com
3. Monica Vinader turquoise and rose gold bracelet, $330, netaporter.com
4. Frye bucket bag, $298, shopbop.com
5. Zara sandals, $79, zara.com
6. Topshop embroidered skirt, $72, topshop.com

I've been thinking I should join the throwback-Thursday thing here on LE CATCH (where you bust out photos from the past). I haven't really had time to go back into my deep archives, but the above pic (from just a year ago) is at least a start. Plus, it's in keeping with today's army jacket theme, since in this case I am sporting one at an art opening with my twin sis, proving that it's both timeless and versatile--i.e. not just for school drop off. More jacket possibilities include this Madewell, this Topshop, this Nili Lotan, and this Harvey Faircloth.

Photo: Stefanie Keenan for Getty Images

$115, oasis

Anyone who routinely sees me on the school run can attest to my army jacket rut. This sleek linen topper, with cool off-center snaps and a drawstring waist, will help break up the routine and vastly improve upon it. I'd wear it well into the day like this...

1. Preen by Thornton Bregazzi peplum top, $1405, netaporter.com
2. Ray Ban oversized sunglasses, $150, shopbop.com
3. Oasis linen jacket, $115, oasis.andotherbrands.com
4. Acne studded jeans, $295, netaporter.com
5. Mango tote bag, $59, mango.com
6. Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, $595, bergdorfgoodman.com

Just came across this snap of model Anja Rubik sporting her "morning jacket." Cute, huh?

Up in San Francisco yesterday while working on a project (details to come soon!), I decided I needed a pair of wide leg trousers. This conclusion was precipitated by my working side by side with a very chic someone, who was sporting black high waisted 3.1 Phillip Lim wide leg pants from several years ago. They were leg-lengthening, style-enhancing, everything-flattering. They were classic, polished, sophisticated, fresh-looking, and paired with a denim button-down blouse as they were yesterday, pure perfection. So far my (pant)hunt has turned up these guys from Stella McCartney, Theory, Reiss, and Joseph--and I'd love to wear them all!