LE CATCH

I studied French up until 11th grade, and even though now my comprehension is rusty (at best!), I could still extrapolate from a recent Paris Vogue article which jeans are now le plus chic--in other words, I need to buy pronto! Okay, a few bullet points helped: "Le Baggy, Le Flare 70, Le Bermuda, Le Patchwork." The article sent me on a mission to find the best of these styles state-side: the coup de grace loose-fitting and cuffed jeans by Celine, above, are a must and but also these similar ones by NYDJ and Frame for less money; and oui to these flared Levi's, Re/Done, and AGOLDE, these patchwork Victoria Beckham jeans, and these Goldsign bermudas.

Hell or high water did not hinder Paris' haute couture shows from happening this week, and hallelujah for that! The fashion crew turned up, both IRL and virtually, mainly suited in lock-down staples--i.e., running sneakers, cozy knits, and, of course, masks. But also spotted were also some new stylish must-have's, indicative of a refreshingly different, unhampered future. Among the novelties: lushly textured, slightly over-sized, candy-colored jackets that go uptown and downtown and back (thank you, Chanel, but also think this and this), go-big-or-go-home sequins (I might try this or this!), bright bags (hel-lo Hereu, Reike Nen and Gucci), bold, retro prints (yes and yes, please), and extra crisp, slightly baggy blue jeans (Slvrlake, Reformation and Khaite). Ready for all this new, new, new!

Amsterdam-based Hollie Mercedes's Instagram feed serves up a masterclass in winter-proof layering. Visual Cliff Notes here. The overarching theme: she employs an unexpected mix of textures, colors and silhouettes, along with clever temperature-adjustable knits to bolster the foundation. Among my favorites: the Kitri zip-up pullover, above, (similar here, here and here), plus neck-covering button-ups, high v-necks, and split collared sweaters like this Varley, Acne Studio, Les Tien, and 360. Warm and toasty toppers like this and this come in for the wintry win!

Photos: Hollie Mercedes

Might I recommend a dash of splash with your winter hues? After all, they say brights boost the mood--proven with these chunky knits, they do wonders for ho-hum jeans and sneaks. Since I could use major mood boosting, I'm eyeing these bold and beautiful outfit-making options from Ganni (above, on sale!), Anthroplogie, Mango, Blank Denim, Les Triscots (last pic), Isabel Marant Etoile, and vintage.

$89, and other stories

Keeping a rosy view of the future in this pretty ruffled blouse.

1. And Other Stories sheer ruffled blouse, $89, stories.com

2. JBrand straight-leg jeans, $245, netaporter.com

3. M Missoni cardigan, $388, theoutnet.com

4. Ilia Balmy Gloss in Petals, $26, netaporter.com

5. Kenneth Jay Lane link bracelet, $45, shopbop.com

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

With winter storm alerts in 23 states and 60 million of us feeling the brunt of it, fashion's balaclava trend blows in with perfect timing. Credit New York-based Kule for making this winter's go-to and now sold-out accessory (except last one here!)--and for spawning other cool statement-making derivatives from Etsy, Uncommon Goods, Cashmere in Love, and Yves Salomon.

The second to last weekend of this seemingly endless month had me whipping up the most insanely delicious and easy to execute homemade tomato sauce, deliberating The Owl Cleanse (reportedly, Gwyneth lost 9 pounds in a week!), binging Bling Empire episodes, cheering on Tampa Brady, puckering up with my new go-to Beauty Counter lip gloss, and studying the art of chain-belting, above, and, below. I'd follow suit with this chain belt from Maison Mayle, Etsy, or the real deal vintage Chanel. Onward!

$39, zara

The snow-dusted mountains above Malibu this weekend(!) didn't stop me from daydreaming about wearing these sandals to warm sandy beaches.

1. Maison Mayle blouse, $425, maisonmayle.com

2. Shashi earring set, $112, shopbop.com

3. ASN hat, $180, freepeople.com

4. Zara metallic sandals, $39, zara.com

5. Ulla Johnson shorts, $147, netaporter.com

sandro, $285

The snap hook gives this wear-everywhere blouse a little extra (Celine-spirited) something!

1. Sandro snap-hook striped blouse, $285, sandro-paris.com

2. Toteme jeans, $280, matchesfashion.com

3. Mango lurex cardigan, $49, mango.com

4. Marni leather tote bag, $370, shopbop.com

5. Laura Lombardi ring, $100, netaporter.com

6. Victoria Beckham x Reebok sneakers, $150, shopbop.com

Inspired by my Honolulu-based trail-running (and lava rock-hopping!) friend, I discovered these vibrant Nike kicks that are equal parts performance-boosting and eye-popping pretty! I also like them in these vivid colors.