LE CATCH

$90, topshop

I found the above Topshop gem and now that gorgeous Christopher Kane embellished cut-out shoulder sweatshirt that got away from me last winter is no longer missed.

1. Topshop embellished cut-out sweater, $90, topshop.com
2. Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in Rouge Cannage, $35, nordstrom.com
3. Lauren Wolf druzy stud earrings, $165, shopbop.com
4. Giambattista Valli tweed skirt, $995, netaporter.com
5. Burberry leather and canvas tote bag, $875, netaporter.com
6. 3.1 Phillip Lim flat loafers, $395, shopbop.com

Kendall Conrad is one of those friends who always seems to know everything, like where to eat when you're in Mallorca (Ca's Patro March), what LA guru to see when you're ailing (Dr. Gareth Monks), where to hike in Santa Barbara (Tangerine Falls) and what book to read this very minute (Jo Nesbo's Headhunters). The former model turned accessories designer also has a healthy and delicious cookbook under her belt called Eat Well, Feel Well. So it didn't surprise me the other day at lunch when Kendall whipped out her chic, compact tassel-trimmed wallet, which she, of course, designed to also hold her iPhone. A multi-tasking genius, just like Kendall, herself! You can check out her other stylish creations here, including my favorites, these lace-up leather sandals (which I've literally been wearing everyday since I got them two weeks ago), this slanted brass ring, and this luscious nubuck saddlebag.

$75, warehouse

This tweed top channels Coco Chanel with a bit of edge, and I like how it's a stylish stand-in for a basic tee.

1. Warehouse tweed top, $75, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. French Connection wool oversized coat, $428, frenchconnection.com
3. J.Brand mid-rise jeans, $200, netaporter.com
4. Tod's bowler bag, $1925, nordstrom.com
5. Joomi Lim spike and crystal ring set, $125, shopbop.com
6. Gianvito Rossi suede pumps, $660, netaporter.com

Even when LA's unrelenting heat simmers finally down, and winter comes, my current propensity for short, snappy dresses will continue, because... it can! Just like Glamour editor Jane Keltner deValle (above), I will employ chill-proofing tactics such as layering in a thin Splendid black turtleneck, in addition to covering up in a good pair of tights and short ankle boots, or if I am feeling bold these amazing over-the-knee-boots. And I'd like to rotate only those versatile shifts that conquer the summer/winter divide, such as this cut-out Carven, this pinstriped Joa, this playfully printed Marc by Marc Jacobs, this Kate Spade Saturday (which you could belt to achieve a look similar to Jane, above), and this clean and simple Equipment, and this floral Warehouse.

Photos: Craig M. Arend, Harper's Bazaar

$59, mango

This right-now fringed dress is perfect for LA's still-warm weather. When things cool down, just add opaque black tights and boots!

1. Mango fringe dress, $59, mango.com
2. Vita Fede double finger ring, $350, shopbop.com
3. MAC Pro Longwear Lip Glass in Whoops!, $20, nordstrom.com
4. Clare V leather tote bag, $460, clarevivier.com
5. Jimmy Choo leather and suede sandal, $550, netaporter.com

The belted scarves that defined Burberry's Fall 2014 runway show are now hitting the streets, and I have to say I like the look. This styling trick might just be the easiest way to add a warm layer and look up to the minute. Of course, the scarf need not be the painted flower cashmere Burberry (seen above and below), but it does have to be long and flowy, and it works best over a long dress or coat. Some options to try: this floral print Tory Burch, this color-block Zara (a Burberry dead-ringer), this striped Asos and this houndstooth Karl Lagerfeld.

Photos: Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Naima Barcelona

$178, topshop

Another day, another faux fun coat. This one has street style cool written all over it.

1. J.Crew textured slouchy sweater, $98, jcrew.com
2. Topshop faux fur coat, $178, topshop.com
3. Etoile Isabel Marant jeans, $300, netaporter.com
4. Rebecca Minkoff mini cross-body bag, $195, neimanmarcus.com
5. Luv AJ ombre chain bracelet, $113, shopbop.com
6. Sam Edelman d'orsay suede pumps, $109, nordstrom.com

I have a secret to share: I am getting back together with jeans. You see, after a 20+ hour flight to Bali on August 3rd, I had had enough, and I dumped them. It probably wasn't fair--i.e. I probably would have hated whatever I was wearing by the end of that flight, but that's what happened. And I have not worn a pair since. Fast forward to yesterday, when a friend dragged me into a store in Beverly Hills to help her shop for... jeans. As I sat there staring icily at my former denim lovers, I felt my heart of stone soften just a little, and before I knew it I was trying on several very appealing and hard-to-find pairs. By the time I was done, I had found not one but two pairs of the best-fitting, most comfortable, eminently flattering jeans I'd ever worn. In other words: true game-changers. The first: Victoria Beckham's low rise skinny jeans. Yes, they're pricey, but it all works out in the cost per wear, because these are jeans I will have (and will wear!) for the long-haul. What's more, they're the perfect ankle-grazing length, they're cute with flats or heels (or boots), and, I swear, they have that elusive butt-lifting/shrinking ability, too. The second pair, by Goldsign are similar in fit, but the wash and feel makes them more weekend casual (even though I am wearing them as I write!), and they are so soft and comfortable I could sleep (or fly through a dozen time zones) in them. Other amazing jeans that I tried on and absolutely loved: Frame Denim's slim boyfriend jeans in black, BLK Denim's high-rise skinnies and these Citizens of Humanity distressed jeans. I would have bought them all if I could!

Photo: Fashion Gone Rogue

$79, nine west

The zipper makes a pair of everday black flats a lot less basic and a whole lot cooler.

1. Coach printed silk dress, $695, netaporter.com
2. Sugar Bean rose gold lip studs, $44, nordstrom.com
3. Chanel vintage bag, $4950, shopbop.com
4. Nine West zippered flats, $79, ninewest.com