LE CATCH

Keeping things simple isn't always so simple. Often it requires rigorous editing. Uniqlo executes this flawlessly, with its just-launched fall collection. It's a pared-down line-up of everyday basics, updated and perfected. Each and every single piece offers versatility, comfort and endless longevity, all in a neutral palette and all excessively affordable. My faves: the $49 chunky turtleneck and perfectly-cut trousers, above (both rendered in other great colors), the padded trench, below, the sweatsuit and crisp white suit. I'll take it all, thank you very much!

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Sorry, I had to pounce when I came across this Chanel-like jacket (inspired by above) and these sandals, below. Yes, they're blatant knock-offs--but they won't bankrupt me! Other amazing derivatives: this Alexander Wang-spirited pearl-trimmed turtleneck,

Now that I've watched The Social Dilemma, I'm pretty convinced that surveillance capitalism put Sandra Sauceda--and her penchant for showboating baggy khakis--on my radar. Successfully lured in by her stylish Instagram feed (discovered via Pinterest, I should add), I'm now in the market for some of my own sleek slacks to finesse. What I've found so far: these alluring pants from The Frankie Shop (I also LOVE these ones in faux leather!), above, Three Graces London, Veronica Beard, Anine Bing and The Reformation.

Photos: Sandra Sauceda

$168, j.crew

Go up a size in this wildly cute puffer jacket for purr-fect layering.

1. J.Crew leopard print puffer jacket, $168, jcrew.com
2. JBrand straight-leg jeans, $250, netaporter.com
3. Mango trench coat, $199, mango.com
4. Gelareh Mizrahi chain bag, $325, shopbop.com
5. Bottega Veneta boots, $1100, bottegaveneta.com

With LA shooting up into the high '80s again this week, layering up is future luxury I'm looking forward to! Of course, I already have my eye on some great lightweight options, including Madewell's oversized blazer (similar to above), H&M's do-it-all oversized denim, immediately below, (do not curse me when this sells out and you missed out--you know who you are!), Kaia Gerber's leather blazer by Frame (second pic down), Leset's loose-fitting check blazer (below), this And Other Stories fringed shacket, and the belted Mango (last pic).

The backhands and forehands that zipped across the court during the US Open Men's Final yesterday were almost as riveting as the men whacking them! My goodness! Though Austrian Dominic Thiem ultimately prevailed (in a nail-biting tiebreaker), German Alexander Zverev played on my heartstrings, with his post-match tears. This morning, I'm watching yet another gorgeous German, fashion writer Alexandra Schoeb, and her compelling style game, which bounces between streamlined sophistication and feminine whimsy. I'm a huge fan of her chic linen Cos dress, above, which I will wear underneath a staple big black blazer or this season's coat-like cardigan and boots, come cooler temps. I also adore her pleated jumpsuit, below, classic straight-cut Toteme jeans (below), head-to-denim (try with shirt like jackets like this and this), Ganni jeweled loafers (below), and sneakers with everything (see my last post).

Photos: @aliasax

I never thought I'd miss my school run-to-workout-to-running-around-doing-errands routine. But I do--and all its inherent bumping into friends, picking up a green juice, and popping into a random store or (three!). Still, I dress the part, ready for action! Key to my new-normal look: stylish sneakers fit for running... anywhere I can! They work with my WFH uniform or with outfits decidedly more chic (like the Thakoon Spring 2021 suit, above, or this Topshop for now). My go-to's are by Nike (same as above, also here), but I also love these by Veja and New Balance. Note their neutral, go-with-everything hue.

Yep, this first half-week of school was doozy--and, oh, did I mention, it's snowing ash outside?! WTF! Even so--deep breath here--I'm doing my best to keep calm and carry on. One proactive measure I'm taking is living vicariously via London-based stylist Bettina Looney, who spent her week living it up in Ischia. Is it too much to ask to have what she's having? For example: al fresco meals at Mezzatorre in an airy Cecilie Bahnsen dress, above, followed by the cut-out Patbo one-piece, below, with a custom Chaos leather phone case on the side?! If so, then maybe I move on to the South of France, where Spanish fashion director Blanca Miro Scrimieri, second to last pic below, is hanging out for Louis Vuitton's new perfume launch. I'd be content with her vibrant red Gucci skirt and chain-anklet By Far loafers, please! And the Slim Aarons iconic water-skiing print (last pic) to take me away all day (it's only $59 after all)!

Photos: Bettina Looney, Blanca Miro Scrimieri

Yep, first half-week of school was doozy--and, oh, did I mention, it's snowing ash outside?! WTF! Even so--deep breath here--I'm doing my best to keep calm and carry on. To step up my swagger, I snapped up the cute balloon-sleeved Pixie Market, above, yesterday, and, to go with it, these black leather sandals that are similar to above. I'm also eyeing J.Crew's check-lined trench, Mayle's perfect jean skirt (immediately below), Kurt Geiger's (Marni-meets-Chanel) embellished sandals, below, for when the world rights itself and the sky turns blue again!

All my sitting around at home lately has me hyper-actively chair-obsessed. I love looking for the latest and greatest, imagining myself lounging, working, eating, and reading in them, fantasizing how they'd instantly change up a room, like a statement heel would elevate a dress. The problem is: I have no where to put them! Not even one! So, I say to you: sit back, relax and check out some of my unexpected favorites Anthropologie (above), West Elm, and Urban Outfitters.