LE CATCH

$150, topshop

There's something different and maybe even a bit rebellious about a wool motorcycle jacket. Which makes this Topshop version extra cool. (P.S. Topshop also just came out with the best leather pencil skirt and elegant satin-looking joggers--two potential workhorses for the fall!)

1. J.Crew merino turtleneck, $85, netaporter.com
2. Topshop wool moto jacket, $150, topshop.com
3. 3.1. Phillip Lim satchel, $1350, saksfifthavenue.com
4. E. Porselli for J.Crew cap-toe slippers, $325, jcrew.com
5. Current/Elliot distressed jeans, $228, netaporter.com

I bought my first plaid shirt of the season yesterday, wore it out to dinner last night (despite the heat!), and now know I will be wearing it relentlessly, with all sorts of things from dressier trousers to print pants to pencil skirts. I think it's the easiest way to be/look Fall 2013-ready. And I might even need more than one. I just looked into some more highly wearable pretties--ones that will bridge the grunge/polished gap--and here's what I dug up: a black and grey One by Rails, a silk blue Equipment, and a red Madewell.

Photo: Pinterest

$327, the outnet

The wildly discounted Marni situation going on right now at The Outnet is totally worth checking out. This killer striped skirt (reduced from $910!) is proof in the pudding. (I am also swooning over this and this!)

1. Theory leather trimmed sweater, $495, netaporter.com
2. J.Crew drop earrings, $98, jcrew.com
3. 3.1 Phillip Lim shearling bag, $495, saksfifthavenue.com
4. Stella McCartney boots, $1130, netaporter.com
5. Marni striped skirt, $327, theoutnet.com

Seeing as how the showpiece color blocked Gap coat I featured last week sold out within hours (it's similar to the sold-out Jaeger style above!), it may be wise to start considering next season's outerwear. Pronto. After all, it's something we'll be wearing all winter long (which, as we all know, is painfully long!), and it's the finishing touch to the daily outfit. This fall, it's all about the statement coat, and I've found a few eye-catching beauties: this all-weather faux fur trimmed French Connection, or this bold checked FC, this sleek leather-accented Maje, this hunter green calf hair-trimmed Vince, this rain-perfect Sam Edelman trench, this boxy wool Smythe, and this color-blocked Diane Von Furstenberg.

Photo: Camille Over the Rainbow

$60, kate spade saturday

This cropped bow-tie tank is cuter than cute. And don't let its high-summer looks fool you...

1. Kate Spade Saturday tank, $60, saturday.com
2. A.P.C. camo jacket, $415, netaporter.com
3. Chloe cross-body bag, $1295, saksfifthavenue.com
4. Givenchy sandals, $1050, netaporter.com
5. Michael van der Ham jacquard pants, $920, netaporter.com

The reality of going back to work is bearing down on us like an out-of-control Mack truck. The only way I can think of easing the blow: dress to impress and feel good (i.e., not dull). Just like Leandra Medine, above, I'd start with an irreverently chic skirt that will fly at work and after hours, such as this zipper-trimmed one from Warehouse, this color-blocked Band of Outsiders pencil skirt (on sale!), this striking wool check Asos, this metallic tweed Tory Burch, and this leather-trimmed Proenza Schouler. (Leandra's leather skirt is by Tibi from Spring 2013 and no longer for sale.) Then, I'd begin plotting my next vacation!

Photo: Man Repeller

$19, target

Yeah, yeah, summer's winding down (quickly!) but these Sam & Libby gladiator sandals for $19 bucks are too good to pass up. After all, they'll work on warm-weather getaways and next year too!

1. Isabel Marant dress, $630, netaporter.com
2. Hans Kjobenhaven sunglasses, $134, madewell.com
3. Kara leather bag, $349, shopbop.com
4. Sam & Libby gladiator sandals, $19, target.com

On the beach today? Guilty as charged! Still, this striking color blocked Gap coat is making me long for cooler weather, and with it I would have at least one of fall's showpiece coats in my arsenal!

$279, barneys warehouse

A pair of metallic sandals always up the glam factor, especially ones by Proenza Schouler at 60%* off!

1. Erdem organza dress, $2085, nordstrom.com
2. Alexis Bittar earrings, $87, shopbop.com
3. Charlotte Olympia velvet clutch, $395, modaoperandi.com
4. Proenza Schouler metallic sandals, $279, barneyswarehouse.com

*Final sale, so shop accordingly!

I've always found that 1stdibs has colossaly amazing stuff in the furniture, fine art, jewelry and fashion departments. They recently asked me to highlight some of my favorites from their current inventory, and you can see them on the 1stdibs website along with more pics (like the one below of my living room) and the rest of an interview I did for their Introspective Magazine!