color blocked capris

$138, jcrew.com

You may recall how I am coveting these Celine pants from Resort 2013. It will be a while before they hit stores, but in the meantime, J. Crew's Jenna Lyons tempts with these color-blocked capris, suitable for now and well into winter. The only thing is I can't decide which color I like better. Thoughts?

reeling it in

$69, mango.com

Last March on the heels of New York Fashion Week I noted the fisherman sweater's omnipresence in the fall 2012 collections. Michael Kors and Derek Lam elevated them into evening statements, pairing them with sparkly and long skirts, respectively. Levi's 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...

1. Mango cable knit sweater, $69, mango.com 

2. J. Brand leather biker jacket, $1395, netaporter.com 

3. All Saints clutch, $150, allsaints.com 

4. 3.1 Phillip Lim booties, $575, shopbop.com 

5. Miu Miu floral print crepe skirt, $820, mytheresa.com

endless summer

When the first cold front of the season blows in, I plan on taking a cue from stylist and editor Giovanna Battaglia and keeping some of my light summer clothes in rotation. Giovanna nails transitional dressing by cold-proofing her strappy sandals and bright print pants with sleek black socks. I'd try this look with bright pants like this Tibi pair or these by Diane Von Furstenberg or Topshop.

shine on

$140, topshop.com

I've been longing for sequined leggings ever since a glamorous friend of mine sparkled at holiday party in a pair by Ralph Lauren. These are actually skinny jeans, so they have a casual feel and, cleverly, they're sequin-free on the back and, therefore, more comfortable to sit in. I'd wear them with...

1. J. Crew plaid shirt, $78, jcrew.com 
2. Fallon necklace, $315, shopbop.com 
3. Topshop army jacket, $96, topshop.com 
4. Michael Michael Kors pumps, $100, netaporter.com 
5. Topshop sequin jeans, $140, topshop.com

all in the family

Four members of my extended family just purchased this leather-trimmed Zara biker jacket. Such is the greatness of this fall-ready piece. What makes it so alluring is the hefty gold hardware, the feminine cropped fit, the lightweight October-friendly wool and, of course, the $129 price tag.

fur sure

$198, frenchconnection.com

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... 

1. Iro leather trimmed biker jacket, $670, netaporter.com 

2. French Connection faux fur vest, $198, frenchconnection.com 

3. 3.1 Phillip Lim clutch, $295, shopbop.com 

4. Forever 21 fringed boots, $34, forever21.com 

5. Iro printed jeans, $365, netaporter.com

fall checklist: the turtleneck

It's official: the turtleneck is fall's newest staple. Designers like Phoebe Philo at Celine and Raf Simons at Jil Sander resurrected the turtleneck last year by layering it under feminine pieces, like a silk blouse and dress. This season Phillip Lim, Erdem, and Alexander Wang rendered the white staple in various colors, patterns and textures. I'm buying into the turtleneck trend, because it's functional (i.e., will keep me warm) and stylish, plus it will allow me to extend the life of  some of my warm-weather pieces. I will wear a turtleneck layered under everything from a short sleeve top to a sleeveless dress, or simply on its own. Here are a few of my favorites from J. Crew (it's tissue-thin and therefore made for layering, and I also LOVE this striped one), Altuzarra (the ultimate statement) Gap, Splendid (especially cute under a white lacy dress or delicate Victorian-inspired top), and Tory Burch (a striking stand-alone piece).

Photograph: Phil Oh

seeing spots

$19, forever21.com

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.

1. Equipment sweater, $356, matchesfashion.com 
2. Etoile Isabel Marant tweed boucle jacket, $685, netaporter.com 
3. Forever 21 metallic canvas cheetah tote, $19, forever21.com 
4. Nine West slippers, $69, piperlime.com 
5. Topshop vintage wash jeans, $80, topshop.com

getting the boot

Chloe's studded ankle boots (and their less expensive kin) might be having their moment in the sun right now, but come this fall, Isabel Marant's Blackson boots will be IT. (They're $1325 and not available for purchase yet.) Bet on seeing them on high-fashion girls like Taylor Tomasi Hill. Zara took inspiration and offers this pair and Nine West are coming out with these.

sew good

$20, asos.com

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

1. River Island tapestry t-shirt, $20, asos.com 
2. Madewell varsity jacket, $298, madewell.com 
3. Clare Vivier duffel bag, $575, shopbop.com 
4. Gucci tassel ankle boots, $895, netaporter.com 
5. Topshop wool skirt, $140, topshop.com

cool in the shade

I stayed at the uber chic Sunset Beach Hotel in Shelter Island, New York, last weekend (snaps to come!) and felt like I was in the capital of coolville. Every person there was more beautiful and hip (and, in some cases, more French) than the next, dressed to the nines, even at 8.30 on Sunday morning! The most ubiquitous accessory was a straw fedora. Some of them wide-brimmed, others were tattered and ratty but the effect was all the same: high glam. Here are some options to consider from Eugenia Kim, Billabong, and Urban Outfitters.

Photo: thistimetomorrow-krystal.blogspot.com

houndstooth

$65, jcrew.com

Whizzing down Fifth Avenue in a taxi the other day, I was reminded that houndstooth may be this fall's alternative to stripes: the graphic print appeared in virtually every store window, and it's versatile. Try this easy sweatshirt with...

1. J. Crew houndstooth sweatshirt, $65, jcrew.com 
2. Bauble Bar pave stud earrings, $26, baublebar.com 
3. Topshop quilted chain clutch, $96, topshop.com 
4. Edmundo Castillo silver pumps, $795, shopbop.com 
5. Balmain motocross jeans, $1252, netaporter.com

painted bird shoes

I was in Montauk last week and was once again amazed by its continued march toward total California-zation. In addition to the crazy surf fever, the fashion was quintessentially Southern California-beachy: Vans sneakers, board shorts, see-through crochet dresses, and Mexican hooded ponchos were everywhere. I'm thinking these new Painted Bird crochet shoes, straight from Laguna Beach, will fit into the scene perfectly. They're artisan crafted, vibrantly hued, and Cali-comfortable. And they just so happen to dovetail with all crochet stitched bags and sandals that were on the spring runways at Dolce & Gabbana and Tory Burch. Check out the various styles here.

leather peplum top

$74, oasis.andotherbrands.com

The peplum top is still going strong for fall, but in leather the silhouette looks especially fresh. This one is rendered in faux leather and costs a lot less than the real McCoy. Wear it now with a slim-fitting pencil skirt or a pair of tailored trousers, or later in the year with more layers, like this:

1. Oasis peplum top, $74, oasis.andotherbrands.com 
2. Topshop faux fur bomber jacket, $500, topshop.com 
3. J. Crew shoulder bag, $238, jcrew.com 
4. J. Crew heels, $248, jcrew.com 
5. Theory cropped stretch wool pants, $245, netaporter.com 

big burgundy

This fall, oxblood will be flowing, and I'm planning to sport the season's trendiest hue head to toe for a look that's completely fresh and polished. Consider this leather Madewell skirt and this J. Crew cable knit turtleneck to pull it off yourself.

Photo: 9 to 5 Chic

fall flowers

$168, jcrew.com

Is it just me or is anyone else feeling back to school anxiety? I remember how I used to fret about what I'd wear on the first day. Whatever it was, it had to be new and indicative of the season to come. Nowadays it's more about back to the office, of course. Post-summer, the goal is to look refreshed and up to date. This floral skirt would make the cut. It's vividly hued with lush brocade--appropriate for the office and dinner afterward. Deep into autumn, I'd wear it with...

1. River Island metallic sweater, $55, riverisland.com 

2. Katie Diamond black garnet studs, $150, catbirdnyc.com 

3. Marc Jacobs quilted leather shoulder bag, $795, netaporter.com 

4. Aquazzura cut-out pumps, $495, shopbop.com 

5. J. Crew floral brocade pencil skirt, $168, jcrew.com

fall checklist

With summer quickly winding down, I am really starting to assemble my fall wardrobe. Typically, I make a checklist of the season's top must-haves. This year, my list includes: a statement sweater (or two or three!), a low-heeled boot, leather pants (which I already acquired from H&M in both black and oxblood), a boxy, oversized motorcycle jacket (a la Proenza), a sleek coat (check, with some leopard trim, no less!), a fashion week and beyond-worthy choker necklace, a layer-under-everything lightweight turtleneck, feminine black loafers, and something furry. Every week from here on out, I will round up my favorites in each of these categories and share them with you (as I've been asked by many of you to do). I begin with the statement sweater--the chicest way to keep warm this winter.

$178, jcrew.com

$80, topshop.com

$915, netaporter.com

$850, netaporter.com

$390, shopbop.com

$72, topshop.com

$228, netaporter.com

$472, shoplesnouvelles.com

$84, topshop.com

$1030, netaporter.com

a whole lot of everything

$68, warehouse.andotherbrands.com

This top has it all going on: the right-now leopard print, the glistening neckline embellishment, and the boyish boxy shape. I'd wear it with...

1. Warehouse beaded leopard print top, $68, warehouse.andotherbrands.com

2. Stella McCartney round sunglasses, $225, shopbop.com

3. Clare Vivier striped clutch, $173, shopbop.com

4. Betsey Johnson green snakeskin flats, $109, piperlime.com

5. J. Crew white jeans, $98, jcrew.com

the trumpet skirt

Fashion editor, model, and muse Vanessa Traina, recently photographed in Paris, demonstrates how trumpet skirts trump all in the flirtiness department. Trumpet skirts are fitted through the hips and thighs and flare at the hem, and the flowy, ultra feminine lines are flattering on everyone. On Vanessa (whose equally poised sister Samantha, a stylist, was my intern many moons ago), the trumpet skirt effectively offsets her mannish, oversized jacket.  These skirts made a big showing on the runways, from Prabal Garung to Proenza Schouler, and now they're out in full force, demure enough for work (i.e., a fresh alternative to a pencil skirt) yet gorgeous for evening. Check out a few of my favorites from Zara, Asos, Stella McCartney and Altuzarra.

Photo: Jak and Jil

all about saffron

$298, asos.com

Spicing up your fall wardrobe can be as easy as throwing on this dress. Saffron is one of fall's "it" colors and the 3-D embellishment is so lavish and rich. But there's even more to love about this dress: you can also wear it as a blouse, by simply tucking it into your pants or skirt (you already know I am fan of doing this). For a work-worthy look, layer a black turtleneck underneath and throw on some black tights. I'd wear it with...

1. French Connection beaded dress, $298, asos.com 

2. Topshop knit coat, $170, topshop.com 

3. Accessorize tasseled leather clutch, $23, accessorize.com 

4. Elizabeth & James suede booties, $375, shopbop.com

danielle nicole

I was recently featured on bag designer Danielle Nicole's blog, and I love the way it came out, because it includes all my current favorite things and inspirations. The New York-based bag label specializes in on-trend leather bags, including the Julia tote (below), at super reasonable prices. Below is an excerpt. To read the whole feature, click here. 

velvet goldmine

$136, theoutnet.com

A big end-of-summer party calls for something striking and seriously slinky like this T by Alexander Wang velvet maxi. No one would ever guess (or believe) that it costs a little over hundred bucks (it's reduced from $340) and it's very much in tune with this fall's big metallic trend. Wear it with...

1. T by Alexander Wang velvet maxi dress, $136, theoutnet.com 

2. Nars Velvet Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl, $24, nordstrom.com 

3. Bauble Bar gypsy drop earrings, $24, baublebar.com 

4. Topshop leather bag, $76, topshop.com 

5. Jenni Kayne sandals, $595, shopbop.com

home work

Like my wardrobe, my house is pretty much a melting pot of high-end statement pieces and inexpensive and vintage finds, along with unexpected print and color combinations. I aspire to have a home that not only looks great, but makes me feel great in it--just like the chicest outfit. My home is a work in progress (is any house ever "done?")--I keep layering on to it as I find things-- but things have kind of come to a standstill over the last few months, due to work, this blog, and kids on summer break.  But then a few weeks ago, One Kings Lane contacted me, asking if I wanted to participate in its first ever Design Blogger Challenge. The deal was they'd send me a box of vintage goodies, all plucked from OKL's amazing new marketplace, Vintage & Market Finds, and I would overhaul one small area of my home. Of course, I jumped on this offer and chose the fireplace mantle in my living room to re-do. Not that it was in dire need of help, but it is one of the first things you see when you enter my home, so I thought it would be great to enhance that area, make it sing with strikingly original pieces and set the (elegant, whimsical) tone for the rest of the house. The task has been completed, and I'm quite happy with the results. Here's a little peek at the makeover. To see the whole story, check out One Kings Lane's blog Live Love Home. 

a fresh coat

$598, saksfifthavenue.com

A number of you have emailed me asking about my favorite winter coats. While I am working on round-up of various styles, in the meantime, I thought I'd start by introducing you to my new coat. I was given this Wren leopard print trimmed camel coat and, no exaggerating, I am infatuated with it. Yes, it reminds me of the bound-to-sell-out Celine leopard-trimmed coat from Resort 2013, but the sleeves are cropped and less "DRESSED," if you know what I mean. I try it on everyday, imagining what I'd wear with it (everything) and where I'd go in it (everywhere). I seriously worry someone (my twin sister) will rip it off my back. As soon as the temperature dips, I'll be taking mine out for a stroll with...

1. Topshop sweater, $72, topshop.com

2. Wren coat, $598, saksfifthavenue.com

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, $498, shopbop.com

4. Boutique 9 pumps, $120, endless.com

5. The Row trousers, $790, netaporter.com

warm and fuzzy

I love looking at fall clothes during the summer. The lush sweaters, especially. For one, the heavy clothes make me appreciate the (fleeting) heat outside. They also transport me to the first cool days of autumn, when I'm actually psyched to pile on some clothes. This statement sweater, worn by model Anja Konstantinova, is lovely with texture and coziness, and costs a mere $48. 

Photo: Nasty Gal

fluff piece

$92, topshop.com

I can see it now: my husband's incredulous stare when I emerge from the closet wearing this skirt. I'm feeling regal, elegant, feathery, and floaty, and he's asking why in in heaven's name would I want to add a little extra girth to my figure. What can I say? It may be a man-repeller, but I love it. Bring on the fluffiness. Bring on the texture. And the shimmery sequins too! I'll wear it with a basic tee or max it out with a dramatic top. For its first outing, I'd strut my stuff with...

1. Acne t-shirt, $100, netaporter.com 
2. Lulu Frost necklace, $528, shopbop.com 
3. 3.1 Phillip Limbag, $375, barneys.com 
4. Ivanka Trump booties, $189, piperlime.com 
5. Topshop fringe skirt, $92, topshop.com

P.S. Okay, so now imagine it with a white lacy or beaded top and it's totally Oscar de la Renta-fancy. You could go that way too!