LE CATCH

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

$100, netaporter

This is the kind of beautifully utilitarian top that I'd thank myself (again and again) for buying.

1. Michael Michael Kors crepe pleated back top, $100, netaporter.com
2. Anthropologie obit knot necklace, $378, anthropologie.com
3. Clare V metallic clutch, $195, piperlime.com
4. Nine West t-strap sandals, $109, ninewest.com
5. Mango satin waist trousers, $44, mango.com

Everyone is going bananas over Chanel's Spring 2014 pearl chokers, including Karl Lagerfeld, himself, who was recently quoted saying, "My favorite thing is the new necklace.... with two huge pearls, but in fact it's very flattering because the pearls give a beautiful light on the girl's face." Bien sur! Thankfully, Anthropologie has come out with a very affordable, very elegant, very day-to-day wearable version. I've been flaunting mine with easy things like a simple black J.Crew sweater (25% off!), a Helmut Lang silk white button down blouse and a good LNA tee.

Photo: Style

Sorry I'm not sorry that I logged some fun beach time this weekend in Malibu, where I got re-aquainted with the bliss of a well-stocked beach bag. Would love to take the pocket-trimmed Clare V, below, next time out!

$92, the outnet

My only issue with these army green AG boyfriend jeans is that I'd want to wear them every single day.

1. Rag & Bone t-shirt, $95, netaporter.com
2. Vanessa Bruno oversize crepe motorcycle jacket, $1160, matchesfashion.com
3. AG army green boyfriend jeans, $92, theoutnet.com
4. Emily Elizabeth wire band pearl ring, $48, maxandchloe.com
5. Clare V geometric print clutch, $115, netaporter.com
6. Converse leather sneakers, $64, nordstrom.com

We're all familiar with street style in cities like New York and Paris, so I was delighted to come across this picture depicting fashion in Ghana. Taken by street style photographer Ed SuterTKTKTK. I want her dress!

$76, topshop

A little luster never hurts, especially when it comes in the form of an effortlessly chic t-shirt.

1. Topshop rose gold metallic t-shirt, $76, topshop.com
2. Nicole Meng asymmetrical ring, $80, maxandchloe.com
3. Stila Liquid Lipstick in Fiery, $22, sephora.com
4. Gucci canvas clutch, $280, matchesfashion.com
5. Diane Von Furstenberg sandals, $350, matchesfashion.com
6. Band of Outsiders satin trimmed trousers, $395, netaporter.com

An Instagram exchange between two Lucky Magazine editors made me laugh the other day. One announced to the other that she bought a pair of cropped wide leg pants from the Phillip Lim store in Los Angeles while in Milan, waiting for a runway show to start. Then concluded with: "#crosscontinentshopping." I can relate to this non-stop-shopping compulsion, as you all well know! Plus, I've been thinking about adding some cropped wide leg pants to my wardrobe. This fresh silhouette appeared everywhere on the fall runaways (I loved the ones at J.Crew and Elizabeth and James) and in and around the shows from New York to London to Paris, as seen above and below. Pictured in the last snap is Lucky's editor-in-chief Eva Chen sporting Topshop's version. My compulsive window shopping turned up these cool guys from 3.1 Phillip Lim (the Lucky editor-purchased one), Theyskens' Theory, Asos, Topshop Boutique and Joseph.

Photos: Vogue, Style, The Cut, Collage Vintage, All The Pretty Birds

$89, gap*

This white denim moto jacket will add a flash of fresh-edgy-cool to any spring outfit. Greatly versatile, too!

1. H&M strapless crepe dress, $59, hm.com
2. Gap denim moto jacket, $89, gap.com
3. Anya Hindmarch clutch, $795, shopbop.com
4. Zara striped sandals, $69, zara.com

* Get 25% off today only at Gap with the code TREAT at checkout. Denim (i.e. this jacket), bags, and leather and suede apparel are excluded from the sale.

My morning Instagram feed, filled with friends (and close relatives, including my twin sis, below) holidaying in Tulum, Morocco, and other near-the-equator hot spots, first inspired serious vacation envy, then a serious swimwear shopping spree. I kicked things off with the Mikoh criss-cross halter bandeau, pictured above (never mind the tan lines, it's the ultimate statement bikini top), knowing I could pair it with a simple black bikini bottom, like this one by J.Crew. (P.S. I also love this dramatic Victoria's Secret halter top--also statement-y, less expensive. Clearly, this look is going to be a thing this summer!) Then I snapped up these cute studded Forever 21 sandals, and finished off with this gorgeous lace cover-up. I'd love to go for this Lisa Mira Fernandez ruffled bikini too but feel like I actually need a tropical vacation plan to warrant it!

Photos: Could I Have That, Tom Dey