LE CATCH

Pure comfort is always hard to resist. Which may explain the growing preponderance of the statement sweatshirt. Striking graphics, luxurious fabrics and interesting embellishment take this cozy basic from everyday to party hour. Try them with dressier pieces, like a pencil skirt or tailored trousers. Current standouts on the racks include a lace-print Topshop, a neoprene and floral embellished Tibi, a glinty metallic Club Monaco, and a gorgeously beaded Matthew Williamson.

 Photos: Pinterest, Wayne Tippetts, Streetpeeper

$82, the outnet

Ever since I came across this picture of Vogue's Meredith Melling Burke wearing faded wide-leg jeans, I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair. Eureka! And they are on sale for $82!

1. Chloe broderie anglaise top, $1236, matchesfashion.com
2. Isabel Marant earrings, $155, netaporter.com
3. Tory Burch clutch, $295, toryburch.com
4. Rebecca Minkoff sandals, $292, shopbop.com
5. Mih chambray wide-leg jeans, $82, theoutnet.com

In case you hadn't heard, emerald is the new oxblood. In fact, Pantone has named it the color of 2013. I like pops of it here and there, like on a shoe or a clutch or a necklace, even a top, or a jacket or a pant. Herewith, some ways to get the perfect dose--a sexy Alexander Wang ankle strap heel or luscious cross-body satchel, an emerald bib necklace, a sleek pair of jacquard J.Crew pants, and an easy, everyday sweatshirt from Topshop-along with ways-to-wear-it inspiration.

Photos: Streetpeeper, Pinterest, Melanie Galea, Streetpeeper, Adam Katz Sinding, Pinterest

$39, mod cloth

You can go big with spring's (ubiquitous) black and white stripe trend with the likes of Balmain, Marc Jacobs and Lanvin--or buy in with this easy blouse and be done.

1. Mod Cloth striped blouse, $39, modcloth.com
2. Carven cotton trench, $825, matchesfashion.com
3. Comme des Garcons leather pouch, $145, forwardbyelysewalker.com
4. Elizabeth & James ankle cuff heels, $325, shopbop.com
5. Michael by Michael Kors tapered pants, $100, netaporter.com

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