LE CATCH

For me, summer ended with a literal thud on Saturday, when I returned home from a family vacation and plunked down my big, stuffed Mulberry satchel on the kitchen floor. This trusty and seemingly bottomless bag saw me (and my kids's paraphernalia) go from the Temple of Dendur to the Montauk Lighthouse and basically everywhere in between. Though the bag is years old, it's still yielding a nice ROI--just the way it should be. As it so happens, fall is dictating a return to bigger bags, including briefcase-like carry-alls and portfolio-sized clutches, so I thought I'd investigate the latest and greatest offerings--i.e., the ones that will look up-to-date for years and years to come. (Note: when I say big bag, I don't mean tote-sized, necessarily. I am referring to something along the lines of the classic Alexander Wang bucket bag, above--roomy enough that you can carry more than you need, but not burdensome and unwieldy.) The highlights thus far: this slate-hued Chloe, this Saint Laurent duffle, this sleek Prada, and this Valentino stud.

$240, topshop

This pristine, butter-soft leather sweatshirt is post Labor Day perfection--and, get this, machine washable.

1. Topshop leather sweatshirt, $240, topshop.com
2. Henri Bendel pave stud earrings, $58, henribendel.com
3. Lizzie Fortunato clutch, $333, netaporter.com
4. Gianvito Rossi ankle boots, $1000, netaporter.com
5. Matthew Williamson floral jacquard skirt, $1085, netaporter.com

$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

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

$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

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

$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

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

$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

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