LE CATCH

$35, j.crew

These pretty pearl drop earrings are a fresh, elegant, forever-chic (the list goes on and on) alternative to everyday studs.

1. Elle Sasson crop top, $260, neimanmarcus.com
2. J.Crew pearl drop earrings, $35, jcrew.com
3. M Missoni raffia clutch, $320, shopbop.com
4. Proenza Schouler ankle strap sandals, $595, netaporter.com
5. Elle Sasson embellished skirt, $625, neimanmarcus.com

Like all Angelenos, my morning started off with a pre-dawn 4.4 earthquake, which literally jolted me out of bed. Though I've lived in LA for years, I am still not accustomed to the earth moving under my feet--and don't think I will ever be! I did my best to conceal my rattled nerves from my kids, who had never experienced an earthquake before. My youngest son (age 5) thought a strong gust of wind shook the house. Meanwhile my seven-year-old son's friend, who lives across the street, believed the trembling was due to a giant leprechaun emerging from his closet for St. Patrick's Day! He was distraught to say the least! Fortunately, in the end, nothing broke and no one got hurt... that is until my husband called me several hours later from Santa Barbara, 120 miles from home, where he had not been "quaking" but rather surfing. From the emergency room, he reported that he had dislocated his shoulder, then assured me that he was "fine" and "not to worry!" Needless to say, it's been one of those days! The only good thing that has gone right: the arrival of these stunning Givenchy sandals on my doorstep this afternoon. I am looking forward to wearing these beauts in less anxious times! P.S. I also eked out a happy grin when I discovered this killer $99 H&M fringe suede clutch a few minutes ago. What a find!

$268,* asos

This navy cotton blazer has the perfect (and ever elusive) ratio of classic to right-now-chic.

1.. Duffy t-shirt, $110, netaporter.com
2. Maison Scotch embellished tweed blazer, $268, asos.com
3. Raquel Allegra leather paneled shorts, $590, netaporter.com
4. Stela 9 bucket bag, $106, shopbop.com
5. Vanities bracelet, $165, modaoperandi.com
6. Dolce Vita sandals, $119, shopbop.com

* Enter code LUCKYDUCK to get this price and 20% off all full-priced merchandise at Asos through 3/19.

I'm kind of obsessed with the idea of wearing an evening clutch like this during the day as a cross-body bag and only carrying the bare minimum!

$178, french connection

Dior is pairing these punchy, girly-girl colors for Fall 2014 (take a look at this soon-to-be-iconic pink and red number), but this silk dress makes it a cinch to pull off now. (P.S. I also love the idea of throwing a perfect leather moto jacket over it to toughen it up a bit.)

1. French Connection silk dress, $178, frenchconnection.com
2. Vivienne Westwood mother-of-pearl earrings, $250, shopbop.com
3. Kenzo clutch, $165, forwardbyelysewalker.com
4. Givenchy ankle-strap stilettos, $620, netaporter.com

I mentioned last week that my closet has become a bit of a lending library for my friends over time, and it occurred to me that it might be fun and interesting (and useful?) to recount some of those closet styling encounters here once and awhile. So, here's the first installment of Lending Library!

Earlier this week, a friend of mine asked if she could come over to borrow an outfit for a work dinner that she was hosting in New York for some top magazine editors. The dinner was to be held at The Waverly Inn, so given the occasion and the venue's cozy-chic vibe, a stylish but professional look was in order. I suggested she come over with a pair of black pumps and her most flattering pair of black fitted pants (i.e, the professional part), and we would pull a few standout tops that would make her outfit. Soon thereafter we were in my closet, and within about 15 minutes she had two tops both of which looked amazing on her--a sleeveless metallic silver leather peplum top and an embellished short sleeve shirt--plus a flawless, fail-proof Veronica Beard tuxedo blazer. (Her plan was to wear one for the dinner and the other for daytime meetings.) I've had both for years, and I love that they can still stand up to a dinner table full of discerning editors. And, since tops like these truly can keep giving and giving, I thought I should share some of my current favorites: this 10 Crosby Derek Lam grommet top, this crystal-studded J.Crew blouse, this ruffled Etoile Isabel Marant tee, this heavily beaded Miss Selfridge top, this River Island graphic halter, and this sequin By Malene Birger jersey.

$178, joie

A blazer, as we all know, has the power to elevate an outfit, but this one, rendered in (surprise!) jersey, is exceedingly comfortable-easy-wearable-travel-worthy, too! I cannot stop wearing mine.

1. J.Crew camouflage sweatshirt, $69, jcrew.com
2. Joie jersey blazer, $178, joie.com
3. J Brand boyfriend jeans, $235, netaporter.com
4. Kate Spade wicker bag, $298, shopbop.com
5. Katie Rowland twisted ring, $375, shopbop.com
6. Tibi leather sandals, $395, piperlime.com

Model Erin Wasson proves it's not too early to bust out a summery tunic, simply by layering hers-- an excellent striped billowy Madewell--with a leather vest. Madewell, as it turns out, has a current lockdown on these cool, year-round-versatile tunics. My faves--this fiery red and this embroidered blue--look like they were snapped up in a faraway bazaar.

$110, topshop

Oh, the places I'd like to go in this fun summery dress!

1. Topshop floral one-shoulder dress, $110, topshop.com
2. Marc by Marc Jacobs cat-eye sunglasses, $110, shopbop.com
3 . Aurelie Bidermann bracelet, $295, shopbop.com
4. Verve print clutch, $58, anthropologie.com
5. Ancient Greek leather sandals, $350, netaporter.com

A family wedding in Bali this August is already giving me some what-to-wear-anxiety. I need a dress that's equal parts floaty, beachy, elegant, vibrant, feminine and memorable. One that represents, so to speak, without being outlandishly expensive! And so I'm already on the prowl for that perfect (yet elusive) frock, and since many of you may have festive events on the horizon, I thought I'd share some of the standout dresses that I've discovered thus far. They range from black tie-worthy to rustic-chic to tropical beautiful, and in no particular order, they are as follows: a prim-meets-sexy black lace Mikael Aghal dress (ideal for a fancy city wedding), a daringly seductive black lace floor-grazing gown by Femme D'Armes (think edgy black tie), a short and swingy Asos (for a more laid back setting), a dramatic black-tie-fantastic crimson satin Tibi gown, this alluring wear-it-again-and-again Rag & Bone LBD, a distinctively cool, no-one-else-will-be-wearing-it Sass & Bide strapless jumpsuit, an unabashedly feminine Haute Hippie wrap gown (that could go from the beach to a hip downtown venue), a romantic just-below-the-knee Self Portrait dress (I bought and love!), and a floral floaty off-the-shoulder Marchesa. P.S. The Outnet is having an epic sale, featuring tons of festive (primo designer) frocks at up to 85% off, including this silk print Marc Jacobs, this sequin Michael Kors and this Halston Heritage.

Photo: Fashion Vibe