LE CATCH

$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

$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!