LE CATCH

If you're yearning for new fall bag, one that will instantly update your look, consider the top handle bag. Retro in appearance, ladylike in spirit, these compact bags often come with a longer strap, so you can sling it around your shoulder, or wear it cross-body messenger-style, freeing up your hands to do stuff (always a plus)! My new crop of favorites come from 3.1 Phillip Lim, M2Malletier (above), Chloe, Sole Society, Valentino, Asos, Zac Posen, Mark Cross, and Kenzo.

$44, mango

This sweatshirt will let me do the school run to the gym dash (and more!) in style.

1. Mango sweatshirt, $44, mango.com
2. Topshop scarf, $40, topshop.com
3. Elizabeth and James ring, $115, shopbop.com
4. Loewe bag, $2129, matchesfashion.com
5. Gucci sneakers, $525, netaporter.com
6. Topshop cargo pants, $68, topshop.com

As much as I wish it could be August 32, the reality is summer is over. There is a silver-lining though, and it goes by the name of fall shopping! Here are the key season pieces I am lusting after in no particular order: a gorgeous go-with-everything sweater that I can wear any day of the week without shame like this Isabel Marant or this J.O.A. Sweater weather also calls for a perfectly on-trend body-hugging ribbed turtleneck to layer under everything and a long tunic-like sweater to wear with pants and knee-length skirts. I love all these iterations by Topshop, AYR, Alexander Wang, Vince, Asos, H&M, and Zara. Also needed: at least one boho romantic dress, perhaps an Asos, or a Derek Lam and or a Gucci. A polished wrap skirt, similar to above, is also a must. Take this one or this one. Outerwear is outfit-making this season, so I don't mind spending a little more, especially if it looks like this, this or this. (P.S. I wouldn't mind having a less expensive back-up or two--Joe Fresh and Mango--to keep me warm.) Shoe-wise, I'll need backless Gucci loafers (or these or these) to look up to date, along with these kind of boots (or this pair or this pair). I'm sure I'll be adding to this list as the cold weather starts to blow in--and you can be sure I will share my updates!

For a recent Angeleno magazine photo shoot, my sister and I dressed up in fall's most wanted clothing, such as this Derek Lam suede skirt and top, above. The whole

Vogue's editors are making the back-to-work grind a little more glamorous with far from boring prints, as demonstrated by Chloe Malle, Elisabeth Von Thurn and Taxis and Selby Drummond, above. They all opt for bold graphic patterns and mixing them together--a strategy worth emulating, in my book! I'd like to slog it out in style with these pieces by Miu Miu (pictured above), Frame Denim, Warehouse, Tory Burch, Burberry, and Joie.

Photo: Elisabeth Von Thurn and Taxis

$152, asos

This tasseled sweater will make fall's first cold front a little more fun.

1. French Connection tassel sweater, $152, asos.com
2. Cle de Peau Beaute Lip Gloss in N2, $48, nordstrom.com
3. Givenchy cuff, $455, matchesfashion.com
4. Alice.D leather bag, $375, shopbop.com
5. H&M buckle flats, $29, hm.com
6. Current/Elliott jeans, $220, netaporter.com

On the subject of statement skirts and invigorating the 9-to-5 wardrobe, check out these wage earners by 1.State, J.Crew, Tanya Taylor, and Tibi. P.S. Standouts skirts are also standing out in Stockholm right now, below. The leather lovelies are by Fillipa K and the pleated one, above, is by Sacai Luck from a past season.

Photos: Vogue

$465, reiss

I'd like to waltz back into the office in this gorgeous leather skirt.

1. Adam Lippes cotton shirt, $590, netaporter.com
2. Lipstick Queen Belle Epoque Lip Balm in Belle Pink, $20, netaporter.com
3. Kristen Elspeth bracelet, $77, shopbop.com
4. Clare V. leopard clutch, $245, shopbop.com
5. Schutz sandals, $170, shopbop.com
6. Reiss leather skirt, $465, reiss.com

$79, joe fresh

Everyday, running-around, up-for-anything boots. Done.

Yes, it's time for back-to-work button-downs, but I'm inclined to report for duty in a less obvious choice. Inspired by the snaps here, I'd like to take a shirt dress, like this one, this one or this one, and tie it at the waist for a dramatic, sash-like (Rosie Assoulin-ish) effect.

Photos: Fashion Eaters