LE CATCH

The subject of discussion before this morning's exercise class was almost as dreaded as the imminent leg lifts: back to school shopping. One friend boasted that she had it all done, from the socks to the lunchbox. Slacker that I am, I haven't even started, but with J.Crew's timely 30% off sale going on, I will get cracking. Right this very minute! On top of the boys' khakis, polo shirts, and sweaters for their school uniforms, I'll stock up on a few everyday staples for myself, of course, like these cropped Point Sur jeans, these pointy-toe patent flats, and this infinitely useful and impeccably stylish popover shirt. Now it's your turn!

$550, rebecca taylor

Tweed takes this denim jacket to great statement heights.

1. J.Crew tank top, $29, jcrew.com**
2. Rebecca Taylor tweed and denim jacket, $550, rebeccataylor.com
3. Clare V. knapsack and clutch, $359, shopbop.com
4. Marni sandals, $690, netaporter.com
5. Max Mara skirt, $525, matchesfashion.com

**Get 30% off your purchase of $200+ or 25% off your purchase of $100+ through Monday only at J.Crew. Get code here!

Come fall, I'll be stepping out of lace-up flat sandals and into lace-up pumps. Something along the sexy lines of this Whistles, Aquazurra, Schutz, and Ulla Johnson (pictured above). I'm also tempted by these open-toe, wear-now-and-later babes by Gianvito Rossi and Alexandre Birman.

$75, warehouse

I'd zip up in this denim dress and zip around in style.

1. Warehouse denim zip-up dress, $75, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. Fendi sunglasses, $455, shopbop.com
3. Alexis Bittar gold cuff, $199, shopbop.com
4. Kenzo clutch, $215, luisaviaroma.com
5. Aquazzure lace-up flats, $675, netaporter.com

Topping my list of key fall pieces I want to wear: the suede mini skirt. For starters, I can wear it now and deep into the doldrums of winter (with tights, of course). In addition, there's the right-now-retro vibe it exudes, plus its A-line silhouette offers figure-flattering everyday comfort. The best ones out there include this Topshop, this Asos, this MiH, this Mango, this Theory, this Forever 21, and this Alexa Chung x AG.

$292, the outnet

This cute sweater is going to help me welcome fall's first chill.

1. J.W. Anderson sweater, $292, theoutnet.com
2. Urban Decay Matte Lipstick in Bad Blood, $22, nordstrom.com
3. Isabel Marant set of gold-plated resin rings, $110, netaporter.com
4. Elena Ghisellini rainbow leather bag, $865, luisaviaroma.com
5. Alexandre Birman python sandals, $845, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. Dorothy Perkins suedette skirt, $44, dorothyperkins.com

My sister called me from New York yesterday, specifically from Zara, where she reported very distractedly, that there were major goods to be had. "Lots of amazing fall coats," she sputtered. While I can't wrap my head around outerwear just yet (soon though!), I can totally wrap on this incredible statement necklace. Now that's good Zara!

$119, mango

A little fringe makes this denim jacket a lot more fun!

1. J.Crew cashmere tank, $128, jcrew.com
2. Mango fringed denim jacket, $119, mango.com
3. Elizabeth & James ring, $115, shopbop.com
4. Fendi studded baguette bag, $2450, luisaviaroma.com
5. Miu Miu multi-python flat, $990, nordstrom.com
6. Acne Studios jeans, $250, netaporter.com

Later this month, when I am in denial about summer ending, I'd like to cover up (slightly) in this exact outfit: a Tory Burch sweater and suede shorts and these about-to-sell-out Aquazzura sandals. Otherwise known as summer-to-fall perfection.

$84, monsoon

You know me and my embroidered tops. Can't get enough! Here's a standout to add to the collection.

1. Monsoon embroidered top, $84, monsoon.co.uk
2. Joomi Lim earrings, $110, shopbop.com
3. Anthropologie plaid weave clutch, $108, anthropologie.com
4. Stuart Weitzman lace-up sandals, $398, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. By Malene Birger leather pants, $975, netaporter.com