LE CATCH

A few days ago in New York, I got a sneak peek at the just-launched Alexa Chung for Madewell collection—and even better, I met Alexa herself (effortlessly cool, naturally) wearing this sheer dress and this horsebit link (very vintage Gucci-looking) belt from the line. The collection is a love letter to New York City and Alexa's own treasure-trove of vintage finds: lace-trimmed slips, crisp and truly perfect striped blouses, and easy, borrowed-from-the-boys layers that feel like they've lived a life or two already. It's downtown cool distilled—wearable, timeless, and just the right amount of undone. I love the belt (nearly sold out, of course!), the fringe leather jacket (not too fringe-y!), this classic pea coat, this ribbed-trim sweater, and, all day every day this hooded sweatshirt. Shop the entire collection here!

$133, river island

Throw it on and party! (I'd size up for a looser fit.)

1. River Island embellished vest, $133, riverisland.com
2. The Frankie Shop trousers, $200, mytheresa.com
3. Deepa Gurnani earrings, $98, shopbop.com
4. Guerlain customizable lipstick case, $43, nordstrom.com
5. Maison d'Etto Eau de Parfum in Vintage Rotano, $150, maisondetto.com
6. Simkhai patent leather wedge heels, $525, netaporter.com

Last night, after a quick meeting at San Vicente West Village, wearing the above, I pulled a quick presto change-o, and went with Coco to dinner at Bar Oliver, a hip, newish Lower East Side spot—the in-demand kind that pre-charges you $75 a head to secure a seat. We walked in feeling excited, suitably dressed, looking for our friend and dinner date Sarah Clary--only to encounter the hostess, who barely looked up from her iPad. We hovered awkwardly, and then, like a scene change, Sarah swanned in--stylist, fashion oracle, and human mood board—wearing a white pillbox hat perched just so, a fuzzy oversized Source Unknown blazer (that's sold out but this one is almost identical), and the kind of calm self-assurance and glowy countenance that parts crowds. Suddenly, the hostess was all warmth and motion, menus appearing, napkins unfolding, our table materializing as if it had been waiting for Sarah all along. Dinner was delicious—the roasted mushrooms were rich and earthy, the pan con tomate perfectly tangy, the big leaf salad a fibrous, green dream. But what I kept devouring, really, was Sarah’s outfit: the texture, the proportion, the way she somehow made “just grabbing dinner” feel cinematic. Sitting across from her, I started mentally dismantling my own wardrobe (though, she did compliment my reversible jacket!), wondering how to inject more drama, more entrance-making energy, more head-turning flair into my life. It’s moments like these that remind me why I’ll never tire of this city: the constant parade of inspiration, the effortless alchemy of New York style. Every street corner, every 8 a.m. coffee line reveals another masterclass in dressing with intent (I spotted this at Gotan this morning). I’m forever taking mental notes—and chasing that same mix of ease and theater. So far today, I’ve come up with this from TWP (I mean...!), this J.Crew (it's truly a Prada-spirited cardigan, Rohe and Zadig & Voltaire. See more for what everyone is wearing in Manhattan, below: these loafers or ballet flats with wool socks, or these new Chanel-inspired patent-leather flats (cleverly sourced by Courtney Grow!), that Fendi fringed bag, pops of red (here and here), and vintage-looking leather jackets. Happy Weekend!

Scrolling through my feed this morning, I was transported straight into Liffner’s cocktail party the other night in Manhattan. I could almost hear the hum of chatter, the clink of glasses, the laughter bouncing off marble and mid-century lines. The women—sleek, spirited, utterly New York—were draped in sharp tailoring and understated shine, each look anchored by a bag. Liffner’s creations took center stage: sculptural suede clutches nestled next to slouchy top-handle pouches, gleaming navy croc textures brushing against embossed leather. They didn’t just complete the outfits; they defined them. And maybe that’s the larger story here: bags are having a moment again—but not in that singular, “It bag” kind of way. This time, it’s about personality, shade, mood. The bag as punctuation, as little daily sculpture. It’s the finishing touch but in all shapes and sizes. My current go-to's: this satin Staud (Prada Spring 26 vibes!), this vintage Celine and this 3.1 Phillip Lim (last pic).

I love how easy (and relatively inexpensive!) it's going to be to get dressed for some upcoming festivities! I snapped up the H&M scarf top early this morning (my sister approved while pedaling the Peloton), along with the fringed sequined clutch, below. Also eyeing: the head-to-toe leather situation from Zara, below, including the cardigan draped cape-like (Celine-esque) over the shoulder, but I'd pull it off with this forever-cashmere (yet still affordable) one, plus this stunning satin dress ($150!), this emerald baguette necklace for $50, this fringed Bimba y Lola, and this sexy Cynthia Rowley skirt.

Manhattan's new--and buzziest--private club, Maxime's is every bit as opulent as I’d heard and then some. It radiates old-school elegance and new-world intrigue, yet somehow manages to whisper it all through plush tufted banquettes and hushed dinner conversations. Robin Birley, of 5 Hertford Street fame, founded Maxime’s, dressing it in pure Mayfair gloss—dark wood, bold, clashing prints, art that feels like it’s always been there. It’s rarified air, or a live-action Upper East Side reality show, playing out under dramatically upholstered ceilings. From the moment I stepped inside, it was show time! The dining room flickers with golden light and a hushed hum of connections—familiar faces, double-cheek kisses, quiet hellos over martinis. Sitting there felt strangely cinematic, like the cameras had already been rolling. I half expected a voiceover: “Previously, on The Upper East Side…” Every glance, every raised brow felt faintly scripted—in the best way. My two friends and I were tucked into a corner table with the best view of comings and goings. I wanted to document the little spectacles, the handful of crunchy seeded crackers served/stacked in a proper toast rack and the insulin resistant-friendly chocolate slivers for dessert. But, of course, no photos are allowed. Still, later in the powder room—intricately tiled, painted, impossibly flattering lighting—I couldn’t resist one discreet selfie. I cropped out everything identifying: no artwork, no architectural details, just the mirror, my reflection, and that particular kind of glow you only get in places that, well, don’t allow photos. Plus my belted Zara jacket that garnered head-nodding approvals. Let’s just say I’d like to be invited back! And I'd like to wear this, this, and this.

• Just touched down in New York on the red-eye—running on less than three hours of sleep, a little rumpled, and layered in two jackets! (Strategic layering-slash-suitcase-triage. Why pack when you can wear, especially when it's new Doen?) I beelined straight from the airport to my sister's Tribeca apartment to drop my bags, one of my jackets (that's really two because it's reversible, suede on one side and faux fur on the other!), and headed to Interlude for a caffeine jolt and my favorite kind of intel: a real-time, street-level download of what downtowners are wearing when it's high-50s and brisk-but-not-freezing. The verdict? It’s a jackets-not-coats moment—the kind where everyone’s hedging their bets with cropped bombers, oversized blazers (like this!) and barn jackets (but in wool now!). Colored socks peek out between ballet flats and kitten-heeled pumps (the kind of detail that says “I care, but casually”). New York dressing always has this insouciant precision—the art of looking spontaneous, even after you’ve spent 10 minutes deciding which jacket to wear over your other jacket. I like the ones below from Zara, Jamie Haller, Smythe, Cos, Velvet and The Great.

Photos: Jordan Goldberg, Jamie Haller

My friend threw a daytime disco on the beach in Malibu on Sunday—think sequins shimmering in the sun, Pacific surf glinting, and everyone gleaming (I got a little extra help with this and this!). The dress code? Sparkles! (Gregg Renfrew and I both opted for sweaters, too). Given yesterday was the end of daylight savings, there’s something extra joyful about stealing a few golden hours of sun and making them shine. I wrote in my latest Substack about little ways to add that bolt of energy to your everyday outfits—not just sequins, but details that catch the eye and update your vibe. I came across a few more shimmering options this morning from Anthropologie, Zara, Niccolo Passqualetti, and, yes, Chico's ($150!!!). Because sometimes all it takes is a hint of sparkle to make a crisp fall day feel like a disco.

$134, saks

Too much fringe? Impossible. I'd also wear buttoned up like a shirt underneath a sleek coat or belt it, layered over a turtleneck.

1. Rails denim jacket, $134, saks.com
2. AYR stretchy knit pants (have and love!), $245, ayr.com
3. Warby Parker sunglasses, $95, warbyparker.com
4. Clare V card holder, $225, clarev.com
5. Electric Picks ring, $78, electricpicks.com
6. No Makeup Makeup No Fragrance Fragrance, $75, nomakeupmakeup.com
7. The Row pumps, $990, modaoperandi.com

I meant to just pop in. A harmless peek into Sézane at The Grove between errands, but, of course, the universe--along with a very persuasive cotton jacket, red belt, gingham pants, and corduroy embroidered jacket--had other plans. Ten minutes later, I was in the fitting room, balancing an impossible armful of suede, silk, and leather—i.e., more clothes than hooks. I snapped up the organic cotton jacket, above, that I will also wear as a shirt (belted, brooched, you name it), these cropped gingham pants (with total High Sport vibes, below), the watch-framing cuff bracelet (last pic), and this Bode-like embroidered jacket. Now, I'm all set for November's lists and logistics!