LE CATCH

One of the best things about traveling to NYC last week with my sis was having 24/7 access to her bag of baubles--specifically one pair of hoops that--shhhhhh!--I might still be wearing now, back in L.A. They look a lot like the golden goodies, above, so versatile yet not at all basic, plus very reasonably priced. Then there's the gold cuff and the pinkie ring, below, which she gave to me for my birthday! Everyone thought it was by Brent Neale, but it was actually a vintage find. Other sparkles she had on hand (for me!) looked like this chunky chain link bracelet, these bangles and this cool tangled choker!

My rusty packing skills had me checking in a huge suitcase to New York last week--and wearing the same three things over and over again. Doh! Next time, I'll wing with it just a few do-it-all pieces, like the Goop Label belted cardigan, above, (gorgeously photographed in Amagansett by my very own twin sis!!) or the vintage-spirited Frances Valentine cardigan, below, along with this hybrid jean jacket from Sandro. Okay, I'll also jam in these truly perfect Khaite jeans, this statement Misa blouse, these wear-with-everything Rag & Bone booties and this super cozy oversized H&M sweater.

Finally, I see some signs that fall is actually flying by: Pumpkins! Marigold leaves! And all things cold-weather cool at Shopbop's annual Fall Sale! (Spend $200+, get 15% off, spend $500+, get 20% off, get the code here.) I LOVE Sandy Liang's faux fur pullover, above, which looks amazing on its own or layered under a maxi coat, plus these cozy cover-ups by Plush, Kule , We Wore What, and A.L.C. Also on tap: Jeans galore, cute knits (this and this) and THE boots I want! If you're looking for leather (who's not?!), try these perfect pants by Nanushka or Paige or this blazer by Anine Bing. Check it all out here.

While New York may be devoid of its usual thronging tourists and teeming traffic right now, its universally-appealing style remains. And amen to that! It's currently manifest in distinctly cool trouser-like leather pants (not leggings of yore!) such as these by Goldsign and Nanushka (so many spotted last night at Bar Pitti!), statement-making face mask chains like this by Lele Sadoughi, Etsy and Bauble Bar (practical yet cute to go with these!); Carolyn Bessette-preppy jackets (this and this and this); uptown-to-downtown, made-for-walking ankle boots by Loeffler Randall and J.Crew; plus fancy hoodies like these by Loulou Studio, The Reformation and Levi's.

These dog days of social distancing has me in denim more than ever. But not your garden variety blues, of course. I recently snapped up these dark Citizens of Humanity charcoal jeans that are eminently flattering and stretchy-comfortable and these '90s-inspired but of-the-moment light-wash Goldsign jeans (similar to above, but more fitted), plus this cute Topshop dress, this Mayle denim skirt and the Sandro tweed-accented jean jacket below (on sale).

Photos: Sandra Semburg, Courtney Grow

A French friend of mine turned up at lunch yesterday at Le Bilboquet on a bike, with beautifully flushed cheeks and her phone slung on a chic cross-body gold link chain (see below). It reminded me of another stylish Parisian, above, a Vogue editor, who totes her phone all over town with a rope Casetify strap. (P.S. The adjustable strap comes in the coolest colors, with monogram options for the phone case. Yes and Yes!) Of course, I ordered one on the tuna tartar spot!

For me, sticking with what's most comfortable these days starts with (obvs) the most comfortable underpinnings. The only caveat: they must be pretty enough for peek-a-boos! Like the lace bralette, above. I swear by these from Hanky Panky and in fun colors too. And, shhhh!, I also adore the ones from H&M. (My necklaces are by Hart Hagerty and Thatch Jewelry!)

Paris's sweater weather has blown in the newest need-now knit brand Lou Lou Studio (more here). The in-demand sweaters are spun from super-soft mélange cashmere, and the one I love most, pictured above, has a detachable scarf that you can wrap around your neck or drape elegantly down the back. Also so, so good: the cashmere hoodie, below, that I know I'll never want to take off this winter. Think wardrobe basics--a la francaise.

Can I just throw on a do-it-all pleated skirt and call it a week? It works easily and yet so beautifully with a simple t-shirt or a cozy knit like this and this and this. I can also wear it with a double-breasted blazer (maybe a slinky camisole underneath) if I really wanted to take it up a notch. I like these skirts by Joseph (below), Topshop (just ordered), H&M, and Theory. Open toe sandals are a must (these and these) at least for now while I can. Happy Monday!

It may still be 80 degrees in LA but fall has blown into my wardrobe in the prettiest way with this floral dress by Draper James (with full-on Marni-esque vibes) and the Sister Jane maxi, below. Double swoon! I could keep blooming through the season with these fall-ready florals by Rotate, Asos, and The Reformation.