my new haircut


I finally did it! I chopped my hair a few weeks ago when I was in New York at the John Barrett Salon. Some of you might have already seen my new 'do on Instagram (my handle is marlienrentmeester), but if you haven't, here it is! In its last-Sunday-afternoon, no-blow-dry, no-product glory. Yes, I love it, and it's exactly what I asked for. Which was, to be specific, a haircut like Beyonce, but more real-girl-on-the-go than major-pop-star. Since John Barrett actually cuts Beyonce's hair, I was in the right hands, and he gave me a cut that I've always wanted but have never had: one that goes out of the shower straight to wherever I'm going without much, if any, primping (yes, my minimalist ways rearing its ugly head again!). In other words, the miracle cut! While I love the length, it's taken a bit of getting used to. For example, it feels weird to have the back of my neck not covered by hair. Even my children have had to adapt. When I first came home, my five-year-old son told me I looked funny and that I needed to get my old hair back immediately. My oldest childhood friend said I looked like Lady Edith from Downton Abbey... "but in a good way." (Is there a good way??) My husband grew a kooky mustache in retaliation. Nonetheless, I adore it. With less hair, showers seem to be shorter and drying takes so much less time. I also look different, which is kind of fun. And I am enjoying how I can choose between wearing my hair up or down with various outfits (you know how much I appreciate options!). Let's just see how long I will go without reverting back to always pulling my hair up and back!

Photo: Coliena Rentmeester

spiked pearls

$98, shopbop

The unexpected combo of pearls and spikes makes for a distinctly cool everyday earring.

1. Stella McCartney dress, $1247, matchesfashion.com
2. Fallon spiked earrings, $98, shopbop.com
3. Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Lost Cherry, $45, nordstrom.com
4. Asos pony hair leather clutch, $56, asos.com
5. Steve Madden calf hair flats, $99, nordstrom.com

giorgia tordini

giorgia tordini

Another week, another Italian girl crush. Mamma Mia! However, I do think you'll agree with me that Giorgia Tordini's style is pretty compelling. The Milan-based fashion designer  embraces clean, classic, almost all black silhouettes, simple gold jewelry, and statement shoes (these pics prove her penchant for white heels). She believes every woman should own a Chanel bag, a pair of leather pants and an Alaia dress. You'll never catch her wearing anything but red nail polish and the only designer who could make her wear prints is Dries Van Noten. Inspired by her Euro-refined, pared-down style approach, I hunted down some of her bellissimo hallmarks (most of which transcend trends) to integrate into my own repertoire, including a structured top handle bag such as this Dolce & Gabbana or this Proenza Schouler (similar to above), a streamlined wear-with-everything black Sophie Hulme clutch, a tuxedo blazer like this one by Alice + Olivia, killer white pumps, a pair of loose-fitting leather pants, eternally stylish cropped black trousers like these by Jenni Kayne, and a classic pair of Ray Ban sunglasses.









Photos: Le 21-eme, Collage Vintage, Pinterest

the final straw

tory burch straw fringed clutch
$175, tory burch

This straw fringed bag is so spring break-bound. Of course, I'd use it all summer long too!

1. Cool Change floral top, $306, matchesfashion.com
2. Spektre mirrored sunglasses, $140, matchesfashion.com
3. Anthropologie cuff, $48, anthropologie.com
4. Tory Burch raffia clutch, $175, toryburch.com
5. Isabel Marant leather sandals, $510, matchesfashion.com
6. Paige jeans, $199, netaporter.com

silver bullet

$198, j.crew

Over the years my closet has turned into a lending library to close friends, who borrow clothes for various events. After suiting them up, I always find myself saying to them, "Now all you need is a good barely-there metallic heel and you're done." This is exactly the kind of shoe I'm talking about! P.S. I'd also seriously consider buying it in gold, too. It's just that forever good.

jump start

club monaco kiena silk jumper
$198, club monaco

This jumpsuit is, to quote my five-year-old son, "easy peasy." And seriously cute too!

1. Club Monaco silk polka dot jumper, $198, clubmonaco.com
2. Mango linen boyfriend blazer, $99, mango.com
3. Pierre Hardy bag, $750, forwardbyelysewalker.com
4. Carrera by Jimmy Choo sunglasses, $199, shopbop.com
5. Sophia Webster sandals, $595, netaporter.com

shades of spring


Relishing Milan's relatively balmy, near 60-degree temps, fashion show-goers busted out their pretty pastels this past week, trial-running their new spring finery. Lucky for us, Shopbop is staging a rare two-day site-wide (!) sale*, offering both an early taste of spring's key pieces, as well as all the evergreens (like designer bags, jeans and underpinnings). My comprehensive scout of the site this morning turned up more finds than I could possibly buy (though this always seems to be the case with me!), but I thought I'd share my edit. It includes this very fashion editor-worthy pale pink Alice & Olivia blouse, these sexy Alexander Wang lace-up sandals, these classic will-be-worn-to-death Alexandre Birman black t-straps, this Ostwald Helgason color-blocked skirt, this effortlessly chic jumpsuit, these sleek metallic Tibi gladiators, this exotically cute Antik Batik minaudiere, this pretty lace (throw-it-over-your-bikini) Dolce Vita lace dress, these incredibly flattering Paige boyfriend jeans (which I actually have and wear all the time and think it would not hurt to have another!), this T by Alexander Wang night-out dress, and this Helmut Lang bomber jacket.

*Spend $250, save 20%, spend $500, save $25% and spend $1000 and save 30%. Use code BIGEVENT14 at checkout!

Photo: Josefina Andres/Vogue Espana

magic carpet ride

$68, topshop

The rich tapestry like prints on the Fall 2014 runways (think Burberry, Dolce & Gabanna) have me lusting for this top right now.

1. Topshop scuba print top, $68, topshop.com
2. Henri Bendel pearl charm bracelet, $148, henribendel.com
3. Ballin clutch, $617, luisaviaroma.com
4. J.Crew cracked metallic heel, $250, jcrew.com
5. J.Crew pleated skirt, $130, netaporter.com

choked up


These pics make a strong case for the statement choker--and my having one, stat! Celine, of course, started this trend with its austere beaded gold collar last fall. Other designers, such as Eddie Borgo and Pamela Love jumped on the bandwagon. The one above, inspired by Chanel's Spring 2014 oversize pearl choker, can be found at your local Zara (not online yet). Love! I am also swooning over these eye-catchers from Jennifer Fisher (I like how the opening is in the front!), Jules Smith (simple and inexpensive), Anneliese Michelson (pictured directly below), Kenneth Jay Lane, and  Topshop (or this one).



Photos: The Haute Pursuit, The Cut, Pinterest

sequin sweatshirt

$164, the outnet
This Diane Von Furstenberg sequin sweatshirt is an exquisitely easy way to dress things up a bit.

1. Diane Von Furstenberg sequin sweatshirt, $164, theoutnet.com
2. Blanca Monros Gomez ruby stud earrings, $198, shopbop.com
3. Kzeniya laser cut leather clutch, $640, luisaviaroma.com
4. Diane Von Furstenberg tortoise wedge sandals, $375, shopbop.com
5. Etro shorts, $450, netaporter.com

eccentric accessories


I bought a new iPhone the other day (finally!) and when it came time to decide on the protective cover, I became paralyzed with indecision. Go for basic black or neon rubber or something with punchy graphics? I ultimately chose the latter, because... why not? A bold yet little statement never hurts. From my perspective, the smallest details can make the biggest statements, and fashion show attendees in London and Milan are emphasizing this point, brandishing all kinds of offbeat, high-impact accessories, from over-the-top shoes to quirky bags to colorful fur stoles to Crayola-hued hats. Inspired by these snaps, I set off in search of playful, outfit-enhancing accessories and turned up this rabbit iPhone5 case (similar to above), this fluffy neon Asos scarf, this cute Alice + Olivia strawberry-inspired bag, this soon-to-be-iconic (and current fashion insider favorite) Fendi fur monster bag charm (similar to the one above and below), this pastel blue faux fur Asos stole, this graphic Kate Spade striped clutch, this blue Anthropologie fedora hat, this Topshop big chain link necklace, and this Kule striped fur scarf.










Photos: Vogue Espana, Grazia, Le 21-eme, Harper's Bazaar, Style

flower fest

$180, river island

The flower-embellished neckline is totally in sync with all the whimsically offbeat accents seen in and around the fashion shows. More to come on that later!



1. Band of Outsiders silk sweatshirt, $425, netaporter.com
2. River Island embellished jacket, $180, riverisland.com
3. Vivienne Westwood Anglomania clutch, $114, asos.com
4. Nine West sandals, $109, ninewest.com
5. J.Crew Selvedge jeans, $188, jcrew.com

beautycounter


When it comes to beauty, I've long prided myself on being a minimalist. I have always tried to get away with as little makeup, lotions, etc. as possible, even though my bathroom cabinets (and random drawers and closets around the house) are filled with expensive, coveted beauty products thanks to my years as a Conde Nast editor. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all that stuff as much as the next girl, but something about slathering all sorts of stuff of unknown chemical origin on my body dampened my enthusiasm. But I confess as of late my minimalist ways are starting to feel more like neglect! In order to keep up my, ahem, appearance, I am finding it necessary to do more: more moisturizing, more exfoliating, more serums, more makeup, more taking care. Thankfully, a friend of mine recently launched an awesome line of chemical-free skin-care products and cosmetics called Beautycounter that caters to my purist ways--i.e., they're safe, straight-forward and effective. I am officially obsessed with Beautycounter's Lip Sheer in Coral to the point where--shocker!--I will apply it every morning even when I know it'll just be me interfacing with the computer all day long. It's a gloss that's thick enough for a subtle shine yet sheer enough to feel barely there, with just the prettiest hint of orange-y red. True perfection. I also love the Rosemary and Citrus Lustro Body Oil, an intensive moisturizer that instantly soothes my winter-dry skin and has worked a miracle or two (such as on the cracked hand variety when I was skiing in Colorado for a week earlier this year). I also reach for the facial hydrating creams day and night. Without getting too infomercial on you, I have to admit that now that I have to do "more" for myself, I am glad that I am doing it with products that are clean and 100% good for me.


P.S. My twin sister photographed Beautycounter's latest campaign, including the pic, above. Clearly, this is a family affair!

time in

$250, shopbop

I'd love to watch the minutes tick by on this delicate watch/bracelet!


1. Equipment silk tunic, $230, netaporter.com
2. Etoile Isabel Marant cotton jacket, $600, matchesfashion.com
3. Iris & Ink leather pants, $595, theoutnet.com
4. MAC Tinted Lipglass in Russian Red, $15, nordstrom.com
5. Kate Spade pave stainless watch, $250, shopbop.com
6. Vetta pearl bracelet, $58, anthropologie.com
7. Charles David suede boots, $160, nordstrom.com 

party prep


There was a time where my party dress acquisition process went something like this: (1) receive invitation, (2) eventually get around to shopping for said dress, (3) run out of time, (4) settle for something good enough but often not fantastic, and then (5) repeat. And, of course, the problem worsened after I had kids and my shopping time was in even scarcer supply. Eventually, I found my solution: I just resolved to buy fantastic party dresses as I came across them, regardless of whether I had an actual party on the immediate horizon. I must tell you--it works quite nicely. Thus, when I recently stumbled upon Self Portrait, a new UK-based nicely-priced line of dresses, I did not simply bookmark the site, I immediately bought not one frock, but two (!): the lace pleated one on the left and the red cut-out, above. This sweet success put me in the mood, and I've since found a few more festive options including this BCBG Max Azria, this Milly, this Jay Ahr, this Christopher Kane, and this Victoria Beckham. Now I just need some fun invites!

line backer

$78, madewell

This striped tunic is so me-on-holiday! (Wish I was actually on one.)






1. Madewell striped tunic, $78, madewell.com
2. Forever 21 mirrored sunglasses, $5, forever21.com
3. Topshop palm tree print pouch, $20, topshop.com
4. Tibi sandals, $295, shopbop.com
5. Colette by Colette Dinnigan lace shorts, $300, netaporter.com



bag bonanza


Because everyone's outfits were concealed under layers and layers of outerwear in frigid New York last week, it was often their bags that basked in the spotlight. Each tote newer, better and more fabulous than the next! My big takeaway... I need more statement bags! I love buying them, but they can be bank-breakers, so I am not at all above acquiring super nice ones second hand. I thus found myself this weekend inspecting the goods over at Shop Hers, a high end consignment website I've featured here before (and whose warehouse my friends and I periodically raid since it's nearby). They seem to consistently stock the latest and greatest investment bags, some of them new and others gently used, and my latest trip did not disappoint: I uncovered a gold mine of incredible options, which I thought I should share. (Think the equivalent of what you'd see on the first floor of Bergdorf Goodman!) Among the standouts, all priced below retail, of course, are this never-used-before black suede Balenciaga (50% off retail), this drop-dead red Chanel (a serious collector's piece!), this chic bucket Hermes tote (which a friend of mine sported the other day, only to compound my bag envy), this ever-sleek chain link-strap Celine (30% off retail), this never-worn color-blocked micro Celine Luggage bag, this classic chocolate brown Hermes Constance bag (40% less than retail), and this pristine (tags still attached) red Celine Trapeze Coquelicot.

Photo: The Cut

step out

$178, nordstrom

These sandals have an offhand glamorous air that I find irresistible. They also have the insta-outfit-making gift!

1. Peter Pilotto for Target dress, $44, netaporter.com
2. Selima Violet sunglasses, $165, clubmonaco.com
3. Antik Batik clutch, $127, shopbop.com
4. Dolce Vita sandals, $178, nordstrom.com

red alert


Having received loads of queries about the provenance of my red coat in the last post (it's H&M from two years ago!), I thought I'd round up some recent snaps from New York and London to prove (a) I'm not the only devout fan and (b) that this bold topper remains a must. I also hunted down some shoppable scarlet standouts, including this belted/ruffled Cinzia Rocca (50% off), this textured Asos, this single-breasted Club Monaco (30% off), this double-breasted Oasis, this trench-inspired Giambattista Valli (76% off), this bright boyfriend Topshop, and this funky faux fur Ainea.






Photos: Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue

city guide


My trip to New York was action-packed! Lucky me, I landed at JFK right before a snow storm hit and departed before another. In between meetings, photo shoots and fashion shows (that's me before the Phillip Lim show, above--I clearly have my game face on!), I managed to treat myself to some yummy meals, most notably at the Marlton Hotel, Sean MacPherson's new fashion crowd hot-spot (try the kale salad, sunchokes, and burrata); Terra, a cozy neighborhood Italian in Tribeca; and Bergdorf Goodman's tried-and-true epitome of chicness BG restaurant, where I indulged in a late day lunch for one (this allowed me to gawk at all the fancy ladies and their major handbags, spot Anne Hathaway, etc.), complete with a glass of rose champagne and more kale salad. My Fall 2014 runway watching and trend spotting--picture cropped wide-leg pants, over-the-top fur, more pink, and plaid, plaid, plaid!--inspired some personal shopping, of course. Along with friend and stylist Amanda Ross (below in the cute fur trapper hat), I checked out the recently opened Dover Street Market, Rei Kawakubo's must-see seven-story store situated in Kips Bay, featuring a Louis Vuitton pop-up shop with exclusive pieces, along with masterfully curated selections from Prada, Thom Browne, Gaia Repossi, Saint Laurent, etc. It also houses a branch of Rose Bakery, the British-style bakery/restaurant with a cult following that serves up the most delicious scones, quiches, and pound cakes. I also made pit stops at Topshop, where I snagged this scuba print top and at J.Crew and got these wear-everyday jeans. It was a whirlwind tour per usual, with an extra side of cold, but as always, I loved it.



Fyi, I am standing on a table above i.e. I am not in a dollhouse!

Back to Top