LE CATCH

I'll never tire of summer's steamy, sun-soaked weekends at the beach--but my swimsuit cover-ups are already starting to feel old! This pic offers up a cool (and sexy) solution: a vintage-y army shirt like this or this, unbuttoned over an alluring bikini (love this crochet one!). Other out-of-the-box options: this lace Beyond Normality robe, this Juliet Dunn dress (on sale!), this Club Monaco crochet wrap and this Mango kimono.

$335, shopbop

When you marry an always chic boxy tweed with a classic denim jacket you end up with this incredibly cool, fall-ready, layered look.

1. Fendi silk lined top, $1400, netaporter.com
2. Maison Scotch tweed denim jacket, $335, shopbop.com
3. Rebecca Minkoff tote bag, $325, shopbop.com
4. Vans x J.Crew metallic sneakers, $60, jcrew.com
5. Frame Denim jeans, $185, netaporter.com

Much to the chagrin of those nearest and dearest to me, I am a do-everything-at-the-last-minute kind of person. The one who decides to throw a dinner party the day of. The one who writes blog posts minutes before they go up! But today, thanks to Nordstrom's epic sale, I'm ahead of the game, shopping for just-in fall pieces--at up to 40% off! Let's start with the tempting array of winter-ready jackets and coats. I'd be happy to stay warm all season long in any (or all!) of these standouts: this sleek two-tone Vince coat, this versatile black paneled Sam Edelman topper, this utilitarian faux fur-trimmed parka, this McGinn tweed moto jacket, this about-to-be-the-big-thing BP print poncho, this downtown-cool zipper-trimmed jacket, this cute, easy-to-layer Betsey Johnson leopard print puffer, this classic Burberry pea coat, and this cozy Kenneth Cole coat. Boots-wise, I'm eyeing these Joe's cut-out booties and these spot-on VC Signature knee-high boots. Other excellent autumn staples: jeans by Paige, Current/Elliott and Hudson, plus sweaters you'll want to live in from Marc by Marc Jacobs and Joie. You can check out the entire sale here.

Blazers are busier than ever these days, working 24/7, year-round. During the summer I like wearing them with shorts, which, in effect, softens their (formal) edge. Inversely, a blazer elevates the overall look. I'd like to breeze around in any of these warm weather-friendly options by Chelsea28 (40% off!), Addison, Chloe, Topshop, and Free People.

Photos: Sincerely Jules, Pinterest

$276, warehouse

This floral print leather dress expertly balances tough and sweet. So good!

1. Warehouse floral print leather dress, $276, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. Jacquie Aiche bar stud and ear jacket set, $308, shopbop.com
3. Kotur metallic clutch, $350, netaporter.com
4. Joie open-toe bootie, $209,* nordstrom.com

This recent pic of Olivia Palermo reminds me that a good old denim blouse has many virtues, one, of which, is that you can pair it with a summery A-line skirt and sandals and look impeccably polished. I adore these true blues from Paige, Band of Outsiders, AG, and Current/Elliott.

$99, asos

This snappy skirt has a fun '60s vibe along with a very modern work-non-stop spirit.

1. Mango knit top, $69, mango.com
2. Erickson Beamon earrings, $315, shopbop.com
3. Dior Addict lipstick in Diorkiss, $32, nordstrom.com
4. Leo rubber pouch, $205, luisaviaroma.com
5. Prada metallic and suede sandals, $750, neimanmarcus.com
6. Sister Jane embellished skirt, $99, asos.com

I love the idea of punching up a simple top with a variety of jewelry, and the mix here is spot-on perfect. I'd recreate this look with these silver bangles, this blingy crystal bracelet, this colorful woven band, and this pearl and leather cuff. Then I'd throw on this beaded chain long necklace to finish things off.

$178, henri bendel

The jumble of crystals, chains, pearls, and a cute little charm is just right here.

1. Suno dress, $995, modaoperandi.com
2. Vince Camuto stud earrings, $25, nordstrom.com
3. Henri Bendel layered bracelet, $178, henribendel.com
4. Pierre Hardy leather clutch, $225, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Carvela Kurt Geiger booties, $230, shopbop.com

Vibrant colors popped on and off the Fall 2014 Haute Couture runways in Paris last week, providing a vivid omen of what's to come in our own wardrobes. The trend started with Christian Dior's pointy ankle-booties, brandishing dip-dyed and bright neon hues, above. Out on the boulevards, show goers like model Hanelli Mustaparta, below right, and Russian designer Vika Gazinkskaya, left, pulled off their favorite primaries and more. Since I'm a big fan of color, this is a trend I'll easily embrace, either head to toe or in little splashes here and there. For starters, I'd go bold with these Valentino pumps (pictured below), this Asos coat, this Tibi maxi, these Paul Andrew slingabacks, this Elie Saab lace dress (I wish!), these Guissepe Zanotti ankle boots, this Prada tote, and this Clare V. clutch.

Photos: Tommy Ton, Pinterest