LE CATCH

$118, banana republic

I'd let these pretty plum d'orsay flats step in for my for basic black ballet slippers any old day.

I am not big into horoscopes but I read mine last week (as my birthday was approaching) and learned that a lunar eclipse on October 8 would wreak havoc on my life. And so it did, as my 5-year-old got strep throat, my husband got food poisoning, our go-to babysitter got sick, and thus a fun birthday weekend getaway got cancelled. Not the end of the world, and everyone is fine now, but it was unfortunate! Thankfully, now the stars appear to have realigned, as I awoke this morning to discover. . . Shopbop's 25% off Friends & Family sale! To start, I'd like some new slip-on sneakers, because they're just about the most comfortable shoes ever and a pair in grey, this season's hue, is in order. Also tempting: these perfect (and nicely priced!) Pour La Victoire pointy-toe ankle boots, this Clare V. striped clutch, these gorgeous crystal-studded Ca & Lou earrings, this about-to-sell-out Rodebjer faux fur coat, this forever-chic Alice + Olivia tuxedo blazer, this Opening Ceremony boxy jacket, and this statement LBD by Nanette Lepore (perhaps for a festive rescheduled birthday celebration?).

Photo: Tommy Ton

$58*, shopbop

I'd love to throw on this cute striped hooded poncho over a basic pair of jeans and an easy knit--and stand out.

1. J.Crew textured sweater, $98, jcrew.com
2. Pixie Market striped poncho, $58*, shopbop.com
3. J.Brand cropped jeans, $170, netaporter.com
4. Clare Vivier suede messenger bag, $299*, shopbop.com
5. Vince loafers, $318*, shopbop.com

*Get this price and 25% off almost everything else at Shopbop (through Thursday October 16 only)--get the discount code here! I am working on a roundup of my sale favorites and will publish them shortly!

I haven't worn a sweater dress since my early teenage years, when I had several from Benetton that I busted out for birthday parties and the like. But they'll be making their way back into my life this fall... and not just for birthday parties. Because what could be cozier and easier than wearing a knit dress? Right now, I'd give it a whirl, bare-legged with ankle boots or slip-on sneakers. When it's chillier, I'd add tights and knee-high (or higher) boots. The dresses I'd like most to slip into include this Joie or this turtleneck Joie, this A.P.C., this Stella McCartney (pictured above) and this Milly.

Photos: Harper's Bazaar, LA Cool et Chic

$129, mango

Mr. Frost won't mess with me in this super cool faux shearling biker jacket.

1. Dolce & Gabbana floral silk chiffon dress, $2727, matchesfashion.com
2. Mango faux shearling biker jacket, $129, mango.com
3. Virzi + De Luca enamel gold plated bracelet, $375, netaporter.com
4. Alexander Wang painted leather clutch, $450, shopbop.com
5. Gianvito Rossi suede over-the-knee boots, $1746, matchesfashion.com

When I was growing up, the floor of my mother's closet was monopolized by knee high boots, mostly in brown and black. I loved trying them on, but of course, as I was little, the boots would encase my entire leg. Still, I thought they looked pretty hot. These days, I still think they look pretty hot. But, in my own closet I have just a single pair: a riding style boot for cold rainy LA days or jaunts to the snowy mountains. That's about to change, especially as it's all about a knee-high boot this season. They may not be super practical for everyday, but they're undoubtedly fun to parade around in and they do wonders playing up long and short skirts and dresses. I'm loving these boots from Club Monaco, Diane Von Furstenberg, Proenza Schouler, DV by Dolce Vita, Rag & Bone, Loeffler Randall and French Connection (similar to above).

Photo: LA Cool et Chic

$59, h&m

This comfy faux fur top is going to be my winter white tee!

1. H&M faux fur top, $59, hm.com
2. Rebecca Minkoff cuff bracelet, $78, shopbop.com
3. Madewell pave double ring, $28, madewell.com
4. Mayle suede tote bag, $295, clubmonaco.com
5. Givenchy sandals, $725, netaporter.com
6. Joseph wrap leather skirt, $1495, netaporter.com

In case you were interested in Chloe's pre-fall blanket coat, above, but not so interested in the hefty price tag, H&M just came out with a version that's pretty fabulous. I just snapped one up for myself!

Photo: Buro 24/7

The London-based denim label Marques Almeida that has fashion's front row obsessed just launched a capsule collection with Topshop, complete with its sought-after frayed, distressed and ripped signatures. My get-them-before-they-go picks: these relaxed skinny jeans, this frayed white denim top, and this boxy jean jacket.

Photos: The Zoe Report, We are the Tempted

In Paris last week, fashion show-goers dashed around in classic blue button downs, worn casually untucked with sleeves rolled-up. The look was relaxed, easy yet impeccably chic--in other words: highly appealing! I'd go gorgeously undone in any of these shirts by J.Crew, Equipment, Elizabeth and James, Title A, and Band of Outsiders.

Photos: Style, Stockholm Street Style