LE CATCH

For the last four days, I (and seven dear friends) have been running around Rome in the rain, relying on jeans to get us from the Vatican to Bibiloteca Angelica to the US Ambassador's residence (Hel-lo!) and then some. On average, we each brought 2 pairs--our favorites, which we knew would work everywhere and with everything. I asked my trusty friends to share their beloved go-to's, so you too could make them yours. They include these by Frame (mine), Re/Done, Mother, Everlane, Levi's, and AGOLDE.

Yes, scarecrows and skeletons loomed about last night, but it was the tigers, leopards and zebras that really tricked out my Halloween! At a friend's packed-to-the-gills party, attendees stylishly turned up in this season's chic animal-print dresses that looked festively on point (read: my kind of costume!). I've spotted a handful of amazing specimens lately that will intrigue you, too, including this, this and this from Asos, along with with this H&M, this Ulla Johnson and this Rixo London.

$90, topshop

In the mere 30 minutes of shopping time I had over the weekend in New York City, I snapped up this insanely elegant, vintage-looking gem. (FYI: I sized down for a more form-fitting look, and I am also going to switch out the lining for a nude slip.)

1. Topshop pleated dress, $90, topshop.com
2. Ippolita 18-karat gold earrings, $1595, netaporter.com
3. Gucci mini leather bag, $1500, nordstrom.com
4. Alaia velvet ankle strap sandals, $1290, barneys.com

All the stuff that makes up my fall-to-winter dressing dreams are up to 40% off for three days only at Shopbop! Having just weathered some legit cool weather in New York, I now know what I really want and need, including this checkered C/MEO Collective coat (it's true, this season, a solid one feels kinda boring!), this chic cashmere layer-with-everything Vince hoodie, these wardrobe-updating knee-high Stuart Weitzman boots (I also like these sock-like ankle booties), and this statement-making waterproof Courreges jacket to wear under pea coats, trench coats, etc. Quick! Shop the whole sale here!

$176, warehouse

This pretty paisley Altuzarrai-ish statement is poised for the holiday party circuit!

1. Warehouse paisley dress, $176, warehouse.co.uk
2. Gucci earrings, $500, nordstrom.com
3. Fendi bucket bag, $2290, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Sam Edelman suede boots, $200, netaporter.com

Yesterday I went shopping at one of my most favorite (secret) spots: my mother's closet! Lucky for me, I unearthed a striking Salvatore Ferragamo cashmere plaid blazer from the '80s that looks so right now spot on. For my mom, it was an unerringly chic topper that she used to wear to work. For me, it will be something I sport both on and off-duty with everything from jeans to dresses. I highly recommend you get your hands on one too for the season. I like these options from Rebecca Minkoff, L'Agence, And Other Stories, Isabel Marant Etoile, Gap, and Rouje (above).

Anyone wanting to press the fall wardrobe refresh button should beeline it to Shopbop's sale, flush with stellar finds, including the easy-to-layer-for-winter Keepsake dress, above, this Tory Burch trench coat, these black Schutz ankle boots, these Alice + Olivia sailor pants, and this forever-stylish Anine Bing blazer. Check it all out here!

$130, topshop

My JFK-LAX flights always provide cool style inspo, and yesterday's trip winged it with this Topshop faux fur jacket. (Perfect for my next trip back east!)

1. Ganni sweater, $450, netaporter.com
2. Topshop faux fur leopard jacket, $130, topshop.com
3. J. Brand jeans, $230, netaporter.com
4. Jules Smith armor ring, $50, shopbop.com
5. Proenza Schouler for Lancome in Bold Red 3, $24, neimanmarcus.com
6. Fendi x Fila bucket bag, $1790, nordstrom.com
7. Vans sneakers, $60, zappos.com

My blood may have thinned from living in LA, but trust me, the cold is real in New York City right now. Thank goodness for this season's long cardigan. I stole one from my sister's Tribeca apartment closet and wore it all weekend long! Not only is it a great layering piece and endlessly versatile, but it's also, most importantly, super cozy. I'd happily weather winter in any of these options by Kule (pictured, above), Miu Miu (last snap), Brochu Walker, J.Crew, Gucci, Vince, and Ganni.

People, I kid you not when I say I have found the holy grail of white t-shirts! This rare gem, pictured above, by The Reformation, is silky soft, slightly sheer (in a refined way), perfectly-cut, and infinitely versatile. And it's actually a bodysuit, which keeps it from untucking and looking sloppy. I am also not kidding when I say I snapped up two of them because I can't wash them fast enough! I plan to keep wearing them well into winter with these Veronica Beard leather pants, this Ganni wrap skirt, and this sharp wool Mango blazer. (P.S. My monogrammed phone case, which always rakes in compliments, is from Minnie and Emma.