leather lusciousness

$253, asos

Skimpy and leather are two words that I don't usually like together--except in this case. In fact, I have a dress that's very similar to this one in white, which I wore to a wedding last year in Palm Beach. (You can see me in it here.) There's no doubt this is va va voom sexy and definitely more appropriate for the minimally-endowed, but the fullness of the skirt keeps it tasteful. Come colder weather, I also like the idea of wearing a black turtleneck underneath or a cropped sweater over it. But for now, I'd pull it off like this...

1. Asos leather dress, $253, asos.com
2. J.Crew cardigan, $89, jcrew.com
3. Burberry Prorsum clutch, $1595, netaporter.com
4. Aquazurra peep-toe booties, $595, shopbop.com

knee highs

I grew up (in NY) thinking that knee high boots were for cold weather only, and since I've never been able to shake this belief, I only bust them out occasionally when LA actually gets "cold." That being said, I really, really like how they look on other people, regardless of the temperature, and how they can make an outfit (see above). If you are a fan, there are currently loads of fall's most spot-on styles on sale now at Nordstrom. The highlights include this wear-everywhere black pair by Vince Camuto (33% off), this classic chestnut-hued Via Spiga (50% off), and this buckle-trimmed riding boot by Enzo Angiolini (35% off).  

P.S. The boots pictured, above, are by Givenchy and can be found here.

Photo: Vanessa Jackman

wooly moto

$150, topshop

There's something different and maybe even a bit rebellious about a wool motorcycle jacket. Which makes this Topshop version extra cool. (P.S. Topshop also just came out with the best leather pencil skirt and elegant satin-looking joggers--two potential workhorses for the fall!)

1. J.Crew merino turtleneck, $85, netaporter.com
2. Topshop wool moto jacket, $150, topshop.com
3. 3.1. Phillip Lim satchel, $1350, saksfifthavenue.com
4. E. Porselli for J.Crew cap-toe slippers, $325, jcrew.com
5. Current/Elliot distressed jeans, $228, netaporter.com

pretty plaids

I bought my first plaid shirt of the season yesterday, wore it out to dinner last night (despite the heat!), and now know I will be wearing it relentlessly, with all sorts of things from dressier trousers to print pants to pencil skirts. I think it's the easiest way to be/look Fall 2013-ready. And I might even need more than one. I just looked into some more highly wearable pretties--ones that will bridge the grunge/polished gap--and here's what I dug up: a black and grey One by Rails, a silk blue Equipment, and a red Madewell.

Photo: Pinterest

marni madness

$327, the outnet

The wildly discounted Marni situation going on right now at The Outnet is totally worth checking out. This killer striped skirt (reduced from $910!) is proof in the pudding. (I am also swooning over this and this!)

1. Theory leather trimmed sweater, $495, netaporter.com
2. J.Crew drop earrings, $98, jcrew.com
3. 3.1 Phillip Lim shearling bag, $495, saksfifthavenue.com
4. Stella McCartney boots, $1130, netaporter.com
5. Marni striped skirt, $327, theoutnet.com

the statement coat

Seeing as how the showpiece color blocked Gap coat I featured last week sold out within hours (it's similar to the sold-out Jaeger style above!), it may be wise to start considering next season's outerwear. Pronto. After all, it's something we'll be wearing all winter long (which, as we all know, is painfully long!), and it's the finishing touch to the daily outfit. This fall, it's all about the statement coat, and I've found a few eye-catching beauties: this all-weather faux fur trimmed French Connection, or this bold checked FC, this sleek leather-accented Maje, this hunter green calf hair-trimmed Vince, this rain-perfect Sam Edelman trench, this boxy wool Smythe, and this color-blocked Diane Von Furstenberg.

Photo: Camille Over the Rainbow

bow wow

$60, kate spade saturday

This cropped bow-tie tank is cuter than cute. And don't let its high-summer looks fool you...

1. Kate Spade Saturday tank, $60, saturday.com
2. A.P.C. camo jacket, $415, netaporter.com
3. Chloe cross-body bag, $1295, saksfifthavenue.com
4. Givenchy sandals, $1050, netaporter.com
5. Michael van der Ham jacquard pants, $920, netaporter.com

work skirts

The reality of going back to work is bearing down on us like an out-of-control Mack truck. The only way I can think of easing the blow: dress to impress and feel good (i.e., not dull). Just like Leandra Medine, above, I'd start with an irreverently chic skirt that will fly at work and after hours, such as this zipper-trimmed one from Warehouse, this color-blocked Band of Outsiders pencil skirt (on sale!), this striking wool check Asos, this metallic tweed Tory Burch, and this leather-trimmed Proenza Schouler.  (Leandra's leather skirt is by Tibi from Spring 2013 and no longer for sale.) Then, I'd begin plotting my next vacation!

Photo: Man Repeller

over and out

$19, target

Yeah, yeah, summer's winding down (quickly!) but these Sam & Libby gladiator sandals for $19 bucks are too good to pass up. After all, they'll work on warm-weather getaways and next year too!

1. Isabel Marant dress, $630, netaporter.com 
2. Hans Kjobenhaven sunglasses, $134, madewell.com
3. Kara leather bag, $349, shopbop.com
4. Sam & Libby gladiator sandals, $19, target.com

a new coat

On the beach today? Guilty as charged! Still, this striking color blocked Gap coat is making me long for cooler weather, and with it I would have at least one of fall's showpiece coats in my arsenal!

golden girl

$279, barneys warehouse

A pair of metallic sandals always up the glam factor, especially ones by Proenza Schouler at 60%* off!

1. Erdem organza dress, $2085, nordstrom.com
2. Alexis Bittar earrings, $87, shopbop.com
3. Charlotte Olympia velvet clutch, $395, modaoperandi.com
4. Proenza Schouler metallic sandals, $279, barneyswarehouse.com

*Final sale, so shop accordingly!

1stdibs

I've always found that 1stdibs has colossaly amazing stuff in the furniture, fine art, jewelry and fashion departments. They recently asked me to highlight some of my favorites from their current inventory, and you can see them on the 1stdibs website along with more pics (like the one below of my living room) and the rest of an interview I did for their Introspective Magazine!

snake skirt

$54, asos

Years ago I used to have a crazy snake print skirt like this from Zara. In fact, I had two--one in pink and the other in grey. And just the other day I was wishing I still had them as they're back in line with fall's printastic movement. This patent python skirt could easily sub in as a replacement--and be a good running-around-during-New-York-fashion-week statement.

1. Marni wool sweater, $680, netaporter.com
2. Tory Burch cuff, $175, toryburch.com
3. J.Crew navy suede satchel, $228, jcrew.com
4. Aquazurra peep-toe booties, $595, shopbop.com
5. Lavish Alice patent python print skirt, $54, asos.com

blazing hot

It may be hard to see the greatness of this Asos blazer from afar, but it's definitely there in the slick and spot-on pinstripes and edgy zippers. Oh, and it's just a little more than $100 bucks. Yes, please!

black beauty

$158*, j.crew

Black + Relaxed fitting + Leather pockets = Perfection. You will have to pry this one off of me. (There's also a 25% off sale at J.Crew--though this sweater is not included--on loads of new fall desirables such as this and this starting today through August 26th!)*

1. J.Crew leather pocket sweater, $158, jcrew.com
2. Henri Bendel link bracelet, $68, henribendel.com
3. Pierre Hardy bag, $750, forwardbyelysewalker.com
4. Rachel Zoe ankle boots, $455, shopbop.com
5. Kenzo mini skirt, $720, netaporter.com

*Use code FALLSTYLE to get 25% off purchases of most merchandise orders of $150, plus free shipping!

fall edit: the biker skirt

Inspired by this pic, I want to get a jump start on fall's biker skirt. The one above--clearly summer-worthy--is from Asos. I also like these guys from Alexander Wang (love the longer to-the-knee length!), Warehouse, Helmut Lang, and Phillip Lim.

(In the picture, above, you can find the shoes here and the bag here.)

Photo: Style Lovely

the lightweight

$18, jc penney

This gauzey, whisper thin top by Joe Fresh reminds me to savor the remaining days of summer.  (Of course, I also can't help myself and look ahead to Joe Fresh's spot-on fall offerings, including this indispensable baseball sweater, this cute faux fur skirt and this striped denim shirt.)

1. Joe Fresh cotton top, $18, jcpenney.com
2. Ray Ban mirrored aviator sunglasses, $160, netaporter.com
3. Liebeskind tote bag, $195, shopbop.com
4. Matiko sandals, $69, piperlime.com
5. Mango shorts, $29, mango.com

moto jeans

That Elle Strauss, an unerringly chic NYC-based stylist (and my former co-worker at Lucky!) is wearing moto jeans in this picture means only one thing to me: moto jeans are a must. Now. Current Elliot's version of the moto, which Elle is wearing, above, are rendered in the best faded black wash and feature all the cool biker-y details that make them look so this very minute. Of course, these jeans are practically sold out almost everywhere online except for here (use code AUGSFA for free shipping through midnight ET tonight). Also, one size left here too.

P.S. Elle is also sporting this Nicholas cocoon jacket, this Alexander Wang bag, and these Sam Edelman boots.

flat good

$98, madewell

Fall is dictating that flats are more essential than ever (especially with pencil skirts). These pointy-toe black shoes exude French girl-chic and yet can stand up to this New Yorker's pounding the pavement.

1. Michael Kors cashmere sweater, $775, netaporter.com

2. Joomi Lim earrings, $85, shopbop.com

3. Lulu Guinness pouch, $92, asos.com

4. Madewell flats, $98, madewell.com

5. Topshop pencil skirt, $56, topshop.com

summer chic

This picture pretty much sums up casual summer style, and it all boils down to a dress that looks as good on the beach (or, say, the Hampton Jitney) as it does the city. (Which explains why I have/featured the white lace dress, above! P.S. It clearly looks amazing with these rockstud Valentino flats.) With summer winding down, you'll loads of these valuable beach-to-street dresses on sale, such as this one by Dolce Vita and this one from Trina Turk. (BTW: Revolve Clothing has gobs and gobs of these gems and other goodies on crazy sale, including fall-ready pieces, like this Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater, this perfect striped Joie tunic, and this embellished Elizabeth and James jacket.

Photo: Pinterest

glam bag

$90, coast

The cubist pattern and glitzy beads ramp up the glamour factor here. And it's not necessarily an evening-only kind of deal either...

1. Acne sweatshirt, $290, netaporter.com
2. Share With...Vintage military jacket, $162, madewell.com
3. Coast beaded bag, $90, coast.andotherbrands.com
4. Won Hundred boots, $325, shopbop.com
5. Paige jeans, $189, netaporter.com

furry flats

Fall's jewel tones and a fun leopard print do wonders for these go-everywhere calf-hair flats by Gap. I am leaning towards the elegant emerald green ones.

print out

$53, dorothy perkins

  
Knee deep into the September issues, I am seeing vivid, eye-popping prints galore. I love how this dress full-on embraces the trend, yet its ladylike silhouette keeps it forever classic.

1. Dorothy Perkins print dress, $53, dorothyperkins.com
2. Chrishabana earrings, $138, anthropologie.com
3. Asos clutch, $47, asos.com
4. Alexander Wang booties, $626, shopbop.com

fall bags

Street style photographer Phil Oh's photo essay and edit of this fall's best bags has me lusting after some be-still-my-heart beauties: this furry Phillip Lim satchel, this striking print Proenza Schouler, and this Reed Krakoff black tote. I'll take them all in one bag, please.

Photo: Phil Oh

fur cast

$137, miss selfridge

Fur will be flying (again) everywhere next season, and I am thinking about joining the fray with this supremely cozy faux fur-trimmed parka.

1. Lanvin embellished sweatshirt, $2390, netaporter.com
2. Miss Selfridge parka, $134, missselfridge.com
3. J.Crew bag, $258, jcrew.com
4. Tibi boots, $575, shopbop.com
5. J.Crew trousers, $150, netaporter.com

buckle up

For me, boots are like jeans. They come in all shapes, sizes, styles, etc., and so (duh, obviously) I need more than one pair! Having nailed the open-toe bootie last week, which will be perfect for transitioning from warm to cool weather, I am now craving a pair of low-heeled buckled boots, like the ones above by Jeffrey Campbell, but in winter-worthy black. Yesterday I came across this Kurt Geiger pair that's a little more sophisticated and polished--one that could work through 30-degree temps with a pair of tights and then up into next spring as well, with a feminine dress or cut-off shorts. Okay, two down... more to go?

Photo: Sincerely Jules

hot around the collar

$49, loft

An instagram of a friend (she's a well-known stylist!) lounging in the Hamptons, decked out with just the right amount vintage costume jewelry inspired me to start piling on the baubles. I'd like to start with this sublime gem-laden collar necklace...

1. Victoria Beckam t-shirt, $185, netaporter.com
2. Loft collar necklace, $49, loft.com
3. Rochas tote bag, $1420, netaporter.com
4. Ancient Greek Sandals, $170, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. MiH jeans, $175, netaporter.com

fall edit: below-the-knee skirts

Among the new, trendy silhouettes to wear this fall, I want a knee-length skirt the most. Celine's Phoebe Philo is single handedly responsible for this. The backbone of her Fall 2013 collection were elegantly flared skirts. Fitted at the waist, they had a retro undertone, but paired with boxy turtlenecks, they looked thoroughly chic and modern. Added bonus: they're incredibly flattering. As Celine's version will likely break the bank, I'm considering these lovelies from Stella McCartney, Tory Burch, and Topshop. And I am planning to put my longer pencil skirts into consistant rotation, too. I just think they look so right for fall, especially these ones from J.Crew and Asos. Styling-wise, I will finish off these skirts with one of fall's chunky heeled ankle boots or a no-fail classic pump. 

Photo: Vanessa Jackman

sweat spot

$205, netaporter

This updated sweatshirt is exactly the kind of thing I'd wear straight through the weekend and, oh, Monday through Friday too...

1. Clu ruffle trim sweatshirt, $205, netaporter.com
2. C.Wonder skull stud earrings, $34, cwonder.com
3. Asos wraparound watch, $42, asos.com
4. Ela star pouch, $218, shopbop.com
5. Gianvito Rossi suede pumps, $620, netaporter.com
6. Current/Elliot coated jeans, $248, netaporter.com

the pilot jacket

I got a taste of fall last weekend up in northern Santa Barbara (I will share deets about my trip in the next few days!). At sunset, the wind started to blow down the mountain valleys to the beach, and it became downright chilly. The only thing I had to throw on over my sweater was my husband's ski jacket, which he happened to have in his car! My overall look was, um, not so good. In any case, it got me thinking ahead to fall and all the cozy, chic jackets I'd like to wear. At the top of my list is the pilot jacket, like this one by Whistles or this one by Topshop. I also adore this quilted leather Topshop one and if I could go all out money and statement-wise, I'd go for this guy by Phillip Lim, too! (The one pictured above is by Fillipa K, from last winter). Think of the pilot jacket as a cross between an army parka and a bomber. It's fresh-looking, yet classic, incredibly utilitarian--a perfect teammate for both jeans, sleek trousers and dresses--and it's in line with next season's sporty street vibe. I see it layered over a jean jacket in the lead-up to winter, and later with a warm sweater, beanie, and big, chunky scarf. You will probably see me wearing it non-stop very soon!

Photo: Stockholm Street Style

floral art

$178, j.crew

I love the opulent, vintage look of this floral print, and the idea of wearing it with something totally unexpected like this...

1. Mango plaid top, $59, mango.com
2. Gabrielle Artigas diamond stud earrings, $264, shopbop.com
3. Clare Vivier studded clutch, $168, shopbop.com
4. Jimmy Choo booties, $1195, nordstrom.com
5. J.Crew floral skirt, $178, jcrew.com

back in black

$220, all saints

I'm thinking these subtle leopard print pants could sub in for my garden variety go-to black pants, don't you?

1. Balenciaga print top, $846, matchesfashion.com 
2. Dominic Jones rose gold earrings, $295, netaporter.com 
3. Whistles leather clutch, $90, whistles.co.uk 
4. Alexander Wang kitten heel pumps, $525, shopbop.com 
5. All Saints leopard print pants,  $220, allsaints.com