LE CATCH

$395, shopbop.com

I couldn't believe my eyes when I came across this Derek Lam satin skirt--rendered in the sweet floral print that defined his Fall 2012 collection--on sale at half off. Score!

1. J.Crew sweater, $138, jcrew.com
2. FACE Stockholm for J.Crew lipstick, $20, jcrew.com
3. Madewell ID cuff bracelet, $28, madewell.com; Madewell sparkle cuff, $32, madewell.com
4. Alexander McQueen buckled ankle boots, $830, ssense.com
5. Derek Lam satin skirt, $395, shopbop.com

Just looking at this pretty lacy J. Crew tunic transports me to a balmy beach holiday, and I am sure some of you have a warm-water jaunt on the horizon. Unfortunately, I don't, but it's so fetching I still asked my husband to tack this on to his holiday shopping list, knowing it will serve me well when the warm weather surf is back up, or perhaps even sooner, with a pair of jeans and a chunky cardigan.

$34, old navy

Even a little animal print goes a long way. At $34, you won't think twice about wearing them through winter rain, sleet or shine. I'd pair them with...

1. Etoile Isabel Marant mohair sweater, $210, netaporter.com
2. Mango shearling lined parka, $189, mango.com
3. J. Crew saddlebag, $298, jcrew.com
4. Topshop opaque black tights, $12, topshop.com
5. Old Navy faux fur boots, $34, oldnavy.com
6. Topshop skirt, $76, topshop.com

Black and white was an overarching trend on the Spring 2013 runways in Paris, New York and Milan and among show-goers such as those pictured, above and below. Styles ranged from 60s mod at Prada and Louis Vuitton to classic stripes at Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander Wang. This graphic combo is already starting to trickle into stores, and the chicest looks thus far include this Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, this print blazer from Myne (which I have/love and wore here), this super cute ALC striped tank, this color blocked blouse by Tibi, and these Zara striped pants.

$270, netaporter

These Sass & Bide jeans prove that big and bold can be better. I love the gallant ikat pattern and the head-turning contrast of the black and white. I'd go for it with...

1. J. Crew wool sweater, $65, jcrew.com
2. Warehouse parka, $169, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs chain link and leather wraparound bracelet, $148, shopbop.com
4. Topshop messenger bag, $50, topshop.com
5. Rag & Bone ankle boots, $495, saksfifthavenue.com
6. Sass & Bide ikat jeans, $270, netaporter.com

You know those dresses that scream look at me? It looks like this girl is running away from the curious onlookers in her wake.

$48, anthropologie

I visited a friend in Santa Barbara this past weekend and while I was checking out her newly renovated kitchen, I noticed a stack of beautiful ethnic-print linen napkins, folded neatly on a drinks tray. My first thought was, wow, what a nice touch! I picked up the napkins to closer inspect them and suddenly realized that I had actually given them to her last Christmas! Well done, me! This experience made me think that pretty print napkins would be a good place to start for the home edition of my gift edit. Here are a few other fun finds that would go over well in any home: a seriously stylish photographic print from Scott Schuman (a.k.a. The Sartorialist)--for $40, no less!; or for the high-brow art lovers in your life, an iconic yet very affordable fine art print from painter Yves Klein); a vanity-defining glamorous brass bauble box from Kelly Wearstler; a gorgeous malachite bowl (I've given out a few as gifts!) from Chic Shop; and a chic Southwest-inspired patchwork print throw. All good things!

$148, j.crew

I showed up at a Lucky cover shoot yesterday wearing a grey sweatshirt-inspired sweater--and I was not alone. Lucky's stylist and the famous cover subject (to be named!) also wore grey pullovers. Here's one that will stand out from the rest. And them some...

1. J.Crew embellished sweatshirt, $148, jcrew.com
2. Topshop faux fur coat, $190, topshop.com
3. American Apparel bag, $220, americanapparel.com
4. Alice + Olivia snake-print leather pumps, $295, shopbop.com
5. J. Crew leather pants, $850, jcrew.com

UK-based Oxygen Boutique is currently showcasing a round-up my favorite holiday-and-beyond pieces from their store. There are some goodies, and you can check them all out here!

I admit it: I just got this top and was feeling very much like I did not want to share the secret with anyone. (Fortunately I don't suffer from this often, but this is as bad as I have had it since April.) I wore it yesterday at a lunch with some girlfriends, compliments ensued, and the inevitable happened: someone asked me where I got it. So, I had to fess up. And now it's time to do the same here, making good on my promise when I started this blog to always share: the top is from Asos. It's so good, you too might not want to tell your friends its provenance. But please do tell them you found it on LE CATCH!