LE CATCH

$108, luisaviaroma

Just the sight of this summer-perfect clutch puts me in the mood for a festive evening out. (P.S. It's 50% off, along with a bevy of insane designer desirables at Luisaviaroma.)

1. Marni crepe top, $730, netaporter.com
2. Erickson Beamon cuff, $408, charmandchain.com
3. Shashi crystal-studded rose gold ring, $65, shopbop.com
4. Antik Batik rope and thread clutch (50% off), $108, luisaviaroma.com
5. J.Crew ankle strap pumps, $278, jcrew.com
6. Skye pants, $320, matchesfashion.com

I rarely write about beauty products on LE CATCH because I don't often wear makeup, and when I do, it's pretty minimal. In other words, I am no expert. However, I do frequently attend photo shoots, where I'm exposed to the latest and greatest in cosmetics--i.e., new lipstick hues, nail polish colors, etc. My latest source of beauty intel, however, comes from my fashion photographer identical twin sister, who essentially lives on photo shoots. She works with many of the top makeup artists, who are always giving her personalized styling tips, and since we (obviously) have the same skin tones, they work for me as well! Recently, one of these master face-painters recommended what could be the greatest find of all time in my book--most definitely the most important part of my pared-down routine: RMS Beauty Un Coverup. And to say it works like magic is not an exaggeration. This concealer (in shade 44 for me) not only effectively conceals my under eye circles (thanks in part to my children who insist on waking me up at the crack of dawn every morning to ask if they can wake up!), but can be used as a foundation (i.e., to cover up the other splotchy bits you don't want the rest of the world seeing.) It is lightweight, melts like butter into your skin and self-adjusts to your skin tone, so it seriously looks like you're not wearing any makeup at all. For me it's the holy grail of great, glow-inducing makeup. As for the other essentials in my makeup bag: I use this Chanel eye pencil to fill in my brows, this Stila smudge pot in black to line my eyelids, this Christian Dior Diorshow mascara to lengthen and lushify my lashes, and these Nars lip pencils in Mexican Rose or Dragon Girl for the perfect amount of pop.

Photo: Wit & Delight

$165, the outnet

This leather trimmed short sleeved J. Brand jacket is going to facilitate those transitional late summer to early fall days of what-do-I-wear dressing. (You may recall my fondness for these stylish problem-solving pieces last spring.) Bridge the cool/warm gap like this...

1. DKNY leopard print sweater, $295, netaporter.com
2. J. Brand leather-trimmed jacket, $165, theoutnet.com
3. Lauren Merkin saddle bag, $375, shopbop.com
4. J.Crew ballet flats, $125, jcrew.com
5. Current/Elliot cropped jeans, $218, netaporter.com

At last the wait is over. H&M is now shoppable online in America. Finally! The site will serve up more styles than any single store has, with a plethora of sizes and colors, to boot. And, yes, the Isabel Marant capsule line will be sold on the USA platform as well, come November 14. My favorite steals on tap right now include this $59 coat with quilted faux leather sleeves (above), this $79 sleek grey wool coat, and this $49 embellished sweater.

$298, club monaco

At dinner the other night, a friend of mine, who works at one of Wall Street's preeminent investment banks, lamented that her required daily "corporate uniform" (mostly pants, simple silk blouses, and closed-toe shoes) left little room for stylish expression. Well, my friend, here's a pair of classic black pumps whose edgy furry texture say "rebel", but ever so softly, of course. And they work after hours, too, like this!

1. Thakoon sateen dress, $1650, netaporter.com
2. Elizabeth Cole cuff bracelet, $153, shopbop.com
3. Lulu Guinness clutch, $93, asos.com
4. Club Monaco calf hair heels, $298, clubmonaco.com

I recently wrote a story for Refinery 29 about my ongoing obsession with printed pants (the ones I'm wearing above are by Tory Burch). And while I may look relaxed in the story's accompanying photo, above, I am secretly squirming inside with embarrassment. Which may explain why you don't see too many photos of me on this blog! And why I've considered commissioning my four-year-old son to illustrate some portraits of me instead. The one below is his most recent take. He drew it at beach camp earlier this week. I asked about the circles on my boxy torso. He answered matter of factly that they were "your boobs." He then realized that he forgot to draw my arms and laughed! While I do have arms, I really don't have much in the boob department, but he is a "guy," which I presume explains his focus!

Photo: Jessie Webster

$68, warehouse

I see this army green wrap skirt as the cooler, edgier, more feminine cousin of the cargo pant. But it's just as utilitarian and will go with everything from flat sandals to heeled ankle boots. I'd work it like this...

1. Theory lace sweater, $245, netaporter.com
2. Henri Bendel snake ring, $68, henribendel.com
3. Rebecca Minkoff bag, $195, zappos.com
4. Pour La Victoire ankle boots, $369, shopbop.com
5. Warehouse wrap skirt, $68, warehouse.andotherbrands.com

$70, miss selfridge

It was years ago, but I remember the day so clearly. I was in New York City, walking down Broadway, near Macy's. Lucky Magazine's fashion director had been telling me that I needed to explore the random stores in this stretch of town due to the amazing costume jewelry that could be found there. I popped into one of them, chock full of brooches, big necklaces, and whatnot, and came upon a fabulous looking metal clutch, encrusted with silver-dollar-sized raw-cut stones. It was reminiscent of Chloe at the time, and yet also vintage-y and unique. The clutch cost $20. I think I bought a couple (one for my twin sister, another for my mom, etc.). I still have this clutch and wear it to the most fashion-y parties, despite the fact that some of the stones have popped out and gone missing. I will always love it--but I'm thinking this pretty turquoise-beaded clutch could easily be its up-to-date replacement.

$109, the outnet

A slinky, sexy, statement-making evening dress for just over $100? Cheers to that!

1. T-Bags feather print maxi dress, $109, theoutnet.com
2. Adia Kibur fringed cuff, $36, shopbop.com
3. Lulu Guinness snakeskin lips clutch, $355, luisaviaroma.com
4. Laura Mercier Summer Nudes nail laquer in Angel, $18, nordstrom.com
5. Givenchy sandals, $1050, netaporter.com

On Sunday a friend came over sporting the most excellent pair of camouflage jeans. They hit perfectly above the ankle, featured perfectly-placed zipper pockets, and the faded wash imparted a lived-in, much-loved look. She snagged them at Gap, she said, on sale. After giving her a glass of sparkling water and sitting her down outside by the pool, I ran to my computer and ordered a pair! They have yet to arrive, but I am confident I will get major mileage out of them. After all, this militant print is poised to invade our wardrobes this fall, that is if designers like Christopher Kane, Michael Kors, Kenzo, and Valentino (coming out with even more camo for resort 2014!) have their way. I like small does of camouflage--say, on a jacket, or even a pair of espadrilles--or loose interpretations of it, found, for example, in this chic Kenzo sweater. Other compelling camo pieces: this neon-infused Whistles dress, the cropped cute easy-to-layer jacket, and this spot-on vintage-looking military-style button Old Navy shirt (seriously love!). Herewith, the myriad stylish ways to work camo...

Photos: Pinterest, Style du Monde, Streetpeeper, Chicismo