When I first moved to LA from New York I would scoff (in a very New Yorker way) at the Angelenos who'd bust out their puffer jackets when the mercury dipped below 70 degrees. Fast forward a few blood-thinning years, and I had joined the puffer crew. Now it's the thing I reach for before the winter morning school run, exercise class, market excursion, etc. And I'm thinking this season I'm due for an upgrade, one that pulls double duty: keeps me warm and standout stylish. My favorite (and far from the average Patagonia) options are by Uniqlo, Barneys, Michael Kors, Members Only, Penfield, Moncler, and Zara. (P.S. Anyone know who makes the puffer, above?)
Photo: Vogue
This is just the thing to ruffle up my winter wardrobe--and keep me toasty!
1. Topshop ruffle sweater, $95, topshop.com
2. Mango coat, $89, mango.com
3. Jerome Dreyfusss bag, $730, shopbop.com
4. Prada ballet slippers, $590, bergdorfgoodman.com
5, AG x Alexa Chung jeans, $255, netaporter.com
As soon as I finish gift-wrapping (I've got a ways to go!), I am going to focus on one much neglected activity: chilling out. Yes, it's (almost) time to take it easy, and like Alexa Chung, pictured, I'd like to stay on my style game with some amazing off-duty updates, such as a chic oversized sweater like this, this and this; cropped, slightly faded jeans such as these by The Great, MiH and Rag & Bone; a cozy yet cool jacket like this; comfy, walk-everywhere shoes like these high-top sneaks by Vans (pictured below) and these cute J.Crew flats; and for a fun finishing touch, a statment-y pair of sunglasses, like these by Kate Spade and Ray-Ban (pictured below)! Merry, merry!
With crazy balmy temps on the east coast, it feels more like sandal season than the holiday season! Which leads me to contemplate all the new spring sandals already hitting the virtual shelves. While it seems counter-intuitive to buy sandals now, it's actually wise because the best ones always sell out before spring officially arrives! Plus, they'll work swimmingly on the next warm weather getaway. I'd like to take these by Fendi (above), Alexandre Birman, Splendid, Schutz, Sophia Webster, and Topshop.
Although I have never been one to laze around in my pajamas all day, that could potentially change, thanks to all the compellingly cute PJ's I've seen lately, including Heidi Merrick's silk print jammies, above (which you can even monogram!). Other amazing lounge-worthy options to consider (and perhaps gift): this soft washed silk Equipment, this luxurious polka dot Oscar de la Renta, this piped J.Crew (30% off!), this flannel gingham Three J NYC, this striped Vineyard Vines, and this zebra print BedHead (on sale!).
I'd like to ring in the New Year with this kind of (Delfina Delettrez-inspired) bling!
1. Elie Saab dress, $4200, netaporter.com
2. Bauble Bar ring, $38, baublebar.com
3. Yves Saint Laurent Kiss & Blush in Fuchsia, $40, nordstrom.com
4. Alice & Olivia clutch, $297, shopbop.com
5. Aquazurra x Poppy Delevigne sandals, $785, bergdorfgoodman.com
I spotted Gwyneth Paltrow the other night at a friend's holiday trunk show wearing the cutest, chicest pajama-inspired pants. They were black, cropped, and perfectly louche--and most suitable for the occasion as the vibe was relaxed and intimate. These pants, I discovered, are by Gucci. Of course! And they go with a matching silk-trimmed blazer, creating what could be the coolest suit (pictured above) I've seen in a while. While I'd love to splurge on the whole shebang, I'm thinking something derivative will do, like this pajama-inspired blouse that will make me feel both cool and comfy.
For me, the fringe detailing transforms this turtleneck into chic apres-ski-in-Aspen material.
1. Topshop fringe turtleneck, $90, topshop.com
2. Sportmax Code fur coat, $997, matchesfashion.com
3. J.Brand jeans, $218, matchesfashion.com
4. Miu Miu bag, $2100, netaporter.com
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs cuff, $98, shopbop.com
6. Topshop suede boot, $150, topshop.com
The holidays typically get tricked out in garland, red bows, and twinkling lights. For me, it's all about lace! It's such a feminine and elegant fabric--even a little bit of it can elevate an outfit. Take for instance, the Self-Portrait blouse, above, a sugarplum vision dancing in my head. I also love these pretty lace-trimmed, holiday-ready pieces by Zimmermann, Endless Rose, Stella McCartney (on sale!) and Club Monaco. For more inspo, check out how I styled a lace-trimmed Draper James blouse (below) in three holiday-ready ways here.
What I'll be wearing with with my cropped (uneven-hemmed) jeans this winter: one of these suede sock booties from Topshop. They hit/hug the lower shin, which lengthens and slims the leg (always good); work equally well with skirts, dresses and jeans; and ring in at just $150. The only question is which color: black, brown or blue? They're all so good!
In the ever-changing land of denim, we see hemlines go up and down in the blink of the eye. But at this very moment they're going both ways! Picture: shorter in the front and longer in the back. Of course, this uneven hem is inspired by the highly sought-after (and prohibitively pricey) Vetements jeans. One can easily pull this off DIY, or just look into spot-on ready-cut alternatives, like this pair by Joe's Jeans and SJYP.
Photo: Collage Vintage
In case you're still hung up on those excellent Alaia suede studded sandals (above) from several seasons ago, you can find solace in this (much less expensive!) version from Raye. Love!
Photo: Stockholm Streetsyle
Here are some shoes that will get the party started! A dramatic back bow tie is exactly the right kind of fun, frivolous flourish the holidays demand, and the under-$60 price can't be beat!
More button-trimmed denim goodness, but this time with a sleek wide-leg silhouette, patch pockets and black wash. Yes, please!
1. Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater, $180, netaporter.com
2. Mango faux fur jacket, $189, mango.com
3. Dolce & Gabbana color block bag, $1709, matchesfashion.com
4. Givenchy sneakers, $495, nordstrom.com
5. H&M jeans, $39, hm.com
Just in case you forgot: A basic, everyday cardigan can do great stylish wonders, like pull a whole look together. Case in point, above. It also lends just enough warmth, without too much bulk. And I think it adds both polish and a sense of laid-back ease. Inspired, I tracked down some new outfit-improving options to throw over your shoulders right this minute. They include this cashmere Chinti and Parker, this fringed Glamorous, this Chanel-like Miss Selfridge, this shaggy Leith, this cozy Joie, this sequined J.Crew and this game-changing Gucci. The cardigan pictured above is by Levi's and available here.
Photo: Collage Vintage
Last season Kiini, a vibrant line of crochet bikinis swept the beaches from east to west. (These handmade suits actually sold out before spring had even sprung!) Now hot off the press: Same Swim, a cute-meets-sexy collection of mix and match tops and bottoms featuring contrasting embroidery and surf-ready silhouettes. I have a hunch these too will sell like hotcakes (i.e., before my next warm weather getaway!). You can check out the current collection here.
This faux fur sweater vest had me with its stripes, of course, but its layering possibilities are also delightfully endless.
1. Jupe by Jackie embroidered shirt, $647, matchesfashion.com
2. Banana Republic faux fur sweater vest, $128, bananarepublic.com
3. Vita Fede earrings, $255, shopbop.com
4. The Row jeans, $550, netaporter.com
5. Stella McCartney coat, $1690, netaporter.com
6. Corroon canvas tote bag, $200, corroon.com
7. Via Spiga loafers, $250, nordstrom.com
This year my youngest son employed a 3x4-inch note to clue Santa in on what he wants for Christmas. For the record, his list consists of seven gifts, including what-in-the-world-are-they items like Colossal Blitz and Turbo Dryer! I am pretty certain the elves will know what these toys are and where to get them. But just so there's no confusion, I thought I'd spell out my own wishlist, using this (much bigger than a 3x4!) space here.
1. I truly believe that one of the best gifts you can give/receive is a book you can't put down. I hear that the following books are slam dunks: The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest at the 1936 Berlin Olympics (my father was an Olympic rower in the 1960 Rome Olympics), hence my interest!); Brooklyn, Outline, and The Nightingale.
2. I am obsessed with everything Gucci right now, thanks to creative director Alessandro Michele's quirky romantic vision. I'm thinking this statement cardigan will last me a lifetime and turn some heads all the while.
3. One can never have enough bling: this, this, this and this are pretty dreamy.
4. Or shoes: I'd love to put this Gianvito Rossi block heel and this Aquazurra lace-up pump into regular rotation.
5: Or party dresses like this Alice & Olivia, this Reformation, this Asos, this Issa, and this Proenza Schouler. I'm also dazzled by this NYE-ready MSGM top!
6. I'd really, really like to trick out my kitchen with this mood-setting modern light fixture by Jason Koharik and these delicate stemless wine glasses.
7. Like last year, the thing I really want most is something no one can shop
for: Health and happiness for my family and friends! I wish you all the same!
Grey wool and gold chain mail have never looked so good!
1. Equipment cashmere turtleneck, $320, netaporter.com
2. Lipstick Queen in Jungle Queen, $24, barneys.com
3. Valentino camouflage pouch, $645, luisaviaroma.com
4. Stuart Weitzman nude patent sandal, $398, neimanmarcus.com
5. J.Crew skirt, $350, netaporter.com
This Instagram pic just stopped me dead in my denim-clad tracks. For these button-accented, high-waisted jeans are unlike any I have in my arsenal. And they're fantastically cool! They're already sold out on J.Brand's website, but I tracked them down in both black and blue here and here.
While a little black dress could certainly carry you through party season, there's something distinctly cool about showing up in a jumpsuit, like this one!
1. H&M jumpsuit, $69, hm.com
2. Percossi Papi multi-stone earrings, $1070, netaporter.com
3. Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream lipstick in Black Magic, $34, nordstrom.com
4. Mango embellished clutch, $59, mango.com
5. Aquazurra lace-up pumps, $695, bergdorfgoodman.com
The dress code for Art Basel in Miami leans toward the creative, of course, and Solange Knowles, above, illustrated this art form perfectly this week in a dramatic ruffled-sleeved Ellery. I also love this less expensive version here. Oh, and the Gucci shoes aren't bad either!
Photo: Harper's Bazaar
A particularly successful fly-by at Barneys the other day netted a new pair of shoes (on sale!) and this statement sweater, which I spotted on a fellow shopper and immediately purchased via my cell phone!
1. Topshop studded sweater, $125, topshop.com
2. Eddie Borgo ring, $250, shopbop.com
3. Bobbi Brown Lipstick in Hot Berry, $27, neimanmarcus.com
4. Clare V. beaded clutch, $449, clarevivier.com
5. Jimmy Choo flats, $438, netaporter.com
6. Lela Rose pleated skirt, $907, netaporter.com
An elegant holiday dinner with friends last night called for our holiday finest. My Thakoon Addition silk, floral, backless dress, a recent acquisition, was more resort-holiday than happy-holidays, but it worked. The super gorgeous Alice McCall lace dress, above, however, warrants a real tropical holiday! Take me away!
A bright and merry (and chic) way to sparkle this season!
1. Miss Selfridge embellished dress, $119, missselfridge.com
2. Noir Jewelry three finger ring, $150, shopbop.com
3. Lancome lipstick in Garance, $30, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Rafe faceted minaudiere, $795, neimanmarcus.com
5. Gianvito Rossi lucite heel sandals, $1125, barneys.com
A few weeks ago when open-toe season was still in full effect, I had my new fresh-looking block-heeled sandals in constant rotation. Now that Jack Frost (the LA version at least) is nipping at my heels, I'll be stepping out in the must-have closed-toe version. Yes, that's right, I'm giving my spindly stilettos a breather to sport the new block-heeled pump, which not only looks cool and different but is way easier on the feet and perhaps even more day-worthy. I love these beauts from Gianvito Rossi, Chloe, Loeffler Randall, Topshop, Nine West, Fendi and Warehouse.
Photos: A Love is Blind, Garance Dore
Fellow bloggers Camille Charriere and Pandora Sykes prove that just a few tufts of fur goes a long way in the style department. The extra warmth is also an added bonus. (Camille is wearing a wool anorak by Saks Potts and Pandora is sporting Topshop.) I'm loving these faux fur styles by H&M, Levi's, Tanya Taylor, Loeffler Randall, and Harvey Faircloth.
Photos: Camille Charriere, Pandora Sykes
The faux fur lining ups this parka's winter-ready game!
1. Unif cable knit sweater, $197, farfetch.com
2. Topshop faux fur-lined parka, $230, nordstrom.com
3. Saint Laurent bag, $2450, bergdorfgoodman.com
4. Golden Goose sneakers, $347, ssense.com
5. J.Brand jeans, $220, netaporter.com
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