LE CATCH

$220, topshop

I have a Colorado ski trip planned for later this winter, and I am so looking forward to getting back up to the mountains. I am a new skiier--just past the pizza-and-french-fries phase--and while I am enjoying learning the sport, there are many times when I feel unnerved and less than confident. The whole mountain scene is also foreign to me--from the high altitude headaches to the Sorels-and-gator attire. One thing I do know though is that this fleece moto jacket will be my lift ticket to apres-ski cool--and it will fly well at sea level, too.

1. Madewell striped sweater, $75, madewell.com
2. Topshop fleece moto jacket, $220, topshop.com
3. Club Monaco angora snood, $95, clubmonaco.com
4. CC Skye studded cross-body bag $459, piperlime.com
5. KORS Michael Kors lace-up booties, $295, shopbop.com
6. Mother jeans, $195, netaporter.com

It may not be the most practical daytime bag due to its lilliputian size, but the top-handle bag is certainly huge in the glam/ladylike department. These teeny bags often come with a longer strap, so you can sling it around your shoulder, or wear it cross-body messenger-style, freeing up your hands to actually do stuff (always a plus). And, personally, I kind of like the idea of being forced to jettison the needless paraphernalia that always seems to come between me and my house keys. Anyway, here are few I'd like to take out for a stroll: a lacy Stella McCartney, a nude leather Alexander Wang, and a pastel J. Crew.

$95, miss selfridge

This cardigan manages to nail that rare mix of right-now-trendiness and forever-cool, with its leather sequins(!) and bomber silhouette. It's the type of thing you'd have to pry off of me, along with...

1. Oasis cable knit turtleneck, $74, oasis.andotherbrands.com
2. Miss Selfridge leather sequin cardigan, $95, missselfridge.com
3. Topshop Ipad clutch, $32, topshop.com
4. Sam Edelman high-knee boots, $225, shopbop.com
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs floral print skirt, $295, netaporter.com

I've been on the shimmery pants train for months now, having debuted my metallic silver pair during NYFW in September, and I will make ample use of them on the holiday party circuit. But these glinty pants are not just glam event material: note how stylist Giovanna Battaglia (above) tones down her shiny silk moire trousers with a louche knit top, effectively making them everyday-worthy. Check out these amazing glinty versions from By Malene Birger, Topshop (along with a snakeskin print pair), Halston Heritage, and J. Crew.

$396, shopbop

The classic pea coat has long been one of my go-to wardrobe staples - a timeless piece I can rely on for its unfailing, everywhere-suitable chicness. Now with Swedish fashion editor/blogger (and my girl crush) Columbine Smille working this silhouette like crazy this season, my obsession with it grows stronger still. The result: I am all over this polished pea coat, nicely accented by a gold link chain belt that stretches across the back. How amazing would it be layered over this outfit?

1. J.Crew cashmere sweater,* $298, jcrew.com
2. Club Monaco pea coat, $396, shopbop.com
3. Christopher Kane clutch, $615, netaporter.com
4. Valentino studded heels, $695, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. French Connection sequin pants, $198, frenchconnection.com

*I am actually wearing this cashmere sweater as I write this - I bought it on Monday. It's super cozy and goes with everything!

A couple of weeks ago I posted about the virtues of wearing a subtle statement necklace--but I neglected to say that if you're inclined to go bold, then I'd encourage you to really go for it with a big, honking stylish declaration like the out-and-out sparkly bib choker, above. Just remember to dress around these bold, attention-getting accessories. In other words, let them speak for themselves and keep everything else simple and quiet (i.e. stick to solid colors and tonal looks). I'm loving these major statements from Erickson Beamon**, Adia Kibur, and Citrine by the Stones (plus this easy-to-wear one that's more on the demure side)--all perfect for this festive time of year.

**LE CATCH readers can get 25% off at Charm & Chain by using the code CC25OFF at checkout!

$114, monsoon

Looking at this embroidered tunic transports me to a balmy, beachy holiday getaway--or perhaps even into the next LA heat wave! I'd languish lazily in it with*...

1. Monsoon embroidered tunic*, $114, monsoon.co.uk
2. Zimmermann bikini, $250, netaporter.com
3. House of Harlow snake bracelet, $125, shopbop.com
4. Anthropologie leather shoulder bag, $198, anthropologie.com
5. Steve Madden sandals, $69, stevemadden.com

*I'd also wear this tunic well into winter, layered over a turtleneck and tucked into jeans.

French Vogue editor Emmanuelle Alt looks a little harried in this picture--but still glamorous, thanks in part to her walk-everywhere, work-friendly kitten heels. I have a black pair that I wear on those crazy-running-around-from-one meeting-to-the-next days. Here are some of my current faves: a rich (and so right now) burgundy suede Loeffler Randall, a black Jean-Michel Cazabat slingback (similar to Alt's above), and an infinitely wearable black suede Prada.

$268, j.crew

Thanksgiving is within sight, and at the end of this week I will be listening to Christmas carols at my children's school holiday fair. The season of giving, herewith, commences and this beaded shell top, with all its party-perfect shimmery beaded elegance, is inarguably a gift in and of itself, especially when paired with...

1. J.Crew beaded shell*, $268, jcrew.com
2. Etoile Isabel Marant boucle jacket, $685, netaporter.com
3. Alexander Wang wrinkled leather satchel, $895, shopbop.com
4. Diane Von Furstenberg ankle boots, $325, shopbop.com
5. Topshop galactic-print trousers, $80, topshop.com

*To downplay this top's dressiness, try layering it over a black tissue-thin turtleneck (like this one) for an edgier look.

The boyfriend shirt is inherently easy, sexy, chic--and flattering to every body type, from petite (as demonstrated above by a five-foot Olsen twin) to tall. I think they look most flattering when they're unbuttoned to bra-level, with the sleeves rolled up, but I also like them layered like a light-weight cardigan over tanks or tees and, during the summer, over a bikini. A few crisp, tailored ones to consider: a classic-meets-colorblock Tibi, a perfect chambray Madewell, a contrast-collared Carven, and a navy pinstriped version from J. Crew.

Photo: Rex Features