LE CATCH

$223, jcrew.com*

A friend of mine recently commented how I've been carrying my same everyday bag for months now and how worn in it has gotten. Funny, I hadn't noticed! So, perhaps I should sub in this new J.Crew satchel. I love the gold hardware, the denim-like hue, the cross-body strap feature and its logo-less, where-did-you-get-that appeal. What's more, the price tag means I don't have to necessarily commit to it for months on end. But I might just be tempted to!

1. River Island ribbed turtleneck sweater, $76, riverisland.com
2. Mango coat, $189, mango.com
3. Bobbi Brown lip gloss in Siren Red, $24, nordstrom.com
4. Frame Denim jeans, $200, netaporter.com
5. House of Harlow 1960 ring, $58, shopbop.com
6. J.Crew satchel*, $223, jcrew.com
7. Madewell ankle boots, $228, madewell.com

*Use code GOSHOP at checkout to get this price and 25% off all purchases of $100+ through Saturday 11/16.

At a trunk show the other day for New York-based line Figue (think seasonless gypset-glam clothing) I was reminded how great (read: essential) leopard print heels are. A friend of mine had a years-old Roger Vivier pair on with this elegant beaded ethnic-print dress (which she reported solicited a million compliments during Paris Fashion Week). Somehow the leopard print harmonized so perfectly with the colorful print of her dress--and added a major dose of sleekness. I have a few pair of leopard print ballet flats (the perfect foil to the everyday errand-running outfit), but no heels. So I've been poking around and have turned up some options that I think will last me at least as long as those Viviers have for my friend. The highlights thus far: these (half off!) Guiseppe Zanotti sandals, this versatile ankle-strap Club Monaco pair (the boot version is also cute!), these sexy Aquazurra heels, and these Gianvito Rossi heels.

$96, topshop

This soft furry sweater would lure me out into the frigid cold--and keep me looking hot (yes, double entendre at work here!) and toasty.

1. Topshop faux fur front sweater, $96, topshop.com
2. Jacquie Aiche pave diamond ear cuff,* $220, shopbop.com
3. Asos beaded clutch, $62, asos.com
4. Saint Laurent boots, $950, netaporter.com
5. Kenzo skirt, $590, netaporter.com

*I got this amazing ear cuff for my birthday and I've been wearing it non-stop and gleaning loads of compliments along the way. I truly love it!

I've always wanted to do the leather belted coat. It looks so thrown-together-cool. But I've never been able to find the belt that goes with the coat. Now, some genius designers, such as Emerson Fry (above), are providing both the coat and the belt, and others like Warehouse and Isabel Marant are serving up two for one. I like.

$16*, gap

The zipper detailing on this white t-shirt makes it more exotic than your average basic. And yet it's still...a basic.

1. Gap shoulder-zip t-shirt*, $16, gap.com
2. Preen biker jacket, $1288, matchesfashion.com
3. Coach tote bag, $798, coach.com
4. New Balance sneakers, $80, jcrew.com
5. J.Brand leather leggings, $895, netaporter.com

*Get this price and 30% off everything site wide at Gap through 11/11. Use code GAPFRIENDS at checkout.

I love how Alexa Chung tames a glitzy sequin pencil skirt with the help of a casual, loose-fitting knit turtleneck. Can this work as a holiday party uniform? Yes, indeed! All one needs is a good versatile sequin skirt, such as this nicely sparkly Topshop, this discounted Burberry, or this Monsoon. Donesville.

$58, nordstrom

This elegant bejeweled velvet clutch will dazzle up the holiday party circuit--and look like a million bucks in the process.

1. Adam Lippes lace camisole, $550, netaporter.com
2. Emilio Pucci tuxedo blazer, $1772, theoutnet.com
3. Madewell earrings, $20, madewell.com
4. J.Crew coated jeans, $135, jcrew.com
5. Shiraleah velvet clutch, $58, nordstrom.com
6. Reed Krakoff ankle-strap sandals, $595, neimanmarcus.com
7. MAC lipstick in Lady Danger, $15, nordstrom.com

Just FYI: a bounty of winter-ready goodies went on sale today at Shopbop, including the highly-coveted Camilla and Marc mixed-print top, above, worn by London-based stylist/blogger Marie Hindkaer. Also noteworthy: this edgy-cool striped Alexander Wang sweater, this statement-making 3.1. Phillip Lim satchel and this Unreal Fur faux fur jacket--all 30% off! The sale runs three days only, so get in there, quick!

Photo: Blame it on Fashion

My husband will be quite stoked to read here that wide-leg pants continue their resurgence. You see, he happens to believe that the right pair suits me far better than the skinny jeans I wear...pretty much every day! He does have a point since wide-leg pants can be very comfortable and length-lengthening/figure-flattering. But what's really appealing to me is how fresh and right-this-minute they look. By the way, I think they look best paired with simple, streamlined blouses and sweaters, as demonstrated in the pictures here. I have to say I am pretty inclined to weave them into my weekly rotation--and I'm thinking the husband won't mind one bit should a big box arrive at home packed with these options from Stella McCartney, J. Brand, Adam Lippes, and Topshop! P.S. The printed pants in the last pic are by Clover Canyon.

$32, she inside

This bubble-sleeved striped sweater makes morning-to-evening chic as easy as can be.

1. She Inside bubble sleeve sweater, $32, sheinside.com
2. Gap motorcycle coat, $168, gap.com*
3. Dorothy Perkins hat, $17, dorothyperkins.com
4. Paige jeans, $178, netaporter.com
5. Asos faux fur bag, $62, asos.com
6. Tibi boots, $525, shopbop.com

*Get 35% off at Gap through 11/5 with the code HOL2013