LE CATCH

$460, clare vivier

My new Clare Vivier bag is causing quite a stir. I can barely leave the house before the questions and compliments commence. From A-list Hollywood actresses, to editors (Vogue's Meredith Melling Burke already has one), designers, friends, and every other girl on the street in LA and NYC, everyone, it seems, wants to know where this bag came from and how to get one! So here it is in all its glory, and yes I do love mine, and no, I am not worried about everyone having one, since fortunately, the monogramming option helps clare-ify whose is whose. Wear it with...

1. J.Crew sweater, $148, netaporter.com
2. Warehouse coat, $169, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
3. Clare Vivier duffel bag, $460, clarevivier.com
4. Madewell boots, $209, madewell.com
5. Current/Elliot metallic jeans, $73, netaporter.com

It's well documented on this blog how much I adore sequins (see my recent post focused on sequined leggings). So, stop me, if I am being redundant, BUT I thought I'd add that now I'm also taken with sequin trousers, like the kind Leandra Medine (a.k.a., Man Repeller) is wearing. They're arguably more relaxed, less razzle dazzle--and comfortable, too. I just snapped up this silver pair from Topshop (order a size down, because they run big), and I am also hungrily eyeing these navy ones from Madewell and this black pair by Free People.

Photo: Man Repeller

$79, mango

I came across a picture of a cooler-than-cool European woman, perched on a moped, wearing a blue velvet suit and then it hit me: a pair of tailored velvet trousers are most definitely cooler than cool.

1. J. Crew pinstripe blouse, $36, netaporter.com
2. Heather Hawkins layer gemstone necklace, $145, shopbop.com
3. Juicy Couture bracelet, $58, shopbop.com
4. Chloe tote bag, $1137, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Jimmy Choo patent leather pumps, $525, netaporter.com
6. Mango velvet trousers, $79, mango.com

Next week heralds the winter solstice and fashion, too, inexorably marches on, with the debut of the pre-fall 2013 designer collections. (Kinda crazy as we're just acclimating to this fall's clothing!). The trends, in short: more sexy leather, more black and white, more moto jackets (and zipper detailing galore), sweatshirts/sporty silhouettes, and a new hue on the horizon, emerald, which Pantone recently announced the official color of 2013. Here are some of my favorite looks (especially loved Phillip Lim, pictured above and below, for its edgy but still entirely wearable vibe), along with what we can look forward to wearing a year from now.

Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim

Alexander Wang

Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez

And, by extension, of course, the Daily Beast/Newsweek online (you can see the slideshow here).

$320, nordstrom

While the pre-Fall 2013 collections are currently being unveiled (a synopsis on these shows to come later this week!), pre-Spring 2013 styles are just rolling into stores, including this gorgeous African print peplum stunner from Thakoon Addition. All there is to say about this top is WOW! And don't wait till the weather warms up to wear it!

1. Thakoon Addition African print peplum top, $320, nordstrom.com
2. Madewell sequin cardigan, $135, madewell.com
3. Jil Sander clutch, $494, mytheresa.com
4. Tibi ankle strap heels, $435, shopbop.com
5. Rag & Bone embroidered pants, $268, netaporter.com

A few years ago, I gave away my faux fur-trimmed parka to my sister. She had been fawning over it, and though I liked it myself, she loved it, and thus clothes-karma seemed to obligate my break-up with said parka. Over time though, I began to feel that the break-up might have left a bit of a hole, if not actually in my heart, most definitely in my wardrobe. You just can't deny the goodness (i.e. practicality, warmth, chicness, foreverness) of one of these furry coat-friends. So recently, I've begun the search for a replacement. I'm looking at these ones from Topshop (on sale!), Asos, and Three Floor (my fave).

$80, topshop

A year or so ago at a party in Beverly Hills Lauren Santo Domingo shared with me her shopping strategy: Every season she buys a few big investment pieces and wears them over and over again. She proudly proclaimed herself a repeater. But, she added, the key to keeping her looks fresh each time boiled down to standout accessories. Enter this laser-cut (very Alaia) leather belt--and the endless refresh-your-wardrobe possibilities it will yield. Take for example...

1. Tibi neoprene dress, $525, netaporter.com
2. Amor Fati earrings, $42, anthropologie.com
3. Topshop leather belt, $80, topshop.com
4. Acquazurra cut-out suede pumps, $495, shopbop.com

$140, shopbop

I am all about Pinterest these days (isn't everyone?) and noticed that many of my pins involve sexy, edgy high-heeled sandals, like the ones above. The nude shoe would go well with my filmy bohemian maxi dresses and short snappy frocks (and make my legs look like they go on forever--always a plus!). And the black would go with everything else! Perhaps I need both!

$243, netaporter

I made a quick trip to New York last week and did a lot of walking around, despite the rain and cold (is it just me or is there a taxi shortage?). To insulate myself, I did some major layering, and I noticed I wasn't alone. Spotted on the streets uptown to downtown: fur vests over coats, lightweight puffers under jackets, leather vests over chunky cardigans and distressed jean jackets. This long, oversized leather vest would fit right in, a versatile piece that's not restricted to the frigid outdoors, either (i.e., how cute would it be over a floaty chiffon dress during the spring?). Plus, it's on major sale (reduced from $810). I'd wear it this very minute under and over a coat, along with...

1. J. Crew cashmere sweater, $248, jcrew.com
2. Karl leather vest, $243, netaporter.com
3. Topshop coat, $158, topshop.com
4. Max Mara floral print jeans, $219, matchesfashion.com
5. Proenza Schouler PS1 extra large bag, $2,350 forwardbyelysewalker.com
6. Rachel Comey ankle boots, $420, piperlime.com