For me, one of the ironies of working at the Conde Nast building in New York was that I would take great pains to get DRESSED every morning and then inevitably I would have to throw a cardigan or even a coat on over my outfit while sitting in my frigid air-conditioned office. If only I had owned this cardigan by Michael Kors. It will work so well as a go-to, throw-it-on-over-everything-and still-look-DRESSED cardigan.

1. J. Crew gingham blouse, 
2. Michael Michael Kors cardigan,
3. Pauric by Pauric Sweeney Rio bag,
4. Elizabeth & James pumps,
5. Warehouse print pants,

While it's looking like a very white affair on the spring runways (with some railroad stripes thrown in--at least so far), the show goers outside Lincoln Center are showing their allegiance to . Long, short, leather and denim varieties abound. New York is, after all, basking in the throes of Indian Summer. But, of course, this warm weather staple is being accompanied by some fancy bling. Thank goodness I ripped (literally!) this choker off my sister's neck the other day, as I decided it was a NYFW must--and exactly the right touch for a show-bound outfit*.

My current default shoe is a black ankle bootie. It works with just about everything and it's all day- (or night) long comfortable. The cut-out lace and scallop detailing got me hooked on this pair. And, of course, the giddily affordable price tag. I'd wear them with*...

A pretty blouse that will work overtime at the office? Check. And stand up to post-work drinks as well as off-duty? Check and check. I'd employ it with...

I recently borrowed my twin sister's gray cashmere sweater to take on a trip. It's something she wears all the time with just about everything, from winter-white pants to a ladylike pencil skirt to everyday jeans, so as soon as I returned to LA, she demanded it back. (The nerve of her!) This one has the same ease and versatility of her sweater but the sequined sleeves make it something you don't want to just borrow, but steal. I'd wear it with...

Every editor worth her Louboutins will tell you that the best black pointy-toe stilettos are the ones you can wear everyday. Such is the case with this black ponyhair pair, which features side scallops and gold heels, and is designed by Christian Siriano for Payless. I'd wear them with...

Last March on the heels of New York Fashion Week I the fisherman sweater's omnipresence in the fall 2012 collections. and elevated them into evening statements, pairing them with sparkly and long skirts, respectively. even jumped on the trend and came out with a version. So, here we are six months later, another round of fashion week coming up again (NYFW is September 6-13), and you can bet on seeing a lot of this of cold-weather staple out and about. I adore this one by Mango because it's not nubby or bulky (i.e., won't add unwanted heft) and it's soft and pliable--perfect on its own or layered over a collared blouse. I'd wear mine with...

Last winter I had a faux fur vest just like this one in heavy rotation. I'd layer it under a green army parka and over a black leather motorcycle jacket--and on several occasions over a sparkly cocktail dress. I love its versatility and how the plush white fur brightens up anything winter-drab, plus adds a luxe touch. I'll be working it again this coming season with...

These days I often find myself carrying not just one bag everywhere but two--one for me and one for my kids' snacks, Legos, trucks, stuffed animals, change of clothes, you name it. I figure I might as well do it in style with one like this.

Thanks to 's sumptuous embroidery-laden fall collection, needlepoint is having a moment. It's showing up on everything from to Doc Martins. This trompe l'oeil tapestry t-shirt is the season's instant update with...