LE CATCH

$108, anthropologie

Although it still feels like summer in LA (it's going to be 94 degress today), I am looking at my calendar and realizing that cocktail party season is upon us. Of course, I will rely on some repeat performances (i.e., dresses that I've worn before), but snazz them up with a dazzling pair of earrings like these. Voila!

1. Alice + Olivia metallic lace dress, $495, netaporter.com
2. Anthropologie earrings, $108, anthropologie.com
3. Topshop beaded clutch, $76, topshop.com
4. Gucci ankle strap evening sandals, $1195, nordstrom.com

Meet your newest wardrobe staple: the metallic pump. Fashion's heaviest hitters, including Christian Dior, (pictured above) Chloe, Balmain, and Lanvin, all featured iterations of the shiny shoe in their Spring 2013 collections, prompted perhaps by the steely hue's neutral-like versatility and glamorous statement-making power. Check out these dazzlers from Vince Camuto, Edmundo Castillo, Alice + Olivia and, J. Crew. For a more subtle take on the trend, try these Diane Von Furstenberg sandals (on crazy sale!).

Photo: Glamour

$79, mango.com

I bought this sweater at Mango in London and loved it so much I wore it out of the store. The embellished neckline and fitted silhouette make it an outfit-transforming staple. Love its coziness factor too. Glam it up with...

1. Mango sweater, $79, mango.com
2. Topshop lipstick in Sartorial, $16, topshop.com
3. J. Crew calf hair clutch, $448, jcrew.com
4. Proenza Schouler metallic pumps, $595, shopbop.com**
5. Topshop quilted faux leather skirt, $84, topshop.com

**Shopbop is having a secret 20% off friends & family sale today through midnight Wednesday. You can use the code WEAREFAMILY at checkout to get the discount on virtually all products (although not the Proenza shoes above unfortunately - a few brands are excluded). Most of the Shopbop products I have featured lately are eligible!

Isabel Marant's most-wanted military inspired coat is nearly sold out. It is amazing, but not inexpensive. Fortunately, while in London I came across a similarly handsome oversized coat at Oasis for just $170.

Photo: Vogue

$61, asos.com

I fell for this trumpet skirt at Asos' fall collection press preview last summer, and I am so excited to see it has finally become available online. It is dramatically feminine and flattering, very statement-y, and the metallic Asian-inspired jacquard fabric is so (Proenza Schouler right now) spot on. I'd wear it with...

1. McQ Alexander McQueen sweater, $465, netaporter.com
2. Bauble Bar earrings, $52, baublebar.com
3. Topshop sequin clutch, $56, topshop.com
4. Aquazurra heels, $495, shopbop.com
5. Asos jacquard skirt, $61, asos.com

London's chicest girls have already traded in their summer straw fedoras for winter-worthy ones. And they could not have looked more stylishly prepared for the autumn chill (and the city's frequent rain spells). I am planning to jump on the bandwagon too, when the weather here warrants it. Here are some hats I'm considering from Rag & Bone, Eugenia Kim, Gap, and Zara (pictured above).

Photo: Zara

$148, madewell.com

The question is, who doesn't need another pair of black flats? Mine are in a seriously sorry state. They have been used and abused, day in and day out. These should work (overtime) quite nicely. P.S. Love that Carven-like bow in the back. I'd wear them with...

1. Madewell striped silk blouse, $98, madewell.com
2. River Island cardigan, $96, riverisland.com
3. Opening Ceremony cross-body bag, $550, shopbop.com
4. Madewell mini wedge flats, $148, madewell.com
5. MiH cropped black jeans, $175, netaporter.com

$95, missselfridge.com

As if you didn't know this by now, I am a sucker for sequins.

Last winter I visited a very stylish clothing-designer friend of mine at her New York office before grabbing lunch. (She's the type who always looks polished, even when she's at home by herself!) After a few minutes of chatting, she excused herself to get her jacket and returned wearing a cape. A cape! It was then that I realized I too needed to wear a cape. There's something out-and-out sophisticated and elegant about a cape--or maybe it just makes me feel like my superhero stylish friend. This one by Gap is perfect.

$116, warehouse.andotherbrands.com

Rich tweed dresses up this biker jacket and makes it suitable for work. I'd head into my office wearing it with...

1. Madewell oxford shirt, $52, madewell.com
2. Warehouse tweed biker jacket $116, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
3. Asos metal handle tote bag, $70, asos.com
4. Ash ankle boots, $220, shopbop.com
5. J Brand leather pants, $895, netaporter.com