Seriously, the blooming spring tulips on my dining table have never looked prettier. Perhaps it's because of the new statement vase they're in? Or maybe it's just the extra gratitude I have for small pleasures these days. I'm talking about the little things that yield big bonus vibes, like the velvety decadent (CBD-infused!) Prima Body Butter Lotion that I've been slathering on my skin every morning, these pre-Zoom/House Party Shiseido eye masks (which win all the beauty awards for good reason--they seriously work!) or this random Mango chain belt that makes everything look like Chanel. Which brings me to the subject of look-good, feel-good clothes I'd like to wear now, but will settle for wearing later, including the head-to-toe WFH floral situation, above (the big shirt collars are so spot on!), for now and later, and this goooorgeous 30% Etoile Isabel Marant, these peppy, exercise-incentivizing La Double J leggings, these marked-down Tory Burch raffia sandals, this striped knit Zara, and this unabashedly pretty (20% off!) Alice & Olivia balloon-sleeve blouse (I also love the summer-exuberant on-sale dress, below!). Big little vibes, people. That's where it's at. :)
Among the issues I've been struggling with lately is whether I should keep writing Le Catch, as shopping feels so … excessive right now. However, according to the New York Times: "[Shopping] is also an essential part of our
economy; retail is an enormous source of employment and creative
expression." For some, the temptation to shop--or just the opposite!--might spring from the staggering amount of sale emails flooding our inboxes. The Times explains, "When you see “25 percent off,” instead of seeing “DEAL,” you should actually see “WARNING.” And also “HELP." It’s
easy to lose track of where we are on the calendar when we are cooped
up and weekends bleed into workdays...but we all know
this is not sale time. Except it is, because this is crisis time." And since brick-and-mortar stores are closed, The Times article points out, "Online sales are the only source of revenue [retailers and designers] have to keep their
employees paid and their business afloat." So, with that in mind I am going to support my nearest and dearest in fashion, like jewelry designer Jenna Blake (necklaces, above), who, bless her, is donating 100% of her anchor link sales to front line responders, NYC-based Jane Mayle (maker of my blouse, above) Clare V, Natalie Martin, Haney (35% off site-wide), Draper James, Doen, Adina Reyter, goop, and Marysia (who just launched an eco-friendly collection). I have an edit of big retailer sales in the works and will serve up shortly!
My workout clothes have been waiting their entire lives for this moment. They get to be in the limelight almost around the clock--typically till late afternoon as that's when I get around to showering these days. Plus, they're actually reveling in sweaty action every single day (a current mental-health must!). On account of this, I thought I'd share with you my unflappable favorites, based not only on their hard-working performances as of late but their cuteness factor--of course, the more interesting, the better. They include the gingham (lightweight yet has a slick, holds-everything-in fit) Upside leggings, above, this asymmetrical (sexy!) seamless sports bra by Alo (40% off!), these $39 striped J.Crew leggings, this $15 yoga-ready Gap top (all my friends are doing Tom Morley's class via Zoom and loving his playlists), these super stylish tie-dye Phat Buddha leggings (for streaming Tracy Anderson always super stylish workouts via Goop), and these colorful, run-around-the-hood Splits 59.
P.S. Nordstrom is having a bananas 40% off sale, and the active wear selection is vast. Good time to stock up, in my book!
I am well aware that retail therapy can't solve problems--but I can assure you it can mitigate a bad mood. In fact, I can vouch for this, having just bought a few giddily affordable pieces from H&M's new eco-friendly Conscious Collection. Everything is made from at least 50% sustainably sourced materials, such as
organic cotton and recycled polyester. For instance, the ruffled beauty, below, is rendered from a natural biodegradable material harvested from recycled denim and other used textiles. I love all these dresses here, from the striped kaftan, above, to the short sequin stunner, third photo down, to the short print billowy dress, crafted from cotton voile. Browse the whole feel-good, look-good collection, including jeans, sandals, jewelry and other accessories here.
A marathon-long chain group text
message between my group of
friends is everything right now, particularly the humorous, uplifting memes and posts. Given how much I like to travel, the one above made me giggle at 3.45AM this morning (anyone else having trouble sleeping?!)--and inspired me to fantasize about about what I'd wear to some of the exotic locales mentioned above. After all, a little laughter never hurts, right? For Costa Del Balconia--I hear it's splendid this time of year--what about this new and gorgeous Rebecca Taylor (25% off!) or this reversible Mink Pink? Ultra-plush Santa Bedroomes call for these ultra-plush Lake pajamas (the equivalent of sleeping in a Four Seasons bed, no joke), while this cozy cardigan from Target(!) will be right at home in Los Lounges. For lovely Porto Gardenas, I'd breeze around in this pretty-in-pink Warehouse (20% off!) or this floral Antik Batik blouse. No, I don't have cabin fever. OK, well, maybe just a little. ;)
While filming from the basement of her home, Today Show's anchor Savannah Guthrie asked, "Is there a statute of limitations on how many days in a row you can wear the same sweatpants?" IMHO, yes! And yes, I've been watching too much TV! While comfort is indeed most desirable right now, crustiness is not. So, I thought I'd share my tried-and-true home-bound favorites, all perpetually worn by yours truly. In no particular order, they hail from Monrow (the softest and lightest french terry, hands down), Suzi Kondi (sweatpants, but make them cuff-leg, cotton-velour fashion), Plush (fleece-lined, Gucci-ish), and J.Crew (cashmere, on sale, enough said). FYI: I'm also throwing in easy (more sexy/less sloth) dresses into the mix, including the above by Sir The Label (bra too!), this bell-sleeved Natalie Martin, and this backless Free People (with a cardigan or blazer now, backless this summer.) Stay comfy, stay well!
This weekend at home had me traversing unfamiliar corners of the world wide web (read: avoiding bleak news). I discovered an amazing live auction at The Fashion Illustration Gallery, featuring works by artists like Rosie McGuinness, above. I stocked up on new yummy recipes at The Feed Feed (using pantry staples!) and Crave and Cook (zucchini carrot fritters!); indulged in a self-help, anti-anxiety podcast (The Science of Happiness: Who Would You Be Without Them?) and quickie Insta-therapy sessions via Milan-based designer JJ Martin (so helpful!). P.S. I also have to add that this weekend I received some treats from trawling my usual spots pre-lockdown, including these Topshop jeans (think ultra-comfy, cutting-edge Celine silhouette for $56!) that I will be living in for the foreseeable future, these super cute beaded rope And Other Stories sandals (as seen on my Instagram), and so, so randomly, this game-changing hair-dryer, recommended by my in-front-of the-camera friends.
Art: Rosie McGuiness
In other important breaking news, spring is here!
1. H&M floral dress, $49, hm.com
2. Anita Berisha gold tone and pearl earrings, $250, netaporter.com
3. KNC Beauty Supa Balm in mint, $22, netaporter.com
4. Balenicaga woven tote, $272, therealreal.com
5. Schutz sandals, $165, shopbop.com
While cooking dinner the other night, I received a text from a health nut friend, sharing her personal stay-strong measures. One of her easy-to-follow strategies: get dressed in the morning! Mind over matter, she explained, saying that doing something you'd normally do helps you feel normal (i.e., less stressed, better for your immune system!)--and ready to face the day. I could not agree more. After all, I feel empowered when I wear something I like and even better when the clothes and accessories are designed by friends and locally-based brands, knowing each style is imbued with imagination, inspiration and hard work. My girls over at Doen, above, just launched their gorgeous spring collection, and in light of the times, are offering 15% off and donating a portion of the sale proceeds to Planned Parenthood, an organization that provides health care to all. I snapped up the striped blouse, above! Another designer friend Jenna Blake (coveting this and this) is donating to No Kid Hungry, which works to end childhood hunger. Then there are my much-loved locals extending deep discounts (read: shopping incentives) on their prized goods like Haney, offering 35% off site-wide (this and this) and Beautycounter, below, (stocking up on this and this). Even the big-wigs are jumping into action, like Net-A-Porter offering 15% off brand new spring silhouettes as well as Nordstrom featuring 25% off desirables like this, this, this and this. There are so many businesses, small and big, currently struggling and I know not everyone can shop right now or even wants to, but I hope my spreading the word can help foster communal support.
A few months ago, J.Crew shot its new spring collection in L.A., featuring my twin sister and me (see below)! As J.Crew explained via Instagram, "Although our world has dramatically shifted
since then, we still wanted to share it with you. We love its optimism and
colorful spirit, and we hope it brightens up your day, even just a
little." Ditto! Plus, I really, really love the collection, with its re-kindled, cool-again styles, reminiscent of its Jenna Lyons heydays. And all of it is 30% off right now with this code!! Like the tie-back striped tee, above, that I'll wear forever, this pretty pansy-print dress, this Coco-inspired tweed-striped, jeweled button cardigan, this wear-everywhere ruffled wrap dress, these cute sailor jeans, and this punchy one-shoulder print maxi. Check out the entire collection here.
I realize that pining for the past (and far-away, carefree locales like The Brando, above) won't get me anywhere, but I must confess that escapting to Sale Land--where both real-life and getaway clothes are aplenty--is pretty transporting. At least for now. Shopbop woos with up to 70% off new spring/summer styles that we'll look forward to wearing and let us self-high-five right this minute. I'm gravitating toward pieces that work extra hard currently like these do-it-all slim-fitting Paige Jeans, these fashion girl-favorite SLVRLKE jeans, or these high-waist, wide-leg AG jeans, plus these cute bandana-print Adam Selman leggings and this one-and-done C/Meo Collective jumpsuit. Soon-to-wow (and in the meantime mentally whisk-me-away) statements include the similar-to-above Farm Rio lovely, this pretty Hemant and Nandita, this floral Warm beauty, this Rebecca Taylor toile top, this woven Clare V tote (inspired by the collab I did!), these Lele Sadoughi drop earrings, and this aptly named "Bali Dress" by Ibiza-based designer Celia B. Shop the whole deal here!
Like you, I spent the weekend hunkered down at home, fretting, reading, cooking, cleaning, waiting for the rain to stop, eating too much ice cream (why though??), and yelling at my kids to get off their devices. Despite my social (i.e., physical) isolation, I connected with friends via text/FaceTime to exchange recipes (the BEST chocolate chip cookies and yummiest carrot ginger soup), family-friendly board games (Monopoly Deal, Rummykub, Mad Gab, and Taboo), binge-worthy shows (McMillions, Dark, Little Fires Everywhere), and page-turners (Giver of Stars, Conviction). We also discussed how we can best help those in need around us (Baby2Baby, Feeding America). During this new normal time, I figure I will keep serving up fashion content to provide hopefully welcome distractions and do my little part to help retailers and designers stay in business. For now, I hope you all stay healthy at home.
Considering the news' non-stop curve balls, I thought you'd might enjoy some of my recent uplifting discoveries. First, Glennon Doyle's just-out memoir Untamed is all I can think about when I'm not reading it. In short, it's about self-love, self-acceptance and self-trust, and all of it is so inspiring and universally resonant. (For the Cliff Notes/condensed version, listen to Goop's podcast "When You Quit Being Good.") Also feel-good because it makes me look good is Beauty Counter's cult product Brilliant Brow Gel. I just started using it and I'm loving how it makes my brows look fuller and thicker, but most importantly, totally natural. Seriously, obsessed! And since there's no place like home right now, I'll be cozying up with True Botanicals' new glow-inducing Clay Detoxifying mask, Beauty Chef's Well Kit to bolster my immune system, these Clare V x Anthropologie pillows for lying low, and Vitamin D-ing in the above floral Rhode top. For future big nights out, I'll be prepped with this giddily affordable Paco Rabanne-spirited disc-sequin dress (worn under an oversized black blazer). Stay healthy!
An everyday shirt that goes the extra ruffly mile, plus complements my new favorite jeans, or this...
1. Gap ruffled shirt, $42, gap.com
2. Staud leather pants, $406, matchesfashion.com
3. Bottega Veneta sunglasses, $385, ssense.com
4. NARS Lip Lacquer in Freestyle, $26, nordstrom.com
5. Justine Clenquet bracelet, $90, shopbop.com
6. Jacquemus basket tote, $460, netaporter.com
7. Jaggar sandals, $152, shopbop.com
Boom! And just like that I not only own the best jeans to date, but two pairs: black and dark denim, both by Citizens of Humanity. They boast a straight-leg silhouette, high waist and crop that hits ever-so-flatteringly just below the ankle. I can wear them with sandals, heels and boots--truly everything!
Future party planning starts now...
1. Mango polka dot maxi, $119, mango.com
2. Luv Aj Diamonte Hoops, $65, shopbop.com
3. Gucci Baume a Levres in Penelope, $42, netaporter.com
4. Gucci tweed wallet on chain, $1450, neimanmarcus.com
6. Gianvito Rossi lace-up sandals, $775, netaporter.com
Everything about the above outfit is perfection--its balance of ease and polish, uptown and downtown, feminine and masculine. But I'm even more obsessed with the person wearing it. Her name is Frannie Gilligan, and you may recognize her as Clare V's beautiful, bag-toting model. (Designer Clare Vivier happens to be her aunt!). Frannie compels me not only to stock up on all of Clare V's amazing bags, including the just-out woven tote, above (20% off here!), but also to want whatever she's wearing. Let's start with Frannie's vintage Levi's jeans, above, which she procured at Mille. They boast a high waist, straight leg and perfect length (i.e., most flattering combo ever). I found the most excellent versions from Levi's here and here as they're sold out everywhere else (I'd cut the hem to adjust length and for worn-in effect). Then there are Frannie's signature retro-chic, wear-with-everything loafers by Tod's, her cat-eye sunglasses, her adorable Peter Pan-collared blouses, like this and this, her pretty floral dresses (this, this and this) and, of course, her aunt's latest spring bags, including the Petit Bateau (third pic below, on sale here), metallic midi-sac (immediately below, also on sale) and this punchy lizard-embossed clutch (my fave and also on sale!).
Photos: Clare V, Frannie Gilly
I am more than ready for carefree days, spring breezes, warm sunshine and flowy dresses. You? You might be after checking out some of my on-sale but new-to-market dresses, including the floral Free People, above. Also tempting: this shoulder-tie check C/Meo Collective (throw a cropped black blazer on top), this gorgeous ivory Acler, this pretty and clever Rococo Sand dress-meets-skirt, this striped-mini Parker, and this ethereal, embroidered Capulet.
Coming in hot: cropped blazers! The Chanel runway in Paris yesterday was chock full of them and, naturellement, and so were the boulevards. Proof here! The fit is oversized, but the details are striking and feminine. I found a few inexpensive vintage ones here, here and here, and also these newbies from J.Crew (or this Chanel-y one), Nanushka, Acne Studios, and Zara. (The ones pictured here are from Chanel and Dior.)
Okay, people, here's respite from all the bad news out there: Shopbop just launched an exceptionally great sale, featuring new and amazing spring styles at up to 25% off (discount code here). There's tons of stuff I want and love, but I've whittled it down a bit to these Loeffler Randall sandals, above, this cutest-thing-ever Jennifer Zeuner heart necklace, these cool cream trouser-like BLDWN high-rise jeans, this (all-the-rage) chain-link under-$100 Studio 33 bag, this pretty yet simple Free People floral dress, this super chic, super versatile white Ramy Brook dress, these perfectly-cut Agolde jeans, this Veronica Beard leopard-print maxi (beach to street, baby!), this spot-on ruffled APC blouse, and these year-round Loeffler Randall booties. Check out all the goodness here!
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