It probably won't shock you when I tell you I've never bought/owned a traditional Christmas sweater. For obvious (and ugly) reasons. However, this year I'd be game to wear one, as long as I can skip "traditional" and spread cheer in ones that are festive and foxy! They'd stand up to long days and nights of merry-making, with comfort and cuteness. Like the embroidered Zara cardigan above, and these by Marc by Marc Jacobs ($45!), Tory Burch (sold out but now back in stock!), Saylor, And Other Stories, Lela Rose, and Christopher Kane (30% off!).
I've been sharing my kids' letters to Santa since 2013, when my eldest was first able to write. Now, six years later, he has expressly forbidden me from posting his holiday wish list. Woe is me, times have changed! What I can tell you, however, is that he typed and printed out his list for the first time ever, complete with check-off boxes beside each item. Meanwhile, my 10-year-old has yet to write his wants down (he may have inherited my proclivity for procrastination, just saying), but he has already told me maybe over a million times that a trampoline would make him jump for joy. Well, that a Golden Retriever. In fact, a dog tops both of their lists (eek!). Between a trampoline that would hijack more Pacific Palisades real estate than I'm prepared to part with to a pet whom they've already named and nicknamed (Homie and Homes, for short!), it seems to me that Santa's elves will be working harder than usual this year to bring peace and joy. So, I thought I'd give them a break and make my list easy to please and last-minute accessible (and, in the holiday spirit, not solely for my own pleasure!)
1. Alex Katz's "Brisk Day" print, above, that would prettify any spot in my family's environs, unlike, say... a trampoline.
2. Koda's outdoor and portable pizza oven (also spot-on for those father-son camping trips!)
3. Vintage Chanel turtleneck--it's a reach but it doesn't hurt to ask, plus I will wear it forever.
4. This chic, chic, chic sold-out-everywhere Loewe-looking basket tote.
5. Sana Jardin's scented paraffin-free candles are next-level: discreet but also defining! I especially love Tiger By Her Side and Jaipur Chant. My signature fragrance remains Berber Blonde.
6. Crosley Radio's Bluetooth-compatible record player! Even it just looks good atop a console.
7. Willy California for the hubs, whose steadfast skater/surfer look could use a stylish, sporty infusion (besides all my best friends' husbands are wearing it!)
8. Meredith Quill's chunky-chain necklace, which is taking my LA circle by storm (it is truly perfection and the price, even better!)
9. Dreamiest (but not crazy $) getaway dresses by D'Ascoli, Carolina K, and Sundress to wow over and over again! (Plus amazing vintage from Miu Miu, Emilio Pucci and Dolce & Gabbana.
10. Health and happiness for all, above all!
What happens when a bunch of beautiful influencers take a ski trip to Jackson Hole? Not surprisingly: requisite carpet-bombing on Instagram, plus jolts of envy spread far and wide (I want to go to Amangani!). One actionable takeaway? Bright, printastic style inspo to wear on and off the sub-zero slopes! Plus, the irreverent concept of sporting non-skiwear in ski territory. Like downtown-cool oversized scarves (last pic by Lauren Manoogian, but this similar one is also amazing!), along with eye-popping, street-worthy jackets (like the Moncler, above, and this Perfect Moment!), glam Alpine-spirited knits (this ruffled/on sale Polo Ralph Lauren, this bejeweled Kate Spade, and this coveted/currently on-sale Frame, with the ones below by Brunello Cucinelli!) and sleek knee-high boots (actually sexy Loeffler Randall and Sam Edelman!). P.S. I also love these tight super-flattering slim-leg ski pants (for apres and blue runs, only!)
Photos: Net-A-Porter
For me, the best holiday gift comes on December 26. When I can resume my everyday routine (void of candy canes, wrapping paper, and going out to see so and so, etc.). But instead of wearing the same old, I'm going to take a cue from Florence-based stylist Diletta Bonaiuti and mix up my jeans and no-brainer neutrals with a soupcon of tomboy-chic, which, by the way, grounds everything in casual yet considered ease (read: not trying too hard!). Specific ingredients I'll need: Converse sneakers, oversized shackets (this one is pictured), menswear-inspired blazers, all delicately counterbalanced by glamorous and sultry Bottega Veneta cat-eye sunglasses (hello, must-have!), cropped or tucked-in knits (the one, above, is by Chloe and on sale!), and long legs-for-days Mango jeans. Plus: unconventional stripes (love this Gucci-ish one by Scotch & Soda ), tactile leather pants by Toteme and Nanushka, more camel sweaters (my current go-to is an Aritzia cashmere) for good Dilettea measure!
Let me do you a favor and take some things off your plate during this hectic holiday season. For starters: If you're planning to host a party, I highly recommend Social Studies to do it all for you. The recently-launched New York-based service delivers the most gorgeously-curated tablescapes (including flowers! placecards! printed menus!) to your doorstep. Post-party, you don't even need to deep-clean the plates; Just pop them back into the stylishly-designed box to be picked up. On top of all that, Social Studies provides tips and tricks to up the festive factor, such as perfect playlists. I've used the service twice in LA, and in short, it was a dream. It actually allowed me to kick-up-my-heels-enjoy my own party! Another way I can make your yuletide easier is by whittling down the season's merriest dresses to wear out and about. Take a look at these by La Double J (or this!), Saloni (on super duper sale!), Rixo, Sea, For Love and Lemons, Lela Rose, Topshop and Zara. Happy Weekend!
Gorgeously Gucci-esque at a gorgeous Gucci-free price.
1. Isabel Marant Etoile sweater, $485, netaporter.com
2. Yves Salomon shearling-lined army jacket, $981, theoutnet.com
3. Khaite jeans, $227, matchesfashion.com
4. Minnie and Emma personalized phone case, $59, minnieandemma.com
5. Jeffrey Campbell boots, $125, shopbop.com
6. Kurt Geiger bag, $135, nordstrom.com
I have a friend, a fellow school mom, who captivates me with her rich knowledge of foreign policy--along with her intimate and up-to-date familiarity with The Real Real's latest offerings. I've casually suggested a few times that she share her painstakingly-selected favorites with me, but I know they're a guarded, (sacred) time-invested secret. As are mine. But today, I will share a few of them with you, because, (and this is kind of just sinking in) the reality is I can't buy them all for myself! Sad, but true. Let's start with the woven Bottega Veneta tote bag, above, and the beaded $35 Tory Burch cardigan, below. Also a steal (I know, because I managed to buy one before myself!) the sequin-trimmed cashmere Chanel cardigan, below, for $287! There's also the striking Chanel turtleneck, below, which is more expensive, but a good investment and easily re-sellable; the $168 embellished Marc Jacobs jacket, below; and the Dior slingbacks, also below. In the last pic is a Missoni woven tote, with its braided handle and forever-chic woven print, for $145. Also amazing: this statement Proenza Schouler jacket and these $55 Miu Miu sandals. For more, rifle through The Real Real's Editor Picks for yourself.
A definite day-to-night do during the holidays!
1. Alexander Wang turtleneck, $276, netaporter.com
2. Zimmermann earrings, $177, shopbop.com
3. KNC Beauty Supa Balm in Mint, $22, netaporter.com
4. Meredith Quill link bracelet, $75, meredithquill.com
5. Longchamp cross-body bag, $860, nordstrom.com
6. Tory Burch knee-high boots, $628, shopbop.com
7. H&M sequin skirt, $49, hm.com
There's a giant hoops game going on right now that not only warrants binge-watching but suiting up and playing along. Fortunately, there are options to accommodate professionals and amateurs, alike. For those seasoned players, I recommend these statement-makers by Marni (above), Kenneth Jay Lane, Chan Luu, Bibi Marini, Loren Stewart, Foundrae, and Bauble Bar.
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