LE CATCH

$99, mango

This may be the sleekest jean jacket I've seen in... forever.

1. Doen dress, $300, netaporter.com

2. Mango denim blazer, $99, mango.com

3. Fendi bag, $1030, shopbop.com

4. Timeless Pearly ring, $343, shopbop.com

5. Tory Burch suede boots, $578, shopbop.com

"It would be cool if no more things happened for a while," said the first Instagram post on my morning feed. Well, that would be nice! Of course, we all know too well that life doesn't work that way (thank you for the lessons, 2020!). To counterbalance this week's agenda--dodging Covid, witnessing another history-making week in Washington, and, oh, prepping for a record-breaking Polar Vortex, scheduled to snap later this month--I'd thought I'd baby step our way in with some easygoing winter-weekday style inspo, from Emelie Lindmark, above, Nadia Araujo, immediately below, Hollie Mercedes, second image, and Katie Sands, last pic. To get into a good groove, a statement topper is a must. I love Katie's La Double J print puffer (or these less expensive options from Carhartt, Nike and The North Face) and/or an oversized throw-it-on-top-of-everything down vest, like this Uniqlo! But a teddy bear coat can do the warm and fuzzy trick too (like this and this). Another outfit-uplifter is a major bag (yes, please, Celine and Prada, pictured), like this vintage Gucci and this logo-happy Marni. One last thing to keep you distracted: you can now shop my closet at Celebrity Owned!

In need of some escapism today? Who isn't?! Australian-based Swedish/Italian model Sara Ramen's Instagram feed offers up loads of sunshine-steeped settings, cerulean seascapes, bursts of bougainvillea and all the dreamy dresses, swimsuits, and accessories to go with. I can practically feel the Vitamin D seeping into my skin as I scroll through her summery images! Here are some of my favorite take-me-away snaps, filled with pieces I want to wear when the weather warms up, such as the Innika Choo dress, above, and top, below (more options here), swimwear and cover-ups from Sir the Label, languid tops and pants from Faithfull the Brand, tailored Sezane denim shorts, Fella one-pieces, and leather lace-up sandals.

Lately, my morning run has felt compulsory. As if it's my only chance to see the light of day, if not glimpses of other human beings going about their business. My mind and my heart are definitely benefiting from this rigid daily routine. My knees, not so much. So, I'm inspired to shake things up! Friends are mine are currently raving about Melissa Wood's MHW Method, a series of precise low-impact, highly-effective exercises as well as Sworkit, a customizable boot camp-spirited circuit workout. For further sweat-ready inspo, I'm thinking some new exercise gear would help kick things up a notch, specifically anything from LA-based line Year of Ours, which nails standout sporty spice at a reasonable price (I'm newly obsessed)! Plus: the spotted Beach Riot ensemble, above, the on-sale Gap shorts, below, along with this super cute apres-sweat sherpa cardigan, and you-don't-see-these-everyday stretch organic cotton shorts by Nangata.

Getting through this long winter will take more than resilience and stamina. For me, it will also require one of these cute knit neck thingies to keep me warm and toasty (read: happy). I love the above outfit-making Ganni, above, and the goes-with-everything Cos, below. Other cozy-chic options come from JW Anderson, Burberry, and Tory Burch.

I'm ringing in the new year with some new-on-my-radar designers, including Minneapolis-based Mille, anchored in feminine, effortlessly stylish and so-right-now silhouettes, such as the ruffled eyelet top, above, this romantic block print dress, and this organic cotton puff sleeve blouse. Another line I'm eyeing hails from my happy place (Easthampton, New York!): Unsubscribed features consciously-made slow fashion--i.e., quality pieces to wear forever and ever. Cases in point: cashmere hoodies, fleece joggers and pretty print dresses, last pic. London-based Sister Jane debuts a new collection every six weeks, which helps keep me on my stylish toes. The latest is replete with lovelies like the tweed cardigan, below (hello, Coco!), this leopard print maxi, and this metallic tweed cami.

It's 2021! Now what?! Well, I decided to kick things off by wearing some of the new pieces I recently scored on sale--despite having nowhere exciting to actually go! But guess what? It still felt good to be dressed and ready for the new year! I mean, how could I not feel light and fresh in the above on-sale embroidered Zimmermann blouse? I'd also love to snap up this batik print top, this paisley dress and this floral mini. Plus, I got back to business in a Blaze Milano blazer, below, Mille blouse, and my new go-to Le Surf monogrammed silk masks (washable with a PM2.5 filter). I'd like to keep up this fresh streak in these finds by Givenchy (last pic), Isabel Marant, and Ganni. Ready, set, go!

On this last day of 2020 (finally!), I'm posting this cute Missoni bag (on sale!) with resolute faith that I will take it to all kinds of fun places in 2021. Another intention for the new year: more running around in a bathing suit, pretty skirts and a huge grin on my face! I am so ready to dip in with these by Zimmermann, Gucci, Proenza Schouler White Label and Veronica Beard. Happy New Year, all!

I'd like to wrap up 2020 in this cozy yet stylish Cos cardigan. Made of wool and trimmed with an extra warm scarf, it's the kind of thing I'd never want to take off. Unless, of course, I could also rotate in these other statement knits from Jocelyn, Mango, Shein, and Uterque.

Like everyone else, 2020 had me stocking up on things that made me feel more comfy. But now that I have (way) more than enough sweatshirts, what's in store for 2021? That's the kajillion dollar question! As far as my wardrobe goes, Vogue recently shed some light, professing: "Dressed-up things with a bit more ease." Works for me. To begin with: Jewelry, which the article proclaims, has replaced the dress! Specifically, the long necklace! Spot-on (many budget-friendly) options include these by Laura Lombardi, Chloe, Vince Camuto, and Maria Black. To fulfill the "dressed-up with ease" (and Zoom-ready) quotient, I'm eyeing these pretty tops by Horror Vaccui, above, Rixo, See by Chloe, Doen, and Ulla Johnson.

Photo: Columbine Smille