My friend (and Lucky Magazine's senior fashion editor), Elle Strauss is a constant source of style inspiration to me. She's always perfectly dressed whether in New York, LA, on location, which she often is, or even while buzzing around town with her toddler daughter. Every occasion we get together, I find myself dissecting her outfit and interrogating her about the provenance of her coat, bag, shoes, jewelry, etc. She happily participates in these Q&A's, so here are a few of my favorites from her amazing wardrobe: a statement designer bag with staying power, like this Chloe duffel; a polished-meets-edgy black leather motorcycle jacket, such as this one by Alexander Wang (on sale!); a durable, wear-with-everything pair of black booties (she swears by these fringed Steve Madden ones); along with a lot of Isabel Marant, and a good amount of lace. She also loves a good red lip (Nars' Dragon Girl is her favorite). To get further inspired as well as a few fail-proof outfit ideas, check out Elle's recent feature on Refinery 29 here.
A denim jacket in a polished, ladylike (very Chanel Spring 2013) silhouette is endlessly versatile and forever stylish.
1. Christopher Kane silk organza dress, $3080, netaporter.com
2. J.Crew denim quilted jacket, $198, jcrew.com
3. Deux Lux striped clutch, $65, shopbop.com
4. Alexander Wang ankle strap pumps, $495, shopbop.com
I've been on the lookout for a color-block blouse, ever since I came across the picture, below, of a French Vogue editor wearing a Celine version, which I wrote about here. Her shirt is from seasons ago, but J.Crew's take, above, which just hit the racks today, is every bit as vibrant, pinstripe-y, all-purpose, Gallic-girl cool.
Photo: Grazia
Yes, even Target is on sale right now and, as you might expect, the offerings are deeply discounted and ridiculously tempting, particularly the Target x Neiman Marcus collection, which includes this super versatile metallic Marc Jacobs pouch (it also comes in rose gold). Also compelling: a chic black lacquer Altuzzara(!) tray, a Diane Von Furstenberg yoga mat(!), and a Lela Rose lace top, all half off, all perfect for last-minute gifting! I'd throw this little clutch into the everyday mix with...
1. Dear Cashmere sweater, $364, mytheresa.com
2. Rika print jacket, $336, matchesfashion.com
3. Marc Jacobs metallic pouch, $34, target.com
4. Acquazzura cut-out pumps, $346, shopbop.com
5. Topshop jeans, $80, topshop.com
I hope you are having an enjoyable holiday. It's a special time of year, and I am feeling grateful for the opportunity to be with family and friends and to reflect on the past year and the future.
To that end, as I sit here putting the finishing touches on Lucky's March issue cover story, I am thinking about some big news I have to share with you: I am leaving Lucky at the end of the year to pursue LE CATCH full-time! It's exciting, but a little scary too, as this will be the first time in my career that I will be 100% entrepreneuring on my own and not working for a magazine.
I will truly miss Lucky and my colleagues there and am so grateful for having had the opportunity to work with so many great people (Editors Kim and Brandon and so many more) from Lucky's founding to the present. The magazine was an innovator from the start, and its early success was a key catalyst for fashion magazines across the board (even Vogue!) transforming themselves into more accessible and shop-able publications.
LE CATCH has been an amazing experience for me, and I want to thank you for reading and supporting it. I honestly would not have the confidence to dedicate myself to it full-time without your loyal readership and your supportive emails and comments. I look forward to continuing the journey with you!
xxMarlien
One of most favorite gifts under the tree was a J.Crew tunic, which I had written about a few weeks ago. Even though it will be awhile before I can throw it over a salt-encrusted bikini, I know that ultimately I will get major mileage out of it. Plus, there's something about having to wait to wear it: when the time finally comes, it will feel like a new present all over again. Which brings me to this Missoni playsuit. It seems like an obnoxiously inappropriate proposition right now, not only because we're all a bit shopped out from the holidays, but, of course, it's the dead of winter. But then again, think about its intrinsic delayed gratification--and how utterly chic--i.e., strikingly different from a garden variety kaftan or tunic--it will be. I can so see a bronzed Italian girl wearing this over a black bikini, or even a white filmy tank, with lots of gold jewelry and a cute straw hat. Wearing this may even make me look (more) like one! And, lastly, most temptingly: it's on sale (reduced from $795!).
1. Missoni jumper, $278, theoutnet.com
2. J.Crew straw fedora, $58, jcrew.com
3. J.Crew bikini top, $48, jcrew.com; bottom, $48, jcrew.com
4. Jules Smith cuff, $100, charmandchain.com
5. Wendy Mink turquoise wood bracelet, $98, charmandchain.com
6. Lancome Vernis in Love nail polish, $15, saksfifthavenue.com
7. K. Jacques thong sandals, $245, shopbop.com
Believe it or not, high on my list of things I'd like for Christmas is a simple white t-shirt. Except it's not all that simple: it has to fit perfectly, have a flattering neckline, look slightly distressed, feel comfortable, not be overly sheer or too thick and heavy--and go with everything I own. In other words, it is the type of thing my hubby could never pick out for me, unless I find it first and then publish it on LE CATCH of course. That being said, do any of you have a favorite? I'm studying these guys from Splendid, Helmut Lang, and Vince. If and when I find the perfect match, I will let you know, and of course buy multiples of it (and one in gray, too)!
Loose and relaxed, these trousers are as comfy as sweatpants, but the bold and so-right-now tribal print gives them a polished, wear-everywhere edge. I like them styled just the way I found them on Nasty Gal, cardigan unbuttoned...
1. Kain tank top, $85, netaporter.com
2. Madewell cardigan (unbuttoned!), $69, madewell.com
3. J. Crew distressed leather belt, $48, jcrew.com
4. Kenneth Jay Lane 22-karat gold link bracelet, $125, charmandchain.com
5. House of Harlow bangle, $80, charmandchain.com
6. Diane Von Furstenberg suede pumps, $194, shopbop.com
7. Nasty Gal tribal print pants, $68, nastygal.com
Entertaining is a little off topic for LE CATCH, but it's something I enjoy doing. I'll admit it: I am a party girl. I love going to parties and occasionally throwing them. Over the years, I have collected an array of platters, trays, bowls, and wine glasses that don't get as much as play as they deserve, but when they do come out of the cupboards, it's always fun to dress them up with delicious treats. So, when The Chalkboard asked me to open up my kitchen (and refrigerator and utensils drawer!) and show them how I like to throw together a little soiree, I obliged, with the caveat that while I like to party I am far from an expert party-thrower. You can check out my festive cocktail spread and their Q&A with me here.
A wardrobe staple rendered in leather is simply too good to pass up. The ways to wear it are endless, and how ever you do, you can count on looking polished, slightly edgy, and totally up to speed. I'd sleek it up with...
1. Topshop leather t-shirt, $170, topshop.com
2. Bauble Bar gold constellation studs, $24, baublebar.com
3. Christopher Kon clutch, $215, shopbop.com
4. Fendi calf hair booties, $591, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. Miss Selfridge faux leather skirt, $50, missselfridge.com
Italian fashion editor and stylist Viviana Volpicella is the essence of Italian chic. She has a penchant for vibrant hues, high-impact prints and sexy, head-turning accessories. What I particularly love about her style is her ability to wear a statement-y piece (or five!) without looking contrived or over the top. Take a cue from some of Volpicella's molto bene looks assembled here, and incorporate some of her signatures pieces, such as a vivid chain link bracelet, a graphic skirt, a bold fur jacket, and a pair of old-school black Ray Bans, (or for fun, heart sunglasses!), into your wardrobe.
With Isabel Marant ushering in a decidedly bohemian movement with her Spring 2013 collection, you can definitely count on seeing more gypset-spirited accessories out and about, like this clutch from Antik Batik (on sale, at 56% off). The only hesitation I have is whether to give this baby away or keep it all for myself, since I can totally imagine it with...
1. DAY Birger et Mikkelsen crochet dress, $400, netaporter.com
2. Jennifer Zeuner gold vermeil chain necklace, $220, shopbop.com
3. Topshop articulated ring, $20, topshop.com
4. Antik Batik embellished clutch, $118, theoutnet.com
5. Acquazurra cut-out sandals, $485, shopbop.com
If you are a LE CATCH devotee, then you already know I am a Topshop devotee. Years ago, before Topshop shipped to or had any retail stores in the U.S., I used to fly from LA to make what felt like bank robbery raids on their London stores (so good were the scores). Upon returning home with my loot, everyone would obsess over the amazing pieces which were otherwise rarely if ever spotted in NY, let alone LA. Of course those days are now over, and though I kind of miss the feeling that Topshop was my little secret (not to mention a good excuse to go to London), the silver lining is that today we all get to shop all the goodness that is Topshop from the comfort of the couch.
Given the above, I am pretty excited that Topshop recently anointed LE CATCH as one of their "favourite fashion blogs" and asked me to highlight my favorites from their current selection for a feature on their site. You can see them here!
Everyone is salivating over Stella McCartney's just-out leopard print pants. It's completely understandable as this animal print has major staying power, and it was already spotted in many pre-Fall 2013 collections. It's no wonder, then, that Stella's pants have spawned some wildly good wannabe's, like this pair from Mango (which sold out in its first-run a few weeks ago, but, thankfully, have just been re-stocked). I'd work them with...
1. J.Crew cashmere t-shirt, $128, jcrew.com
2. Topshop moto jacket, $96, topshop.com
3. Club Monaco gold cuff, $59, clubmonaco.com
4. Asos clutch, $23, asos.com
5. Madewell flats, $69, madewell.com
6. Mango leopard pants $59, mango.com
Now here's a good styling trick: This girl winterizes a punchy print lightweight jacket with a simple knit neutral turtleneck. The effect is merry and bright! You can work some winter wonders with these spring-ready jackets from Free People, Isabel Marant Etoile and Rag & Bone.
One of Spring 2013's biggest trends--the railroad stripe--is already in bloom, brandishing these new cute cropped jeans from Club Monaco. (You might recall how designers from Altuzarra to Rag & Bone to Suno played up these pinstripes in their collections.) The stripes are subtle enough that these jeans are just as wearable as your solid blues.
1. Givenchy embellished sweatshirt, $1002, matchesfashion.com
2. Mango leopard print jacket, $129, mango.com
3. Asos quilted bag, $35, asos.com
4. Rachel Roy boots, $247, shopbop.com
5. Club Monaco railroad stripe jeans, $129, clubmonaco.com
LE CATCH got a nice compliment (above) from Gwyneth Paltrow yesterday on her blog goop. Needless to say I am always flattered when someone calls LE CATCH an "awesome fashion blog", but particularly so when that someone happens to be the object of one of my longest running girl-crushes. You can see the the rest of her list of website faves here. Thanks, Gwyneth!
My new Clare Vivier bag is causing quite a stir. I can barely leave the house before the questions and compliments commence. From A-list Hollywood actresses, to editors (Vogue's Meredith Melling Burke already has one), designers, friends, and every other girl on the street in LA and NYC, everyone, it seems, wants to know where this bag came from and how to get one! So here it is in all its glory, and yes I do love mine, and no, I am not worried about everyone having one, since fortunately, the monogramming option helps clare-ify whose is whose. Wear it with...
1. J.Crew sweater, $148, netaporter.com
2. Warehouse coat, $169, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
3. Clare Vivier duffel bag, $460, clarevivier.com
4. Madewell boots, $209, madewell.com
5. Current/Elliot metallic jeans, $73, netaporter.com
It's well documented on this blog how much I adore sequins (see my recent post focused on sequined leggings). So, stop me, if I am being redundant, BUT I thought I'd add that now I'm also taken with sequin trousers, like the kind Leandra Medine (a.k.a., Man Repeller) is wearing. They're arguably more relaxed, less razzle dazzle--and comfortable, too. I just snapped up this silver pair from Topshop (order a size down, because they run big), and I am also hungrily eyeing these navy ones from Madewell and this black pair by Free People.
Photo: Man Repeller
I came across a picture of a cooler-than-cool European woman, perched on a moped, wearing a blue velvet suit and then it hit me: a pair of tailored velvet trousers are most definitely cooler than cool.
1. J. Crew pinstripe blouse, $36, netaporter.com
2. Heather Hawkins layer gemstone necklace, $145, shopbop.com
3. Juicy Couture bracelet, $58, shopbop.com
4. Chloe tote bag, $1137, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Jimmy Choo patent leather pumps, $525, netaporter.com
6. Mango velvet trousers, $79, mango.com
And, by extension, of course, the Daily Beast/Newsweek online (you can see the slideshow here).
While the pre-Fall 2013 collections are currently being unveiled (a synopsis on these shows to come later this week!), pre-Spring 2013 styles are just rolling into stores, including this gorgeous African print peplum stunner from Thakoon Addition. All there is to say about this top is WOW! And don't wait till the weather warms up to wear it!
1. Thakoon Addition African print peplum top, $320, nordstrom.com
2. Madewell sequin cardigan, $135, madewell.com
3. Jil Sander clutch, $494, mytheresa.com
4. Tibi ankle strap heels, $435, shopbop.com
5. Rag & Bone embroidered pants, $268, netaporter.com
A few years ago, I gave away my faux fur-trimmed parka to my sister. She had been fawning over it, and though I liked it myself, she loved it, and thus clothes-karma seemed to obligate my break-up with said parka. Over time though, I began to feel that the break-up might have left a bit of a hole, if not actually in my heart, most definitely in my wardrobe. You just can't deny the goodness (i.e. practicality, warmth, chicness, foreverness) of one of these furry coat-friends. So recently, I've begun the search for a replacement. I'm looking at these ones from Topshop (on sale!), Asos, and Three Floor (my fave).
A year or so ago at a party in Beverly Hills Lauren Santo Domingo shared with me her shopping strategy: Every season she buys a few big investment pieces and wears them over and over again. She proudly proclaimed herself a repeater. But, she added, the key to keeping her looks fresh each time boiled down to standout accessories. Enter this laser-cut (very Alaia) leather belt--and the endless refresh-your-wardrobe possibilities it will yield. Take for example...
1. Tibi neoprene dress, $525, netaporter.com
2. Amor Fati earrings, $42, anthropologie.com
3. Topshop leather belt, $80, topshop.com
4. Acquazurra cut-out suede pumps, $495, shopbop.com
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