There are certain items I simply have to have because I know I’ll wear them to pieces. “Neo-Trad essentials” if you will… Such is the case with this Polka Dot Popover from J.Crew. Not only is it one of my favorite patterns, but it also has a subtle sheer quality that feels decidedly sophisticated. I’ll wear a tank underneath for everyday use and pair it with just a cute black lace bra (Cosabella makes my favorites — I’m in love with this one) and high-waisted pencil skirt for a night out. Love, love, love.

I keep waiting for J.Crew to slip up and yet season after season (after season) Jenna Lyons and her brilliant team knock it out of the park. I want every single one of these looks for summer, especially the ensembles at top left (bow shorts, I die…) and middle right (I live for stripes). Do you have a favorite?

Is anyone else lusting after the bright ballet flats J.Crew released this season? I love my black J.Crew ballets (buy at least half a size down — they stretch!) and now I think I may have to add african violet, festival green, sour lemon, and poppy to the mix!  I used to live in a pair of red London Sole flats, but they eventually had to be laid to rest. Time to replace my beloved ruby slippers!

I’ve long loved the simple yet scrumptious styling on the J.Crew site and these three looks jumped off the “page.”  Though I’m usually not much of a shorts girl, the gingham pair is pretty darn cute.  Summertime, you can’t come soon enough…

Loving these new shots from J.Crew’s wedding collection.  Her hair is so tousled and lovely and the pearls…who doesn’t love copious strands of pearls?

J.Crew’s latest photo spread in Los Angeles has me yearning for southern California.  Though I was born in LA, I never fully appreciated it until recently.  It’s really having “a moment” thanks to Sofia Coppola, don’t you think?

P.S. Yes, that’s the cutie patootie from Mad Men/Gossip Girl.

These charming swim suits by J.Crew are thanks to the legendary floral prints of Liberty London.  It was named the “Liberty Dandie Ruffle” thanks to the print’s sweet little dandelions and ruffle detail.  I may need both the one-piece and bikini this spring—it can’t come soon enough!

The new J.Crew catalog is out and I love it’s pared down simplicity.  They’ve definitely returned to the classics and after season after season of frills I think the clean lines are a welcome break.  What’s your take?

My name is Katie Armour and I someday hope to be half as cool as the little girls styled in the J.Crew Crew Cuts catalog.  Can anyone else relate?  The latest batch of outfits simply kill me with their cuteness.  To be young and so hip!

At the risk of J.Crew overload today (does such a thing even exist?) I just had to post these photos of five-month old baby leopard Mabaka.  A reader sent them to me and I’m positively smitten.  I want her to be Alfred’s little sister : )