LE CATCH

This picture of talented stylist and friend (and my former intern!) Samantha Traina inspires me to sub in an unexpected pair of loose-fitting white pants for my perennially-stylish crisp white jeans. Sam thoughtfully counterbalances these slouchy trousers with sexy lace-up sandals and a tailored blazer for a completey polished but still relaxed look. Here are a few white pants to try from Phillip Lim, A.L.C., and Vince.

Photo: Jak & Jil

$101, asos

These peep-toe booties are the summer version of your trust-worthy, fail-safe, go-with-everything, wear-everywhere winter boots. Wear them with..

1. Issa floral print dress, $526, matchesfashion.com
2. Super Sunglasses, $249, shopbop.com
3. A.L.C. spiked hoops, $75, shopbop.com
4. Jerome Dreyfuss snake effect mini shoulder bag, $675, netaporter.com
5. Dune booties, $101, asos.com

Not too little, not too much: this, to me, exemplifies perfect wrist stacking. This look is something you can pull off day in and day out. It's subtle, uncontrived yet statement-y. But it all hinges on that beautifully retro, elegant round face watch, which is by Daniel Wellington. It looks way more expensive than its $229 price tag. And I love that it's as interchangeable as any other outfit-finishing bracelet. For less expensive options, check out these from Kate Spade, Asos, and Kenneth Cole. The bracelets you can find here, here and here.

Photo source: Pinterest

All of a sudden spring is in the LA air. Maybe it has something to do with the time change, or the perpetual sunny skies, or the continuous string of 70-degree-weather days. Whatever the reason, it is here. And it's coaxing all my warm-weather clothes out of winter hibernation--and making me think about what I really Among the

$84, monsoon

Hanging out with dozens of effortlessly chic French women is how I spent the better part of Sunday. I took my kids to an Easter party-fundraiser hosted by a few friends for a local French elementary school. The poolside setting had all the trappings of a South-of-France rendezvous, complete with kir royales, straw fedoras, strappy sandals, Birkin bags and a scorching hot sun. After I devoured the poached salmon and asparagus lunch and fed my kids handfuls of chocolate, I endeavored to crack the secret of French summer style--and I can tell you this: it starts with something classic, fuss-free, and bare-leg-friendly. Something like this louche print tunic, along with...

1. Monsoon wooblock print smock top, $84, monsoon.co.uk
2. Topshop straw fedora, $45, topshop.com
3. Alexander McQueen round sunglasses, $365, shopbop.com
4. Foley + Corinna canvas and leather tote, $295, revolveclothing.com
5. Ishvara lace-up sandals, $250, shopbop.com
6. Current/Elliot cut-off shorts, $178, netaporter.com

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the grown-up (and girls-only) version of a pizza party. My friend's wood-burning outdoor pizza oven (manned by an expert pizza chef) turned out one insanely delicious piping-hot pizza after the other, all of them tastier than the next: artichoke and pesto, margherita, black truffle and asparagus (my fave!), proscuitto and arugula, spicy meat, etc. I seriously must have eaten ten slices! It was fantastic! Until, of course, I awoke this morning and remembered....I had eaten ten slices. (Not to mention the yummy heap of arugula and parmegiano salad, strawberries and cream for dessert, and, oh, two magnums of pinot noir.) Needless to say, my thoughts soon turned to whether I would ever be able to wear any of my clothes ever again. Fortunately, as it happens, for Fall 2013 Celine (above), Givenchy and Lanvin showed below-the-knee skirts, all with a subtle flare or ruffle peeking out at the bottom. This means, naturally, that the flared skirt is the shape of things to come. But more importantly, this new silhouette is flattering, even for those who dare (accidentally?) to eat more than the daily recommended allowance of pizza. If you're interested in getting a jump start on this new trend, check out these feminine options from Peter Pilotto and The Outnet.

Photo: Style.com

A leather moto jacket rendered in a pretty pastel is like a fresh breath of air. (The one, above, worn by a London fashion week show-goer, is by Acne, but alas, is sold out.*) I love the idea of adding a pop of pastel toughness to an all-white or an a head-to-toe black outfit. Club Monaco saves the day with a boxy twill iteration that will float perfectly this spring.

*You can see the blush suede version of it here, on sale at The Outnet.)

Photos: Victoria Adamson, Pinterest

$190, stylebop

Meet a linchpin of a well-rounded warm-weather wardrobe: this genius Theory short-skirt hybrid has a sophisticated tailored fit but is as easy-breezy as can be. (very Taylor Tomasi Hill, I might add.) And, oh, the places it can go--from work meetings to lunch to poolside cocktails...

1. Topshop ribbed sweater, $90, topshop.com
2. Wouters & Hendrix copper stud earrings, $129, shopbop.com
3. Sandy Hyun pyramid bracelet, $65, maxandchloe.com
4. Sophie Hulme navy leather gold-toned brass clutch, $430, netaporter.com
5. Topshop sandals, $124, topshop.com
6. Theory skort, $190, stylebop.com

This picture is not of me, but it could have been not too long ago. That's because it brings to mind a simpler time when, if not in the ocean myself, I would kick it on the beach (or in the car if it was cold, think late fall in Montauk) while my future husband caught a few waves. Of course, then we got married, had kids and the simpler time became less simple. The next time I do this routine (think Mexico while the kids are home with their grandparents), I'd like to be doing it in a cute, vintage-y, Malibu-ish beach-to-bar top just like the one pictured. Something exactly like this.

Photo: Pinterest

$82, max and chloe

I pinned this cute mismatched pair of turquoise earrings to my Pinterest board a few months ago and, desperately wanting to buy them, searched high and low for their source. I finally found them online today--yippee!--and was delighted to discover their under $100 price tag.

1. Reiss poppy print silk dress, $320, reiss.com
2. Max and Chloe turquoise stud earrings, $82, maxandchloe.com
3. Max and Chloe gold band three ring set, $50, maxandchloe.com
4. Dolce & Gabbana lip gloss in Candy80, $29, saksfifthavenue.com
5. McQ Alexander McQueen clutch, $310, netaporter.com
6. Aquazurra cut-out booties, $465, shopbop.com