I celebrated the new year a night early at a WellSoul workshop at Goop's pop-up store in Aspen (a must-visit!). The fireworks lit up my insides, ignited by a method I learned called Focused Attention: what I focus on, I create, where my attention goes, energy flows! In other words, I set my intentions for 2020 and here I go! I recommend you write yours down and go for it, too! Happy and Healthy New Year! Love, Marlien
I'm in Aspen, A.K.A., land of lost expensive mittens. I don't want to enrich Ajax's vast stockpile during my trip, with my new heavy, knitted, crazy-cute and oh-so-warm mittens, above, that look the expensive part--but aren't! I snapped them up for $10 at Target. Yup! I actually bought two pairs, the other in versatile TSE Cashmere-looking gray. (I swear, they look hand-knit and major bucks!) My more dressed-up (er, grown-up) hand-warmers are by Draper James.
According to the astronomical calendar, we're nine days into winter and yet the coolest winter coats are already on sale! Just in time, I guess, for us to nail Nor'easters, Arctic Blasts, thundersnow, and wintry whatnot. The most desirable include the above check-lined trench (also in navy), the below Marc Jacobs I'm wearing, the Stand Studio, last pic, (shorter version also reduced here), this amazing boucle military-inspired Ganni, this spot-on (faux) patent-leather L'Acadamie, and this Coach shearling-trimmed puffer (extra 20% off today--love!!!).
I would happily zip around this winter in this (on sale!) cutie.
1. Coach sweater, $197, coach.com
2. Kassl Editions coated coat, $575, netaporter.com
3. Surratt Beauty Lip Lustre Bon Vivant 3, $32, netaporter.com
4. Chanel denim clutch, $495, therealreal.com
5. Reebok sneakers, $70, reebok.com
6. Dolce & Gabbana velvet pants, $865, matchesfashion.com
I tried so hard to avoid the last-minute holiday shop, but there I was at the mall on December 24. I was not alone, of course. The never-ending lines at the cash registers were daunting, particularly at Urban Outfitters, where I stopped in to snap up funky trinkets for my niece. I seriously debated ditching but then the extra cute, hand-knit-looking ($100) cardigan, above, caught my eye--and persuaded me to wait it out. And I am glad I did. I've already worn it--and wowed--plus, it will pull its weight among the Monclers, etc, in Aspen next week. While I'm now officially shopped out (can you believe?!), it's the current sale on sale situation that has me lingering at Nordstrom (Half Yearly Sale!) with its too-good-to-be-true finds like this Johanna Ortiz dress, this elegant Proenza Schouler, this head-turning Altuzarra (70% off!), this quilted Ganni jacket, and this statement Eleven Six sweater, as well as at Shopbop (everyday Rag & Bone jeans! pretty Rotate dress! sleek Brother Vellies sandals!
This weekend had me in movie marathon mode (Little Women, Ford vs. Ferrari and Booksmart!) and in sweats around the clock. Lucky for me, I'll be able to keep up my comfort level post-holidays, in my sweatpants, with help from street style inspo, above! My current faves, all bed to blazer-friendly, are by Monrow (so, so soft!), James Perse and Champion.
Hoping all the elves out there have pounced on this (crazy-on-sale) Missoni!
1. And Other Stories belted sweater, $119, stories.com
2. Coach shearling puffer jacket, $1500, coach.com
3. Frame Denim straight-leg jeans, $248, matchesfashion.com
4. Chloe ring, $230, netaporter.com
5. M Missoni bag, $250, theoutnet.com
6. Freda Salvador lace-up boots, $495, nordstrom.com
I showed up to a 6AM photo shoot in New York this week with major jet lag--and major eye bags to go with! But, thankfully, this was no challenge for the on-set makeup artist, who whipped out the most fatigue-erasing but natural-looking foundation ever, one that I've never used before and will now use going forward: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. (She told me that a recent poll of professional makeup artists ranked it the BEST of all of the rest, or something like that--it was 3AM my time, after all.) Then, on top of that, she applied what could be the coup de grace: Glossier's Futuredew, which literally made my skin brighter, glowier, and dewier in one single instant. It was like magic (or the appearance of 8 hours of sleep), I swear! Other tools in her photo-ready arsenal: Bumble and Bumble Don't Blow It Fine Hair Styler (for much-needed texture and body) and Givenchy Gloss Interdit Final (also used by Lauren Santo Domingo, above). And (almost) just like that, I was ready to go (you will see the results in February).
Photo: Lauren Santo Domingo
With my Ouiwant x Parker Thatch bag collaboration having sold out (in less than two days!), I'd like to introduce my next (and last of 2019!) design partnership with Haney and close out the year with a bang. (For those you in the 90210 area, come help Mary Alice Haney and me celebrate the launch at her pop-up today. See my Instagram Stories for party details.) Inspired by our travels together from Capri to Croatia, we created a dress that delivers great bang for the buck: it works both as a glam evening dress and a gorgeous beach cover-up, both ways guaranteed to turn heads! It's exactly what we need and our carry-ons can handle. You'll be seeing both of us maxing out this flowy silk beauty in the warmer months ahead (look for me in Australia in early 2020). To pre-order, head right on over here.
It's taken me a minute to warm up to the runway-inspired knee-high-boots-over-jeans look (thanks, Celine). But after seeing my sister wearing her Isabel Marant ones over her pants and stylist Leia Sfez, pictured, in her Mangos--the trend is sinking in (in a good way). Now that I'm in freezing NYC, snow squalls and all, I convinced this trend's dual chill-fighting practicality and chicness is worth a shot, particularly with accessible versions like these from Sam Edelman (like Coco's!) or these, Schutz, and Jeffrey Campbell. Wait, since we're on the subject of cold (and did I mention perilous black ice?), I could also be quite content sporting the quirky/statement sock and sneaker combo that currently stampeding downtown Manhattan (Lucien might just be the best place to see it in action). There are only a few sneaker brands, however, that make the cool-kid cut: New Balance, Reebok, Nike (or this flashier kind) and Vans. Winter, it now seems, won't be stopping me in my tracks, that's for sure.
As you may know my twin sister and I recently launched Ouiwant, a multi-media platform highlighting our favorite brands. In a nutshell, we feature what we want and know (with pretty much stalwart conviction) that you will want it, too! Our first design collab with bag line Parker Thatch validates our premise perfectly, with trio of carry-alls almost already sold out--and they're not even online yet! Until now. What's to want? The neutral shades (deep blue denim! olive! mustard!), the chic chain-link handle (for a hint of glint), and the personalized and embroidered straps that not only make an original style statement but are versatile (i.e, you can use them with other bags!). Truly, the mix-and-match possibilities are endless and yet all ah-mazing! Check out our Ouiwant x Parker Thatch collection here. You will want.
Sprinting through the last (holiday shopping) dash here, and I've found more treasures than I can fit under my tree, so, of course, I must share with you. Take the insanely chic Alexa Chung faux fur coat that she wore out the other night in London, above, insanely marked down here.
I've also been coveting the funky pinstripe shirt, below, for ages, and
while I have yet to find it, I did score this similar leopard-trimmed R13--also marked down, no less! More too-good-to-pass-up finds: this vintage Fendi bag, these Isabel Marant boots (60% off!), this Proenza Schouler tweed dress, this Hawaii-here-we-come Borgo de Nor maxi (see me in it here), this patent Jocelyn puffer, and these Miaou bandana-print jeans. Shop more on-sale greatness HERE and HERE!
This coat does all the warm, cozy and stylish layering for me.
1. No. 21 sweater, $435, modaoperandi.com
2. Marks and Spencer coat, $209, marksandspencer.com
3. Toteme jeans, $172, matchesfashion.com
4. Volon cube bag, $350, netaporter.com
5. Jeffrey Campbell sneakers, $91, shopbop.com
6. Gucci cashmere scarf, $325, therealreal.com
It was just a dozen or so of us, celebrating the holidays, champagning and catching up. Also in attendance: festive swaths of sequins (hands-down fave was this sexy Ganni, now 30% off!); bright baubles (hands-down fave were my gorgeous Jenna Blake charm earrings, above, which P.S., is the type of gift that keeps giving because you can change them up everytime!); and va-va-voom statement sandals from low to high! You can see some fun party highlights on my Instagram Stories here and my printastic Mara Hoffman skirt and blouse outfit.
In case you don't know Anine Bing, pictured, she's an LA-based clothing designer, former model, blogger, and singer. She's also a mom, who even looks photo ready-chic on school runs, as my sister can attest (their children attend the same school!) Anine's off-duty weekend style is no different--see for yourself, above. In fact, it's worthy enough for my Monday-Friday routine. I can work it with a yummy, chunky turtleneck and chic, feet-friendly flats by (who else?) Anine Bing, perfect lighter-wash jeans like these (above) or AGOLDE (I have these and they are beyond flattering!). P.S. The Chanel bag helps (a lot, too--this one half off)!
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
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