LE CATCH

On those days when you feel like putting comfort before style consider throw in a standout bag. It's simple enough--and yet super high impact.

$343, matches

All ready to deck the halls in this off the shoulder frock!

1. Saloni dress, $343, matchesfashion.com
2. Sarah & Sebastien diamond earrings, $330, netaporter.com
3. Edie Parker clutch, $847, shopbop.com
4. Givenchy croc-effect leather sandals, $725, netaporter.com

In my wardrobe there are sweaters--and super special, extra cozy, lusciously luxe sweaters. I have just few of the latter as they cost more, but work winter after winter. This sweater season I am obsessed with I Love Mr. Mitten's handknit cardigans and pullovers, specifically this one (pictured, above), this one, and this one.

Photo: Fashioned/Chic

$75, topshop

I'm all about a winter basic that's anything but basic!

1. Topshop tie-sleeve sweater, $75, topshop.com
2. Topshop faux patchwork stole, $68, topshop.com
3. SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker bag, $325, neimanmarcus.com
4. Michael Kors ballet flats, $125, shopbop.com
5. Mother flared jeans, $240, netaporter.com

LA's first "cold" spell deployed an army of black puffer jackets at school drop-off this morning. Yours truly included. Hence some much needed cold weather style inspo today from a truly cold place: Copenhagen. Contending with an average winter temperature of zero-degrees centigrade, the Danes are experts in fending off Mr. Frost--fashionably. Proof in the pic, above. I'd like to follow their lead in the over-the-top outerwear department. Bright colors, fluffy jackets, embroidery... why not? They're like pops of cheer in hum-drum dreary weather. At least that's my theory! So, for pick-up this afternoon (and deep into February), I'm thinking warm and cozy in any of these pieces from Sandy Liang, Storets, Topshop, Pixie Market, Tory Burch, Rebecca Taylor, J.Crew, Ulla Johnson, and Zara.

This gorgeous mix and match earring situation jingles my bells! The Catbird diamond earring features dainty gold link chains that elegantly loop under the ear lobe, while the Saskia Diez tourmaline ear cuff adds some chromatic flash. Other earrings ideal for mixing and matching (and gift-giving!) come from Maria Black, WWake, Maria Tash, Hillier Bartley, Kismet by Milka, Anne Sisteron, Sydney Evan and Sophie Bille Brahe.

$59, pixie market

For me, the antidote to five days of Thanksgiving vacation, two new pet guinea pigs, and my first time ever 18-pound turkey is... an unflappably cool blouse! (P.S. Since it's Cyper Monday, it's 15% off today.)

1. Pixie Market ruffle blouse, $59, pixiemarket.com
2. Anne Sisteron white gold diamond arrow cuff, $860, annesisteron.com
3. Anne Sisteron white gold ruby cuff, $240, annesisteron.com
4. Bobbi Brown Lip Balm, $17, nordstrom.com
5. Marni drawstring bag, $1980, modaoperandi.com
6. Prada suede mules, $550, bergdorfgoodman.com
7. JBrand jeans, $220, netaporter.com

The most coveted Birkin bag in fashion land right now doesn't have a months-long wait list or a 5-digit price tag. That's because this Birkin bag is a Portuguese basket bag made famous long ago by Jane Birkin that's now all of sudden a year-round statement. Glam girls from Brooklyn to Paris and London, including Camille Rowe, Adenorah Mais, and Lucy Williams all pictured here, are teaming their Birkin baskets with thoroughly wintry coats, moto jackets and boots. It's this unexpected combo that looks so fresh and chic. Of course, this basket bag still works stylish wonders in warm weather, as demonstrated by Pandora Sykes (last pic). I found my mini $65 year-rounder here.

Photos: Adenorah Mais, Lucy Williams, Pandora Sykes

I see no reason to fight the crowds and stand on long lines when the best Black Friday sales are at my fingertips! I found some seriously compelling deals, such as this ruffled Stylekeepers top, these Valentino ballet slippers, this Chloe linen blouse, this Marc Jacobs saddle bag, this Proenza Schouler print dress, this Isabel Marant Etoile lace-trimmed blouse, and these outfit-punctuating Golden Goose sneakers (pictured above).

Statement pieces that will help you fa-la-la-la through the holidays (and beyond) are among the great offerings available at Shopbop's just-launched sale (spend $200+, get 15% off, spend $500, get 20% off, spend $800, get 25% off.) I snagged the festive Rosie Assoulin-inspired Style Mafia top, above, as well as this one, below, along with the wrap Stylekeepers, last pic, which I will also want to layer over a thin black sweater or turtleneck. More desirables include this Style Mafia top, Zimmermann blouse, this For Love & Lemons dress, this Helmut Lang tie-sleeve sweater, this striped Solace London dress, this jacket by The Great, this Rebecca Taylor lace-sleeve pullover, and this Vasic Collection bucket bag.