LE CATCH

$76, topshop

I never knew I needed a fisherman sweater until I finally bought one. I can pair it with anything and it's cool and timeless. This one, featuring gold shoulder buttons, is so exactly right...

1. Topshop cable knit sweater, $76, topshop.com
2. Stella McCartney cat-eye sunglasses, $225, shopbop.com
3. Anthropologie earrings, $28, anthropologie.com
4. A.P.C. clutch, $123, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Tibi ankle strap heels, $365, shopbop.com
6. Alexander McQueen print skirt, $855, netaporter.com

I went to dinner last night at the Sunset Tower Hotel with a gaggle of women from both New York and LA who work in fashion. In between bites of grilled artichoke and celeb spotting (Gerard Butler! Mario Testino!), we discussed everything from switching religions for a spouse to our respective style hallmarks--i.e. wearing different iterations of the same style repeatedly, such as a striped t-shirt (guilty!), a structured black blazer or a full skirt. New York-based fashion editor Marina Larroude, above and below, clearly has a penchant for the latter, and she works it well. One might even call it her secret sauce for warm weather style. It makes sense after all, as this is the kind of piece that does all the work for an outfit, and it's a cinch to dress around. Should you be loyal to the full skirt, or want to adopt it as a new trademark, consider this leather-trimmed white DKNY, this elegant black Marni, and this fun, floral print Asos.

Photos: Gastrochic, Garance Dore, Marie Claire

$84, swell

The colors! The print(s)! The crochet! This bikini is a serious head-turner...

1. J.Crew linen shirt, $88, jcrew.com*
2. Madewell sunglasses, $55, madewell.com
3. Billabong bikini top, $46, swell.com; Billabong bikini bottom, $38, swell.com
4. Anthropologie ombre straw tote bag, $38, anthropologie.com
5. K. Jacques sandals, $320, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. Madewell denim shorts, $59, madewell.com

*Get this shirt for $66 by using code SPRINGBEST at checkout. (J.Crew is offering 25% off any order through May 3.)

Since I first spotted it at J.Crew's Spring 2013 presentation in New York back in September, my obsession with this simple striped (but gorgeously bohemian) tunic has only intensified. I've seen it styled in various fashion magazines with unlikely counterparts, such as floral print shorts or under a structured blazer, which had the effect of making me want it even more. Knowing it was due out any day, I've been harassing the sales associates at J.Crew in Santa Monica as to its whereabouts. Lo and behold, it's finally online today, emanating all of its rustic-French-chic, breezy-linen perfection. And paired with these cute faded print jeans, it just doesn't get better. Except that it does! J.Crew is offering 25% off any order through May 3, with free shipping today, only (use code SPRINGBEST at checkout). I guess it does pay to wait! So, while I'm at it, I love these print shorts and this super adorable work-to-weekend scalloped jacket.

$595, shopbop*

I debuted this embellished crochet Tory Burch jacket recently and--no joke--I was complimented by people left and right. Everyone from my son's preschool teacher to a bejeweled stranger in the parking lot at Whole Foods (where no less than three different women approached me!) to my best friend raved about it. It's quite versatile--I've worn it a few ways including something like this...

1. Giambattista Valli floral print top, $803, matchesfashion.com
2. Tory Burch embellished crochet jacket, $595, nordstrom.com*
3. Rebecca Minkoff quilted bag, $195, shopbop.com
4. Henri Bendel bracelet, $118, henribendel.com
5. Alexander Wang ankle-strap heels, $495, shopbop.com
6. Frame Denim boyfriend jeans, $199, netaporter.com

*Just saw that Tory Burch launched their spring sale today! Get the jacket (and everything else) for 25% off at toryburch.com today 4/25 through Monday 4/29. Use code TBSPRING at checkout.

My dad reports that the weather's been horrible in New York. Here, it's freezing one day, warm the next. No matter what coast I'm on, spring's mercurial elements often cloud the issue of what to wear outside-- i.e., trench coat, pea coat or no coat? Lately, I've been thinking about whether a short sleeve jacket might help address the conundrum. It's ideal for layering: great over a lightweight or chunky sweater or simply a t-shirt or blouse. It's also unique and completely chic. Club Monaco has a short sleeve parka-meets-trench coat hybrid that's seriously stylish and versatile. For one that's similar to the jacket pictured above, check out this leather one from All Saints. For colder climes, I love this gorgeous faux fur jacket from BSABLE. You can also go the utilitarian route with these spring-perfect parka types (like the one below) from Mango and Willow & Clay.

Photos: Pinterest, Atlantic Pacific

$298, rebecca minkoff

After battling a bad cold last week, I spent some time this weekend convalescing (i.e., vegging out!). It afforded me extra time to tackle the stack of magazines that have been piling up on my bedside table and to dive deep into the Pinterest rabbit hole, where I came upon this most excellent stripe boho-stylish skirt.

1. River Island beaded tank, $56, riverisland.com
2. Dorothy Perkins safari jacket, $69, dorothyperkins.com
3. Proenza Schouler woven PS1 bag, $2640, netaporter.com
4. Pour la Victoire sandals, $227, shopbop.com (30% off)
5. Rebecca Minkoff skirt, $298, rebeccaminkoff.com

I have a pair of denim cut-offs that I've had for years and have worn into the ground. But the myriad ways I've styled them are completely uninspired compared to Alexa Chung, who not only demonstrates that this warm weather staple is actually trans-seasonal but can also effect a wide range of looks from citified (above) to edgy (below) to sexy (third pic down) to girly (forth snap). With a classic striped tee, denim shorts are weekend material. But with an army jacket and high-heeled sandals (last pic), they're worthy for a casual dinner out. I love that one piece of (distressed, time-worn) clothing offers so much mileage. My forever-stylish favorites include these by 7 For All Mankind, Current/Elliot (they're high-waisted like the ones second to last picture below), and Rag & Bone.

Photos: Pinterest, FabSugar, Le-21eme, Rex Features

$159, nine west

Last week I had dinner with a friend who had just returned from a trip to Mexico. She had that opulent post-holiday glow; even her toes were tanned. And she was still wearing her off-duty uniform: crisp white jeans, a billowy linen blouse and a woven pair of summery sexy sandals just like these, which looked amazing against her sun-kissed skin. I'd take them for a whirl in...

1. J.Crew silk camisole, $98, jcrew.com
2. Theory blazer, $385, netaporter.com
3. Juicy Couture neon bag, $128, shopbop.com
4. Asos bracelet stack, $41, asos.com
5. Nine West woven leather sandals, $159, ninewest.com
6. Topshop floral print shorts, $64, topshop.com

Since I'm on the topic of statement jewelry, let's venture into necklaces. I tend to favor high-wattage chokers, but these long tassel necklaces, above and below, have me completely re-thinking my approach. Are they not crazy insane amazing? I love how they add a bit of past-era arabesque flair. I dug up some similar stunners from Eddie Borgo, Saint Laurent (the season's cult necklace!) and Ben-Amun.

Photos: Pinterest