LE CATCH

Among the issues I've been struggling with lately is whether I should keep writing Le Catch, as shopping feels so … excessive right now. However, according to the New York Times: "[Shopping] is also an essential part of our economy; retail is an enormous source of employment and creative expression." For some, the temptation to shop--or just the opposite!--might spring from the staggering amount of sale emails flooding our inboxes. The Times explains, "When you see “25 percent off,” instead of seeing “DEAL,” you should actually see “WARNING.” And also “HELP." It’s easy to lose track of where we are on the calendar when we are cooped up and weekends bleed into workdays...but we all know this is not sale time. Except it is, because this is crisis time." And since brick-and-mortar stores are closed, The Times article points out, "Online sales are the only source of revenue [retailers and designers] have to keep their employees paid and their business afloat." So, with that in mind I am going to support my nearest and dearest in fashion, like jewelry designer Jenna Blake (necklaces, above), who, bless her, is donating 100% of her anchor link sales to front line responders, NYC-based Jane Mayle (maker of my blouse, above) Clare V, Natalie Martin, Haney (35% off site-wide), Draper James, Doen, Adina Reyter, goop, and Marysia (who just launched an eco-friendly collection). I have an edit of big retailer sales in the works and will serve up shortly!

My workout clothes have been waiting their entire lives for this moment. They get to be in the limelight almost around the clock--typically till late afternoon as that's when I get around to showering these days. Plus, they're actually reveling in sweaty action every single day (a current mental-health must!). On account of this, I thought I'd share with you my unflappable favorites, based not only on their hard-working performances as of late but their cuteness factor--of course, the more interesting, the better. They include the gingham (lightweight yet has a slick, holds-everything-in fit) Upside leggings, above, this asymmetrical (sexy!) seamless sports bra by Alo (40% off!), these $39 striped J.Crew leggings, this $15 yoga-ready Gap top (all my friends are doing Tom Morley's class via Zoom and loving his playlists), these super stylish tie-dye Phat Buddha leggings (for streaming Tracy Anderson always super stylish workouts via Goop), and these colorful, run-around-the-hood Splits 59.
P.S. Nordstrom is having a bananas 40% off sale, and the active wear selection is vast. Good time to stock up, in my book!

I am well aware that retail therapy can't solve problems--but I can assure you it can mitigate a bad mood. In fact, I can vouch for this, having just bought a few giddily affordable pieces from H&M's new eco-friendly Conscious Collection. Everything is made from at least 50% sustainably sourced materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. For instance, the ruffled beauty, below, is rendered from a natural biodegradable material harvested from recycled denim and other used textiles. I love all these dresses here, from the striped kaftan, above, to the short sequin stunner, third photo down, to the short print billowy dress, crafted from cotton voile. Browse the whole feel-good, look-good collection, including jeans, sandals, jewelry and other accessories here.

A marathon-long chain group text message between my group of friends is everything right now, particularly the humorous, uplifting memes and posts. Given how much I like to travel, the one above made me giggle at 3.45AM this morning (anyone else having trouble sleeping?!)--and inspired me to fantasize about about what I'd wear to some of the exotic locales mentioned above. After all, a little laughter never hurts, right? For Costa Del Balconia--I hear it's splendid this time of year--what about this new and gorgeous Rebecca Taylor (25% off!) or this reversible Mink Pink? Ultra-plush Santa Bedroomes call for these ultra-plush Lake pajamas (the equivalent of sleeping in a Four Seasons bed, no joke), while this cozy cardigan from Target(!) will be right at home in Los Lounges. For lovely Porto Gardenas, I'd breeze around in this pretty-in-pink Warehouse (20% off!) or this floral Antik Batik blouse. No, I don't have cabin fever. OK, well, maybe just a little. ;)

A marathon-long chain group text message between my group of friends is everything right now. It's filled with humorous memes, cocktail recipes, inspiring messages, tips on how to help local health care workers, activities for kids (specifically charitable ones, like making bagged lunches for No Kid Hungry) and more--all helping to fill the void of physical/social interaction. One virtual chat centered around TK, and, of course, as you'd expect, I had a lot to say.

While filming from the basement of her home, Today Show's anchor Savannah Guthrie asked, "Is there a statute of limitations on how many days in a row you can wear the same sweatpants?" IMHO, yes! And yes, I've been watching too much TV! While comfort is indeed most desirable right now, crustiness is not. So, I thought I'd share my tried-and-true home-bound favorites, all perpetually worn by yours truly. In no particular order, they hail from Monrow (the softest and lightest french terry, hands down), Suzi Kondi (sweatpants, but make them cuff-leg, cotton-velour fashion), Plush (fleece-lined, Gucci-ish), and J.Crew (cashmere, on sale, enough said). FYI: I'm also throwing in easy (more sexy/less sloth) dresses into the mix, including the above by Sir The Label (bra too!), this bell-sleeved Natalie Martin, and this backless Free People (with a cardigan or blazer now, backless this summer.) Stay comfy, stay well!

This weekend at home had me traversing unfamiliar corners of the world wide web (read: avoiding bleak news). I discovered an amazing live auction at The Fashion Illustration Gallery, featuring works by artists like Rosie McGuinness, above. I stocked up on new yummy recipes at The Feed Feed (using pantry staples!) and Crave and Cook (zucchini carrot fritters!); indulged in a self-help, anti-anxiety podcast (The Science of Happiness: Who Would You Be Without Them?) and quickie Insta-therapy sessions via Milan-based designer JJ Martin (so helpful!). P.S. I also have to add that this weekend I received some treats from trawling my usual spots pre-lockdown, including these Topshop jeans (think ultra-comfy, cutting-edge Celine silhouette for $56!) that I will be living in for the foreseeable future, these super cute beaded rope And Other Stories sandals (as seen on my Instagram), and so, so randomly, this game-changing hair-dryer, recommended by my in-front-of the-camera friends.

Art: Rosie McGuiness

$49, h&m

In other important breaking news, spring is here!

1. H&M floral dress, $49, hm.com
2. Anita Berisha gold tone and pearl earrings, $250, netaporter.com
3. KNC Beauty Supa Balm in mint, $22, netaporter.com
4. Balenicaga woven tote, $272, therealreal.com
5. Schutz sandals, $165, shopbop.com