LE CATCH

Last summer I hinted that the mule was coming back. Recently the Wall Street Journal declared it spring's "freshest footwear." Already championing this backless style are style pioneers like Vanessa Traina (who has them in multiple colors), her sister Sam (below in the white jacket) and model Anja Rubik. I want to jump on the bandwagon with one (or more!) of these guys from Alexander Wang (60% off, or this one that's 50% off), Steven (also in black), Manolo Blahnik, French Connection, L.A.M.B., and Gianvito Rossi.

 Photos: Vanessa Jackman, Elin Kling, Pinterest

$195, whistles

This mixed print skirt is a nice way to shake up the office uniform--and then some.

1. J.Crew sweater, $79, jcrew.com
2. Venessa Arizaga charm bracelet, $195, shopbop.com
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs chain link bracelet, $128, shopbop.com
4. Alexander McQueen clutch, $540, nordstrom.com
5. Topshop booties, $136, nordstrom.com
6. Whistles print skirt, $195, whistles.co.uk

As we all know, one of the tricky parts of shopping online is divining whether the piece in question will in fact be great once in your hands and on your body. Sometimes though you just know, like when I first saw a picture of Veronica Beard's perfect signature blazer a few years ago. Thus, I was quite excited when, a few months ago I got word that the creators of said perfection, New York based sisters-in-laws Veronica Miel Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard, were going to be in LA and wanted to get together. We met for a drink at Sunset Tower, and I was inspired! These are two accomplished (and ridiculously pretty) women who over the last three years have have built a ready to wear line (best known for its jackets with cleverly removable dickies) that has earned a CFDA nomination, plus on top of all that goodness have eight children between them! Mainly boys! I saw "The Veronicas" at their office/design studio (see below) in New York last month and their spring and pre-fall collections continue to impress. Among the pieces, I'm coveting are this jacket, this top and this dress. Also, below are some of my favorite looks from spring.

Photo: Claiborne Swanson Frank (top pic)

$180, bloomingdales

I can see this statement shoe--and all of its (Chloe-inspired) super sexy strapiness--being an endless source of delight for me this spring.

1. Suno dress, $945, modaoperandi.com
2. Bottega Veneta earrings, $1050, netaporter.com
3. Jasper & Jeera raffia clutch, $78, anthropologie.com
4. Joan & David multi-strap sandals, $180, bloomingdales.com

The backpack was once a school essential, but now the eminently practical carryall is a street style staple. Initially, when backpacks came on to the fashion scene a few years ago, I was opposed. Too cumbersome, I thought. And maybe even a little tourist-y looking? But now designers are making backpacks in luxe fabrics, and many of them double as hand bags, so you don't have to sling it on your back. On those Sandra Bullock in Gravity days (i.e. when I'm feeling like I'm up against perpetual adversity!), it would be nice to have a big (and stylish) bag of tricks, stocked with everything from emergency snacks to various hand-held devices to an extra layer to throw on in case I get cold. Prime examples include this calf-hair Elizabeth and James, this white croc Topshop, and this slick, zipper-accented Phillip Lim.

$262, shopbop

Throwing on a fancy t-shirt like this might just be the easiest resolution to that what-am-I-going-to-wear-out-tonight conundrum.

1. Sass & Bide sequin top, $260, shopbop.com
2. J.Crew drop earrings, $78, jcrew.com
3. Alexander McQueen clutch, $270, saksfifthavenue.com
4. Sophia Webster patent pumps, $495, nordstrom.com
5. Stella McCartney trousers, $595, netaporter.com

I've always got at least one real-girl style crush going, and right now it's Milan-based model and mother of two Candela Novembre. She's clearly a pro at going head-to-toe bold, and as these pics prove, her wardrobe is a kicky mix of bright, offbeat prints, colorful accessories (retro-inspired bags are definitely her thing), and edgy basics with some sweet, schoolgirl-esque pieces thrown in. Some of her style signatures I'm inspired to integrate into my fashion uniform: a color-block jacket (this Rag & Bone topper is similar to the one in the last pic and is 30% off), a oversize camel coat (I actually just bought this one the other day and anticipating its arrival!), a graphic print top such as this or this, a statement pair of sunnies, low-heeled ankle-strap pumps, and a boxy satchel such as this Zac Posen and this Topshop. (The burgundy bag she's carrying in the picture immediately below and in the last image is by Tory Burch and is sold out everywhere but still available and on sale in another color here.)

Photos: Fashionologie, Style du Monde, Style, Le21eme

$260, topshop

This is the kind of statement skirt that would show up with delightful regularity in my weekly rotation.

1. Equipment cashmere sweater, $270, netaporter.com
2. Pamela Love silver-plate earrings, $185, shopbop.com
3. Club Monaco leopard printed bag, $198, clubmonaco.com
4. Aquazurra open-toe booties, $565, shopbop.com
5. Topshop raffia striped skirt, $260, topshop.com

I've never thought I could pull off over-the-knee boots--I've always shied away from the Pretty Woman undertones--but this picture is making me think otherwise! Styled with a classic striped dress like this one from Velvet, and a chic swingy coat (the one above is by Joie and is 30% off here), the boots look edgy but not over the top. What's also key is the boot itself. The suede pair pictured is by Stuart Weitzman, and perhaps because of their intrinsic greatness, they're sold out everywhere except here.

Photo: Always Judging

$39, old navy

A charmingly classic bag that looks way more deluxe than it costs. I like!

1. Warehouse jacquard dress, $71, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. Topshop shearling bomber jacket, $469, nordstrom.com
3. Old Navy double-zipper bowler bag, $39, oldnavy.com
4. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in Roxane, $34, nordstrom.com
5. Heart Soul buckle-trimmed ankle boots, $69, piperlime.com