LE CATCH

$98, ann taylor

"Everything is perforated," my designer friend declared the other day. "It's the thing." These neutral-hued ballet slippers are right in step with the trend--and I love how they'll go (and go and go) with just about everything. P.S. These are also a easy, fresh stand-in for your go-to black flats.

1. Etro silk crepe top, $1190, netaporter.com
2. Deepa Gurnani earrings, $99, shopbop. com
3. Mercedes Salazar beaded cuff, $218, shopbop.com
4. Malinda Pouch, $98, anthropologie.com
5. Ann Taylor perforated flats, $98, anntaylor.com
6. MiH cropped jeans, $188, matchesfashion.com

In fashion-land it's often the smallest details that make the difference. Which explains why cap-toe espadrilles are far superior to standard issue solid hued ones. That little color blocking somehow imparts extra oodles of French-chic cool, as seen in the photo above. Pour La Victoire makes just about the cutest ones, in a variety of shades (my favorites come in denim and red) and they are on sale at Neiman Marcus for a mere $53. And, BTW, you'll also find tons of other discounted deep-summer-worthy staples there (get an additional 25% off select sale items through tomorrow 7/30), including these Michael Kors studded sandals (48% off) this pretty embellished Lanvin clutch (50% off), this striking Peter Pilotto dress (70% off) and this sleek See by Chloe wrap skirt (65% off).

Photo: Carolines Mode

$198, shopbop

For me, a little, feather-light, slightly sheer dress, like this, is the most stylish anti-humidity weapon. I'd undo most of the buttons, too, of course, and swish around in...

1. Juicy Couture chiffon dress, $198, shopbop.com

2. Ray Ban Aviator sunglasses, $185, shopbop.com

3. Asos ID bracelet, $20 asos.com

4. Ann Taylor leather bag, $68, anntaylor.com

5. J.Crew ballet flat, $125, jcrew.com

Every season my chic-finding sonar leads me to Heidi Merrick, an emerging LA-based designer (and avid surfer!). Simply put: she has mastered the art of casual-cool dressing, LA-style. Everything in her current collection, rife with mix and match graphic prints and languid, easy, summer-ready silhouettes, is fit for flitting around from Silver Lake to Malibu--and beyond (like a Hampton or two!). My favorites include this relaxed paisley print top, this gorgeous lace-trimmed (throw-it-over-a-bikini) shirt, and this flowy maxi dress. You can check it all out here (and get 20% off any purchase by using code HM20 at checkout). While you're there, be sure to take a look at her upcoming fall collection. I am sure you will have the hots for it, just like me!

$70, topshop

Strange but interesting coincidence: not one but six (unrelated) friends of mine have recently invested in a bright orange bag. I think they're all on to something very good. This cute tote will let one in on it for under $100 bucks.

1. Burberry Brit plaid blouse, $350, netaporter.com
2. Ottoman Hands earrings, $66, asos.com
3. Aurelie Bidermann braided bracelet, $295, shopbop.com
4. Topshop tote bag, $70, topshop.com
5. J.Crew leopard print ballet flats, $298, jcrew.com
6. Paige Denim cropped jeans, $200, netaporter.com

When you're Sarah Rutson, the fashion director of Lane Crawford, Hong Kong's most luxurious department store, you can pretty much wear any high-end designer you'd like. Even haute couture. So the fact that she sported head-to-toe Fall 2013 J.Crew during Fashion Week last spring (yes, she nabbed access to the clothes way ahead of us!) is a very strong indication of just how great the collection is. The season's first shipment just arrived online, and here's what I'm eyeing: a feminine pleated chiffon blouse that subtly addresses fall's plaid trend, a bold Moroccan-inspired print sweater (similar to the one Sarah is wearing, above), these go-with-everything ankle-cuff pumps, this work-to-dinner jeweled sweater in navy (I love it layered over a button-down), and these fun statement-y earrings. Just looking at the clothes will make you wish for chilly 50-degree days.

P.S. J.Crew is offering an additional 40% off all final sale items with the code Style40 and free shipping on orders over $100.

Photo: Pinterest

$398, french connection

I adore the idea of wearing this short beaded dress with easy summer sandals and then later in the year with tights and booties. It's beaded, graphic, swingy, stand-out perfection.

1. French Connection beaded tunic dress*, $398, frenchconnection.com
2. Asos spike stud earrings, $13, asos.com
3. Topshop clutch, $24, topshop.com
4. Loeffler Randall sandals, $295, clubmonaco.com

*Note: I called French Connection's publicist to verify the dress's length, and she said that it's "more modest" than how it looks on the model, who probably has super long legs!

It's a very personal topic, the issue of bras, and one that's rarely (if ever!) addressed here, but it is, of course, a wardrobe must-have. First, let me put forward that I don't have a lot to support in that department, so it's hard to get excited about bras and all their varieties. My favorite bra is by Honeydew Intimates, which I have in several different colors. It's not just for the small-chested. A good friend of mine--who is much more well-endowed than me--was the one who recommended it to me.

$139, nine west

For me, fall begins with a new boot (or two or three!). I need one in my arsenal that's right-this-minute looking and extremely versatile--i.e., goes equally well with a killer dress and an old pair of jeans . This black beauty pretty much nails it. Come the first hint of autumn chill, you might see me in...

1. Jason Wu striped sweater, $595, netaporter.com
2. Topshop patched army jacket, $110, topshop.com
3. French Connection cross-body bag, $68, frenchconnection.com
4. Nine West booties, $139, ninewest.com
5. J. Brand boyfriend jeans, $227, netaporter.com

I am the girl who has a pair of jeans for every occasion (weekend, professional, playground-friendly, fat day, etc)--and yet I am always on the hunt for that even better, even cooler, more flattering pair that will solve all my problems. Shopbop's two-day sale (additional 25% off sale items by using code SALE25 at checkout) is proving to be excellent (almost too good!) hunting grounds, as there are zillions of denim styles, from distressed to boyfriend to skinny, all of them perfect in their own way! Where to start? There are sleek piped white skinny J. Brand jeans (63% off and which also happen to be year-round-safe) and everyday-friendly distressed cropped Current/Elliot jeans (48% off). Also tempting are the very Fall/Winter 2014 patchwork jeans by Current/Elliot (70% off) and these Baldwin's camo jeans (48% off). And don't worry about them not fitting--take your best guess or buy two sizes--free shipping/free returns, people! Sale ends Wednesday 7/24.

Photo: Pinterest