LE CATCH

The holidays typically get tricked out in garland, red bows, and twinkling lights. For me, it's all about lace! It's such a feminine and elegant fabric--even a little bit of it can elevate an outfit. Take for instance, the Self-Portrait blouse, above, a sugarplum vision dancing in my head. I also love these pretty lace-trimmed, holiday-ready pieces by Zimmermann, Endless Rose, Stella McCartney (on sale!) and Club Monaco. For more inspo, check out how I styled a lace-trimmed Draper James blouse (below) in three holiday-ready ways here.

What I'll be wearing with with my cropped (uneven-hemmed) jeans this winter: one of these suede sock booties from Topshop. They hit/hug the lower shin, which lengthens and slims the leg (always good); work equally well with skirts, dresses and jeans; and ring in at just $150. The only question is which color: black, brown or blue? They're all so good!

In the ever-changing land of denim, we see hemlines go up and down in the blink of the eye. But at this very moment they're going both ways! Picture: shorter in the front and longer in the back. Of course, this uneven hem is inspired by the highly sought-after (and prohibitively pricey) Vetements jeans. One can easily pull this off DIY, or just look into spot-on ready-cut alternatives, like this pair by Joe's Jeans and SJYP.

Photo: Collage Vintage

In case you're still hung up on those excellent Alaia suede studded sandals (above) from several seasons ago, you can find solace in this (much less expensive!) version from Raye. Love!

Photo: Stockholm Streetsyle

$80, warehouse

If I were headed south for the holidays, I'd definitely pack this sightseeing-apres-beaching-and-long-luxurious-lunching lace-up denim dress!

1. Warehouse denim dress, $80, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. La Perla cut-out swimsuit, $240, netaporter.com
3. Antonio Marras basket bag, $88, luisaviaroma.com
4. Schutz sandals, $150, shopbop.com

Here are some shoes that will get the party started! A dramatic back bow tie is exactly the right kind of fun, frivolous flourish the holidays demand, and the under-$60 price can't be beat!

$39, h&m

More button-trimmed denim goodness, but this time with a sleek wide-leg silhouette, patch pockets and black wash. Yes, please!

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater, $180, netaporter.com
2. Mango faux fur jacket, $189, mango.com
3. Dolce & Gabbana color block bag, $1709, matchesfashion.com
4. Givenchy sneakers, $495, nordstrom.com
5. H&M jeans, $39, hm.com

Just in case you forgot: A basic, everyday cardigan can do great stylish wonders, like pull a whole look together. Case in point, above. It also lends just enough warmth, without too much bulk. And I think it adds both polish and a sense of laid-back ease. Inspired, I tracked down some new outfit-improving options to throw over your shoulders right this minute. They include this cashmere Chinti and Parker, this fringed Glamorous, this Chanel-like Miss Selfridge, this shaggy Leith, this cozy Joie, this sequined J.Crew and this game-changing Gucci. The cardigan pictured above is by Levi's and available here.

Photo: Collage Vintage

Last season Kiini, a vibrant line of crochet bikinis swept the beaches from east to west. (These handmade suits actually sold out before spring had even sprung!) Now hot off the press: Same Swim, a cute-meets-sexy collection of mix and match tops and bottoms featuring contrasting embroidery and surf-ready silhouettes. I have a hunch these too will sell like hotcakes (i.e., before my next warm weather getaway!). You can check out the current collection here.

$128, banana republic

This faux fur sweater vest had me with its stripes, of course, but its layering possibilities are also delightfully endless.

1. Jupe by Jackie embroidered shirt, $647, matchesfashion.com
2. Banana Republic faux fur sweater vest, $128, bananarepublic.com
3. Vita Fede earrings, $255, shopbop.com
4. The Row jeans, $550, netaporter.com
5. Stella McCartney coat, $1690, netaporter.com
6. Corroon canvas tote bag, $200, corroon.com
7. Via Spiga loafers, $250, nordstrom.com