LE CATCH

$48, c.wonder

This clutch had me at its striking animal print-graphic stripe combo, but the fact that I can monogram it makes it downright irresistible.

1. Rebecca Taylor leather-sleeved tweed dress, $475, rebeccataylor.com
2. Iosselliani brass ring set, $325, shopbop.com
3. C. Wonder synthetic leather clutch, $48, cwonder.com
4. Steven strappy pumps, $119, shopbop.com

Last month a publicist friend of mine invited me to check out the Santa Monica headquarters of Shop Hers, an upstart high-end consignment website. Intrigued, I jumped in my car and drove right over, pulled up to the non-descript industrial style building, walked inside and--and, well, nearly had a heart attack. The entryway alone was filled with pristine Celine totes, Louis Vuitton luggage, and Chloe dresses. The publicist introduced me to the site's founder, Jaclyn, but I could barely say hi, let alone converse, because all I could focus on was the masterfully curated racks (and racks and racks!) of Chanel and Hermes (Birkin!) bags, Prada dresses, Alexander McQueen blazers, Lanvin gowns, Alaia shoes, etc. all for sale at serious discounts. It was insane! Rack tour over, my first instinct was to put my dark sunglasses on, shield my face, slink back to my car, drive home, make the site my homepage, and never tell anyone (not even my identical twin) of what I had just seen. Of course, by the time I got home, the saner, more altruistic version of me had taken over. So, I emailed five friends about accompanying me on a return visit to shop the warehouse, which Jaclyn had kindly offered to host. Within five minutes I had received five positive responses, and a few days later we found ourselves back in the candy-store, champagne glasses in hand, and yes, it was as good as I remembered. Our shopping spree netted several gorgeous Chanel bags (including the two clutches in the snap, above), a Balenciaga dress I wore on LE CATCH last month, a YSL ruffled jacket, a J. Mendel floor-length dress and various other to-die-for big ticket items at great prices.

Needless to say, I am excited to share the secret with you, and although the warehouse unfortunately cannot accommodate the simultaneous physical presence avec champagne of all LE CATCH readers, the website can. Here are a few of my fave MAJOR-designer pieces from their current selection: some cheeky-sexy Dolce & Gabbana sandals, a recent season floral-lovely Proenza Schouler dress, a forever-chic mint-condition Hermes saddle bag (along with a highly coveted, impossible-to-come-by, unused Birkin), a nicely-priced, infinitely wearable Elizabeth and James LBD, and a major, mouth-dropping Tom Ford-designed Gucci dress. Yes, amidst the deals there are, of course, some bank-breakers as well, but I suspect that diligent monitoring of this site over time will likely yield some investment pieces at rock bottom prices.

P.S. One good shopping tip: I've found that searching by designer turns up more desirable, easy-to-wade-through results. For example, check out the best of Chanel offerings here.

$68, warehouse

Clean, fresh, easy--but also thoroughly sophisticated. The zippers are very Phillip Lim, and the jacquard texture gives it just the right amount of heft. It's definitely the kind of sweatshirt I'd live in!

1. Warehouse zipper-trimmed sweatshirt, $68, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. Bing Bang skull studs, $52, shopbop.com
3. Bauble Bar stud wrap bracelet, $26, baublebar.com
4. Bauble chain link bracelet, $26, baublebar.com
5. Asos quilted cross-body bag, $30, asos.com
6. Aquazzura mesh sandals, $735, shopbop.com
7. Christopher Kane camouflage silk skirt, $860, netaporter.com

The Rag & Bone boots (above) that have basically taken over lower Manhattan are on sale (40% off!) along with TONS of other fall-perfect goodies at Nordstrom. Yes, it is indeed time to start shopping for fall, as the retailer is offering up next season styles at a serious discount. Some early morning recon turned up an insanely good, on-trend leather-trimmed Rebecca Minkoff trench coat, a military inspired BCBG jacket, zipper-accented leather Elizabeth and James pants, along with perennially stylish staples such as dark wash J Brand jeans and clean-cut Theory blazers. There are even some spot on leather skirts by Diane Von Furstenberg and Halogen in the mix. Chop, chop!

Photo: Hanneli

$89, mango

When I was in Athens, I popped into Mango, which was down the street from my hotel, and picked up a cute checked knit Mango cardigan that was not only on sale, but previously featured on LE CATCH. But now I want this new crochet-trimmed (very Coco Chanel) metallic one, too. Gah!

1. Proenza Schouler t-shirt, $250, netaporter.com
2. Mango metallic crochet-trimmed cardigan, $89, mango.com
3. Caroline Baggi bracelet, $85, modaoperandi.com
4. Rebecca Minkoff camera bag, $195, rebeccaminkoff.com
5. Christian Louboutin slingback pumps, $625, neimanmarcus.com
6. Current/Elliot distressed jeans, $228, netaporter.com

The idea of fall shopping right now seems so counter-intuitive--and yet soooo tempting! Of course, I have begun to assemble a mental list of next season must-have's, and among the high-rankers is a knee-length leather skirt. (I will share my complete list once it crystallizes, which will be in the next week or so!). As a well-known designer recently told me, leather is the new denim. It's amazingly versatile, and next season, it will be pretty much ubiquitous. A leather skirt is both work and evening-friendly, but, to me, it looks entirely decadent and luxurious. And, yes, that goes for a faux one, too. The question is though, which one? Pleated A-line or pencil? My options thus far: a full pleated Asos skirt (I actually have and love this sleek Asos A-line--but order a size down as it runs big), this perforated pencil skirt and this swishy oxblood Zara skirt. I do know this: I would wear them all!

Photo: All the Pretty Birds

$161, asos

Now this is a dress that will help you make an entrance--and then some. Summer cocktail party on with...

1. Asos beaded dress, $161, asos.com
2. Ginette_NY mini studded black diamond earrings, $530, shopbop.com
3. Loft raffia clutch, $29, loft.com
4. Givenchy sandals, $695, netaporter.com

As you know, I am all for an oversize clutch. But I've been thinking that a conversation-starting clutch may be in order, too! Inspired by the big statement bags going to and from the recent haute couture shows in Paris (below) and the kooky book-inspired totes spotted out and about on the streets (above), I reckon these unorthodox (and sometimes quirky) accessories will lend a fun (and labor-free) dose of pop to any outfit--even my boring basics. The best eye-catchers currently on the market include this graphic lucite clutch from Rafe, this perfume bottle-inspired bag by Charlotte Olympia (pictured below), this Pop Art Asos cheapie but goodie, this jewel box beauty by Kelly Wearstler, and the tome-like Olympia Le-Tan (I was an English major in college and wrote my senior thesis on Jane Eyre, so this seems quite appropriate!).

Photos: Olympia Le-Tan, Vogue, International Street Style, Streetpeeper

$149, french connection

I'm inclined to make a big statement in this pair of embellished French Connection shorts (that are on sale!)--along with the following lovelies...

1. J.Crew embroidered voile blouse, $350, jcrew.com
2. J.Crew Panama hat, $58, jcrew.com
3. Oliver Peoples mirrored sunglasses, $390, shopbop.com
4. Karl Lagerfeld patent leather bag, $450, netaporter.com
5. Forever 21 metallic-trimmed gladiator sandals, $14, forever21.com
6. French Connection embroidered shorts, $149, frenchconnection.com

Those aspiring to be the best dressed wedding guest--or just looking for a party-perfect LBD--can entrust this impeccably elegant drop waist number (pictured above) to do the job and so much more. Can you believe it's only $110?

P.S. Many of the little black dresses I wrote about in May are now majorly on sale (30-60% off).