LE CATCH

For the first time in as long as I can remember, I dressed up last night. As in I put on a fancy frock and, gasp, heels! I even went east of the 405! The occasion: my friend's restaurant opening (it's called Issima, and you should run, not walk there!) I wore a JW Anderson dress that I bought right before Covid and had never worn. And I have to tell you I really enjoyed the feeling: the effort of dressing up, being out of my throw-on-and-go comfort zone, even my feet acclimating to heels. I'm actually excited about doing it more, and I don't think I'm alone in feeling this way either. My friends who joined me also turned up in their finest (like this). Over in Paris, where it's fashion week, women are also going for it (see above in vintage Prada). So now I'm inspired to go all out over the next few weeks, with birthday parties and other festivities back on my calendar. Some of the head-turning statements I'm eager to wear come from Cinq a Sept (on sale), Mayle, LNA, Oscar de la Renta (in my wildest dreams!), Opt, and Mango.

These days I'm a carry-on-only traveler, which makes packing properly for a trip is even more crucial. So, for my super quick visit to NYC earlier this week, I carefully selected just a few of my newest, most versatile fall-ready pieces. What made the cut: the cute denim barn jacket, zip-up striped knit and jeans, all from Walmart(!). My most recent spree there also brought in this denim skirt, this puff-sleeve striped top, this parka, this Breton knit, and these Chelsea lug boots! I'm telling you: there's a buried goldmine there. (And don't just take it from me: I ran into my most stylish NYC-based friend and she was wearing the same jacket as me! It's a good one!) Check out this edit here.

This post was sponsored by Walmart.

Lisa Aiken's outfit-making duster coat, above, inspired me to find a version that's a bit more everyday practical but still head-turning stylish. Mission accomplished with Frame's belted cardigan, below, that's on sale ($253!) at The Outnet. I love it half-buttoned, as shown, but I'll also wear it open, over a slinky slip dress and boots or a t-shirt and trousers. BTW: the next-level sweater assortment at The Outnet is totally worth mining! Check out these cuties by Ulla Johnson, Iris & Ink, Vince and Ganni and the entire line-up here!

Photo: Vogue

Target unveiled its latest designer collaborations over the weekend, and shockingly, there are still lots of scores in stock. My favorite line-up comes from Nili Lotan, with updated classics like the pea coat, above, the pullover, below, this striped shirt, this floral slip dress, and this ruffled blouse. Rachel Comey's knit palazzo pants and Sandy Liang's sherpa jacket. Shop all the collections here!

I walked into Banana Republic the other day on a mission to find the statement-making wrap dress I'm wearing, above, and was delighted to discover a plethora of sleek wardrobe additions. I literally took two armfuls of clothing into the dressing room and scored this black tiered maxi dress, these perfectly-cut trousers, plus this versatile tank top, this oversized button-down, these fresh, flared (and super comfy) jeans, this wool shirt jacket, and this ribbed turtleneck. Then there's the amazing cashmere situation, including this, this and this! Truly, there's so much to love. Check it all out here

Photo: Aimee Rentmeester

Milan Fashion Week just started and so far all I've gleaned is that I need to load up on next-level knits, pronto. I can easily take my pick--sweaters, skirts, vests, dresses, bralettes--but I'm leaning toward the edgier, fresher silhouettes for extra wow. How about these from Cecilie Bahnsen, Jonathan Simkhai, Saylor, Christopher Eber (the rising star!), Zara, and Theory. Molto bene!

My twin sister just a bought an apartment in Tribeca, so I just bought the chic fringed Mango coat, above, to wear in and out of it! I'm also in the market for some new up-to-the-New-York-minute, walk-everywhere boots, such as these from Larroude, Sam Edelman and Loeffler Randall. And I want to layer this coat over cold-proof pieces such as this colorful Kule fleece, this Demylee cable-knit cardigan and this JCrew puffer. Big Apple-bound and ready!

Neiman Marcus's new fashion director Lisa Aiken is doing a spectacular job in the fashion-show-outfit department! Check out these highlights from London this past week. Her penchant for long skirts is inspiring me to stock up on a few and crush my everyday style job! I'm eyeing these from Nanushka, pictured immediately below, Gabriela Hearst, Isabel Marant, and Moon River.

I have to give props today to my amazing friend in Honolulu, who not only taught me how to make a lei necklace out of plumeria recently, but boosted my bling via the pave crystal Dorsey necklace, above. (It has sold out 25 times since it debuted in June!) I promise, even though it's $230, it looks 100% real. She tends to wear the choker layered with a gold chain necklace from The Foundrae. I like the idea of toning it down with more casual, unexpected pieces like these from Eliou, Roxanne Assoulin, Laura Lombardi and Elizabeth Cole.

Wondering how to add style to a t-shirt and a pair of pants? Look to London Fashion Week attendees, who spruce up this classic combo with oversize fits, statement jackets, and anything-but-basic accessories. Of course, we must start with right pants! The current wide-leg go-to's come from Jason Wu, Zara, Boyish, and Acne Studios. I'd kick things up a notch with this Isabel Marant jacket, this Something Navy crewneck tee, this chain-handled Bottega Veneta bag, these zebra-print ankle boots by Shasta, and these Gianvito Rossi leopard pumps.

Photos: Vogue, Elle