doubles match

 

For me, bundling up often means doubling up on sweaters. Customarily, I employ knits in similar if not matching tones--but this pic of Kendall Jenner inspires me to do otherwise! I love the sunshine-bright combo of colors, especially during these bleak winter days. I'd give it a whirl with this and this, this and this, or this and this! And then, to top things off, I'd throw on the dreamy denim Prada jacket, below.

one and done

 

I don't know about you, but my summer countdown has officially begun: there are 143 days till its official start! Not too far off, but still ample time to get in shape for this statement-maker from Cult Gaia! I'd wear it with slouchy boyfriend jeans and an oversized cardigan too!

blazing hot

$119, mango

I'll be blazing through the end of winter in style in this belted jacket.

1. Dodo Bar Or sequin dress, $765, matchesfashion.com

2. Mango blazer, $119, mango.com

3. Nanushka bucket bag, $765, shopbop.com

4. Gianvito Rossi boots, $1750, netaporter.com

just barely

$458, netaporter.com

I am so ready for this!

1. Cult Gaia dress, $458, netaporter.com

2. Vetements cardigan, $1290, matchesfashion.com

3. Loewe raffia bag, $550, mytheresa.com

4. Larroude sandals, $190, shopbop.com
 

boulevard basics

 

Chocolate tulle dresses draped in two kilos of Venetian glass beads may be parading down Paris Couture's catwalks currently, but the boulevards are leaning basic with a soupçon of splash.  Just the way I like it: a high/low, runway-meets-reality blend that's worth pulling off. Every. Single. Day. I'd start by layering my mainstay Levi's denim jacket, Mother straight-leg jeans, and striped button-down shirt with this statement Sacai fair isle knit, this tweed Coco-inspired Veronica Beard blazer, or this Tory Sport fleece, and accessorize with this Valentino rock stud choker, this faux Chanel brooch (that I'd also pin on my jacket or canvas bag), this vintage Prada messenger bag, this end-all, be-all mini Gucci, and these resplendent J.Crew feathers! Bonjour!

quilt it

 

When I walked out of the Golden Bull in Santa Monica the other night, I bumped into a friend wearing the now sold-out Toteme jacket I had recommended on Le Catch a while ago. She reported that the jacket had garnered a zillion compliments--understandably because it looked amazing on her. Well, now I have another head-turner for you that's not yet sold out! It's an oversized quilted shell jacket by The Frankie Shop, pictured above, trimmed with satin. The neutral hue makes it super versatile, and it's big enough that you can layer it over a heavier jacket now--or wear on its own as the weather warms up. It's true perfection, I promise!

warm welcome

 

This weekend's warm Santa Ana winds prompted me to snap up some spring-ready dresses, including this and this by H&M (above and below), along with this statement-maker by Jonathan Simkhai--plus inspired me to style them with ankle socks and these loafers or sneakers when LA's cooler winter temps return. 

sunny sara

Swedish/Italian model Sara Ramen looks like she's living in an alternative sun-steeped universe--although it's really just the other side of the world in Perth, Australia, where it's high summer. By next June, I hope to be ensconced in the same cerulean seascapes and bursts of bougainvillea, breezing around in dreamy dresses, swimsuits, and accessories to go with. But right this wintry minute, I can get a jumpstart in the pretty-dress department, starting with her Ciao Lucia dress, above, and others below by Ganni, Rixo, Spell and Auteur. Her Valentino point-toe flats are also on point presently. While an ocean dip is not on my immediate agenda, I am still inspired by her warm and bright wardrobe by Cala de la Cruz and Peony (below). Sunshine daydreams! 

Photos: Sara Ramen

stripes on stripes

 

The only thing I like more than stripes are stripes on stripes! The more, the merrier, in my book! I just added more to my stockpile for less, thanks to Kule's once-a-year sale. These stripes--this, this, and this--are perfect now and forever!

crystal clear

 

My son has been collecting crystals since he was five years old. He is well-versed in their healing attributes and puts them to good use, placing soothing fluorite or green calcite under his pillow to ensure a good night's sleep or stashing focus-enhancing malachite or citrine in his pocket before a Trigonometry exam. Inspired by his love of crystals, I've started to amass my own collection, which includes, of course, some I can wear fashionably! Recently I came across Crystal Haze, a new reasonably-priced but elegantly-designed line of energy-enhancing necklaces. I love the layered smoky quartz (purifying and stabilizing), above, and the mix of grounding tourmaline with the contrasting 18K-gold piazzo chain, below. I also ADORE this Beghum Khan crystal necklace!

new jeans

 

 

New year, new me, new jeans! Founder of beauty line Ceremonia, Babba Riviera, above, inspired me to level up with Slvrlake's business-ready jeans. I love the slightly-loose trouser-like fit. I'm also living in these perfectly long-cut, super-flattering Citizens of Humanity jeans (size down because they run a wee bit big) and the skinny but not too skinny (but makes me look skinnier) Reformation jeans, below. 

 

keeping cool

 

$278, the outnet

Keeping the cold at bay--but making it chic!

 

 

1. Lingua Franca cable knit sweater, $615, netaporter.com

2. Citizens of Humanity jeans, $297, mytheresa.com

3. Iro belted jacket, $278, theoutnet.com

4. Oscar de la Renta set of rings, $267, netaporter.com

5. Louis Vuitton clutch, $826, shopbop.com

6. Chloe crochet loafers, $950, bergdorfgoodman.com

twin time

 

It's been weeks since I've seen my twin sister, but yesterday I finally laid eyes on her and her new extra big, extra comfy Cos cardigan, above, that she recently scored in New York. Our catch-up unfolded as usual, sharing everything from excellent podcasts and new cookbooks (Vegan At Times!) to a shopping show-and-tell. She pulled out this new Zeus & Dion statement blouse (to make a splash in Zoom-ville), the most excellent vintage-looking J.Crew blazer, below, and these perfectly-cut Citizens of Humanity jeans, which I also bought. Now I'm set style-wise till the next time I see her!

 

 

super stud

 

 

Not that you need to see four (!) pictures of the same shoes--but you kind of do to thoroughly grasp how awesome they are--in myriad colors, no less! Though it seems wrong to buy sandals in the middle of January, it's actually wise because the best ones always sell out before spring arrives, and this Valentino pair, folks, may just be the best. Ultimately, I chose this go-with-everything color.

 

 

hailey's high-tops

 

Never mind Hailey Bieber's mega model looks or pop-star husband. For me, it's all about her talent for wearing men's sneakers and how she rocks them with everything from sleek leather trousers to cuffed jeans and trench coats. And makes them look feminine and chic. I'd like to kick-up my sneaker game with her go-to's from New Balance, above, and Nike (also these and these customizable ones), below.

 

 

hybrid class

 

Thank you, River Island, for this unique shirt-meets-turtleneck that yields a cool layered look (read: NOT your average throw-on-and-go knit) and costs under $100! It also comes in grey. I'll take both, please.

hawaii high

 

 

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll have noticed that I've been in Hawaii a lot lately. It all started back in the fall of 2020, when my kids were Zoom-schooling in LA--i.e., firmly planted in their bedrooms doing everything from eating breakfast to sweating through PE to socializing with their friends. Right before Thanksgiving break, we decided to pack up our surfboards and bathing suits and remote-learn from the shores of Oahu instead. We planned to stay for three weeks but ended up there for a month and a half, splitting our time between Honolulu and the North Shore--and we could not have been happier and healthier. The kids woke up at 6AM and joined their classmates online at 6:20AM. They'd jump into the ocean during breaks and finish school by 1PM. Afterward, they'd body-surf Waimea, or skateboard around Kapiolani Park, or play volleyball, surf Kaisers, Pupukea and Velzyland. Some days they'd just make acai bowls in the back yard. Meanwhile, I reconnected with a longtime friend and former Conde Nast co-worker and spent days with her exploring private waterfalls, locals-only hiking trails, canoe-surfing, and boating. In short, it was a world away from pandemic-stricken LA. It was heaven--or at least the land of double rainbows, below. One that also inspired me to brainstorm more content sites like Le Catch with my friend. In fact, we are now vigorously working on a new site--hence my constant crisscrossing the Pacific this past year--and plan to unveil it in a few months, so stay tuned! While working--and, okay, playing--in Honolulu recently, I've made so many new friends, become well-versed in the best sunset-watching (Outrigger Canoe Club, La Mer) and vegan-dining spots (Beet Box), and I've learned how to make lei and wake surf on a tow-in surfboard off a Jet-Ski. I've even earned a Hawaiian moniker: Tia Malia! (Because I've been called both Malia and Tia in the line-up at Sandbar several times. LOL!) I also know the best place to stay in Honolulu: The Kaimana Beach Hotel (second and last pictures below). I now think of it as my home away from home, and my "ohana" there has even extended the code MARLIEN20 for my friends to receive 20% off full-priced room rates on all categories including suites (my favorite is Room 917 with view pictured below, followed by 910). Book now through March on Kaimana.com. Discount offer expires May 31. Here are some highlights from HI!

 

  

Above are my boys jumping into the ocean post-Zoom school on the North Shore, just outside Haleiwa. Below, I'm in the picturesque open-air lobby at The Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikiki, where I tend to float around in dresses like this, this, this and this. I love the avocado toast and salads at the hotel's Hau Tree Restaurant.

 

 

Check out my friend's backyard view in Lanikai, immediately below. An invite to her house always includes a paddle out to the mokes! On the North Shore, below, I stick to a strict bikini-and-cover-up dress code. Think casual and uncontrived like this, this, this and this (cute with a wrap skirt)! (FYI: My Hawaiian friends avoid beading, ruffles and OTT embellishments on their suits.) Simple rubber slippers, like these are a must!

 

 Aloha! More highlights to come!