soft sell
Friday, November 13
We finally got to wear our sweaters last night at the NY Islanders game in LA, and a friend stylishly zipped up in Zara cashmere gave me a reason to add to my well-priced collection. I’ve always cared more about the right neckline and sleeves than the tag at the back of my neck, and the affordable options are making that choice increasingly easy right now. So much comes down to the yarn, the cut, and how it falls—all things a designer label doesn’t automatically improve. (Okay, well, a few exceptions here and here.) Among the options I’m eyeing: Zara’s wool-blend quarter-zip, above, this spot-on red Alex Mill (no wonder everyone I know has it!), Cos’s cashmere (also justifiably a viral sensation), and Quince’s $120 cashmere crewnecks. Add great jeans, a necklace, sleeves pushed up—and we’re good to go!
the small things
Thursday, November 12
There’s a sticker on my laptop that says “enjoy the little things,” which feels like my mantra right now. I spend enough time staring at it that it’s finally sinking in. And lately, it’s the smallest details are doing the heavy lifting: the earrings I never take off, now practically part of my anatomy; the pendants I switch out constantly, each meaningful in its own sparkling right. Then there are the little adjustments that make the whole outfit: a button-down tied around my waist or shoulders. A cardigan’s seam flipped just enough to reveal its contrasting interior (above), which, as far as I’m concerned, makes the sweater. An unexpected pop of turquoise. And leopard print. Together! A bag charm for a little bit of fun (I’m getting so many compliments on my green Amazon bag!). Sometimes the best part of getting dressed is discovering something I already own has a lot more to give! Clearly, my laptop has been offering wardrobe advice all along—and keeps giving me more to consider, and today that includes Reformation’s cuffed jeans, Zara’s leather pouches, a cascading vintage-looking brooch from Massimo Dutti, Roxanne Assoulin’s myriad (well-priced) charms, and the mega necklace (under $300) to fool everyone!
take-aways
Wednesday, November 11
I’ve been driving all over LA for work events this past week, which means spending equal amounts of time catching up with colleagues and explaining why I’m late. Still, I always come home with something besides a view fun photos. Among the highlights gleaned this week: Tab is the new Instinct. My Soul Vibe is THE anti-anxiety app people are insisting I download. New must-try tools for letting go (just discovered here); and the Dorsey earrings seem to have a standing invitation to every party I attend. There’s also a lot of talk about the jackets (and robes as coats!) we’d be wearing if LA would actually act like it’s November. (For insane knits, hit this for half off). Below, a few worth having on standby for our hopefully imminent winter from Atorie (can’t decide which color), Line & Dot (so hard to place!), Ducie, and Lufian (love this line!!). Oh, and my contribution to the conversations? The teardrop crystal pouch, above, and my La DoubleJ collar that everyone kept asking about, below, plus a little unsolicited shoe-clip evangelism. There’s always room for another convert: Tibi’s toe-charm sandals—in three color options, no less!
homebody
Tuesday, November 10
It’s been go, go, go, and then some lately: work meetings spilling into dinner plans, dinner plans turning into late nights on my laptop, and the next morning arriving before I’ve recovered from the day before. Which might explain why sitting on the sofa at home feels like a getaway destination at this point. Naturally, I’ve put some thought into what would make staying in even better: the softest throw blanket, healthy veggies cooked as beautifully as they are served, flattering lamplight, sweats worth answering the door in, and a boucle ottoman/footstool ($145) to make putting my feet up a literal plan. A few more upgrades to make leaving home harder—and, with the sales already underway, less reason to: these medical-grade reusable under-eye patches, the framed art print, below, the washable rug, above, a basket to keep the clutter out of sight, a statement pillow or two (read: a new look for an old chair), and the prettiest Serena & Lily bed linens (procured at 40% off!) and towels.
looks designer
Tuesday, November 10
The first thing I mistook for designer this morning wasn’t even in the Shopbop Designer Half-Off Sale. It was the sumptuous Sézane bag above, with its folded leather and little gold chain threaded right through it, oozing with Chloe’s je ne sais quois. But, of course there’s more: the embroidered RRL blouse I’m eyeing (last pic, buttons unbuttoned!) is somewhere between Bode and Etro. And at Quince, it’s the styling I want to steal. A layered cardigan fastened a little askew, and suddenly I’m thinking Céline. Then there are Walmart’s $47 embellished jeans (again!), the Miu Miu-ish leather bag (stocking stuffer!) charms at & Other Stories, and Maria La Rosa’s $78 satin bandana pouches (I also love in blue!). Also totally compelling: Goop’s sculptural little silver vessel looks like something from a vintage design store but it’s actually a refillable lip balm, made with an ingredient derived from a microorganism NASA identified and researchers later studied aboard the International Space Station. I was sold at the case, but I do appreciate that my lip balm has a better backstory than most of what’s in my bag!! Oh, as for Shopbop’s sale, my picks: this Versace bag, this Marc Jacobs leopard print jacket, and this party-hearty Ulla Johnson.
powder dressing
Tuesday, November 10
Skiing is officially on my holiday calendar. El Niño is picking up, there’s talk of near-historic snowfall averages in the Sierras, and I’ve already mentally rounded up to an epic powder day. I’d like to be prepared and, obviously, cute. Good timing, then, for Halfdays x Guest in Residence’s limited edition capsule, which just dropped. The $100 red waffle top and $100 waffle leggings, below, each cost less than a day on Buttermilk, which is apparently how I do ski math now. And the knits are entirely sea-level chic. I’d wear the Highland cashmere turtleneck with jeans and loafers (that look like The Row but are not) in LA tomorrow. Cordova’s new lineup is Cloud Nine-level good , and so are Varley’s chic fleeces (see below, also in the best colors). The magic, I think, will be in the mixing and matching—with extras: a $26 cashmere bandana scarf, a $35 cashmere beanie, and stylish apres-ready snow boots! P.S. I also love Performance Ski’s Ajax-coded zip-ups and puffers, second to last picture, and Jorde’s monochromatic sets! P.P.S. White + Warren’s cashmere fringe, last photo, and other statement knits will be HALF off tomorrow for just 48 hours. Add to cart now!
trickle down prada
Monday, November 9
I always keep an eye out for the first signs of runway trickle-down. This morning, it was all happening below the ankle. Celine’s just-out lace-up bootie, below, is already sold out—but Larroudé’s very good version is now up for preorder (mine is coming late December).Then there are Prada’s 2027 gem-encrusted shoe clips, above, which will be all over the place by spring. A little trickle-down Prada is already happening at Tuckernuck, and with three parties on my calendar, I’m thinking my classic black pumps could some shine! I also just got a pair of Aerosoles kitten heels with a sparkling crystal bow built right in. They’re beyond comfortable and will fool everyone. They also come in boots; more sizes here). Coco already tried to steal them! I also love these elegant pumps with a pearl and crystal brooch.
feathers ahead
Friday, November 6
There’s research suggesting that the years feel shorter as we get older. My less scientific evidence: I tried on this fun ostrich feather belt at TWP’s showroom in June (below), apparently blinked, and now it’s November. I remember thinking it would be so good for the holidays (proof, above). I just assumed I had a lot longer to figure out the rest of my winter wardrobe. So, what am I wearing this week? Last night, Walmart sparkles got a reception well beyond their $47 price point. The Guest in Residence cardigan, below, helped (P.S. the new collection is bonkers good). Plus, a little burnt-out vintage-looking velvet, a statement earring (that’s affordable!), a leather cummerbund, a beaded bag from Mango, everyday $50 gems, and open-toe sandals with no plans to snowbird. Even the weeks are skipping ahead: some Black Friday sales have already started. Cos, below, is 20% off site-wide, plus primo designers are majorly marked down at My Theresa (Valentino top, below, sadly not included)—and yet here I am still getting dressed for Friday!
