LE CATCH

Part army jacket, part cape. Super power statement topper with a Sacai-like twist. All for $115!

For the imminent post-Labor Day laboring, I'm going to lean in on summer hold-overs and combos (read: my current faves) like this Sezane blouse (and this cute just-acquired smocked top) and white button-up trousers (above), the year-round Veronica Beard puff-sleeve striped tee (below--nice update!), this Frame braided balloon-sleeve sweater, and this statement feather-trimmed Opening Ceremony cardigan (over party dresses now, under winter jackets and pea coats later!).

$169, mango

Perfect fall dressing in one fell swoop--okay, three: the fringe, the check print, the oversized fit!

1. Joseph cotton jersey t-shirt, $120, netaporter.com
2. Mango fringed blazer, $169, mango.com
3. Slverlake jeans, $320, netaporter.com
4. Anne Sisteron freshwater pearl and diamond necklace pendant, $600, annesisteron.com
5. Anne Sisteron diamond lock pendant, $740, annesisteron.com
6. Mansur Gavriel bag, $495, shopbop.com
7. Steve Madden sandals, $89, nordstrom.com

I'm telling you: shopping for wallet-friendly fall-ready pieces can soothe imminent-grind stress. Take for example: the $100 made-for-layering JOA leopard print fleece, below, this 525 America puff-sleeve sweater, these spot-on H&M leather loafers, this Free People faux fur jacket, this English Factory trench, this J.Crew balloon-sleeve cardigan (40% off!--I'd size up for a more stylish fit) and cute green button-down (also on sale), plus this statement Shein windbreaker (the best under a winter coat or jean jacket).

*If you'd rather splurge than save to mitigate stress--trust me, I can relate!--take a cue from Katie Holmes, above, who went all out (sexy! sophisticated!) in Khaite's cashmere cardigan (also here) and bralette combo in NYC today. Yes, please.

Back-to-school shopping kicks off for me today, with Shopbop's end-of-summer 40% off sale, cleverly stocked with do-it-all styles that make the leap from crazy lazy August to super hectic September, such as the cute striped Tibiblouse, above, along with these cropped Joe's Jeans trousers, this Citizens of Humanity jumpsuit (key for fall!), this made-for-layering Anine Bing fleece pullover, this oversize and on-point Ksubi jean jacket, and these Mother of Pearl statement slingbacks. Also on sale is the cute Self Portrait fishnet dress I've been wearing all summer, below, both in the city and at the beach. I'm thinking I can throw it over a black slip dress or a print slip come cooler temps. Browse all the discounted delights here!

I deserve major props for this pic of my sister. For starters, it's good! My highly-discerning professional photographer twin even posted it on Instagram! What's more, my handiwork nicely captures her summer glow, which I'm also semi-responsible for as I recently turned her on to Goop's Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator and clearly, it's working! Lastly, I let her keep the super cute Rebecca Taylor blouse, above, rather than steal it from her outright. I done good, right?

The #amazonnightgown may be a viral hit, but I'm sold on its sidekick instead, the better quality (linen/cotton), tassel-trimmed dress (and tucked-in top)!

$99, and other stories

Zip up and zen out, all day long.

1. And Other Stories denim jumpsuit, $99, stories.com
2. Bauble Bar encrusted star hoops, $34, shopbop.com
3. Kule faux fur tote bag, $298, kule.com
4. Maryam Nassir Zadeh wedges, $443, shopbop.com

I rarely write about beauty products (as I am not much of an expert) but this do-it-all Kosasport lip gloss warrants the spotlight today. I am truly and completely obsessed with it. First of all, it's infused with amazingly moisturizing hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E, plus has the best (not-at-all-sticky) lightweight texture. Perhaps its greatest attribute, however, is its sheer, there-but-not-there berry tint. In my opinion: perfection. Again, I am not an expert and don't know if I'm supposed to dab it on my cheeks, but I do for a finishing rosy glow. And it's $18 bucks!

After a dry cleaner mix-up when I received a Theory shirt instead of my husband's beloved Prada button-down, only one person was happy: me! Because I got a crisp, perfectly oversized blouse that I can wear all the time. Its relaxed, borrowed/stolen-from-the-boys silhouette is right up this fall's alley. (For the record, I tried to return the shirt to the cleaners but they insisted it had no owner they were aware of--perhaps a sign I should switch to another service.) Thankfully, for the rest of you, mix-up free, there are loads of desirable options out there that will undoubtedly make you happy from Vince, James Perse, Golden Goose, H&M, and Queen & Belle.