LE CATCH

A couple of weeks ago I posted about the virtues of wearing a subtle statement necklace--but I neglected to say that if you're inclined to go bold, then I'd encourage you to really go for it with a big, honking stylish declaration like the out-and-out sparkly bib choker, above. Just remember to dress around these bold, attention-getting accessories. In other words, let them speak for themselves and keep everything else simple and quiet (i.e. stick to solid colors and tonal looks). I'm loving these major statements from Erickson Beamon**, Adia Kibur, and Citrine by the Stones (plus this easy-to-wear one that's more on the demure side)--all perfect for this festive time of year.

**LE CATCH readers can get 25% off at Charm & Chain by using the code CC25OFF at checkout!

$114, monsoon

Looking at this embroidered tunic transports me to a balmy, beachy holiday getaway--or perhaps even into the next LA heat wave! I'd languish lazily in it with*...

1. Monsoon embroidered tunic*, $114, monsoon.co.uk
2. Zimmermann bikini, $250, netaporter.com
3. House of Harlow snake bracelet, $125, shopbop.com
4. Anthropologie leather shoulder bag, $198, anthropologie.com
5. Steve Madden sandals, $69, stevemadden.com

*I'd also wear this tunic well into winter, layered over a turtleneck and tucked into jeans.

French Vogue editor Emmanuelle Alt looks a little harried in this picture--but still glamorous, thanks in part to her walk-everywhere, work-friendly kitten heels. I have a black pair that I wear on those crazy-running-around-from-one meeting-to-the-next days. Here are some of my current faves: a rich (and so right now) burgundy suede Loeffler Randall, a black Jean-Michel Cazabat slingback (similar to Alt's above), and an infinitely wearable black suede Prada.

$268, j.crew

Thanksgiving is within sight, and at the end of this week I will be listening to Christmas carols at my children's school holiday fair. The season of giving, herewith, commences and this beaded shell top, with all its party-perfect shimmery beaded elegance, is inarguably a gift in and of itself, especially when paired with...

1. J.Crew beaded shell*, $268, jcrew.com
2. Etoile Isabel Marant boucle jacket, $685, netaporter.com
3. Alexander Wang wrinkled leather satchel, $895, shopbop.com
4. Diane Von Furstenberg ankle boots, $325, shopbop.com
5. Topshop galactic-print trousers, $80, topshop.com

*To downplay this top's dressiness, try layering it over a black tissue-thin turtleneck (like this one) for an edgier look.

The boyfriend shirt is inherently easy, sexy, chic--and flattering to every body type, from petite (as demonstrated above by a five-foot Olsen twin) to tall. I think they look most flattering when they're unbuttoned to bra-level, with the sleeves rolled up, but I also like them layered like a light-weight cardigan over tanks or tees and, during the summer, over a bikini. A few crisp, tailored ones to consider: a classic-meets-colorblock Tibi, a perfect chambray Madewell, a contrast-collared Carven, and a navy pinstriped version from J. Crew.

Photo: Rex Features

$59, modcloth

So, here's the deal: Had Isabel Marant never sent Carmen Kass down her Fall 2012 runway in a western-style blouse, I don't know that my heart would be ablaze for a shirt like this. But Marant, with her Midas touch, always manages to make the unexpected downright irresistible, if not mandatory. I've contemplated buying her now iconic Lauryn shirt numerous times, but never pulled the trigger. Maybe the universe was telling me to hold out for Modcloth's budget-friendly lookalike, which I could make very Mar-want-a-be, with...

1. Mod Cloth western blouse, $59, modcloth.com
2. Topshop navy coat, $300, topshop.com
3. Alexander Wang bag, $750, ssense.com
4. Madewell flats, $98, madewell.com
5. Etoile Isabel Marant corduroy jeans, $335, netaporter.com

It's looking like staying warm and on-trend this winter will be as easy as pulling on a cute knit hat. I'm liking these from Madewell, Mulberry, Marc by Marc Jacobs (an eye-catching red/black stripe) and Gap.

Photos: Tommy Ton, Le-21eme, Streetpeeper, Style

$79, asos.com

The gold accents on this slinky sandal effect a festive big-night-out tone. They'll surely add major flash to any holiday-party look, like this...

1. Lanvin satin camisole dress, $537, theoutnet.com*
2. Kelly Wearstler 18-karat gold-plate necklace, $385, shopbop.com
3. Henry Cuir envelope clutch, $310, barneys.com
4. Asos gold-trimmed sandals, $79, asos.com

*That's 70% off - orginal price was $1790!

One of my best friends is bag designer Stephanie Johnson, who not only makes the most genius travel-friendly makeup cases and toiletry kits, but is a seriously savvy frequent flyer, herself, constantly crisscrossing the globe and sharing all of her insider-y travel tips on her blog SJ's Style Compass. I've been all over the place with Stephanie, so I can attest to her expert packing skills (she took a single carry-on for a week-long trip to London and Capri!) and her amazing ability to sniff out the coolest places in town (like Lamucca in Madrid!). Over the years, she's taught me a few things--like how to make the most out of missing a connecting flight--and, of course, provided me with her multi-purpose bags to keep my life on the road in meticulous order. She asked me to share some of my travel customs, which you can check out here.

$110, topshop

The bell sleeves on this sweater make it as elegant and feminine as a blouse (it reminds me of a Chloe sweater I once borrowed from a friend and begrudgingly returned!), but the cozy ribbed knit means it's deep-freeze wearable.

1. Topshop wool sweater, $110, topshop.com
2. Adia Kibur antique pendant necklace, $30, shopbop.com
3. J. Crew coat, $325, jcrew.com
4. Anthropologie beaded clutch, $68, anthropologie.com
5. Valentino studded pumps, $945, bergdorfgoodman.com
6. Current Elliot leather jeans, $900, netaporter.com