LE CATCH

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!

$118, j.crew

I've never seen an embroidered chambray tunic as beautiful as this before. I am obsessed!

1. J.Crew embroidered chambray tunic, $118, jcrew.com
2. Ray Ban mirrored aviator sunglasses, $160, netaporter.com
3. Shashi chain bracelet, $50, shopbop.com
4. Asos floral clutch, $56, asos.com
5. J.Crew metallic sandals, $78, jcrew.com
6. H&M lace shorts, $24, hm.com

It's rare when the back of an outfit trumps the front, so when it happens it's extra awesome. Lucky for us, backless jumpsuits are proliferating like crazy this summer, affording us the opportunity to be sexy, comfy, and one-step-dressing chic. Some options to consider: this L'Agence, this Haider Ackerman, this MSGM, this Rachel Pally, this 9Seed, and this Friend of Mine. Oh, and you'll definitely be needing these to pull these babies off.

Photos: The Sartorialist, All the Pretty Birds

$56, asos

Valentino, The Row, and Gucci are all going for the fringe. I'd go for it with this black suede clutch.

1. Sportmax dress, $955, matchesfashion.com
2. Paula Mendoza gold plated onyx ring, $250, netporter.com
3. Asos suede fringe clutch, $56, asos.com
4. Alexander Wang ankle-strap sandals, $475, shopbop.com

This pastel striped dress imparts major summer festive cuteness.

With this summer being all about the statement suit (think graphic prints, cut-outs, mesh, crochet, etc), I was excited to christen my new daring, cut-out Norma Kamali-90s-like one-piece this past weekend up in Santa Barbara. Even though I am far from sun-kissed and not quite in summer-fighting shape, I felt pretty good in it. Since the suit was cute, I felt cute. Or, rather, confident. So, going forward, my swimsuit shopping philosophy is the more striking the suit, the better I'll look--and feel. On my wish list now: the cut-out Kore maillot, above, in figure-flattering black, this ridiculously cute Lisa Maree crochet bikini, this paisley J.Crew convertible bikini (25% off!), and this striped Mikoh two-piece.

Photo: Harpers Bazaar UK