3 Outfits I'm Stealing From My Chic Co-Worker

During a recent visit to NYC, I was chatting with my friend, co-worker, and fellow fashion editor Lauren Eggertsen about how thrilled I am that it's finally spring. After politely listening to me go on and on, she turns to roll her eyes at me—not exactly an unfair response, given that I currently live in almost-always-sunny L.A. "You don't even understand," she said. "I can finally walk around in a T-shirt and jeans without crying." Touché.

I got to thinking about what other essentials she's excited about for the season, as she's the person whose outfits I shamelessly copy the most, and she tells me she's been eyeing basically everything from Cuyana. I immediately become as big a fan of the brand's gorgeous and timeless leather handbags as I do its "fewer, better things" motto, but Lauren tells me I really need to check out the classic layering pieces too.

I'm no fool, so I do what she says and hit up the designer's SoHo store—which I discover does live monogramming, by the way—and then immediately plan to re-create Lauren's three super-chic spring outfits.

I'm always a fan of any look that involves denim, but I'm more focused on Lauren's styling pieces in this outfit. "This jacket has saved my life so many times, as I frequently find myself dumbfounded by the fickle NY weather," she tells me. "It's lightweight, has a hood, and repels water." The great orangey-red round handbag deserves a mention as well.

Interested in freshening up my work wardrobe, I got excited when I saw that Lauren had worked Cuyana into this office-appropriate warmer-weather outfit. Both her slip skirt and satchel look so chic—and honestly way more expensive than they are. I also love that Lauren tied a silk scarf onto her bag to give it a little personal touch. "Sometimes I wear it in my hair when I'm feeling festive, but for the most part, I love how it softens up this professional look when tied around the bag handle," she shares.

"Classic staples are the backbone of nearly all of my outfits," Lauren says, and I know she's not lying because she frequently yells at me for not owning enough T-shirts and turtlenecks. This comfy black one is particularly key while transitioning into spring, offering up a sort of justification for miniskirts sans tights. She also says—and I quote—"It's the softest piece in my closet right now," so that's reason enough to pick one up in every color.

MORE FASHION KNOWLEDGE FROM LAUREN:

A really awesome everyday bag must be: The kind you can wear with anything, day or night, without giving it a second thought.

The spring trend I'm overly geeking out about is: Tie-dye.

The one It accessory everyone should own right now is: Floss heels. They're the new naked shoes, in my opinion.

Since moving to NYC, the piece that's been a lifesaver is: An anorak. It keeps me looking cute while braving the ever-changing weather.