LE CATCH

Lately, I've been piling on the charm necklaces, as you may have seen on my Instagram feed, but now (like, as of today), I'm adding a new gem to the mix: the lariat! Because not only do they compliment this season's sexier necklines, but they're just a little unexpected. I especially love the ones that can be modified--i.e., you can wear as a traditional necklace or as a lariat--such as these by Jennifer Zeuner, Shashi, Ariel Gordon (on sale!), Lana, Poppy Finch, and Jenna Blake.

It pays to have friends in high (fashion) places--and to be the lucky beneficiary (me!) of their positions! Let's start with my bag designer friend Clare Vivier, who turned me on to the (above) CUTEST trench coat in history! It's by Mille, and it's really all I need to look chic right this minute, even with just a pair of jeans and a tee (see my Pinterest page for proof!). Then there are my beloveds at The A List in Beverly Hills, who curate go-to brands like J.Crew, for example, and inspire me with these super fancy-looking snakeskin jeans, leopard print pants and matching blouse (so, so good!); along with Rebecca Taylor (this adorable floral dress--see me in it here!) and Brazilian label Farm Rio (this ethereal print wrap dress). Additional brands they've turned me onto recently: Aritzia with its yummy and super affordable sweaters (below!); Lou & Grey, with its seriously flattering $54 wide-leg jeans (size up!) and Outdoor Voices most luxurious-feeling, body-boosting workout wear. That's what friends are for, right?!

My friends make fun of me because I tend to wear lots (and lots!) of layers when it's cold outside. Like, maybe too many for most people, but I just like being on the warm side. This might explain why I'm particularly drawn to this season's knit dress trend. It's basically head-to-toe warmth and designed for laissez-faire layering--plus delivers extra style points and snugness. What's not to love?? There are also so many variations, suitable for every mood and temperature swing. Case(s) in point: this striped Jacquemus dress (similar to below), this gorgeous go-anywhere Anna Quan ribbed slip-on, this puff-sleeve Ulla Johnson mini, this sexy cashmere Jonathan Simkhai, and this Rixo leopard-print midi in the last pic (made from jersey but looks like knit, so good for mild days, plus figure forgiving, too!).

Most days a week, I'm in two outfits a day: one for working out and the other for work, work, work! The first look has less wiggle room in terms of variety (my exercise gear is 99% flattering black!) but I can play around with what to wear over my leggings and sports bra. Sporty-chic jackets, flashy sweatshirts and zip-up fleeces help, particularly if they work post-workout, like the above reversible Tory Sport jacket, this shearling Varley sweatshirt, this Splits59 tie-dye pullover, this Adam Selman cropped print hoodie, this camo BB Dakota sweatshirt, and this Target print puffer.

The cold was real last night in LA. Okay, maybe just for thin-skinned Angelenos, but still... the chill inarguably warranted a jacket. Which brings me to share with you some compelling new options, all warm, wow-worthy, and wallet-friendly (always welcome, right?). Let's start with the cute and cozy sheepskin Mango, above (love the toggle buttons), along with these by Asos, H&M, The Fifth Label, Madewell, Urban Outfitters and Topshop.

Mansur Gavriel's monogrammed ballerinas are back! In 12 different colors! Love the metallic silver, but definitely leaning toward this go-with-everything camel shade. (Note: they run a size small, order up!) Now for the monogram colors...

$149, urban outfitters

LA's warm weekend blew this cutie into my winter forecast.

1. Urban Outfitters sweater, $149, urbanoutfitters.com
2. Prada pants, $880, netaporter.com
3. Zoe Chicco pearl ear cuff, $110, shopbop.com
4. Zimmermann hoops, $295, shopbop.com
5. RMS Beauty Signature Palette, $44, nordstrom.com
6. Kooreloo tweed pouch, $385, shopbop.com
7. Mansur Gavriel monogrammed slippers, $385, mansurgavriel.com

On those non-jean days coming up, I'll be reaching for this season's printed pants. Because all I have to do afterward is throw on a simple blouse, t-shirt, or sweater and I'm done. Or not. I can change tack and pile it all on, like above, and go super done! Either way = greatness! The latest and greatest options come from Levi's ($98!), Simon Miller (immediately below and last pic), Miu Miu (second snap below), Anthropologie, Madewell, Corey Lynn Calter, and Pam & Gela.

Boden's animal print boots will help me mentally prep for winter's wild weather. (Cute for apres in Aspen and the slushy streets of Manhattan.)

I'm pretty certain I'm not the only one who needs more than one pair of everyday jeans. Read: justification for not one but two pairs of Rolla's jeans I recently purchased. The Australian brand has flattering fit, spot-on washes and amazing price ($99!) absolutely nailed. I bought the pair, above, and also in white.

Photo: Lisa Says Gah