LE CATCH

One way to deal with dead-of-winter dullness: smart layering and pops of color. Take a cue from Glamour editor Maria Duenas Jacobs and tie on a vibrant print scarf. The added zing will perk up your whole outfit--and maybe even your mood too! I love this ethnic print scarf from Asos. Love, love, love. Not just from a forward-looking perspective (i.e., ethnic prints will be huge trend this spring) but from a utilitarian one, too (the scarf can be used as a beach blanket, wrap, etc). I am also mad about these guys from Theodora & Callum, Club Monaco, and Diane Von Furstenberg.

Photo: Harper's Bazaar Australia

$565, avenue 32

We're halfway into winter (California just recorded its coldest week in 22 years!), but I am still eyeing the coat racks. Why? Because now is when all those seriously luxe, out-of-reach coats start to go on sale and suddenly become a bit more affordable. Case in point: this Eudon Choi standout (50% off) has mod-like detailing, with its asymmetrical buttons and contrast wool shearling. Exactly what I'd like to brave the cold in--and look good while doing it. (P.S. I'd also chill in these discounted forever-chic options from Altuzarra and Burberry!).

1. Alexander Wang cotton-blend sweater, $575, netaporter.com
2. Asos hat, $12, asos.com
3. Eudon Choi coat, $565, avenue32.com
4. Madewell silk trousers*, $118, madewell.com
5. Topshop leather clutch, $72, topshop.com
6. Saint Laurent metallic pumps, $695, bergdorfgoodman.com

*40% off ($70.50) today 1/16 only

If you haven't given over to the leather shorts phenomenon, you might want to reconsider. Now. For one thing, shorts will be inescapable this spring (i.e., they were on practically every designer runway). Plus, shorts are getting longer and baggier, which means they're easier to wear and style--and you can pull them off now, with a pair of tights. My current faves on the racks include Alexander Wang, Rebecca Taylor (on sale!), Topshop and Porter Grey (on sale!)

Photos: Pinterest

$228, all saints

The idea of throwing on an entire outfit all at once is hugely appealing--and now entirely doable thanks to this clever number. Perfect for those days when you're scrambling to get out of the door, which, for me, is most days!

1. All Saints dress, $228, allsaints.com
2. Jerry Grant diamond and ruby earrings, $398, stevenalan.com
3. Sophie Hulme leather sleeved coat, $955, netaporter.com
4. Asos cuff set, $17, asos.com
5. Chloe cross-body bag, $1295, netaporter.com
6. Calvin Klein Collection booties, $358, shopbop.com

The mini bag may just be one of spring's biggest trends. In February Louis Vuitton will debut its collection of hugely chic minis (see the video here). Meanwhile, other designers have already downsized their offerings, and the best of the batch include Reed Krakoff, Rebecca Minkoff, J.Crew, Loeffler Randall and Valentino.

$134, the outnet

All those gorgeous red dresses last night (Jennifer Lawrence! Jennifer Garner! Marion Cotillard!) at the Golden Globes makes me want to slink around in something scarlet-hot like this (especially since it's more than 50% off!)...

1. Tibi jersey dress, $134, theoutnet.com
2. Dorii Csengeri gold and glass bead earrings, $630, charmandchain.com
3. Maiyet leather applique clutch, $1895, barneys.com
4. Guiseppe Zanotti ankle sandals, $750, shopbop.com

For me, eyelet lace (A.K.A. broderie anglaise) is synonymous with breezy summer days. It has this irresistibly pretty, delicate allure, and a quick look into my closet would reveal that I am hooked on the stuff. Like the girl, above, I often temper its frothiness/preciousness with tougher pieces, such as denim and leather. But while warmer temperatures are a ways away, it doesn't hurt to start scouting the newest lacy lovelies, including this absurdly cute dress from Club Monaco (ideal over a bathing suit or teamed with lived-in jean shorts), this French Connection tunic perfection (also beach-ready), and this cocktail-worthy Chloe stunner.

Photo: The Northern Light

$57, asos

It's all black and white--at least it will be this spring, but I am jumping the gun now with these striped shorts (with tights underneath) until the mercury rises.

1. Alexander Wang cotton sweater, $525, netaporter.com
2. Ray Ban folding sunglasses, $150, shopbop.com
3. Frangos crystal bracelet, $60, charmandchain.com
4. Ann Taylor chain link bracelet, $48, anntaylor.com
5. Givenchy leather pouch, $520, forwardbyelysewalker.com
6. Barneys New York CO-OP booties, $495, barneys.com
7. Asos striped shorts, $57, asos.com

All of a sudden I want a red coat. I love its boldness. The way it stands out. How it defies winter's bleakness. Plus, Gwyneth has been rocking one--hers (by Rag & Bone) is more like a jacket, but same concept. Need further inspiration? Check out these glam pics below as well as several compelling options (most of them on sale!) from a classic J.Crew, a military-inspired Asos and a moto-inspired one, a spot-on Whistles, and a double breasted blazer-like Dorothy Perkins.

$59, mango

I have a thing for ikat. It may be the Indonesian in me (my mother is from Jakarta). The print is everywhere you look in my house: festooning my bedskirt, enlivening my living room throw pillows, accenting my sarongs (picked up by the dozen in Bali!). Hence, my arduous attraction to these pants. I'd roll in them with...

1. Faith Connexion leather-trimmed sweatshirt, $330, netaporter.com
2. Isabel Marant coat (on sale!), $1404, mytheresa.com
3. Mango ikat pants, $59, mango.com
4. Michael Kors rose gold watch, $180, shopbop.com
5. Hive & Honey mixed rings, $26, piperlime.com
6. Zara suede bowler bag, $129, zara.com
7. Manolo Blahnik patent leather d'Orsay pumps, $695, bergdorfgoodman.com