LE CATCH

Being in the South of France has me dusting off my high-school French—and I’m très pleased with myself. But apparently fluency isn’t the only thing coming back: I’ve also coaxed out my inner Française, who would like to spend next season in little cotton tops, checks, scarves, ballet flats, and anything that looks vaguely like it could have been picked up in Provence rather than packed in Los Angeles. So, in the interest of full immersion, below: the clothes about to play the part. Because if I’m going to attempt the accent, I might as well dress for it too with the red H&M tie-neck shirt and fringe jacket, the padded-shoulder wool polo top, the Reformation citrine jacquard jacket, a seductive cropped fitted shirt, the vintage Hermes jacket (around $200!), a striped long-sleeve, purple ballerinas, a Provencal bandana, and the Alex Mill barn jacket. A bien tot!

South of France, day 2, and apparently I packed with one eye on September. Checks (above), chocolate brown, high-neck tops (below), a little more shirt than necessary over a bikini—plus enough hot pink to keep things firmly in August. My pre-trip research, by the way, was considerably more focused on what to wear (thank you, Ciao Lucia/those cute shorts and that Rixo lace dress!) than where to eat and shop. Because here, the latter tends to work itself out. Which leaves me free to focus on the important stuff: figuring out exactly how much fall I can sneak into summer without ruining either one. Starting with this plaid Rails blouse, the Eddy wood-beaded skirt (below), the TWP button down, this private-sale floral Tory Burch (sandals now, sleek boots and chunky turtleneck later), and this beaded Asos (debuting tonight).

Touching down (again) after a 15+ hour journey, throwing on a dress (and a up-to-the-minute cummerbund) and suddenly feeling like a functioning human being (again). Maybe even a slightly chicer one. Proof that sometimes the fastest way out of travel limbo is one piece, zero styling decisions, done. More proof points: this Asos, this linen LBD, and this under $100 cutie.

$155, tony bianco

Blazy ballet, budget edition.

1. Modern Citizen wrap blouse
2. Pistola studded jeans
3. Warby Parker sunglasses
4. Monica Vinader initial bracelet
5. Jimmy Choo gingham pouch
6. Tony Bianco ballet flats

I’m not ready for fall clothes, but I am suddenly interested in making summer clothes feel a little more fall-ish. Zara, Massimo Dutti, Shopbop, et al. seem to get it: instead of clobbering us over the head with chunky knits and coats, they’re softly nudging us forward with texture, nuanced layering (immediately below), buttoned-up blazers, richer neutrals, a chain belt here, a long sleeve t-shirt there (above)—all while keeping the lightness of summer intact. And weirdly, it’s working. Here are some very good ways to go there without actually going there: flowy Zara trousers, wool-blend tee, satin midi skirt, Tory Burch’s low-waist canvas skirt, Proenza Schouler’s textured dress, embellished Asos jacket, Banana Republic’s pull-on painter pants, and khaki stretch wide leg pants.

My latest style crush: London-based Jia Ying Goh. She’s a creative strategist (for brands like Netflix) whose approach is “audience-first”—shaping campaigns around how people think and ultimately act on. Her wardrobe, it seems, follows a similar playbook. In other words: she gets your attention and makes you want to discover more. Consider me converted—and taking notes on the silk black tank (above), barely-there balloon pants, and a cobalt blue button-down (for layering).

Happy Friday! In case you’re interested, here’s my week at a glance, outfit-wise. Not the big-deal outfits, not the vacation outfits, not even particularly thought-out outfits—just the things I actually wore for desk-side Le Catch-ing, casual work meetings, future-collab scheming, running out for coffee(s), hanging at home, and half-watching The Shards, on repeat. All in all, nothing major happened, but my shorts (but mostly these) certainly put in their hours. Above: Striped Amanda Uprichard crochet mini, Dolce Vita flats, Madewell t-shirt. Highlights below: lace-trimmed Maje skirt, Felina ribbed tank, Ciao Lucia x Clare V bag with Tory Burch charm, apricot Donni shirt, suede Jimmy Choo, Mother stripes, Frame x Sotheby’s cap, L’Agence mini skirt with Attersee blouse. P.S. Last pics—pistachio cashmere and t-shirt and trousers—are future-planning at a quick glance!

They're everywhere at Copenhagen Fashion Week right now: cinching waists (and hips), replacing belts, tied over hair (above), looped around necks. Zara just devoted an entire drop to scarves (and graphic scarf print clothing and this very Dries-looking bag!), and I’m happily adding fuel to the trendy fire. In particular, I’m leaning toward the long, slinky fringed scarf tied around the hips a la The Row. I snapped up this affordable scarf to do the trick (this from Etsy works too)! While you're at Zara, don't stop at the scarves—the rest of today's drop is worth a scroll, too. I bought the red leather belt, this deep V knit, this scarf-print dress and the flowy Bermuda shorts (last pic).

$230, la veste

Parade this terry-cloth pareo from beach to street.

1. Leset cropped crepe tank top (on sale!)
2. La Veste terry cloth pareo
3. Linda Farrow sunglasses
4. Azlee emerald and diamond gold ring
5. Boucheron yellow gold watch
6. Miu Miu bag (Use my code MARLIEN to borrow this bag and save 50% off the first two months of membership at Vivrelle)
7. Asos fringed sandals

The “Kinda Chic” TikTok/IG meme has officially taken over my feed, and I’m calling the next one: “When All Else Fails.” I mean, the ways we could fill in the blanks. Even fashion-wise: because we all have those pieces that somehow pull it together when we can’t. The great pair of jeans. The no-brainer dress. The top that does all the work. The thing that saves the day (and your time!)—kinda chic! Actually: very chic. Here are some true hero pieces: J.Crew’s forever chic (black and white/boatneck) stripes, an up-to-the-minute-making turquoise Gucci sandal, Mango’s beaded choker, Reformation’s shimmery white button-down, this purple Aligne knit for fall layering and/or a IYKYK pop, and infallible cargo shorts from Jamie Haller. Might need to add this western belt (above) to our outfit-making arsenal, too!