black friday must-shop

Netaporter's sale is chock full of fashion editor staples like Emily Weiss's Alexander Wang ankle-strap pumps, above--all up to 50% off. Other desirables include this striped Isabel Marant sweater, these Aquazurra cut-out booties, this Saint Laurent duffle bag, this highly practical yet super chic Alexander Wang chunky knit cardigan, and these Current/Elliot leather jeans. For those in the market for an investment bag or shoe, Saks Fifth Avenue has a stellar designer line-up, including this everyday-worthy Proenza Schouler bag (35% off) , this Stella McCartney clutch, (40% off), and these Valentino booties (30% off). If you want to stock up on weekend basics (and kids clothing), The Gap is offering 50% off sitewide, today only!

Photo: Candice Lake

heavy baggage

It's that big bag time of year, when I find myself lugging more (an extra sweater, a scarf, my family's plane tickets, or even a hostess gift!) around, and a chic roomy tote is in order. Miranda Kerr, above, jets around with a Saint Laurent satchel, which I miraculously found at Nordstrom at 40% off. Other fantastic on-sale options include this Phillip Lim, this Fendi, this Marc Jacobs, this Michael Kors and this Sophie Hulme. Less expensive totes include this chain-link-handled Club Monaco and this structured Topshop satchel. (The amazing zippered-trimmed bag in the last pic is by Celine. Of course.)

 

Photos: The Front Row View, Lovely Pepa, Creators of Desire

spirits and stripes

$62*, j.crew

I love nights like last night, the eve of a days-long vacation, the calm before the turkey-meets-family storm, everyone home, lingering over a yummy thrown-together dinner, wearing something completely comfortable yet eternally stylish, like this! (P.S. This sweater is 30% off--see below.)

1. J.Crew striped sweater, $62*, jcrew.com
2. She Inside faux fur trimmed parka, $62, sheinside.com
3. J Brand coated jeans, $285, netaporter.com
4. Madewell ring set, $21**, madewell.com
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs sneakers, $248***, shopbop.com

*Get 30% off any purchase through 12/1. See details and get code here.
**Get 25% off any purchase through 12/2. See details and get code here
***Get 15-25% on when you spend $250+ through 12/2. See details and get code here.

the cold front

To celebrate my mother's birthday (it's a milestone number, which, of course, she would not want me to disclose), we are heading (home) to New York next week to do some Christmas shopping and dining out at new "it" spots (Omar's) and tried-and-true ones (The Waverly). I'm excited for the trip but also fretting about the frigid cold. When I look at the extended weather report (30 to 40-degree weather), I feel something inside my body curling into fetal position, fearing the arctic air. Yes, LA has thinned my blood! This anxiety is prompting me to shop for my shopping birthday trip, as true winter-proof pieces, like this big, chic plaid J.Crew scarf (30% off this and everything else), are in need! Fortunately, Shopbop appears to have anticipated my desperation and today launched a mega sale*, chock full of cold weather staples. Here's what I am eyeing: this made-for-layering, transcontinental flight-ready Three Dots cardigan (which is totally LA winter-friendly, too!), this seriously perfect (and sold out everywhere else) Ami Dans La Rue fisherman sweater, this forever-chic, zipper-trimmed Theory turtleneck, this extra warm Veronica Beard blazer, and this heat-trapping wool beanie. P.S. I'm thinking this sale might also help to put a dent in the holiday shopping I have planned for NYC--i.e., less time running around outside from store to store!

*Save 15%-25% site wide when you spend $250+. See details and get the code here.

glitter girl

$62, asos

This glinty sequin tank is capable of doing all the work on the holiday party circuit. P.S. I'd size up for a loose, elegant fit.

1. River Island sequin tank, $62, asos.com
2. Helmut Lang jacket, $460, netaporter.com
3. Proenza Schouler jeans, $240, netaporter.com
4. Eddie Borgo ring, $135, theoutnet.com
5. Stella McCartney embellished clutch, $1340, nordstrom.com
6. Iro leather and suede boots, $792, shopbop.com

elena perminova's high-glam holiday

Cropping up on my instagram feed over the weekend were numerous pics of model Elena Perminova languishing on vacation in the Madives. The glamorous images looked like they were straight out of the pages of Vogue--and made me wish I too was basking in the equator-heat, sipping smoothies in various lavish-looking beach cover-ups. Since that's far my reality at the moment, I'm going to settle for procuring the cover-up part, so on my next tropical hols I can look a little more Elena-fied. Thus far, I've dug up these lovelies from Melissa Odabash, Free People, 9seed, Charlie by Matthew Zink, Jen's Pirate Booty, and Pia Pauro.

good point

$58, the outnet

Sometimes my holiday shopping goes a lot like this: one for you, one for me! And that would be the case with these fantastically versatile earrings. Use code THANKSGIVING at check to get this price (60% off) and save 70% off some other beauts I discovered, such as this Malene Birger jacket, this Giambattista Valli dress and this Marni top.

1. Capitol Couture by Trish Summerville, $415, netaporter.com

2. Noir Jewelry earrings, $72, theoutnet.com

3. Sibila gold wave cuff, $228, henribendel.com

4. Asos clutch, $32, asos.com

5. Prada cut-out ankle strap heels, $790, neimanmarcus.com

set, sip, serve

I like dinner out at a fancy restaurant. But I LOVE play dates at my friend Annie's home. You see, she throws the mother of all play dates, which typically include a decadent cheese platter, grilled salmon, the finest wine (for the adults, only, of course!), and gorgeous flower-laden tables, even for the kiddos. It is a sight to behold and experience for everyone, child and mom alike, and her skills, of course, are applied to throwing fantastic adult-only soirees as well. Therefore, I am pleased to tell you that she and another consummate hostess friend of mine Benton (the always gracious Southern Belle type who has a delicious drink perched on a tray when you enter her home) have launched a how-to entertaining site called Set Sip Serve, an amazing and inspiring resource for delicious recipes, creative tablescape ideas, and chic party-friendly wares. Already my at-home soirees, including a recent pastry-laced tea party, featured today on the site, are benefiting greatly! Check out Set Sip Serve here, along with shoppable products inspired by the above spread.

P.S. How pretty are those flowers on my table? I got them and the brass vessels at Botany.

gold star

$98, madewell

  
Madewell describes this shimmery top as "no-brainer holiday dressing." I could not have said it any better, so I won't!

1. Madewell gold tee, $98, madewell.com
2. Zouzou earrings, $58, anthropologie.com
3. Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Luxembourg, $25, nordstrom.com
4. Sarah's Bag satin clutch, $980, modaoperandi.com
5. Jimmy Choo fringe sandal, $1050, neimanmarcus.com
6. Helmut Lang satin pants, $240, netaporter.com

sandals and stockings

The girls in Milan, like Wallpaper editor-at-large J.J. Martin, above, and blogger Tamu McPherson, below, are not letting the cold get between them and their sandals (Prada heels in this case). Nor is Lucky editor-in-chief Eva Chen who instagrammed her tootsies, also swathed in Prada, in a taxi cab, below. This styling trick boils down to a good pair of opaque tights and some standout shoes, such as these from Dolce Vita, Fendi, McQ Alexander McQueen and L.A.M.B.. 

Photos: J.J. Martin, Tamu McPherson, Eva Chen

proenza, please

$559, forward by elyse walker

A friend snapped up this perfect Proenza Schouler jacket on sale a few weeks ago and boasted about it on Instagram, inducing deep envy among her followers (me included!). So, when I came across the same jacket at 75% off (originally $2150!), I did a victory dance and decided to feature it here today, because, my friends, there are more jackets to be had--along with deals aplenty here, such as this Acne Top, these Current/Elliott jeans, and these Alexander Wang heels, plus free shipping and free returns.

1. Acne tie-neck silk top, $134, theoutnet.com
2. Club Monaco stud earring set (I'd mix and match them!), $50, shopbop.com
3. Proenza Schouler jacket, $559, forwardbyelysewalker.com
4. Le Frame jeans, $200, netaporter.com
5. Iomoi monogrammed leather tote bag, $398, iomoi.com
6. Prada platform sandals, $950, neimanmarcus.com

the getaway wardrobe, part deux

As we march ever closer to the holidays--and ideally a warm weather vacation ahead--I thought I'd pick up again on the getaway wardrobe. In my first installment, I covered essentials such as swimwear and cover-ups. In this post, I will concentrate on apres-beach dresses, accessories and sandals. Actually make that sandal, because I really believe you only need to pack one flat versatile sandal that can go from the sandy shores to the cobblestone streets. Prime examples include this K. Jacques, this J.Crew (every woman should own a pair of these!), this Gianvito Rossi and this Lanvin. If you're planning some festive and more formal evenings out, then crank things up a notch in either this metallic Aquazzura stiletto or this comfy Via Spiga block heel--both of which go with flowy dresses and sleek pants. I personally love to wear breezy, short dresses in hot weather and gravitate toward ones that are either simple like this, this (which you could easily wear post-vaca with tights and boots!) and this, or exuberantly colorful such as this Camilla hottie, this Topshop knock-out or this Kenzo coolness. I always like to pack a fun little pouch or clutch like this embroidered Asos (it looks like a souvenir from a past holiday!) or this statement-y yet wear-with-everything Claire Vivier. I put these in my beach bag during the day (to hold/keep my phone, sunglasses, and cash sand-free and dry) and then wear them out at night. The last essential? A non-stop ticket to sunshine.

fringe benefits

$90, ann taylor*

With the fringe thing set to be huge next spring (a post on this trend coming soon!), why not get a jump start with this swishy skirt. 

1. Christopher Kane cashmere open-back sweater, $1795, netaporter.com
2. Deepa Gurnani earrings, $99, shopbop.com
3. Ann Taylor fringed skirt (30% off)*, $90, anntaylor.com
4. Natasha Couture clutch, $280, nordstrom.com
5. Clinique A Different Nail Enamel in Black Honey, $12, sephora.com
6. Valentino patent-leather and velvet t-bar pumps, $975, netaporter.com
 
*Use code ANNCHIC to get 30% off all full priced merchandise and 50% off all sale merchandise. 

camel coats

Perhaps those of you who braved Isabel Marant pour H&M's debut last week could relate to my experience, which felt like the old game show Supermarket Sweep come to life: a white-knuckled, high-pressure shopping spree with potentially big bonuses on the line. I grabbed what I could: a grey overcoat, a pair of sequin leggings, a white t-shirt and a tuxedo jacket. I didn't bother trying anything on at the store and quickly left with my loot. When I  got home, I tried everything on and decided I loved it all, but was on the fence about keeping the grey coat. It fit well, and the neutral grey shade was beautiful, however, given that I already own a neutral camel coat, it seemed superfluous to me. Besides, camel is such a classic. To convince myself that I should return the grey coat (it's harder to do this when you know others really want it!), I rounded up some snaps of stylish camel-coat-wearing women, featured here. It worked. The grey coat's been returned. And my old camel coat is my new best friend. Though, of course, I could still see myself braving the everyday winter cold in these just-out beauts from Burberry, Joseph, Theory, Oasis, and Asos.

the lug bag

$49, sole society

This vegan leather carry-all will make lugging around too much stuff look unflappably stylish.



1. Topshop sweater, $84, topshop.com
2. Mango ombre oversize coat, $169, mango.com
3. J Brand leather leggings, $895, netaporter.com
4. Sole Society messenger bag, $49, solesociety.com
5. C. Wonder studded bracelet, $68, cwonder.com
6. Mango brogues, $129, mango.com

fancy tees

It's official: the holiday season is here. Our neighbors have hung a huge wreath on their door, my sister played Christmas Carols at her house over the weekend, and my first holiday party is this Friday. It's dress-up time! Yes, I am excited now, but I know that by mid-December I'll be feeling a little hungover from all the festivities, and the last thing I'll feel like doing is dressing up. Enter the fancy t-shirt. It's easy, comfortable, and yet still thoroughly fete-friendly. I know I'll be thankful to have one of these options from Club Monaco, Anna Sui, A.L.C. and Theyskens' Theory in my wardrobe come Christmas Eve. 

Photos: First View, Stockholm Street Style

party ready

$151, asos

This is everything a party dress should be: seductive, dramatic, and a little unexpected (thanks to the split stem hem).

1. Asos metallic jacquard dress, $151, asos.com
2. Henri Bendel cocktail ring, $148, henribendel.com
3. Kotur glitter clutch, $395, shopbop.com
4. Jimmy Choo, $850, netaporter.com

fair isle sweaters

Looking into my own fashion crystal ball, I see lots of fair isle sweaters and jeans ahead of me this winter. Check out these pics--along with these statement-y but everyday-practical options from BP, J.Crew, Land's End , Milly, and Kule--and you'll see very clearly why.

smart aztec

$22, forever 21

Thanks to LA's recent warm (er, hot!) weather, I've got cute, short dresses on my mind--specifically ones like this that will work fantastically well on tropical winter getaways, too!

1. Forever 21 dress, $22, forever21.com
2. J.Crew straw fedora hat, $58, toryburch.com
3. Ray-Ban thick cat-eye sunglasses, $144, jcrew.com
4. Tory Burch straw tote bag, $250, toryburch.com
5. Giuseppe Zanotti lace-up sandals, $750, nordstrom.com

delicate jewelry

It's still all about layering your jewelry, but for a fresh, right-now look, try doing it with delicate, understated jewelry rather than big, chunky baubles. As of late, I've pared things down to simply this Jacquie Aiche ear cuff and this Lena Wald inverted diamond stud, both of which have garnered a zillion compliments. (I love the un-matchy-matchy-ness of this look.) As far as the arm and hand party go, I'm gravitating toward a stack of thin bracelets, nothing too expensive, such as this one or this one, along with a few dainty rings, like this diamond and rose-gold plated Monica Vinader and this Maria Black to make a mega-sophisticated statement. (P.S.The chain finger bracelet, above, is by Jacquie Aiche and you can find a very similar one here.)

stripe season

$110, j.crew

This all-season striped blouse can be teamed with the most disparate things, from leather leggings to denim cut-offs.

1. J.Crew embroidered stripe blouse, $110, jcrew.com
2. Whistles sheepskin-lined parka, $745, whistles.co.uk
3. J.Crew leather leggings, $750, jcrew.com
4. Burberry Prorsum bag, $2995, netaporter.com
5. Vince slip-on sneakers, $225, shopbop.com

poncho pretty

Many summers ago I bought a beautiful knit poncho in Ireland (of all places!). That I stumbled upon it in some random, very un-fashiony store in Dublin made it even more fantastic. I wore it pretty much the entire time I was in Ireland, as it was chilly and overcast. But then somehow I got back to LA and--poof!--it disappeared. Lost in the shuffle. Gone. Now, the sting of losing it is once again re-surfacing, because I keep seeing glamorous ponchos everywhere. On Alexis Traina. On Clare Vivier. (Both are wearing Figue.) On Spanish blogger Alexandra Pereira, above, whose cozy version is by Bgo & Me and which sadly comes with a 45 Euro shipping fee! Then I spotted several options at Nordstrom, some of them 40% off, including this one, this one and this one. (P.S. Nordstrom is staging its bonkers half-yearly sale right now!) These graphic cardigan-like iterations from BB Dakota, Free People, Anthropologie, and She Inside are also seriously tempting.   

Photo: Lovely Pepa

my L.A.

Yo, peeps! Read about my favorite places in LA to swill cocktails, Sunday brunch, and dance the night away--all on The Tory Blog here.

let it shine

$62, asos

I knew I was on to something special the other day when I zeroed in on this party-perfect sequin skirt--and apparently so were others as it sold out before I got to publish this post on LE CATCH! Le sigh... The good news is that this skirt also comes in a pretty green hue, which I think might even be better. I actually just ordered it! 

1. Gucci cashmere turtleneck sweater, $2000, netaporter.com
2. Henri Bendel stud earrings, $88, henribendel.com
3. Coralia Leets mother-of-pearl heart ring, $218, henribendel.com
4. MAC Retro Matte lipstick in Flat Out Fabulous, $15, nordstrom.com
5. Lee Savage clutch, $2550, modaoperandi.com
6. Zara furry leather ankle boots, $129, zara.com
7. River Island sequin skirt, $62, asos.com