LE CATCH

For me, boots are like jeans. They come in all shapes, sizes, styles, etc., and so (duh, obviously) I need more than one pair! Having nailed the open-toe bootie last week, which will be perfect for transitioning from warm to cool weather, I am now craving a pair of low-heeled buckled boots, like the ones above by Jeffrey Campbell, but in winter-worthy black. Yesterday I came across this Kurt Geiger pair that's a little more sophisticated and polished--one that could work through 30-degree temps with a pair of tights and then up into next spring as well, with a feminine dress or cut-off shorts. Okay, two down... more to go?

Photo: Sincerely Jules

$49, loft

An instagram of a friend (she's a well-known stylist!) lounging in the Hamptons, decked out with just the right amount vintage costume jewelry inspired me to start piling on the baubles. I'd like to start with this sublime gem-laden collar necklace...

1. Victoria Beckam t-shirt, $185, netaporter.com
2. Loft collar necklace, $49, loft.com
3. Rochas tote bag, $1420, netaporter.com
4. Ancient Greek Sandals, $170, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. MiH jeans, $175, netaporter.com

Among the new, trendy silhouettes to wear this fall, I want a knee-length skirt the most. Celine's Phoebe Philo is single handedly responsible for this. The backbone of her Fall 2013 collection were elegantly flared skirts. Fitted at the waist, they had a retro undertone, but paired with boxy turtlenecks, they looked thoroughly chic and modern. Added bonus: they're incredibly flattering. As Celine's version will likely break the bank, I'm considering these lovelies from Stella McCartney, Tory Burch, and Topshop. And I am planning to put my longer pencil skirts into consistant rotation, too. I just think they look so right for fall, especially these ones from J.Crew and Asos. Styling-wise, I will finish off these skirts with one of fall's chunky heeled ankle boots or a no-fail classic pump.

Photo: Vanessa Jackman

$205, netaporter

This updated sweatshirt is exactly the kind of thing I'd wear straight through the weekend and, oh, Monday through Friday too...

1. Clu ruffle trim sweatshirt, $205, netaporter.com
2. C.Wonder skull stud earrings, $34, cwonder.com
3. Asos wraparound watch, $42, asos.com
4. Ela star pouch, $218, shopbop.com
5. Gianvito Rossi suede pumps, $620, netaporter.com
6. Current/Elliot coated jeans, $248, netaporter.com

I got a taste of fall last weekend up in northern Santa Barbara (I will share deets about my trip in the next few days!). At sunset, the wind started to blow down the mountain valleys to the beach, and it became downright chilly. The only thing I had to throw on over my sweater was my husband's ski jacket, which he happened to have in his car! My overall look was, um, not so good. In any case, it got me thinking ahead to fall and all the cozy, chic jackets I'd like to wear. At the top of my list is the pilot jacket, like this one by Whistles or this one by Topshop. I also adore this quilted leather Topshop one and if I could go all out money and statement-wise, I'd go for this guy by Phillip Lim, too! (The one pictured above is by Fillipa K, from last winter). Think of the pilot jacket as a cross between an army parka and a bomber. It's fresh-looking, yet classic, incredibly utilitarian--a perfect teammate for both jeans, sleek trousers and dresses--and it's in line with next season's sporty street vibe. I see it layered over a jean jacket in the lead-up to winter, and later with a warm sweater, beanie, and big, chunky scarf. You will probably see me wearing it non-stop very soon!

Photo: Stockholm Street Style

$178, j.crew

I love the opulent, vintage look of this floral print, and the idea of wearing it with something totally unexpected like this...

1. Mango plaid top, $59, mango.com
2. Gabrielle Artigas diamond stud earrings, $264, shopbop.com
3. Clare Vivier studded clutch, $168, shopbop.com
4. Jimmy Choo booties, $1195, nordstrom.com
5. J.Crew floral skirt, $178, jcrew.com

$220, all saints

I'm thinking these subtle leopard print pants could sub in for my garden variety go-to black pants, don't you?

1. Balenciaga print top, $846, matchesfashion.com
2. Dominic Jones rose gold earrings, $295, netaporter.com
3. Whistles leather clutch, $90, whistles.co.uk
4. Alexander Wang kitten heel pumps, $525, shopbop.com
5. All Saints leopard print pants, $220, allsaints.com

My sister called me recently, raving about a new friend she had made. They had dinner together at Cecconi's in LA, after being introduced by a mutual friend. "She's blonde and beautiful," my sister described. "She's French, super smart---and she was wearing these amazing open-toe boots." Fast forward a few days later to me at my desk procrastinating and Pinteresting. I come across the picture, above. More open-toe-boot chicness! I took this as a sign to hunt down my own pair. And I scored in these Louise et Cie open-toe booties. They're perfection. They hit just below the ankle, which mitigates the leg-shortening effect that can go along with these types of shoes. They also go with short skirts, midi skirts, cropped pants, and, of course, dresses. Plus, the heel is low enough for logging laps around the city and the side cut-outs make them hot-weather breathable and sexy. I think these boots were meant to be!

Photo: Pinterest

$228, henri bendel

A girls dinner out at Nobu in Malibu last night involved major rubber-necking (Michelle Pfeiffer, Kelly Rowland, Balthazar Getty, The Murdoch Family, and an Olsen) and multiple platters of sushi and sashimi. This glamorous all-in-one wallet, bag and clutch would have fit into the scene perfectly.

1. Helmut Lang jumpsuit, $295, netaporter.com
2. J.Crew earrings, $118, jcrew.com
3. Henri Bendel bag, $228, henribendel.com
4. Derek Lam sandals, $225, forwardbyelysewalker.com

A magazine journalist recently interviewed me and asked me to describe my daily go-to look and I was stumped. The truth is I don't have one, but I do have a dozen or so pieces that are in constant rotation (and, as you know, often updated!). And I do have a daily mandate, which is to look pulled-together (even when I am just sitting at my computer all day long) and feel comfortable. The clothes I turn to on a daily basis include a striped t-shirt (which, the mother-of-three model, above, beautifully elevates with a jumble of long silver chain necklaces and a polished cropped jacket); a black cashmere sweater; utilitarian but chic flats* (which are 30% off); sleek black pumps; low-heeled ankle boots or sandals* (depending on the weather and my agenda); jeans (cropped*, slimming boyfriend, and skinny); an army jacket (I love this new parka-meets-blazer from Warehouse); a well-made, perfectly-cut t-shirt in grey and white; a polished sweatshirt; and a go-with-everything blazer and statement jacket. Also, below are some other inspirational throw-on-go outfits that are as stylish as they are easy!

shoes, Modern Vice; jacket, Theyskens for Theory (similar one here)

similar shoes, Gianvito Rossi; similar blazer, Rag & Bone

similar boyfriend blouse, J.Crew

* These items are all 30% off at Shopbop!

Photo: Vogue, Amlul, Pinterest, Columbine