If you're going to go big, go all the way, I say. This dress would take me there, just like that.

1. Issa print dress,
2. Topshop leather moto jacket,
3. Michu embellished clutch,
4. Aquazzura peep-toe booties,

This well-executed military coat will call a room--and perhaps even a city block--to attention.

When you arrive at Lincoln Center for a show, you face a fashion editor's "moment of truth." As you make your way through the photographer's gauntlet, either the the camera lenses get raised and pointed in your direction...or they don't. Of course, there is more to life than passing this test, but it's obviously more fun to get the "P!" And, unless you're Anna Wintour, it's typically your outfit and sometimes even just the right accessory that seems to make the difference. Yesterday as I was struggling to get it together for said gauntlet walk, I pulled out this necklace and decided to give it a whirl. Thirty minutes later, the bulbs were flashing. Needless to say, I think it's a keeper!

Back to school. Back to work. Back to reality. Slipping into this one-step-chic (Isabel Marant-ish) dress would mean one less thing to stress about.

This pristine, butter-soft leather sweatshirt is post Labor Day perfection--and, get this, machine washable.

I grew up (in NY) thinking that knee high boots were for cold weather only, and since I've never been able to shake this belief, I only bust them out occasionally when LA actually gets "cold." That being said, I really, really like how they look on other people, regardless of the temperature, and how they can make an outfit (see above). If you are a fan, there are currently loads of fall's most spot-on styles on sale now at Nordstrom. The highlights include this wear-everywhere black pair by (33% off), this classic chestnut-hued (50% off), and this buckle-trimmed riding boot by (35% off).

P.S. The boots pictured, above, are by Givenchy and can be found .

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The wildly discounted Marni situation going on right now at is totally worth checking out. This killer striped skirt (reduced from $910!) is proof in the pudding. (I am also swooning over and !)

Years ago I used to have a crazy snake print skirt like this from Zara. In fact, I had two--one in pink and the other in grey. And just the other day I was wishing I still had them as they're back in line with fall's printastic movement. This patent python skirt could easily sub in as a replacement--and be a good running-around-during-New-York-fashion-week statement.

Black + Relaxed fitting + Leather pockets = Perfection. You will have to pry this one off of me. (There's also a 25% off sale at J.Crew--though this sweater is not included--on loads of new fall desirables such as and starting today through August 26th!)*

The cubist pattern and glitzy beads ramp up the glamour factor here. And it's not necessarily an evening-only kind of deal either...