LE CATCH

Finding a good party dress is a piece of cake, but figuring out what to wear over it frequently trips me up! For sure, I don't like a topper that's too matchy-matchy. However, I do like a layer that's a bit unexpected and keeps me warm, if need be. So, as a service to me (and hopefully to you!), I poked around to find some great options. They include this long tuxedo-inspired H&M jacket, above, this sequin Alexis blazer, this pinstriped Ganni, this Comme des Garcons embellished sweater, this Clu pleated sleeve cardigan, and this J.Crew jacket.

A sexy sweater may sound like an oxymoron, but it actually exists! Typically scarce, I've found a handful of seductive specimens this season, which is fortunate, as they're all I want to wear, because they wow everywhere from Le Charlot to Little Beach House. For starters, take this Ganni-inspired off-the-shoulder Miss Selfridge, above, along with this open-backed Tanya Taylor, this shoulder-baring Pixie Market, this cropped and fitted Love Shack Fancy, and this cut-out Monse.

These pics do not lie: puffers possess extra pow this season. There's no denying that this once boring closet staple can now punctuate an outfit, and there are so many eye-popping options to choose from. I recently snapped up this sleek and statement-making Mango, below, that I can wear on the slopes and the city streets. Other super good options come from Free People, above, Asos, Theory, and Ganni.

Too many times I've procrastinated buying something I really liked only to have it sell out. I debated the sparkly situation by Asos, above, (too much? too gold?), but then ultimately pressed the purchase button as it cost under $300 (and is returnable). It was a huge success at a holiday party this weekend--and it's now--yay me!--sold out. This prompts me to once again re-consider other options I've been debating lately such as this floral Topshop dress (I first spotted it on a NYC-based fashion publicist), these Anne Sisteron huggies (I love how it looks like two studs!), this vaca-ready Acler mini, and this Amur one-shoulder knockout. My sister is wearing a gorgeous Carolina Herrera dress that she pinched from my closet. It can be found here (on sale!).

It's party time, people. I mean dress around the clock--literally! This holiday season, the festive frocks I want to wear are not just for nights out, but ones I can wing during the day with more casual extras. I'm talking double duty dazzlers like these from Asos, Proenza Schouler (50% off and more here!), Dolce & Gabbana (40% off!), Rixo, La Double J, Rebecca Taylor, and Saloni.

$59, h&m

I'd like to employ this work-around-the-clock striped wrap dress.

1. H&M stripe wrap dress, $59, hm.com
2. Anne Sisteron ombre sapphire and diamond earrings, $405, annesisteron.com
3. Gucci bag, $890, nordstrom.com
4. Cult Gaia sandals, $350, netaporter.com

An upcoming ski trip to Aspen (which will include an '80s-themed apres ski lunch at Cloud Nine!) has me plotting my packing list. These pics convinced me that I'll first need to invest in a chic pair of stylish boots that will weather both the snow and the city, such as these by Proenza Schouler (below), J.Crew, and Montelliana. The ones above are by Louis Vuitton. I also want to bring this Rebecca Minkoff striped sweater (pictured above), this retro-inspired Xirena pullover (pictured below), this statement-making Perfect Moment oversized puffer and turtleneck, this cute post-slope River Island puff sleeve knit, this made-for-layering Topshop cardigan, and this extra long, extra cozy Asos scarf. (P.S. Notice how all these pieces work off piste, too? Yessss!)

While I am not quite ready to hang up the garland and steep myself in egg nog, I could easily slip into this festive, holiday party-worthy sequin skirt and team/tame it with something a more everyday casual, like a slouchy sweater or sweatshirt. I also just snapped up this wallet-friendly sparkle, and wouldn't mind sparkling some more in this Tibi, this J.Crew, this Zara, this H&M--all to get me into the holiday spirit!

$95, topshop

One simple way to make sweater weather more stylish.

1. Topshop applique sweater, $95, topshop.com
2. Bobbi Brown Crushed Lipstick in Grapefruit Pink, $29, nordstrom.com
3. Anton Heunis Bubble Stick earrings, $110, shopbop.com
4. Like Dreams clutch, $61, nordstrom.com
5. Gianvito Rossi sandals, $1395, netaporter.com
6. Dolce & Gabbana sequin skirt,$1395, netaporter.com

I've worn this Isabel Marant Etoile dress like crazy lately (thank you, LA weather!) and so have a few of my friends, who've asked to borrow it. But now it's time they buy their own, as it's on crazy sale! (My twin sister also bought it in red--on sale here.) And they should also buy lots of other things I'm coveting this Black Friday as they're all on super sale, including this chic Chloe cuff, this iconic Dolce & Gabbana print mini, this seductive Ulla Johnson dress, these Rag & Bone (Aspen-worthy) boots, this cool Prada cross-body bag, and this Perfect Moment statement puffer. P.S. I've trawled all the Black Friday sales and, IMHO, the best stocked are at Nordstrom, Shopbop, Matches (designer heavy hitters!), J.Crew (50% off!) and Netaporter.