LE CATCH

Over cocktails the other night a friend of mine asked me what new bag she should get. Without an ounce of hesitation, I replied, "A bucket bag." Because, truth be told, this is the type of bag I want! It also happens to be the bag of the season, with Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior offering up sumptuous iterations. Naturally, bucket bags are out and about right now during New York Fashion Week, especially the cultish leather version by Mansur Gavriel (above and below) and the classic standby by Alexander Wang. These bags by Elizabeth and James, A.P.C. (30% off), Topshop, and See by Chloe are also seriously excellent.

Photos: Pinterest, Vogue

$140, topshop

I love this sophisticated satin take on the everyday striped dress.

1. Topshop striped satin dress, $140, topshop.com
2. Jacquie Aiche ear cuff, $275, shopbop.com
3. Sophie Anderson clutch, $305, netaporter.com
4. Aquazurra tie-back ankle booties, $625, neimanmarcus.com

New York Fashion Week's annual dead-of-winter occurrence has typically necessitated that attendees forsake body warmth and comfort in the name of style, whether in the form of a skin-baring skirt or barely-there stilettos. This year has been different--at least from what I saw in the footwear department. Super practical, old-school lace-up sneakers reigned off the catwalks. I spotted Adidas Originals Superstars (above), Nike high-tops, classic Stan Smiths (below) as well as some inspired sleek sneaks by Twins for Peace and Saint Laurent (featured in the last image below). Chalk up this trend to the triple whammy of sidewalk snowdrifts, black ice and below-freezing temps (and let's not forget the imminent Nor'easter, A.K.A., Pax) beleaguering the city. The sneakers' unifying element is their simplicity, and despite their retro roots, they look fresh and new--a virtual style-180 from last year's neon, color-blocked varieties. This is a trend I'd be happy to wear all year round!

Photos: Style, Vogue, Pinterest

$96, topshop

The true cuteness of this felt skirt is thoroughly realized upon touching its soft furry texture, which I did yesterday at Topshop when I tried it on and then did not want to take off!

1. Equipment cashmere sweater, $280, netaporter.com
2. Tom Ford lipstick in Wild Ginger*, $49, nordstrom.com
3. Kotur florescent glitter clutch, $350, shopbop.com
4. Gianvito Rossi ankle-strap leather and perspex pumps, $726, matchesfashion.com
5. Topshop pink felt skirt, $96, topshop.com

*I recently bought this lipstick and love it! It's a beautiful coral-y red--a fresh/everyday alternative to my go-to Nars Heat Wave.

Speaking of hot boots and killer sales, Forward by Elyse Walker has both--and more. I'm telling you the deals are almost dizzying, but let's start with Columbine's super sexy (and uber wearable) Tabitha Simmons booties, above, which are 50% off. Those in the market for a killer dress should check out these discounted knockouts from Givenchy (65% off), Stella McCartney (70% off), Isabel Marant (40% off) and Alexander Wang (85% off!). There's also jeans and jewelry galore!

Photo: Columbine Smille

$79, c. wonder

Stripes and camouflage are always a winning combination in my book. P.S. This roomy tote can be monogrammed, too.

1. Vivienne Westwood blouse, $315, netaporter.com
2. Chloe wool jacket, $2195, netaporter.com
3. Stella McCartney jeans, $350, matchesfashion.com
4. C. Wonder tote bag, $78, cwonder.com
5. J.Crew ankle-strap heels, $278, jcrew.com

According to Harper's Bazaar, "The unassailable rule of thumb is once there are three, call it a trend." With this edict in mind, I'd like to call out the high boot trend materializing on New York's Fall/Winter 2014 runways. Dominating the catwalks at Tibi (above), Altuzarra (below), Alexander Wang, Derek Lam, and Rag & Bone, just to name a few (er, more than three!), boots are reaching new heights--mostly to the knee cap and above. Because the ankle boot has reigned for several years now, this higher silhouette looks fresh and different and yet is proving to be just as versatile, shown with everything from mini skirts to evening dresses. Already, show attendees are taking note and sporting leg-climbing boots outside the tents (see below). With all the winter clearance sales happening, I'm thinking this is an opportune time to look into taller, next-year-ready varieties. So far, I've found these beauties from Isabel Marant (40% 0ff), Sam Edelman (40% off), Cole Haan (60% off), Pour La Victoire, and Mia (30% off).

Photos: Style, Stockholm Street Style, Pinterest

$158, monsoon

In my dream world my closet would be chock full of statement print jackets like this. Here, I love the mash up of prints, embellishment and sparkles!

1. Mango textured top, $44, mango.com
2. Monsoon jacket, $158, monsoon.co.uk
3. 3.1 Phillip Lim clutch, $425, forwardbyelysewalker.com
4. Saint Laurent booties, $1275, netaporter.com
5. Stella McCartney jeans, $325, netaporter.com

Just a friendly reminder that Peter Pilotto's collection for Target goes on sale on Sunday at both Target and Netaporter. It's a good opportunity to snag one (or more!) of his signature vivid-print dresses. My faves, above.

It's rare to see the Traina sisters, above, on the New York-Paris-San Francisco circuit dressed up in anything but the most ahead-of-the-curve designer attire. While Vanessa, on the right, is a stylist and muse to Alexander Wang (a longtime close friend), Proenza Schouler, and Altuzarra, Victoria is a NYC-based fashion consultant. So when these stylishly prescient sisters take it down a notch in jeans, it's worth noting their denim details. Evidently they're both embracing the boyish, wide leg, high-waist style. And their mutual decision to don a faded wash indicates that soon this will be the hue du jour. All of this has prompted me to scout out the best light indigo styles, and so far, they include pairs from Acne (most similar to Vanessa's jeans), McGuire Denim, J.Crew, Current/Elliott, and The Row.

Photo: Vogue