LE CATCH

Overpacking can feel like a safety net, but it can backfire when faced with a suitcase full of options and no clear direction. Wowza, did it hit me hard this morning in London, as I stood in front of a chaotic array of "maybes." The clock was ticking, and my seven girlfriends were waiting in the lobby, ready to shop and blowing up my phone to hurry down. Meanwhile, I was trapped in a loop of indecision. That’s when I could have used the effortless 3.1 Phillip Lim outfit, above—a true throw-on-and-go staple! Thankfully, it's on sale for Cyber Monday (for next time--no more waiting, my friends!), along with a slew of other one and done wonders including this Kika Vargas dress, this Staud and this Rhode. Shop the 25% off last licks-sale here!

After sleeping off mounds of stuffing and three slices of homemade pumpkin pie, my Black Friday fatigue and my FOMO duked it out until approximately 8:10AM. Then I caved and bought the faux fur Source Uknown jacket, above, for $139! I also trawled Khaite's richly-stocked 40% off sale (jeans, jackets, dresses!). But, wait, there's even more Khaite, Toteme, Ulla Johnson, The Row, etc, at My Theresa's up to 50% off sale. Seriously, go! And while you are at it, stop by at Shopbop for 25% off site-wide: denim galore, jackets and coats, and every trendy shoe under the sun. The beauty products I really want but don't buy because they're too expensive are now on sale at Nordstrom--and I stocked up on this and this (i.e., the reason I wear my hair down more often these days!) Last stop: the highly sought-after blazers at Kallmeyer. I'll let you know if I keep going... chances are high!

Even though long lines stretching outside restaurants, coffee shops, and trendy stores have become commonplace in New York, I am still amazed by them--and by the unwavering patience of those willing to wait. Many of these queues, fueled by social media buzz and word-of-mouth recommendations, are worth it (I Sodi, L'Industrie Pizzeria, Ess-a-bagel, La Cabra, Lucali) and, IMHO, some are not (Apollo Bagels, Pop-Up Bagels, Bubby's). With so many people waiting outside, often for long periods, how one dresses for the weather has taken on new importance, as the outdoor queue itself is now a visible, social centerpiece of the experience. Hence, outerwear, once just a practical necessity or finishing touch, is now a focal point and defining element. But it's not just about the coats and jackets--hats, gloves, scarves, socks and tights all work in symphony to create a cohesive, long line-proof, Insta-ready look. While I can't help you cut the line, I can offers up ways to finesse it with this And Other Stories cape (30% off), below, this knit H&M balaclava, the Proenza Schouler made-for-layering sweater (second pic down), these Carolina Amato zip-up leather gloves, the Anthropologie fringed jacket, this Via Carota-ready JW Anderson fleece, the below Cos fringed scarf (love the cashmere collar accessories on sale too!), a sweater-matching scarf from Favorite Daughter, and this statement-making Toteme shearling hat. I also love the idea of layering staples we already own in an unpredictable way, so it looks new and fresh, like a barn jacket under a pea coat (last pic).

While 18-pound organic turkeys are in scarce supply down in Tribeca today (my sister's husband forgot to order it last week--whoops!), there's a stack of my favorite baubles, above, on sale to indulge in at Adina Reyter. Save 20% with the code MERRY2024 through Friday, 11/29. SO many (gift) options your head (and neck) will spin! Another noteworthy BFCM event is happening over at Maison Mayle, which, if you know this revered NYC brand, never goes on sale. The feminine, vintage-inspired dresses and shirts are fashion editor-stylish and IYKYK-cool. To all my friends who keep borrowing my Mayle pieces, run forth, please! One more honorable mention: My Theresa's First Call (30% off) sale is teeming with fall's most coveted items, like the Joseph coat, last pic, with full size runs! Also these Khaite jeans, this Isabel Marant fringed jacket and this JW Anderson bucket bag. My recommendation: pounce now!

True happiness is a pair of pants that always puts up with you–comfortably keeping up with your little (and big!) indulgences. They can squish into a coach seat with ease–and still turn heads at the most elegant soiree. These clever pants, rendered in the softest jersey fabric, boast elastication through the back of the waistband, allowing for a sophisticated finish at the front. They can be sourced at ME + EM, along with this sleek pair of pinstriped trousers aptly named “Travel Tailoring” (I can only imagine how comfy they are!), plus the holiday-proof pieces that I am wearing: the organza lace blouse and cozy cashmere turtleneck. More standouts: the embroidered lace top, below, this chic boucle bomber jacket, this ski-to-street jacquard sweater, and this made-for-layering half-zip knit. This post is in paid partnership with ME + EM.

Shopping a Black Friday sale on Monday totally works for me: no turkey hangover, no crowds, and lots of early-week energy! Shopbop's sale is actually exceptional: 25% off site-wide with the code HOLIDAY. There's so much inventory to snap up, including the perfectly-cut Joe's Jeans I wore all weekend in New York, above, the Pixie Market jacket below, along with this Clare V bag, these Reformation boots, this cropped faux fur ALC jacket and this much-coveted Baum und Pfergarten coat. Shop the epic sale here!

$398, saks

It's Friday, so fringe is in order.

1. H&M blazer, $299, hm.com

2. Nili Lotan jeans, $495, netaporter.com

3. Rails coat, $398, saksfifthavenue.com

4. Alaia earrings, $750, mytheresa.com

5. Pre-loved Balenciaga bag, $1095, fashionphile.com

6. Veronica Beard boots, $495, shopbop.com

Today is feeling a lot like my Thanksgiving to-do list: a chaotic mix of half-baked ideas, forgotten tasks, and a strong possibility of something catching fire. But before the chaos consumes us all, let me whet your palette with my exclusive 30% off discount to Anthropologie--i.e., early access to shop (11/21 to 11/24) for what you want before it sells out during Black Friday. Use the code MARLIEN30 to shop pieces like the $238 navy(!) feather-trimmed dress, above, that would also make for a great skirt, BTW, these cute Maeve side-bow slingback flats, this leopard-collar jean jacket, and even the sneaker-elevating shoelaces, below (I adore the animal print ones!). Now for the side dish equivalent—the one that can make or break the whole meal: gray socks, see below. It's officially a must-have ingredient in our winter wardrobe recipe. I just licked the bowl with these light and heavier options from J.Crew and GAP.

When three (of the chicest) women show up at a dinner party at The Greenwich Hotel wearing the same J.Crew tuxedo blazer, it sends a clear message: this is the must-have piece we all need to add to our wardrobes immediately!

Done right, a turtleneck can make you toasty and stylish when you really need to check both boxes, and boy, did I need to last night, dining al fresco at The Chateau Marmont. I could use more of this layering staple, for it not only yields a welcome dose of warmth but it almost disappears underneath more interesting, statement-y pieces yet also adds extra flair to basics, proof above and below. The (Vogue-sanctioned) holy grail of black turtlenecks by Sold Out, pictured below, is now on sale for Black Friday, but these other options from Velvet, Perfect White Tee, and J.Crew Factory also work. P.S. I'm simply into the idea of covering up to my neck in the Pixie Market, the cashmere White + Warren, which comes with a detachable collar (!), below, or this tie-accented Toccin that exudes fashion-insider elegance.