LE CATCH

$168, asos

Playful zingy hues update these leopard print pants in a very Stella McCartney-meets-Mulberry way, and I love that they are wearable both day (with a simple white tee and a pair of oxfords) and night, like so. . .

1. J.Crew featherweight cashmere sweater, $188, jcrew.com
2. Circle and Square white topaz and citrine drop earrings, $295, circleandsquaresf.com
3. Henri Bendel bangle, $88, henribendel.com
4. Proenza Schouler PS1 Pochette clutch, $895, netaporter.com
5. Vince pumps, $350, shopbop.com
6. Jaeger leopard print pants, $168, asos.com

I'm still head-deep into my jumpsuit kick and thoroughly confident that this sexy one-shoulder stunner from Asos will resolve those dreaded pre-party what-am-I-going-to-wear conundrums in one simple step. Done!

$350, netaporter

I have a few statement-y sequined tops like this in my closet that are remarkably and unexpectedly versatile. This sporty gleamer by Sass and Bide is both day and night-worthy. I'd dress it down with a pair of white jeans like so...

1. Sass and Bide sequin top, $350, netaporter.com
2. Henri Bendel stud earrings, $48, henribendel.com
3. Henri Bendel cage ring, $88, henribendel.com
4. Stella McCartney patchwork clutch, $1120, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Rebecca Minkoff sandals, $177, shopbop.com
6. J.Crew white jeans, $98, jcrew.com

A few weeks ago I bumped into my friend LA-based jewelry designer Lena Wald, who was wearing these teeny tiny yet super sparkly diamond stud earrings. "They're inverted diamonds," she explained, meaning that the pointy end of the diamond faced out. The effect was wholly unique, subtly glamorous, and quintessentially Lena, who has made a name for herself in designing gorgeously spot-on baubles. In fact, she was the first to create the diamond initial earrings that spiked a huge trend in personalized jewelry as well as the hugely popular pyramid spike earrings (which have been my go-to earrings for years). These earrings are her next must-have, and I can tell you that since I got them they have not come off!

$190, topshop

The Celine-ish stripes roped me into this silk pencil skirt. I'd play up this graphic statement with...

1. Splendid t-shirt, $48, netaporter.com
2. Ray Ban cat eye sunglasses, $144, jcrew.com
3. Iosselliani ring, $325, shopbop.com
4. Pierre Hardy clutch, $225, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Chloe heels, $420, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. Topshop silk skirt, $190, topshop.com

Even though summer has not officially begun (summer solstice occurs on Friday!), J.Crew's last summer collection shipped today, and there are gems aplenty, all reduced by 25% courtesy of the site-wide sale through June 24*. On my wishlist: this graphic print cover-up, above, this striking fringed skirt, this embellished party-ready striped sweater, and these floral print shorts.

*Use code NEWSTYLE at checkout.

$98, luisaviaroma

Pretty sure I've never seen a straw bag as glamorous--and well-priced--as this! And it works equally well on a tropical getaway or just a summer night out in the concrete jungle.

1. Biyan embellished dress, $1075, netaporter.com
2. Juicy Couture pave feather drop earrings, $48, shopbop.com
3. Jennifer Meyer for J.Crew cuff, $178, jcrew.com
4. Laurence Heller straw clutch, $98, luisaviaroma.com
5. Manolo Blahnik heels, $389, neimanmarcus.com

I am a fan of the bohemian blouse, and with summer in full swing, I seem to be wearing one more often than not. It's understandable, after all, as they're incredibly relaxed yet chic, and each one looks original, like a souvenir from some far-flung place. They're also wonderfully versatile--perfect over a bathing suit or with a pair of jeans. I own some gems, but am always on the hunt for more. There are so many good options out there right now it's almost dizzying. But I've boiled it down to these forever-stylish favorites from Free People (or this FP one), Velvet, Monsoon, Joie, Isabel Marant, and Asos.

$198, piperlime

It would be nice to slip into this languid print top on one of those sweltering hot days, no? I'd keep cool like this...

1. Clover Canyon print top, $198, piperlime.com
2. Ray Ban sunglasses, $150, netaporter.com
3. Madewell chevron pave cuff, $24, madewell.com
4. Madewell bangle, $27, madewell.com
5. Rebecca Minkoff bag, $195, shopbop.com
6. Tory Burch sandals, $156, shopbop.com
7. Theory chambray shorts, $160, netaporter.com

Ages ago a well-known fashion-wiz friend advised me when you are thinking about investing in high-end designer clothing or even just looking to it for inspiration, the resort collections are a good starting point. Though it's eclipsed by the bigger fall and winter collections and therefore often overlooked, resort not only offers a peek into upcoming trends, it also tends to feature fewer season-specific pieces, making them more wearable over time. Stella McCartney unveiled her Resort 2014 collection last week, and to say it rocks would be an understatement. It's fun, flirty and thoroughly wearable, replete with drop waist dresses, jumpsuits, structured shifts, rompers, short skirts, and peplums--directional silhouettes that are likely to be predominant next spring. There were also loads of prints (soft florals to embossed snakeskin) and kitschy embellishments. I want it all, but of course it's not available yet. However, as I was perusing the wares, I did get inspired to rummage through my closet to find a vintage satin dress I bought years ago. Reminiscent of the collection's snappy '60s-inspired frocks, it's still beautiful as ever. The last time I wore it was to a Chanel fashion show in LA, when a top notch Hollywood A-list stylist accosted me and told me I was wearing the best dress in the house. I'm thinking now it still may be!

P.S. If you're a Stella fan, you can shop her current collection on crazy sale here and here.

Photos: The Cut