LE CATCH

While sipping a cup of hot mint tea the other day, my friend Kate, a former beauty editor at Elle and Harper's Bazaar, blurted out: "I get so irritated when women turn up at a party dressed to the nines--but with everyday make-up on. It's like showing up with wet hair." I blushed. Guilty as charged--ahem, on both fronts. So, I asked Kate how do I "dress up" my face without looking like a different person. For starters, a pretty sparkly dress deserves a pretty glowy face, she replied. She swears by Augustinus Bader, an ultra deep moisturizing cream that makes skin looks noticeably smoother and more supple. Another must: foundation. It doesn't have to be heavy though. She opts for Giorgio Armani tinted moisturizer or Gucci Westman Atelier sticks that allow you to build where you need it. I like! Eyes can get easily spruced up with super duper lash-lengthening Beauty Counter mascara and a fluid Tom Ford eyeliner in defining brown or black. Red lipstick intimidates me even more then liquid-lined-cat-eye but she says keep it natural but enhanced with a lip-defining pencil like Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Liner and glossed with Cle de Peau Beauty Lip Glorifier. And voila, I'm good to go!

Credit Annabel Rosendahl for pre-empting onset jacket-fatigue. The Norwegian model, pictured here, has been rotating some outfit-making (and compellingly disparate!) variations from Veronica Beard, including the tweed blazer, above, the sherpa-lined denim jacket and the on-sale bomber, below. Also in the mix: this checked Isabel Marant, this bandana print Khrisjoy puffer, and this Isabel Marant Etoile fleece, all featured below.

Photos: Annabel Rosendahl

$259, nordstrom

They look Aspen-chic--but also rainy LA-ready!

1. Alexander McQueen dress, $3290, matchesfashion.com

2. Dannijo earrings, $100, shopbop.com

3. Gucci bag, $980, gucci.com

4. Marc Fisher boots, $259, nordstrom.com

Starting a business is no small task, especially in our current Covid-crazy world, but, I have a few friends who, nevertheless, are making it happen, and I want to get them on your radar during this gift-giving season! Let's start with the fun and colorful Overunder snorkeling masks (pictured above) that are designed to fit kids and adults. Launched by a Honolulu-based ocean-adventuring couple, this line of masks, goggles and snorkels are leak-proof, easy to adjust and Instagram-friendly! In addition, there is my daily jumble of jewels, below, all designed by my friends Jane Mayle (who also made my blouse), Thatch Jewelry, Jade Trau and Jenna Blake. Another close LA-based friend Nyakio Greico recently debuted Thirteen Lune, the first-of-its-kind truly inclusive beauty e-commerce platform. Kym Gold, co-founder of True Religion Jeans, recently unveiled Style Union Home, a stunning tabletop ceramics line (below) that will instantly spruce up your dinner table or bookshelves. Meanwhile, my Minneapolis-based girls at Mille whip up the cutest, throw-on-and-go dresses, all under $300 (last pic)--I'm obsessed! For the guys in your life who love to grill, gift them a GrillKilt, a handy dandy apron-meets-tool belt that holds grilling accessories--and, I promise you, will spice up his BBQ game (use the code le catch to receive 15% off, your welcome)! Go, small businesses!

LA-based creative director Jen Azoulay is making a solid argument for the winter vest. It's a simple yet strong cold-weather layer that has the power to give even your most repeated outfits--coats, jackets, sweaters--a new life, all while keeping you warm, too. I'm in! And starting with ALC's gorgeously plush faux fur vest, above, and the H&M belted puffer, below, or this patent one or this Cos version. I also love this forever-elegant Isabel Marant vest. The fringed bib in the last snap is By Malene Birger.

Photos: Jen Azoulay

$139, marks & spencer

Meet my new winter layering hero! I'm wearing it over chunky knits, under coats--and belted with a thin black turtleneck and knee-high boots. In other words: it's on a lot!

1. Raey recycled cashmere sweater, $368, matchesfashion.com

2. Khaite jeans, $380, bergdorfgoodman.com

3. M&S fringed jacket, $139, marksandspencer.com

4. J.W. Anderson woven bag, $385, bergdorfgoodman.com

5. Loeffler Randall boots, $695, netaporter.com

The Prada crochet tote bag that sold out a million times over last summer (see above) is now available again for pre-order here. Just saying...

Photo: Anna Winck

This morning I fell down the rabbit hole that is The Reformation's just-launched sale. So many scores, from perfect party dresses (below) to daily denim (last pic)! I also love the comfy sandals, below, and this cocktail-ready velvet frock. Shop it all here!

While I am reacquainting myself with holiday-party dressing after taking last year off, I'm also refreshing my everyday uniform with an assist from Dutch model Claire Rose Cliteur, pictured here. Dividing her time between London and New York City, Claire sticks to city-sleek yet super functional staples, such as walk-everywhere Converse sneakers, Gucci loafers, and Flattered low-heeled boots (below), bootcut Levi's and oversized (but still figure-flattering!) jeans, along with this layer-ready leather vest, long, outfit-elevating coats from Zara and Magda Butrym, and knits from Vince. It's an easy yet stylish mix of pieces with long wearability. Now I just have to figure out how I can split my time between London and New York like Claire!

I don't know if it's the age of Covid or the detritus of my teenage boys (or both!), but I'm overcome with clutter. At least I can achieve clean minimalism in my winter wardrobe, with help from Korean-based line And You. Think standout staples that are everyday functional yet Carolyn Bessette-chic (for mostly under $500). I particularly love the coats, including the black one, above, and the brown version plus the cashmere blazer, both below. Furthermore, these strong foundation pieces--along with this, this and this--can make styling (read: getting dressed!) so much easier!