LE CATCH

$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

I love an outfit that's refined but contrived. Stylish without trying too hard. The one above is all these things. Recreate this look (almost) with:
1. Coat
2. Jeans
3. Sweater
4. Ankle boots
5: Boxy tote bag

Photo: Look de Pernille

On Saturday I got reacquainted with a sometimes overlooked wardrobe staple: the white silk blouse. I pulled my newest one out (it's by Bonmot) and teamed it with a pair of jeans and Chanel flats and felt suited to go pretty much anywhere in LA, which that day included lunch at the recently opened LYFE Kitchen (where chef Art Smith churns out creatively healthy, super yummy dishes) followed by a movie (Twelve Years a Slave--compelling but emotionally devastating). As the pics above and below suggest, the white silk blouse should indeed not be forgotten, and I found a few eternally stylish ones including this Theory, this Vince, and this Equipment.

Photos: Pinterest, Harpers Bazaar

$169, warehouse

This go-with-everything blue tweed coat has an ingenious detachable bottom panel. Zip it off and you have a classic spring-ready biker jacket!

1. MiH Jeans waffle sweater, $225, netaporter.com
2. Warehouse convertible tweed coat, $168, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
3. Current/Elliott distressed jeans, $228, revolveclothing.com
4. Rebecca Minkoff back stud earrings, $58, shopbop.com
5. Oasis bag, $51, asos.com
6. Gianvito Rossi suede pumps, $620, netaporter.com

I've long been a fan of LA-based designer Jenni Kayne who's known for her gorgeously clean, elegant sensibility--think silk button-down shirts, tapered, pleat-front pants and lightly-structured blazers and well as her sleek (and all the rage!) d'orsay flats. So when Jenni asked to shoot me/my house for her popular lifestyle website Rip + Tan, I was flattered--and a little intimidated too, since her home as well as her boutiques pretty much qualify as masterworks on both the architectural and decor fronts. We finally made it happen though (after a bit of sprucing up on my part!), and you can see the pics and and interview with me here!

Photo: Coliena Rentmeester

$138, french connection

A little laser-cut lace underlay makes this black jumper evening-ready.

1. French Connection sweater, $138, frenchconnection.com
2. Jacquie Aiche ruby ear cuff, $1650, shopbop.com
3. Henri Bendel spike stack rings, $88, henribendel.com
4. Comme des Garcons metallic patchwork pouch, $243, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Brian Atwood sandal, $350, shopbop.com
6. Clu silk tapered pants, $225, netaporter.com