Ever wonder how a fashion editor determines her favorite items and top picks? It's essentially our job to shop — to sift through the newest of the new, the chicest of the chic, the most-wanted of the wanted. Every day we scour the four corners of the shopping world — from huge e-commerce sites to the tiniest indie boutique — to find you the pieces you didn't even know you needed. That said, it's hard not to shop for ourselves when we're constantly inundated with all those amazing goods. In this new series, we challenge our editors to spend $500 on their Winter wardrobes — just to see what they would pick for themselves. Next up, Christina Pérez, associate editor at our sister site, Fashionologie. Click through to see how she spends her money now.

I tend to gravitate toward pretty simple items that I know will mix easily with things I already own. I like clean shapes, tactile fabrics, and neutral colors — with a gorgeous print or bold hue thrown in here and there for good measure. When I'm shopping, I try to think "versatility" — if I can think of several ways to wear one item, then I know it was meant to be mine.
Photo: Thomas Beckner

Don't let the cold weather blues affect your Winter styling game. Take a cue from these bundled-up celebs and learn how to layer, rock a killer pair of boots, and show off your favorite furry accents. For every chilly climate, there's an A-list look chock-full of seasonal inspiration — Miranda Kerr's sporty pumped-up kicks, leather pants, and oversized navy coat provide daytime casual warmth, while Nicole Richie's shearling vest, blue skinny jeans, and sleek booties are the epitome of downtown cool. For more of our top picks for inspired celebrity Winter style, click through and shop your favorite looks.

If you're looking for a new way to wear your old staples, here's a real gem: one of our favorite new everyday combinations (as seen here in Fallon's Fall '11 campaign) is a pretty silk blouse adorned with a statement necklace — it's fresh, modern, and totally ladylike, and can be worn with jeans and skirts alike. We've put together five especially delicious pairings, perfect for the office, date night, and the holiday parties you still have left to attend. Wear a jeweled collar necklace over your collar for a preppy-glam spin or let a beaded bauble hang from your unbuttoned blouse for an airy, effortless take. Ready to work it? Click through to see and shop our combos now.

When we've put in the time to craft the perfect NYE ensemble, the last thing we want to do is cover it up. That said, braving the cold makes adding another layer a necessary evil — of course, it doesn't have to be. Swap out your college-aged fleece and everyday parka for something as luxe as the layers lurking underneath. We've culled 15 of our favorite ways to bundle up — from textured bouclé to a sparkly overcoat, or glamorous faux fur, it's all inside. Click through to find a jacket, blazer, or vest with the statement-power to match your NYE dress.

Photo courtesy of Unger Fashion