LE CATCH

$100, gap

Infinitely versatile, everyday practical, nude-hued goodness in this bag. I also happen to think that the more battered it gets, the better it will look!

1. Demylee striped sweater, $334, stevenalan.com
2. Elizabeth and James ring, $225, shopbop.com
3. Mango hooded jacket, $99, mango.com
4. Frame jeans, $200, netaporter.com
5. Gap leather bag, $100, gap.com
6. MAC Lustreglass lip gloss in Venetian, $15, nordstrom.com
7. J.Crew leopard print slingback flats, $248, jcrew.com

While much of the eastern seaboard is under a plush blanket of snow, those of us in California, namely LA, have been enjoying weeks and weeks of unseasonably balmy and dry weather--the result of an unprecedented high pressure system hovering over us. Which may explain why I am already thinking about my spring must-haves. Many of them are inspired by the season's biggest trends: floral prints, vivid Crayola hues, lots of lace, embellishment, sporty tailoring, and wearable art. So far, I've got my heart set on this festive boho-chic floral maxi, this front-row-ready Peter Pilotto, and this painterly print shift dress. You know how much I love lace, and if I could, I would no doubt invest in this Chloe head-turner. I'm certain I'd get a lot out of this versatile convertible cream coat (a fresh take on the trench!). For spring nights out, I'd love to breeze around in this Saturday hot coral trapeze top, this ruffled Isabel Marant, this bold-hued Dolce Vita and this sexy cut-out Asos. And when I'm kicking around on weekends, it's highly likely you'll find me in this floral Joie mini, this embroidered J.Crew tunic and these already-all-the-rage Newbark slides (i.e., the sandal style of the season!)

$265, netaporter

I love how a little gold trim elevates these basic black pumps into a full-on glamorous statement.

1. Mango flutter sleeve blouse, $49, mango.com
2. River Island leather jacket, $140, riverisland.com
3. Marc Jacobs patent leather clutch, $400, modaoperandi.com
4. J.Crew gold-trimmed pumps, $265, netaporter.com
5. Mother of Pearl floral print skirt, $464, matchesfashion.com

My husband and I ventured back to Colorado's snow-capped mountains over the long weekend along with some good friends. Having just been on a ski trip, I thought I knew exactly what to pack: a fun faux fur jacket like this (or a luxe one) for dinners out and a pair of sexy booties to go with (exactly what I want to wear after sporting clunky ski boots all day), relaxed but outfit-making tops like this and this that I can easily throw a sweater over, plus a few cozy turtlenecks and cardigans. But I got only as far as LAX--i.e., not very far!--when I realized I was lacking one very important winter accessory. At the airport, we met my friend Hillary, with whom we were traveling, who was wearing a wide brimmed wool hat by Rag & Bone. Though the rest of her outfit was fairly simple--a pair of skinny jeans, a loose-fitting grey cable knit sweater and knee-high black boots--she was the essence of Alpine-glam. And she proved that a good hat can elevate any look to summit highs! So, now my next winter getaway won't be complete without one of these snow-friendly toppers from Topshop, Eugenia Kim or Saint Laurent.

$68*, warehouse

An embellished neckline dresses up this tee just the way I like it!

1. Warehouse embellished top, $68*, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. Topshop wool snood, $36, topshop.com
3. River Island plaid coat, $100, riverisland.com
4. JBrand jeans, $170, netaporter.com
5. New Look purse, $9, asos.com
6. Alice + Olivia suede pumps, $295, shopbop.com

*Get 15% off this price through Friday with the code LECATCH15 and free shipping/return with the code FREESHIPNOW.

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.