LE CATCH

Three days into this (already challenging) new year, I'm baby-stepping my way in with some new easygoing yet wardrobe-refreshing basics, starting with the wear-with-everything And Other Stories oversized blazer, above, and this most perfectly-cut white Re/Done t-shirt (I seriously have not taken it off for almost a week), plus this just-discovered outfit-punctuating berry-hued lip oil by Westman Atelier (layer it over lipstick or on its own!) Inspiring me to get dressed despite the daunting headlines is my new style obsession with Renata Zandonadi Quaglia, below, (prompting me to want to wear this, this and this). Keep calm and carry on is my mantra right now!

Leave it to my twin sister to make 40-degree-and drizzly New York City look totally compelling. She FaceTimed me while strolling up Broadway, umbrella in hand, wrapped up in this just-acquired vegan leather puffer jacket (for $149)! She layered it over this chic Cefinn turtleneck that she got for Christmas and these perfectly-flared Wandler jeans--a self-gift. Of course, I want--and may take--it all!

My New Year's resolution is to become a better surfer--i.e., good enough to be in the lineup with my kids without embarrassing them! I have a ways to go, but at least I can start dressing the part presently. Australian surfer Stephanie Gilmore is helping me out with some rad style inspo, anchored in clothes that work swimmingly both on and off the beach. Read: they don't look poser-y. I snapped up the print wetsuit by Roxy, below, along with the cute vintage-looking Aloha sweatshirt. Also in my work-in-progess quiver: these winning yet wipe out-friendly suits (seriously all of them!) by Cynthia Rowley, this super cute apre-surf (or anytime for that matter!) button-up Alex Mill sweatshirt, these on-sale Zimmermann tropical-print shorts, this rad Clare V tote bag, this Maison Monik shell necklace, and this vibrant oversized Pistola sweater.

Los Angeles may have a frigid end to 2021 (39 degrees this AM!), but I'm fine with it, because Ulla Johnson is keeping my wardrobe balmy and beautiful--at a refreshingly more affordable price point. The NY-based designer recently launched a line of "cover-ups" but they look more like wear-everywhere dresses that are sleek and statement making at that! They range around $395 (far less than the typical $700+). Among the best of them: this and this, plus this just-acquired fun print dress (above) that I'm styling right now with a chunky cardigan and knee-high boots--and proving that below-40 has nothing on me!

That uncertain time between Christmas and the New Year when you don't know what day it is, who you are and what you need to do? Yup, that pretty much sums things up right now. However, there is one surety: it's sale time! And there's lots to be had for a lot less, including the ultra chic Ulla Johnson knit sweater and Toteme's wide-leg leather trousers, above, to Stella McCartney's checked wool puffer, below. Other amazing scores: this everyday-wearable Chloe bag (30% off!), these forever-elegant Valentino ballerina flats, this Isabel Marant Etoile denim jacket (50% off!), this iconic Khaite sweater, and this pretty print Zimmermann dress. The sale over at My Theresa is particularly outstanding, IMHO.

$34, h&m

Poised to earn my 2022 stripes in this Celine-ish blouse!

1. H&M blouse, $34, hm.com

2. Khaite jeans, $380, shopbop.com

3. JW Anderson fleece bomber jacket, $695, netaporter.com

4. Emili crystal hoops, $280, modaoperandi.com

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

"I'm available to get Covid the week of January 3," said no one ever, except for a recent amusing Instagram meme. But, seriously, while I'm dodging Omicron at home, I'm still celebrating the holidays in festive attire, specifically in the sparkly Zara tunic, above. I wouldn't mind laying low in these other party-at-home looks from Joseph (on sale below), Sea New York, Free People (and the price!), and Stella Jean.

While I was at Best Buy yesterday fulfilling my boys' Christmas lists, I was desperate for help sourcing thingamajigs like graphic cards to CPU coolers. At least today I can easily assist all those asking me via Instagram where you can buy my dress, above. It's $55 from Asos! And my other new resort favorites are by Rahi and Jason Wu. You're welcome!

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