In honor of Flash Back Friday and Halloween, here's a Polaroid picture of me, taken by my father on Halloween when I was six years old. I'm dressed up as a flamenco dancer, courtesy of my (bossy) best childhood friend, who decided she would wear the clown costume I had chosen and I would wear hers. Truth be told, at the time, I had no idea what a flamenco dancer was or why my parents kept cooing over my costume. But now, I must admit, I'm glad I went with it! Happy Halloween!
My five-year-old son wanted to wear something camouflage for Halloween (so he's a special ops commando force ninja soldier, naturally). Meanwhile, I'd like to dress up with this faux fur camo bag!
1. A.P.C. Atelier striped wool sweater, $235, netaporter.com
2. Warehouse boucle zipper trimmed coat, $125, warehouse.co.uk
3. Current/Elliott jeans, $200, netaporter.com
4. Monki faux fur cross body bag, $47, asos.com
5. Giorgio Armani Lip Stain in Code, $33, nordstrom.com
6. Derek Lam 10 Crosby lace-up boots, $395, shopbop.com
Customarily, a momentous event like a wedding or high school reunion inspire people to get in tiptop shape. For me, it would be my friend Lindsay Smith Dixon's new line of body-hugging dresses, AD. They're sexy but easy and all designed to be the essential layering piece, effortlessly stylish with a leather jacket or a oversize tuxedo blazer. My favorites include this reversible stripe dress (above) and this leather trimmed dress.
This dress manages to be both winter ready and fantastically cute. (For added warmth, layer it over a black turtleneck and add tights!)
Though my twin sister and I have the exact same DNA, we have our differences. Most notably in the shoe department. For example, she can sport Converse high tops, motorcycle boots, and in general, more tomboyish footwear with confidence and look great. When I put them on, confidence is not what comes to mind, even though in theory I look exactly like her. But I am still game to try, particularly with this season's cool lace-up boots. They look a lot like Dr. Martens, but less clunky and counter-cultural, and with designers like Saint Laurent, Jimmy Choo and Acne Studios offering their own renditions, there are many options to choose from, including these standouts from Rag & Bone, Madewell, Via Spiga, Walter Steiger, Vince and Eileen Fisher. Leila Yavari, above, wears lace-up boots from Robert Clergerie.
Photo: Phil Oh/Vogue
Jane Mayle's retro-chic boutique on Elizabeth Street in New York used to be one of my all-time favorites until it closed in 2008. This new bag that she designed for Club Monaco captures everything that I loved about her signature vintage-y/feminine/downtown aesthetic--and then some.
1. Preen Line embroidered satin and chiffon dress, $890, netaporter.com
2. Rebecca Minkoff spike cuff ring, $46, shopbop.com
3. Mayle x Club Monaco studded cross-body bag, $198, clubmonaco.com
4. Gianvitto Rossi suede lace-up boots, $1020, bergdorfgoodman.com
Ever since J.Crew staged its Fall 2014 presentation in New York last February, I've been coveting the gorgeous poppy red lipstick makeup artist Troi Ollivierre used on the models. Finally, it's just now available, along with J.Crew's signature orange-y red lip color called George, here. To get the model pout, above, first moisturize lips with lots of lip balm, apply Troi Ollivierre Parker lipstick, then follow with Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss for serious shine.
Last year I stole an amazing braided cable knit sweater from my sister's closet in New York, which she had procured on a photo shoot, and though it was a little snug, I wore it like crazy. I think I might return it now that I've found this beauty! (P.S. It runs large, so size down.)
1. Eleven Paris braided cable knit sweater, $187, nordstrom.com
2. Henri Bendel pave arc stud earrings, $88, henribendel.com
3. Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Plastic Beach, $18, netaporter.com
4. Bensimon camouflage pouch, $28, shopbop.com
5. Sophia Webster x J.Crew pumps, $595, jcrew.com
6. Adam Lippes pleated leather and organza skirt, $1790, netaporter.com
Pair this cozy sweater dress with boots and tights. Repeat.
1. Joe Fresh sweater dress, $49, joefresh.com
2. Tai cubic zirconia earrings, $45, shopbop.com
3. Troi Ollivierre lipstick in George, $28, jcrew.com
4. Valentino appliqued leather shoulder bag, $2995, netaporter.com
5. Madewell boots, $238, madewell.com
Now these are the kind of pinstripes I want working at my office.
1. Joa pinstripe dress, $78, pixiemarket.com
2. Rebecca Minkoff faux pearl studs, $38, shopbop.com
3. Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lacquer in Hall of Fame, $22, nordstrom.com
4. Zara mini doctor bag, $49, zara.com
5. Sergio Rossi metallic brogues, $1180, netaporter.com
Shopping for wardrobe staples isn't the most exciting kind of shopping, but for me, it's the kind that keeps on giving. Take, for example, my new J.Crew grey (heather graphite, to be exact) wool sweater, which has been on repeat for, oh, three consecutive days now. I am already considering buying another one, because it's just that good--and it's 25% off, along with a slew of other fall staples and statements through October 26 with the code here. I'd like to stockpile such pieces as this hooded bomber jacket, this white side-zip pullover, these wear-everywhere cropped pants, and these high-rise black coated jeans.
For me, a mod-inspired leather mini can make chilly weather a little more fun.
1. McQ Alexander sweater, $545, netaporter.com
2. Illesteva sunglasses, $290, jcrew.com
3. Elizabeth and James gold/white topaz earrings, $85, shopbop.com
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs striped bag, $268, shopbop.com
5. Topshop leather ankle boots, $150, topshop.com
6. Gap leather zip pocket skirt, $199, gap.com
My
anxiety started to kick in around 1pm yesterday, two hours
before Vogue Magazine's 2014 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Show at the Chateau Marmont. I did not know what I was going to wear. And
for this occasion I needed to get it right. The past season Rodarte dress I had selected was amazing and gorgeous, but there was just one small problem: the June & Hudson cheetah print dress I had picked up for $78 kept staring at me from its hanger with that "you know I look better on you" look. Though I seriously questioned my sanity (can you really enter the den of Anna Wintour wearing a $78 dress and emerge alive?), in the end, I decided "yes," paired it with my Givenchy sandals, and off I went.
Within minutes of arriving I knew I had made the right choice. The compliments were not just flowing (and keep in mind this is quite a fabulous and discriminating crowd we are talking about), people were literally chasing me down just to find out where they could get the dress. Of course there was just one problem... I just did not really want to tell this particular crowd where they could get the dress. As you might imagine (given that I write LE CATCH), it is pretty rare that I am reluctant to reveal the provenance of my clothing regardless of how absurdly low its price might have been. But given the crowd, sponsor, venue, etc., this was just one of those times. Nonetheless, it quickly became apparent that I did not really have a choice, as people were getting impatient, so I offered that I would post it on LE CATCH today.
Relieved that I had put that day of reckoning behind me (or at least postponed it), we took our seats and the fashion show began. But as I looked down to check my watch, that is when the real fun started. There along my dress sleeve was a small tear. Strange I thought, as the dress was new and I had never worn it. Then I looked at my other sleeve. Another tear. When the show ended, I got up, and felt... a tear on my side. I walked a few steps... another tear.
So yes, there I was at a Vogue event with some of the fanciest and hard-core fashionistas living, and my dress was literally coming apart at the seams! Apparently, by forsaking Rodarte for my $78 number, I had clearly displeased the fashion gods, and no, I would not be leaving Anna's party alive or at least not with any clothes left on my body.
Of course, the cocktailing was just getting started, and I did not want to leave, so I queried a few trusted friends as to whether they could tell that my dress was disintegrating before their eyes. Though there was some concern as to where this might end, all agreed that, at least for the moment, the cheetah print hid the holes nicely and that I could continue.
Well I made it through the whole party with people still fawning over the dress, and then headed off to dinner at Soho House with a group, including several former Vogue editors. However, when I felt the dress seam split down my back and the air rush in, I knew it was time to leave. So I got up, said goodbye, and literally backed away from the table waving. Kristen Wiig should have been playing me. Seriously, it was crazy.
I am not sure what the moral of this story is. Obviously, I am and will always be a fan of good fashion, both high and low, since we are fortunate to live in world where beauty can be found at every price point (as long as you look hard enough or read LE CATCH!). Of course, fast fashion is not usually crafted as well as designer, but I am pretty sure that (a) I have now experienced, without a doubt, the worst case scenario and (b) it's quite fitting that this all happened to me. Oh, and FYI: I am returning the dress to get another one, because it is awesome and, of course, I am hoping that this was just one bad apple. You can get it here, if you dare!
Photo: Stefanie Keenan
This shearling striped wonder will help me stand out in the sea of winter coats.
1. Adam Lippes cashmere blend sweater, $950, netaporter.com
2. Pixie Market navy shearling coat, $88, pixiemarket.com
3. Current/Elliott mid-rise jeans, $200, netaporter.com
4. Joy Gryson wrinkled leather satchel, $495, shopbop.com
5. Topshop boots, $165, nordstrom.com or topshop.com
While I was meeting with a publicist friend at her office last week, I bumped into a bigwig stylist I know, who was also there casting models for a Spring 2015 fashion show, featuring a cutting-edge New York-based designer. It was hard to focus on my meeting as potential runway models sashayed around the office. What also got my attention was the throwback Cole Haan penny loafer the stylist picked out to co-star with all the runway looks--a simple but perfect shoe that worked like magic with everything from pants to skirts to easy dresses. It got me thinking: I need a pair for my running-around life! I also like these loafers from Madewell, Sam Edelman, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Saint Laurent.
Photo: Tenuously
So much cuteness squished into these teeny mismatched studs.
1. See by Chloe sequin-trimmed dress, $595, netaporter.com
2. Tai moon and star earring studs, $40, shopbop.com
3. Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lacquer in Unleash Me, $22, netaporter.com
4. Rachel Comey suede and embroidered clutch, $390, madewell.com
5. Gianvito Rossi suede boots, $1230, netaporter.com
One of my biggest fall indulgences is investing in at least one coat (if not several!) for the cold weather season. But courtesy of this year's seemingly endless L.A. summer, I just could not focus my attention on this wardrobe building block. Then I came across Emerson Fry's fall coat lineup, and blammo, my coat block is no more. Chock full of supremely chic, amazingly versatile toppers such as the tailored beauty, above, rendered in the prettiest creamy oatmeal hue, there is, it seems, something for everyone (or at least my every whim!). Also fantastic: this wear-with-everything drop-shoulder coat, this slick coated tweed topper (below), and this smart indoor-outdoor wool coat (last pic). And the goodness doesn't stop there. I also adore this perfect v-neck tee, these black d'orsay heels (shown with dress, below) and these moto-inspired jeans (second to last image).
A fun lunch at Gjelina with friends last week called for big appetites and super cute outfits. One pal turned up in gorgeous ankle strap Tabitha Simmons flats, which prompted me to go out and get a similar pair, above. (They run large; I bought a half a size down).
1. Marni peplum top, $275, theoutnet.com
2. Pixie Market faur fur sleeve puffy jacket, $69, pixiemarket.com
3. Victoria Beckham Denim jeans, $365, netaporter.com
4. Halston Heritage bucket bag, $325, shopbop.com
5. Beauty Counter Lip Sheen in Rose, $28, beautycounter.com
6. Barneys ankle-strap flats, $235, barneys.com
Weekend soccer games do not call for major fashion moments, but last week a friend of mine walked onto the field in head-to-toe denim and came out a winner. I'd like to get in the game with this cute top.
1. Gap denim puff sleeve top, $69, gap.com
2. Topshop plaid jacket, $156, topshop.com
3. J.Brand mid-rise jeans, $200, netaporter.com
4. Nadri pave curved bar stud earrings, $38, nordstrom.com
5. Bensimon camo tote bag, $140, shopbop.com
6. Alexander Wang ankle-strap pumps, $495, netaporter.com
Speaking of parties, we're approaching that ho, ho, ho festive time of year, when fun frocks are in order. Inspired by the eye-popping prints outside the shows during Paris Fashion Week (above), I'm thinking of going all out in playful patterns, rather than ho-hum solid hues. Some party-perf options include this spotted Red Valentino, this monochromatic BCBG, this edgy Givenchy (80% off!), this geometric Topshop, this floral Alice + Olivia, this python-print Michael Kors, this checked French Connection and this graphic Stella McCartney.
Photo: Giovanna Battaglia
I love a fun evening out, but even more I love getting ready for an evening out--especially when I am getting ready with good friends. For me, the
anticipation in the air, trying on outfits, chitchatting, shoe swapping, and sipping a glass of something add up to a party before the party. My friends and I partook in all of this the other night, and had Vensette, a new-to-LA hair and makeup service that comes to your home, do us up right. Proof: the pic, below, in which I'm sporting a chignon I could never pull off on my own, a dramatic stay-on Stila lipstick the Vensette makeup artist put on me, and a gorgeous lace backless dress by Haney. Check out the pre-party at my friend Annie's house here.
Photos: Alden Wallace
My new antidote to crazy morning rush hour.
1. Warehouse zippered dress, $99, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. Lulu Frost bracelet, $108,* shopbop.com
3. Stila Stay All Day liquid lipstick in Tesoro, $22, nordstrom.com
4. Chanel tote bag, $2695, shopbop.com
5. Stella McCartney faux leather loafers, $995, netaporter.com
*Shopbop's 25% off sale continues! Get this price--and 25% off almost everything else at Shopbop (through tomorrow October 16) with the code here.
I am not big into horoscopes but I read mine last week (as my birthday was approaching) and learned that a lunar eclipse on October 8 would wreak havoc on my life. And so it did, as my 5-year-old got strep throat, my husband got food poisoning, our go-to babysitter got sick, and thus a fun birthday weekend getaway got cancelled. Not the end of the world, and everyone is fine now, but it was unfortunate! Thankfully, now the stars appear to have realigned, as I awoke this morning to discover. . . Shopbop's 25% off Friends & Family sale! To start, I'd like some new slip-on sneakers, because they're just about the most comfortable shoes ever and a pair in grey, this season's hue, is in order. Also tempting: these perfect (and nicely priced!) Pour La Victoire pointy-toe ankle boots, this Clare V. striped clutch, these gorgeous crystal-studded Ca & Lou earrings, this about-to-sell-out Rodebjer faux fur coat, this forever-chic Alice + Olivia tuxedo blazer, this Opening Ceremony boxy jacket, and this statement LBD by Nanette Lepore (perhaps for a festive rescheduled birthday celebration?).
Photo: Tommy Ton
I'd love to throw on this cute striped hooded poncho over a basic pair of jeans and an easy knit--and stand out.
1. J.Crew textured sweater, $98, jcrew.com
2. Pixie Market striped poncho, $58*, shopbop.com
3. J.Brand cropped jeans, $170, netaporter.com
4. Clare Vivier suede messenger bag, $299*, shopbop.com
5. Vince loafers, $318*, shopbop.com
*Get this price and 25% off almost everything else at Shopbop (through Thursday October 16 only)--get the discount code here! I am working on a roundup of my sale favorites and will publish them shortly!
I haven't worn a sweater dress since my early teenage years, when I had several from Benetton that I busted out for birthday parties and the like. But they'll be making their way back into my life this fall... and not just for birthday parties. Because what could be cozier and easier than wearing a knit dress? Right now, I'd give it a whirl, bare-legged with ankle boots or slip-on sneakers. When it's chillier, I'd add tights and knee-high (or higher) boots. The dresses I'd like most to slip into include this Joie or this turtleneck Joie, this A.P.C., this Stella McCartney (pictured above) and this Milly.
Photos: Harper's Bazaar, LA Cool et Chic
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