distractions

 

After the fire, the irony of needing a new water bottle isn't lost on me. My Hydroflasks—those indestructible symbols of preparedness—are now ash, and I find myself searching for one so perfect it would justify grabbing it on my way out of another burning house. The thought is absurd, but maybe a bottle by Georg Jensen that gleams like redemption can quench more than thirst. (P.S. If your house didn't burn down, this would make for a good Valentine's Day gift.) Of course, I’m also eyeing other distractions to gloss over the charred edges of my reality: a $170 Target bench (lots of Target shopping right now), a denim trimmed Sandro cardigan, the studded suede Jeffrey Campbell flats, the leopard print And Other Stories jacket and fringed dress, and the Anthropologie scarf-handle bag (take me away!). It’s retail therapy laced with hope, small totems of a future where things will feel whole again.

the jacket

 

Last week, I volunteered as a cashier in my children’s school cafeteria, something I’ve done countless times. But this time, it was anything but ordinary. Outside, thick smoke clouded the sky. It was surreal, standing in a space filled with laughter, chattering children and bustling feet, not really knowing what was happening outside and the magnitude of what was about to unfold. The other volunteers and I were united in this routine of performing the mundane, appearing calm and focused. Then, something unexpected caught my eye. Another mom at a nearby cash register was wearing a beautiful jacket—an olive wool and cashmere cardigan (or was it a jacket?) with a ribbed collar and cuffs. It wasn’t flashy, but something about it stood out. The jacket radiated a quiet resilience... comfort. At the moment though, it wasn’t just a jacket; it felt more like a metaphor: a coat of armor. I ended up cutting out of my shift early to return to the Palisades, to the heart of the fire. But that jacket stayed with me. It now reminds me that even when life feels overwhelming, I can find comfort in small and simple things—a jacket, a smile, the rhythm of everyday tasks. The jacket is by La Ligne.

jeans, anyone?

 

Jeans, anyone? I definitely know some people who could use a pair (or five). I love these barrel-leg Mother jeans, trimmed with navy piping. They're not just your normal everyday jeans--and yet they can be. (Mother was set to open a store in the heart of Pacific Palisades a week from now, but sadly, it too burned down!) I could also use these new styles from TWP (nice side slits), Slvrlake (wide leg but not too wide), Re/Done (because crisp dark denim is coming back), Paige (giving Celine), and Baum and Pfergardgarten (YOLO leopard print). 

get down to business

 

I came across these cool limited edition t-shirts created by Female Founder Collective that will assist LA-based women-owned businesses in urgent need of recovery. Not only do they represent the inextricable bond between LA and NY, but my split personality (native New Yorker, long-time LA resident)! For every donation of $100 or more, you’ll receive a tee, with 100% of the profits providing critical grants to female business owners. Women-owned businesses are 1.5x more likely to close after a natural disaster, and now more than ever, those based in LA urgently need our support! This mission is deeply personal for my friend Ali Wyatt, Co-Founder and CEO of the Female Founder Collective, who lost her Pacific Palisades home. She shares: “When I personally experienced the devastation of losing everything in the fire and seeing my vibrant community be decimated, it became clear what we all needed, and that is hope. Hope is the fabric that weaves us together in tragedy. And by taking action and moving forward, maybe we can be the hope by ensuring women have the resources to survive and rebuild—because when they thrive, our communities thrive.” You can contribute here. 

P.S. If anyone in my neighborhood is looking for quick, affordable and spot-on wardrobe replenishments, I know someone who can offer up some great recommendations ;), starting with the $54 denim jacket, below, this cinched quilted jacket, this twill (Chanel-y) blazer, and this cute pinstriped blouse. 

palisades fire

 

Last Tuesday feels like a blur, a day I’d give anything to forget. I still see it vividly though: the dark plume of smoke rising in the rearview mirror as I left Pacific Palisades to volunteer at my children's school. Just an hour later, I was racing back, frantic, my heart pounding as a volcanic cascade of ash and brown haze swallowed P.C.H., blotting out the sun. Now, five days have passed, and I still struggle to grasp the enormity of what's happened. The world we and so many of us once called home has been reduced to nothing but rubble and dust.

Yet, amid this devastation, my wanting to shut my eyes and turn away, I've also come to understand: this isn’t a time to forget--it’s time to remember. To remember the hearty life held within those walls—the forts sturdily built with sofa cushions, the first cannonballs in the pool, endless ping pong round robins, the lived-in kitchen banquette with its frayed cushions, and one last Christmas with the tree still standing tall in the corner. The spirit of that home--the love, the laughter, the tears, the heartbreak, all the memories--lives on in every corner of my mind, forms the foundation of my being, and threads through the fabric of who we are as a family. 

For now, my heart is set on helping those in my community, supporting those who have lost even more than I have. If you'd like to join me in this effort, please reach out to me at marlien@lecatch.com 

two for one

 

Never mind that I hadn't seen 99% of the movies nominated for a Golden Globes, I still enjoyed the show on Sunday night, particularly comedian Nikki Glaser's razor-sharp wit and playful jabs, Demi Moore's "measuring up" acceptance speech, and Zendaya's copper-colored Louis Vuitton and sparkly engagement announcement. Another captivating statement: Cate Blanchett's chic-to-repeat gold sequin gown, gorgeously accessorized with TWO extra big/blingy ear cuffs that looked both elegant and edgy--and also real-life doable! I want to pull this off too with this under $200 option from Demarson (below), Shashi ($88!), this one or this Adina Reyter, Speaking of dazzling two-for-one statements: the denim collared knit rugby ($56), above, is the kind of the thing that will make January slightly more tolerable, along with Tuckernuck's faux fur and ribbed knit jacket and faux leather and shearling pullover. 

vacay vibes

 

Does anyone else feel like they need a vacation from their vacation? I have a hunch I am not the only one daydreaming about doing absolutely nothing on this first Monday of 2025.  But if there is one thing I am motivated to do, it's plan my next warm weather escape--with an assist from Shopbop's Vacation Shop. The masterfully-curated edit has me already packing--mentally at least! I'll take vintage Chanel brooches on seersucker gingham any day (and even wear them now on a coat), bow-trimmed lace-up sandals for here and there, a standout suit by Ancora (or two!), as well as an Alemais drop-dead gorgeous cover-up/dress. Come away with me and book your journey here! 

stud muffin

 

$69, h&m

For the everyday red carpet! 

1. H&M studded shirt, $69, hm.com

2. Toteme jeans, $390, netaporter.com

3. Maria McManus pinstriped blazer, $1690, netaporter.com

4. And Other Stories 18K gold earrings, $129, stories.com

5. Lemaire leather shoes, $725, mytheresa.com

 

First Substack of the year is out, and it's all about embracing life's real luxuries--slow mornings, healthy choices, "boring days," traveling, and meaningful conversations. Read how I recently indulged myself--and looked cute in the process (La Double J, Maison Mayle, Kiki Vargas, Thatch Jewelry, Adina Reyter)! 

miu miu mimicry

 

$164, nordstrom

I read somewhere that in 2025 dupes will be in. 

1. The Row cashmere turtleneck, $1290, mytheresa.com

2. High Sport pants, $890, netaporter.com

3. Chloe cashmere cape coat, $2034, bergdorfgoodman.com*

4. Demarson ear cuff, $175, shopbop.com

5. Jeffrey Campbell sneakers, $164, nordstrom.com

*Sourced at Bergdorf Goodman's crazy epic sale!