french jeans

 

 

I studied French up until 11th grade, and even though now my comprehension is rusty (at best!), I could still extrapolate from a recent Paris Vogue article which jeans are now le plus chic--in other words, I need to buy pronto! Okay, a few bullet points helped: "Le Baggy, Le Flare 70, Le Bermuda, Le Patchwork." The article sent me on a mission to find the best of these styles state-side: the coup de grace loose-fitting and cuffed jeans by Celine, above, are a must and but also these similar ones by NYDJ and Frame for less money; and oui to these flared Levi's, Re/Done, and AGOLDE, these patchwork Victoria Beckham jeans, and these Goldsign bermudas.

coming in haute

 

 

Hell or high water did not hinder Paris' haute couture shows from happening this week, and hallelujah for that! The fashion crew turned up, both IRL and virtually, mainly suited in lock-down staples--i.e., running sneakers, cozy knits, and, of course, masks. But also spotted were also some new stylish must-have's, indicative of a refreshingly different, unhampered future. Among the novelties: lushly textured, slightly over-sized, candy-colored jackets that go uptown and downtown and back (thank you, Chanel, but also think this and this), go-big-or-go-home sequins (I might try this or this!), bright bags (hel-lo Hereu, Reike Nen and Gucci), bold, retro prints (yes and yes, please), and extra crisp, slightly baggy blue jeans (Slvrlake, Reformation and Khaite). Ready for all this new, new, new!

 

  

 

 

layer by layer

 

Amsterdam-based Hollie Mercedes's Instagram feed serves up a masterclass in winter-proof layering. Visual Cliff Notes here. The overarching theme: she employs an unexpected mix of textures, colors and silhouettes, along with clever temperature-adjustable knits to bolster the foundation. Among my favorites: the Kitri zip-up pullover, above, (similar here, here and here), plus neck-covering button-ups, high v-necks, and split collared sweaters like this Varley, Acne Studio, Les Tien, and 360. Warm and toasty toppers like this and this come in for the wintry win!

 

 

Photos: Hollie Mercedes

mrs. dash

 

Might I recommend a dash of splash with your winter hues? After all, they say brights boost the mood--proven with these chunky knits, they do wonders for ho-hum jeans and sneaks. Since I could use major mood boosting, I'm eyeing these bold and beautiful outfit-making options from Ganni (above, on sale!), Anthroplogie, Mango, Blank Denim,  Les Triscots (last pic), Isabel Marant Etoile, and vintage.

rosy picture

$89, and other stories

 

Keeping a rosy view of the future in this pretty ruffled blouse.

 

 

1. And Other Stories sheer ruffled blouse, $89, stories.com

2.  JBrand straight-leg jeans, $245, netaporter.com

3.  M Missoni cardigan, $388, theoutnet.com

4. Ilia Balmy Gloss in Petals, $26, netaporter.com

5. Kenneth Jay Lane link bracelet, $45, shopbop.com

6. Loeffler Randall boots, $395, shopbop.com

heads up

 

With winter storm alerts in 23 states and 60 million of us feeling the brunt of it, fashion's balaclava trend blows in with perfect timing. Credit New York-based Kule for making this winter's go-to and now sold-out accessory (except last one here!)--and for spawning other cool statement-making derivatives from Etsy, Uncommon Goods, Cashmere in Love, and Yves Salomon.

the beltway

 

The second to last weekend of this seemingly endless month had me whipping up the most insanely delicious and easy to execute homemade tomato sauce, deliberating The Owl Cleanse (reportedly, Gwyneth lost 9 pounds in a week!), binging Bling Empire episodes, cheering on Tampa Brady, puckering up with my new go-to Beauty Counter lip gloss, and studying the art of chain-belting, above, and, below. I'd follow suit with this chain belt from Maison Mayle, Etsy, or the real deal vintage Chanel. Onward!

 

 

 

gold rush

$39, zara

 

The snow-dusted mountains above Malibu this weekend(!) didn't stop me from daydreaming about wearing these sandals to warm sandy beaches.

1. Maison Mayle blouse, $425, maisonmayle.com

2. Shashi earring set, $112, shopbop.com

3. ASN hat, $180, freepeople.com

4. Zara metallic sandals, $39, zara.com

5. Ulla Johnson shorts, $147, netaporter.com

hooked

sandro, $285

 

The snap hook gives this wear-everywhere blouse a little extra (Celine-spirited) something!

 

 

1. Sandro snap-hook striped blouse, $285, sandro-paris.com

2. Toteme jeans, $280, matchesfashion.com

3.  Mango lurex cardigan, $49, mango.com

4. Marni leather tote bag, $370, shopbop.com

5. Laura Lombardi ring, $100, netaporter.com

6. Victoria Beckham x Reebok sneakers, $150, shopbop.com

trail blazer

 

Inspired by my Honolulu-based trail-running (and lava rock-hopping!) friend, I discovered these vibrant Nike kicks that are equal parts performance-boosting and eye-popping pretty! I also like them in these vivid colors.

fresh and new

Thankfully, I am not alone this morning in feeling more hopeful for a brighter future, ready and inspired to begin a new chapter. And also dress the part with some fresh and new in my wardrobe, as Net-A-Porter is offering 15% off new spring styles, including the vividly floral Ulla Johnson blouse, above, this super pretty day-to-night Sea dress, this Alex Mill puff-sleeve sweater, this Mara Hoffman getaway frock, this polka-dot Faithfull the Brand, and these Grlfrnd straight-leg jeans. Shop the edit here.

rings and things

 

I bought a dainty little ring for a grieving friend just so she could always look down at her hand and know she's loved. And, guess what, she loved it! Perhaps as an act of self-love I'd like to gift myself the $150 signet pinky ring, above, engraved with an "M!" And as a gift to you, how about the most perfect jeans ever (BTW, Alexa Chung also swears by them): Agolde Vintage High Rise Flares. The slim fit/straight leg ratio is spot-on and exceptionally flattering. I've been wearing them non-stop with this oversized H&M jacket and this cute Amo denim shirt.

oh, hawaii

 

In an effort to screw my head back on (and do some business), I ran away to Hawaii this past weekend. Mother Nature (ocean swims, lava field hikes, whale watching) worked her magic on me, as did Mauna Lani's hospitality. The newly-renovated Auberge hotel pampered with morning green juices, white sand beaches, vibrantly chic decor, sunrise paddles, shooting stars from my balcony--plus the opportunity to wear cute dresses again! (The red hot and polka dot lovelies are by Goop, and I also packed this, this and this!) A real treat, all in all, and I am beyond grateful for the respite. 

 

 

chain of command

 

A friend of mine asked me to help her source a chunky, statement-making gold chain necklace that doesn't cost a fortune. Done: Laura Lombardi's under-$150 gold-plated cable necklace, above, that has Foundrae-like heft minus the hefty price!

blues player

$99, mango

This may be the sleekest jean jacket I've seen in... forever.

1. Doen dress, $300, netaporter.com

2. Mango denim blazer, $99, mango.com

3. Fendi bag, $1030, shopbop.com

4. Timeless Pearly ring, $343, shopbop.com

5. Tory Burch suede boots, $578, shopbop.com

up, up and away

 

"It would be cool if no more things happened for a while," said the first Instagram post on my morning feed. Well, that would be nice! Of course, we all know too well that life doesn't work that way (thank you for the lessons, 2020!). To counterbalance this week's agenda--dodging Covid, witnessing another history-making week in Washington, and, oh, prepping for a record-breaking Polar Vortex, scheduled to snap later this month--I'd thought I'd baby step our way in with some easygoing winter-weekday style inspo, from Emelie Lindmark, above, Nadia Araujo, immediately below, Hollie Mercedes, second image, and Katie Sands, last pic. To get into a good groove, a statement topper is a must. I love Katie's La Double J print puffer (or these less expensive options from Carhartt, Nike and The North Face) and/or an oversized throw-it-on-top-of-everything down vest, like this Uniqlo! But a teddy bear coat can do the warm and fuzzy trick too (like this and this). Another outfit-uplifter is a major bag (yes, please, Celine and Prada, pictured), like this vintage Gucci and this logo-happy Marni. One last thing to keep you distracted: you can now shop my closet at Celebrity Owned!

 

 

sunshine daydream

 

In need of some escapism today? Who isn't?! Australian-based Swedish/Italian model Sara Ramen's Instagram feed offers up loads of sunshine-steeped settings, cerulean seascapes, bursts of bougainvillea and all the dreamy dresses, swimsuits, and accessories to go with. I can practically feel the Vitamin D seeping into my skin as I scroll through her summery images! Here are some of my favorite take-me-away snaps, filled with pieces I want to wear when the weather warms up, such as the Innika Choo dress, above, and top, below (more options here), swimwear and cover-ups from Sir the Label, languid tops and pants from Faithfull the Brand, tailored Sezane denim shorts,  Fella one-pieces, and leather lace-up sandals. 

fits and starts

Lately, my morning run has felt compulsory. As if it's my only chance to see the light of day, if not glimpses of other human beings going about their business. My mind and my heart are definitely benefiting from this rigid daily routine. My knees, not so much. So, I'm inspired to shake things up! Friends are mine are currently raving about Melissa Wood's MHW Method, a series of precise low-impact, highly-effective exercises as well as Sworkit, a customizable boot camp-spirited circuit workout. For further sweat-ready inspo, I'm thinking some new exercise gear would help kick things up a notch, specifically anything from LA-based line Year of Ours, which nails standout sporty spice at a reasonable price (I'm newly obsessed)! Plus: the spotted Beach Riot ensemble, above, the on-sale Gap shorts, below, along with this super cute apres-sweat sherpa cardigan, and you-don't-see-these-everyday stretch organic cotton shorts by Nangata.