LE CATCH

My sis, my mother and I walked out of Zara yesterday with the same oversized Chanel-ish cardigan--along with equally big grins! (I'm wearing mine today without anything underneath, along with light-wash jeans and lots of layered necklaces.) Other statement cardigans I love are by Tory Burch, Maje, JOA, Shein, and And Other Stories.

Although my sister and I live in the same city, we don't get to see each other as often as we'd like. That's because of her non-stop work/travel routine, our childrens' school and sports schedules, and her living on the other side of the 405 (i.e., another universe during rush hours!). So, when just one free hour opens up for us to get together, we pounce. Even it means sitting side by side yet working separately on our laptops! Such was the case yesterday, when we set up office at her kitchen counter. During her editing photos and my writing Le Catch, we discussed several outstanding subjects from the significant (our next Oui Want project!) to the mundane (choosing our birthday cake flavor) and everything in between like this Warehouse faux leopard trucker jacket--a total find (in my book!) that needed her stamp of approval. She loved it so much--"perfect on its own or under a thick coat," she exclaimed--that she bought one of her own.

A few weeks ago, Katie Holmes triggered an Instagram tsunami with her Khaite cashmere bra and cardigan, which swiftly sold out in under an hour (despite its combined $2K+ price tag). Well, for those wanting in on this now cooler than cool NYC-based brand--for a lot less!--head here to snap up the line's go-to wide-leg white jeans, above, this forever-chic cashmere sweater, this elegant satin crepe dress, and this white peplum blouse.

They're calling it the "modest dress" trend. I'm calling it the one-and-done wonder! Throw on a pair of boots or sneakers or loafers, and I'm good to go. Anywhere! The closed-neck, long-sleeve maxi dresses, above, are by Rotate and under $300. I also love these by Asos ($67!), H&M, Topshop, Pixie Market, and Ulla Johnson.

Back in June, I wrote about Copenhagen-based Emili Sindlev's summer style, rooted in a tropical blend of far-flung prints and kaleidoscope colors. Now in cooler weather, her bright and sunny dressing philosophy remains intact--but she also adds plush texture (tweed, leather, woolens) and punchy accessories. Take the neon yellow outfit-punctuating Asics, for example, in the last pic, or the yellow ballet slippers she favors. I particularly love the zig zag print Loewe bag, below, and the top-handle vanilla/strawberry Volon, above. Speaking of pink, Emili does it in jackets and pants. Orange also plays a starring role, like the Birger Christensen turtleneck, below, as do polka dots, naturally, such as this Rixo and this Antik Batik. All in all, it's a bold and refreshing retort to wintry bleak and bland.

Thought I'd tee up some easy fall style inspo this Monday morning with an assist from Aimee Song, who perks up basics (jeans, and, okay, and some statement leather culottes!) with layered-just-so knits. She happens to be wearing pullovers from her Song of Style collection (which by the way also features the cutest leather trousers). With one sweater tied around her shoulders, slightly askew, she looks styled yet casual. A look worth emulating, I think. P.S. I recently snagged this layered-looking cable knit--it's a good one for $30! P.P.S: Aimee's bag game is also strong, with this Louis Vuitton multi-pochette, above, and Volon clutch, below.

Photos: Aimee Song

This pic does not do this sweater justice, but trust me (and my sis), it's most excellent. So excellent that after Coco wore it to a photo shoot yesterday, every female on set bought one by the end of the day, including the inimitably stylish fashion consultant and designer Blair Eadie. The reason: glinty metallic thread and a thick woven knit give this Anthropologie sweater a Chanel-like vibe. Another tip: size down for a more elegant fit (I bought a size small).

$245, the outnet

A cashmere cardigan with a stripe-y verve--what's not to love?!

1. N. Peal cashmere cardigan $245, theoutnet.com
2. Gucci wide-leg pants, $1500, netaporter.com
3. Pixie Market chain necklace, $32, pixiemarket.com
3. Bauble Bar 18k gold vermeil ring set, $68, baublebar.com
4. Dragon Diffusion woven leather tote, $294, matchesfashion.com
5. Urban Decay Glassy Lip Tint in Stacked, $22, nordstrom.com
6. Sam Edelman loafers, $150, shopbop.com

My friend just assumed my new corduroy blazer was expensive. As she stroked its plush, ribbed sleeve, I broke the news to her: "It's H&M." She was both shocked and giddy--and immediately pulled out her phone to order one. This topper is now my current favorite style hack: I throw it on with jeans or over a dress and, blammo, instant polish. Its structure and heft yield a luxurious aura to any outfit, particularly these by Mango, And Other Stories, and Kate Spade.

$108, asos

When a boucle blazer meets a military jacket, greatness happens! (BTW: I sized up for a slightly oversized fit.)

1. Madewell sweater, $64, netaporter.com
2.SLVRLKE jeans, $269, netaporter.com
3. River Island boucle military jacket, $108, asos.com
4. Madewell ring, $34, shopbop.com
5. Baggu bag, $28, shopbop.com
6. Loeffler Randall snake print boot, $550, shopbop.com