LE CATCH

A recently purchased pair of Joie silk sweatpants (pictured above) has all of a sudden become one of my wardrobe's VIP's. Comfy yet sleek, they sub in for my go-to jeans. They go everywhere from the market to dinners out (with heels, of course). I'm thinking about getting a back-up, so this new staple doesn't get so used and abused. The most compelling option I've discovered thus far is this pair with a drawstring by Target(!). At $24, I can actually stock up!

$130, nordstrom

I was apprehensive about spring's sheer trend until I came across this Topshop lace skirt, which manages to be a whole lot of things at once: subtly sexy, very feminine, slightly retro (thanks to its A-line silhouette), super elegant (with tinges of Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana), thoroughly wearable, and perfectly on trend.

1. Chloe embellished cropped tank, $2580, netaporter.com
2. Iosselliani ring set, $322, forwardbyelysewalker.com
3. Valentino studded bracelet, $175, forwardbyelysewalker.com
4. Asos embroidered purse, $24, asos.com
5. B Brian Atwood snakeskin print metallic heels, $350, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. Topshop lace skirt, $130, nordstrom.com

It seems round sunglasses are proliferating as quickly as spring pollen. They're everywhere I look. And it's no wonder: they instantly (and in some cases inexpensively) update any outfit and flatter most face shapes (oblong, square, heart, etc.) I like these cool pairs for $20-$55 from Madewell, Warby Parker (in tortoise) and Asos, and in the $200+ price range from Stella McCartney (similar to above, or in black) and Illesteva.

Photos: Stockholm Street Style, Vanessa Jackman, Harper's Bazaar

$48, oasis

Gwyneth Paltrow was nearly ubiquitous in LA last week, promoting her new cookbook, "It's All Good" (which is indeed good--I used it to cook my son's birthday dinner last week). She wore lots of short dresses and short shorts but what really stood out were her Michael Kors neon heels. They seem to have the effect of making already tanned, toned legs look even more tanned and toned--and I am thinking these everyday sandals might yield the same.

1. Zimmermann paisley print dress, $326, matchesfashion.com
2. Juicy Couture earrings, $38, shopbop.com
3. Saint Laurent leather and gold cuff, $295, netaporter.com
4. Accessorize embellished clutch, $91, accessorize.com
5. Oasis snakeskin print and neon sandals, $48, oasis.andotherbrands.com

$24, target

As banal as they look (and as inexpensive as they are!), these silky drawstring track pants might just turn out to be one of the most valuable staples in your wardrobe. They can be your pulled-together-at-a-moment's-notice pants. They can sub in for your used and abused jeans. They can do supermarket runs. They can do parties. They can do just about everything.

I have some old oversize cashmere sweaters in my wardrobe (similar to the forever-chic one pictured above) that are in heavy rotation--but that doesn't stop me from pilfering from my husband's closet for more to wear. It's ironic since I have quite a bit of clothing, and he, as he often reminds me, has very little. Nonetheless, I can't help myself from stealing one of his comfy V-neck pullovers, wear it for days on end, out to a neighborhood restaurant (with a cute statement necklace), to the gym, even to bed(!). All of this he does not like, especially the bed part, as after a few bed-wears, the sweater is downright unwearable, even by his non-exacting standards. But, fortunately for him, I've just discovered J.Crew offers boyfriend-fit sweaters that are nipped in the right places, but look and feel as cozy as my hubby's--all in a bunch of colors.

Photo: Pinterest

$250, les nouvelles

It is a perfect spring day outside right now, and it seems to me like this is a perfect floral top to go with it...

1. MSGM floral print one-shoulder top, $250, shoplesnouvelles.com
2. Accessorize chandelier earrings, $19, accessorize.com
3. 10 Crosby Derek Lam clutch, $375, shopbop.com
4. Dolce Vita ankle-strap sandals, $169, revolveclothing.com
5. Elizabeth and James silk track pants, $345, revolveclothing.com

I am in a maxi dress state of mind--and I am sure others are too, with Coachella coming up and all. There really is nothing more warm weather-chic than a flowy floor-grazing frock. Especially a bold printed one. I much prefer ones made from silk rather than jersey, because they look richer, more elegant, perhaps even a little old-school. I also like them with a flat barely-there sandal and a bit of glinty jewelry. My quest thus far has turned up some very nice options by Lovers + Friends, Asos, Free People, Zimmermann, Carolina K, and Mes Demoiselles.

Photos: Pinterest

$195, netaporter

My sister-in-law came over the other day to borrow a dress for a black-tie party. She quickly zeroed in on a one-shoulder, floor-length black dress. It fit perfectly, but it needed something... a belt. I had her try on a handful, and it was fun to see how each one effected a different vibe (fancy, super fancy, etc.). Soon thereafter, I happened upon this swishy, sexy maxi dress, which takes the guesswork out as it comes with a brown casual belt. But sub in a black velvet sash on and it's ready for painting the town red...

1. Michael by Michael Kors dress, $195, netaporter.com
2. Alexis Bittar earrings, $160, shopbop.com
3. Giles & Brother brass bangle, $85, baublebar.com
4. Bauble Bar gold ice bracelet, $28, baublebar.com
5. Serpui Marie embroidered clutch, $248, anthropologie.com
6. Valentino studded sandals, $895, bergdorfgoodman.com

It's a nice thing being able to do the beach thing year-round in LA (seaside meals and sunset cocktails, reading the Sunday Times on the sand while the kids play, etc.) But there is a downside: it's always bikini season, and I am not 20 anymore. Lately it's been a bit more anxiety-producing what with the youthful bikini-clad spring breakers omnipresent. Apart from marveling at their gravity-defying abilities, I recently came to accept that in addition to having better bottoms than I, they also understand the bikini-bottom better than I: they all had the same bikini-bottom style--hip-slung with ruching on the back, down the center line, and though they all had different bodies, it seemed that this bikini bottom, whatever it was, was universally flattering. So, I finally got around to asking one of the girls where her bikini bottom was from, and she answered matter of factly, "Victoria's Secret." Of course! The last time I shopped at VS was when I too was in high school! But home I went and promptly ordered one in black (always the most flattering shade for a bathing suit!). When it arrived in the mail the other day, I was both nervous and excited. I literally tore off my jeans in my office and put them on. And I have to say, I was rather quite pleased. My husband actually heartily approved. So, there you go. A bathing suit that will do ANY butt a million favors. Thank you VS--my order for several other colors is forthcoming. Get it here. Done!

Photo: Victoria's Secret