LE CATCH

My twin sister just bought herself a pair of Stella McCartney cat-eye sunglasses for her birthday. I am happy about this for two reasons: she no longer wears the same black Ray Ban Wayfarers as me, which means we confuse fewer people, and they look really good on her--very retro-glam, feminine-cool. The cat-eye silhouette manages to be very flattering on most face shapes, and designers from Acne to Gucci are offering up their own creative takes on the classic shape. The fiercely embellished ones pictured above are by Alexander Wang. Among my faves are these by Yves Saint Laurent, Marc by Marc Jacobs, House of Harlow and Asos.

$228, shopbop.com

I have a pair of camouflage jeans that I bought a few years ago, which have gone in and out of heavy rotation. They're getting lots of play now, and feeling especially fresh with...

1. Topshop crystal ombre sweater, $96, topshop.com
2. Asos mini drop earrings, $14, asos.com
3. Jerome Dreyfuss bag, $730, forwardbyelysewalker.com
4. Madewell boots, $208, madewell.com
5. Elizabeth and James camouflage jeans, $228, shopbop.com

It transcends trends and time. It adds a sophisticated, polished, Parisienne finish to your outfit, and it goes with pretty much everything in your closet. Every season the classic re-surfaces, updated in new cuts and shades, but the inherent elegance remains the same. The latest and greatest iterations include a leather-sleeved Burberry (or a less expensive take by W118), a sleeveless Asos, a double breasted Nasty Gal, and a spiky-shouldered Sam Edelman. I am also partial to the signature wear-forever Burberry. This fall, to make my trench coat look fresh, I'm wearing a jean jacket underneath it, or layering a leather or fur vest over it (for extra warmth).

$84, topshop

Finally, sweater weather has arrived in LA! (It was relatively cool and cloudy this past weekend and I loved every minute of it.) Bring on the plush knits--something warm and fuzzy like this...

1. Topshop sweater, $84, topshop.com
2. C. Wonder collar necklace, $148, cwonder.com
3. Madewell double breasted wool coat, $268, madewell.com
4. Jean-Michel Cazabat Olsen sandal, $275, barneys.com
5. Givenchy tote bag, $1600, kirnazabete.com
6. J. Crew white wool pants, $148, jcrew.com

It's official: Fall's go-to flat is the loafer. (As I previously posted, they're hugely popular across the pond.) I prefer ones that are not super heavy and clunky, but rather slender and feminine, much like Alexa Chung's pair, above. No matter how you slice it though, loafers have a decidedly tomboy-ish appeal, and they look cutest when counterbalanced with feminine accents. Among my favorites are these ones by Dolce Vita, Steve Madden, Valentino (a splurge but so awesome--or similarly spirited but less expensive from Rowen Hindman), 3.1 Phillip Lim and Rosegold (in black suede).

$98, j.crew

It's sufficiently practical for everyday running around--plus it has a wonderful sense of whimsy and edge (that red!). Seriously, you'd have to pry this thing off of me it's so good. Especially with something unexpectedly sleek like...

1. J. Crew color-block sweater, $98, jcrew.com
2. Ginette NY diamond earrings, $470, shopbop.com
3. C Wonder suede clutch, $128, cwonder.com
4. Asos sandals, $73, asos.com
5. Sass & Bide metallic neoprene skirt, $345, netaporter.com

$49, urban outfitters

When I was growing up my mother had a small gold mesh evening bag. Whenever she'd take it out of her closet, I knew she had some big-night-out plans. That it was incredibly teeny--it could probably hold a lipstick and car keys--was irrelevant. The bag was so elegant and shimmery it was like a piece of jewelry. Perhaps this explains my attraction to this gleaming, gem-studded clutch. It's not quite as small as my mother's, which is a good and practical thing for us iPhone-generation types, but it is certainly as festive and glamorous.

Dear Joe Fresh:
Please make your website shoppable and open stores across the country. Your stuff is too cute (and well-priced!) not to be had by all. When I was in New York for Fashion Week, I went a little bonkers at the Fifth Avenue flagship, hoarding a bounty of $29 statement sweaters and a $69 quilted boxy down jacket (pictured below). Now, seeing Joe Fresh sweaters on other show goers only deepens my obsession (see above, taken during London Fashion Week). I've rounded up my current favorite pieces, now--but not for long!--in stock.

 Photo: Tommy Ton

$88, madewell

If you've been on the hunt for a pair of leather jeans (a.k.a. one of this season's must-gets), look no further. Granted, these are not made with real leather, but they definitely look like the real deal, and they're amazingly body-shrinking, super-sexy flattering--and they're under $100. Wear them with...

1. Lela Rose sequin blouse, $995, netaporter.com
2. Timo Weiland jacket with removable fur band, $850, farfetch.com
3. Old Navy sequin clutch, $18, oldnavy.com
4. Alice + Olivia black suede pumps, $295, shopbop.com
5. Blank faux leather jeans, $88, madewell.com

There was a time when I really didn't think jewelry could transform an outfit. Eventually, I realized the error of my ways, courtesy of a jillion photo shoots where jewelry--even the most subtle bauble--managed to pull a look together. Case in point: imagine the outfit above without the bracelet. It would still look great, but you have to admit the arm-candy ups the ante. A bold and glamorous-looking bangle can instantly convey style and substance, and it doesn't need to be expensive either. Some game-changers I'm loving includes this modern statement cuff from C. Wonder, this delicate yet inventive bracelet from Kelly Wearstler, a geometric stunner (similar to above) from Campbell and something slightly blingy from Marni (on sale!).

Photo: Style.com