LE CATCH

Who else is hitting a Pandemic Wall?! Dude! What's helping me keep sane is fantasizing about future (and healthier) time, when we will finesse statement swimsuits, like the Pucci, above, (on sale here and here), host friends for drinks in adorable Hotel Magique glasses, below, and run around in gorgeous dresses like this, this and this. This time will come soon, I hope!

$97, maje

This statement poncho pretty much sums up my answer to the latest cold front.

1. Tory Sport sweater, $298, shopbop.com

2. JBrand jeans, $245, netaporter.com

3. Maje poncho, $97, maje.com

4. Charlotte Tillbury Lipstick Balm in Enchanting Happikiss, $34, nordstrom.com

5. Shashi "It's Love Bracelet," $47, shopbop.com

6. Jeffrey Campbell lace-up boots, $170, shopbop.com

Throughout this pandemic, morning walks with friends (with masks on, of course) have fueled my motivation to exercise and also filled my heart. Over the last few weeks, it's also provided me with all kinds of hot tips, like new binge-worthy TV shows to watch (White Tiger, Lupin, Pretend It's a City), page-turning and soul-seeking books to distract (The Sanatorium, The Middle Passage), plus skincare scores that are doing wonders to conceal my above-average stress and intermittent insomnia, specifically Monika Blunder Blunder Cover, a gorgeously natural all-in-one foundation/concealer that has even my kids complimenting/questioning my glow; Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen (it literally makes me look like I just had a facial!), Beauty Counter's lip-nourishing, barely-there-but-still noticeable Sheer Conditioning Lipstick in Light Pink, and Nyakio's Baobab Moisturizer that's parabens-and everything-free. No pain, all gain!

My twin sister and I may have kicked off our mornings very differently--she trudged up NYC's snow-packed West Side Highway and I ran Santa Monica's soft sand beach--but we still found ourselves simultaneously shopping the secret sale stash of Ulla Johnson this morning, mining for wintry and spring statements alike. I snapped up this pretty floral blouse and this turtleneck. My sis picked out this chic belted jacket and this long-sleeved dress. Of course, we'll swap when the time's right!

While I don't know if I'm cool enough to pull off a pair of Air Jordans (AKA: the latest must-have sneaker), I do believe they'd help me outrun (or out jump) life's current chaos and curve balls! Plus, they'd punch up my everyday jeans-and-sweater situation nicely. I tempted by this color combo and low profile, but check out more options here. P.S. Did you know my father Co Rentmeester's photograph inspired Nike's Jumpman logo??? True story.

My dear friends over at La Double J asked me what I do to raise my vibration (read: elevate my energy levels) and, seriously, just answering the question did the job! (See what I said here.) Acknowledging what sparks my joy ushers in positivity. In other words: It's not the happiness that makes me thankful, but the thankfulness that makes me happy. And so, let's kick of this week being thankful--for, among many of our blessings, pretty, take-me-a-million-miles-away dresses like the La Double J, above, and these by Charina Sarte, I Love Woo, Ulla Johnson, Cleobella and The Reformation! Happy Monday!

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.