unbasic boots

In case you hadn't noticed on this millionth day of January, this winter's boots are anything but basic (read: they're not just black). Unlike the gloom and doom outside, they're refreshingly bright and playfully cool, striding into the saturated reaches of the rainbow. And from what I've seen in various Pre-Fall 2020 collections (for example, see Victoria Beckham in last pic), these bold boots will be stepping into the far future, advancing even the most simple outfits with them. Thankfully, plenty of options are now up for grabs (and some on sale). My faves include these by Aeyde, Sam Edelman, Isabel Marant, Schutz, Paige, Zara and Sam Edelman (similar to below).

 

heart of gold

$90, shopbop

Gold links with just a touch of twinkle. Yes, please!

1. Nicholas dress, $495, netaporter.com
2. Justine Clenquet gold plate and palladium bracelet, $90, shopbop.com
3. RMS Beauty Lip Shine Gloss in Enchanted, $25, neimanmarcus.com
4. Fendi bucket bag, $1980, neimanmarcus.com
5. Brent Neale gold and sapphire ring, $2850, brentneale.com
6. Iris and Ink boots, $175, theoutnet.com

copenhagen chic

Just in: more cold weather style inspo from Copenhagen! Specifically, statement sweaters and graphic print jackets that are one-and-done outfit making. Love that there are many similar options out there to warm us up, like this cute Coach turtleneck (pictured below), this Holzweiler plaid reversible parka (on sale), this embroidered Zara (just bought!), this stylish-anywhere striped Eleven Six (on sale), this punchy And Other Stories, and this checked Ganni (on sale). But, wait: can we talk about the open-toes? In almost Arctic-latitude?? Count me in! I'll do it--and basically anything--in these Jeffrey Campbell sandals (similar to last pic). And yes, in every color, too.

color me mine

Though it's the dead of winter in Copenhagen, you'd never know it with all the sunny colors its stylish citizens are sporting (evidence here). Contending with only 7 hours of daylight in January, it makes perfect sense that the city would brighten up with, say... sunrise-orange pants, above! (I found a super cute cotton pair from J.Crew, and the Chanel sweater can be snagged here.) Other vibrant, winter-worthy options include this lilac And Other Stories jacket, this rosy feather Loeffler Randall clutch, these ochre Victoria Beckham trousers, this peppy Rebecca Minkoff ribbed sweater, this  lemon-yellow Reformation cashmere sweater and these perfectly-white Schutz booties. 

Photos: Emili Sindlev, Street Style Spy

spring sandals now

Anyone else feel like it's January 32? I could use some added spring in my step right now. All I need is a fun spring sandal that I can winterize with some cool socks (this, this and this). Sandal-wise, the cheerier, the better. Any of these should work by Miu Miu (above), Fendi (would wear everyday!), MSGM, Botkier, Ulla Johnson and Loeffler Randall.

Photo: Camille Charriere

bitty bags

Spring's must-have bag requires some major spring cleaning. As in you'll have to oust everything but your lipstick. Because these new bags are so itty-bitty you could carry two, or maybe one small and one standard-size. But one thing's for sure: you'll definitely want to show it off. The go-to is Fendi's nano baguette charm (along with the micro version!) seen in these pics, above and below, taken last week in Paris. If those are too petite/impractical, then try one that can at least accommodate your cell phone like these by Clare V (which I'd monogram, of course), The Volon (with its chic link strap) and Loeffler Randall, or expand to clutch-size like these by Lele Sadoughi and Chanel (vintage).

trench dressing

From the look of things in Paris, it doesn't matter what you're wearing as long as you have a great trench coat topping it! That's according to everyone, it seems from these pics snapped last week. The new requisite layer is typically belted and beige, like this, this, this and this, but there also some good outliers with outfit-making prints, mock croc or fringe.

chain reaction

$29, h&m

Loafers so good (and cheap!), I want them in brown, too!

1. Kule cashmere sweater, $89 kule.com
2. MSGM blazer, $695, matchesfashion.com
3. Clare V snake embossed clutch, $235, nordstrom.com
4. Gucci socks, $100, gucci.com
5. H&M loafers, $29, hm.com
5. SLVLAKE jeans, $310, netaporter.com

check up

$95, nordstrom

I have big plans for this Topshop dress, which include jam-packed work days (with a blazer and heels) and unbridled beach loafing (unbuttoned over a black bikini). Want to join me?

1. Topshop shirt dress, $95, nordstrom.com
2. Theodorra Warre garnet hoop earrings, $228, matchesfashion.com
3. Gucci Beauty in Odalie Red, $42, netaporter.com
4. Loeffler Randall bag, $125, jcrew.com
5. Ulla Johnson boots, $477, shopbop.com

the bright side

Bright and sunny is in the forecast, according to Paris' haute couture show-goers, whose bags are anything but black. Rather, red, pink and green are current faves, especially in the Chanel variety (some vintage ones can be found here and here). These bold beauties by TL-180 (LOVE!), Clare V, Vasic, Bottega Veneta, and Ganni also deliver high-impact, spring-ready style. Oh, and baubles are bright too, just FYI. Come in hot with these by Roxanne Assouline, Bauble Bar, J.Crew, and Shashi.

spot training

$138, j.crew

Relaxed but polished--what more could I ask for?

1. Miu Miu sweater, $840, netaporter.com
2. J.Crew sweater blazer, $138, jcrew.com
3. Reformation jeans, $128, netaporter.com
4. Wicker Wings bucket bag, $176, shopbop.com
5. Ferian Wedgewood signet ring, $769, matchesfashion.com
6. Steve Madden boots, $52, nordstrom.com

mother of pearl

My Timeless Pearly letter pendant, above, is one of the best gifts I've ever received--from myself! I love how it pops against both sweaters and bare skin--and it even works as an earring (on a huggie). And it doesn't come off as precious, just pretty. Especially paired with something lacy, like this, this, and this. (My gold chain link necklace is by Jenna Blake.)

the slip dress

While everyone in LA is chattering about Jennifer Aniston getting back together with Brad Pitt (and that pic at the SAG Awards!), I want to talk about her sexy white slip dress that, in my opinion, could seal any deal! I mean... gooooorgeous! It's a dress that will launch a thousand slips. Like, on all of us: We can work our own real-world red carpets in similar head-turners, with help from a swingy coat or menswear-inspired blazers, such as these by Joseph, The Reformation, JW Anderson, Veronica Beard, Madewell, and Alix (similar to below).

sock hop

This is the time of year, deep into winter, when my washing machine and dryer conspire to steal my socks. One by one they mysteriously disappear to I have absolutely no idea where. And I'm left with an anemic batch of singletons in my drawer. But, don't you worry, I will overcome this crisis--and re-stock with extra stylish, wardrobe-enhancing socks that will be too distinct and cool to get lost in the shuffle. These options by Triple 9 (above), Madewell, Happy Socks, and Gucci (definitely not losing these!) will be too big to hide!

western union

$138, nordstrom

As you can see, a little faux shearling does a lot for denim. (It runs big, so I sized down.)

1. Ganni dress, $225, matchesfashion.com
2. Wrangler denim jacket, $138, nordstrom.com
3. Gianvito Rossi boots, $1695, netaporter.com
3. Maria Black gold and diamond stud, $255, netaporter.com
5. Saint Laurent leather bucket bag, $1290, nordstrom.com