LE CATCH

Time to bust out those cool graphic t-shirts and give them some play with dressier pieces. For example, these stand-by's are the perfect low-key foil to vivid printed pants. I'm liking these tees by Karl, Zoe Karssen, Gucci and Chaser.


Photo: Grazia.it

$107, warehouse.andotherbrands.com

I have a thing for silver pants right now. (So does Acne and Diane Von Furstenberg.) Okay, so they're not the most practical but they are arguably the glintiest and glammest, and I love the idea of wearing them in a casual way, too. I'd wear these metallic beaded pair with...

1. Dagmar sweater, $300, netaporter.com
2. Coralia Leets druzy earrings, $193, charmandchain.com
3. Loeffler Randall bag, $595, piperlime.com
4. Boutique 9 pumps, $120, shopbop.com
5. Warehouse beaded pants, $107, warehouse.andotherbrands.com

For fashionistas from Milan to New York, the eyewear du jour is mirrored and statement-y. Do you think it has something to do with all the flash-popping photographers constantly jostling around them? Highly unlikely. After all, these eye-catching frames look decidedly cool and cutting-edge futuristic. You can reflect on these photo-ready sunnies from Ray Ban, Urban Outfitters, Prada, Oakley, and Nasty Gal.

Photos: 1. Vogue, 2. Tommy Ton, 3. Tommy Ton, 4. Tommy Ton

$175, netaporter.com

I am at my least stylish from 8 to 9AM, when I am suited up in workout gear, frazzled from the bed-to-breakfast table-to-out-the-door routine, bent on making the school run fast so I can squeeze in a sweat session. Unlike most Angelenos, I do not exercise in head-to-toe Lululemon: an old t-shirt and some black leggings is my uniform. I try to camouflage this rather unsightly outfit with a big wrap-like cardigan or my green army jacket. But now I am thinking this cozy poncho-like cardigan is the ticket. I love the toggles and the chic cape-like fit. Not only will it act as a genius cover up but it will also be perfect on chilly fall days, with my regular (i.e. more stylish) clothes, when I am running around doing a million things. On those days, I'd wear it with...

1. J. Crew striped t-shirt, $34, jcrew.com
2. Michael Michael Kors poncho cardigan, $175, netaporter.com
3. Forever 21 zipper-trimmed bag, $44, forever21.com
4. Cynthia Vincent boots, $375, piperlime.com
5. Mango leather leggings, $189, mango.com

The ankle strap heel is emerging as Spring 2013's must-have shoe, as it's showing up on a wide range of runways from J. Crew to Marni--and on fashion bellwethers, like French Vogue editor Geraldine Saglio (above), who sported gorgeously feminine Valentino ankle-strappers during New York Fashion Week. Here are other possibilities to ponder from Pour La Victoire, Alexander Wang, and Zara.

$128, anthropologie.com

A little bag that's seriously high impact--just the way I like it. What's more, it will bestow some exotic-tribal-Missoni-ish fabulousness upon any tonal outfit. I'd wear it with...

1. DKNY stretch silk dress, $355, netaporter.com
2. Dorothy Perkin faux fur vest, $95, dorothyperkins.com
3. Anthropologie woven clutch, $128, anthropologie.com
4. J. Crew ankle boots, $278, jcrew.com

The newest statement sweaters are getting very literal, such as J. Crew's version for Spring 2013, above. And some of them are already broadcasting loud and clear on the streets (see pics below). You can make an articulate point with any of these stylish options from Miss Selfridge, Marcus Lupfer, and 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Photos: Tommy Ton

$240, theoutnet.com

Now that you know I have a soft spot for coats, you should not be surprised that I'm eyeing this trench, on sale at The Outnet. The faux leather sleeves are on the money, especially with the military green khaki. I'd wear it with...

1. Joseph cable and cashmere blend sweater, $575, netaporter.com
2. Assad Mounser gold-plated beaded collar, $388, charmandchain.com
3. Helene Berman trench coat, $240, theoutnet.com
4. Gucci bag, $1095, netaporter.com
5. 3.1 Phillip Lim cut-out booties, $550, shopbop.com
6. Topshop boucle tapered pants, $100, topshop.com

Wearing a suit these days is no longer synonymous with buttoned-up corporate dressing. Fashion editor Caroline Issa, photographed a few days ago during London Fashion Week, demonstrates that a sleek, streamlined suit can be the epitome of high-fashion chic. With her red ankle boots and sporty satchel, she looks modern, polished, feminine--and yet totally at ease. The beauty of wearing a suit is that it's simple dressing, with sophisticated head-to-toe results, and you can mix and match the suit separates, too. Here are some power suits worth working: Stella McCartney's tuxedo-inspired jacket and pants; Warehouse's crepe boyfriend blazer and piped-edge cropped trousers; Nonoo's jacket and cropped trousers; and Topshop's lace print suit.

Photo: New York Magazine

$90, topshop.com

I am obsessed with Proenza Schouler's chinoiserie-filled fall collection--the most iconic piece being this dress, which, of course, sold out the minute it went online. But these shimmery brocade pants from Topshop manage to encapsulate Proenza's elusive Far East-inspired coolness. I'd wear them with...

1. J. Crew color block sweater, $89, jcrew.com
2. Topshop shearling and leather coat, $790, topshop.com
3. Asos beaded bag, $77, asos.com
4. Alexander Wang sandals, $495, netaporter.com
5. Topshop brocade pants, $90, topshop.com