I’m shopping my closet this season to pull together outfits for holiday gatherings. I’m mixing and matching my favorite pieces and using them to anchor a number of looks for different occasions. To earn a spot in the “favorites” category, the items must be tried and true – the kind I can toss on with confidence and know they’ll work. Lately, one of my formulas is a pair of leather pants, an oversized blazer, silk camisole and slingback pumps. It’s an ensemble that easily dresses up or down, but most importantly, I’m comfortable. With chilly nights, there is no denying the warmth of a pair of pants and a blazer.

To this all black ensemble, I’m adding a pop of color with a richly hued caramel Marian Paquette handbag. I can’t get enough of these gorgeous silk velvet bags. Each one is a work of art – completely handmade. The Joan, above, feels both old-world and modern and is simply stunning. I also have the Liette in a cool shade of blue/gray as another option and would love to add yet another color to my collection. By the way, the Joan can be packed perfectly flat for traveling.

Joan in caramel / Liette in fern, coral, mint blue / Joan in merlot

I’ll wear a single piece of jewelry with this look, and prefer something oversized. Heidi Carey’s baroque pearl drop necklace is what I have in mind. Simple and beautiful. I have a long alternative version of the above that I loop around like a lariat. It looks equally chic with jeans and a sweater as it does dressed up for evening. I’m considering the above short strand with drop or the simple, single strand as an additional option for a more pared back look.

Grey Baroque Drop / Grey Baroque Choker / Grey Tassel / Ivory Baroque Choker

Lastly, a little tweak to my makeup is all I do for evening looks. Last week, while shopping at Barneys, I fell in love with Westman Atelier, makeup artist Gucci Westman’s tightly curated cosmetics line. The Lit Up Highlight Stick, one of my favorite products in the collection, imparts the subtlest glow which is perfect when I want to keep my look natural. Better yet, Westman Atelier products are cleanly formulated and loaded with ingredients to address a number of skincare concerns.