LE CATCH

My usual Thursday morning Body By Simone dance cardio class looked noticeably different this morning, with everyone, it seemed, sweating it out in fresh, new Santa-delivered workout gear. The gaggle of goodness was quite inspiring--and got me panting for some more stylish exercise essentials to see me (leaner and stronger!) through next year. Among the noteworthy styles spotted: this cut-out Alo sports bra (I just bought it in black!), this sexy Alala tie-back jersey top, this Fila hoodie (good in and out of the gym!), this Heroine one-shoulder sports bra (how glam!), these PE Nation navy/checked leggings, this under-$15 Forever 21 twist front top (yes!), and these chic Tory Sport chevron leggings. My running pants, above, are by GAP and on sale!

While Santa delivered everything I wanted and then some (he was particularly generous to me this year with these Anne Sisteron earrings), I couldn't help pouncing on a few post-Christmas sales this morning, including the bonanza at Nordstrom, where I snapped up this Toga beaded cardigan (70% off!) and the striped puff-sleeve Self Portrait sweater, above. Also soooo tempting: this NYE-ready Rachel Comey jumpsuit, this pretty Isabel Marant broderie anglaise blouse, these super versatile Tibi ankle boots, and this elegant Johanna Ortiz print dress. Meanwhile, at Neiman Marcus, scores such as this sleek Saint Laurent blouse, this Loewe bucket bag, this Talulah floral print mini dress, and this punchy Iro midi are up for grabs. And if all of this isn't enough, Yoox is having a 90% off sale. That's not a typo!

After days and days of holiday shopping for others, I'm feeling like a little self-gifting is in order! Sign me up for the statement-making open back Pixie Market sweater above, and the chic belted stole, below, to replace the one my sister borrowed and lost a few weeks ago in New York. There are also loads of self-indulgent steals to be had, with pre-Christmas sales raging full-on, such as at Matches (yes, please to these Aquazurra sandals, this Valentino sweater and these Isabel Marant corduroy trousers!), Topshop (I want to show up at the next soiree in these!), and Shopbop to stock up pretty practicals like this, this and this. Merry merry, myself!

Mixed in with this morning's grim headlines was a thankfully light/engaging read from Vogue about 2018's best fashion trends that debuted on Instagram and then exploded. The obvious ones were highlighted--the leopard slip skirt, the basket bag--and other less conspicuous, such as the nightgown for day and my current new favorite, the "sexy cardigan." Perfect example: above by Free People. I love this trend because it's actually really wearable both day and night and can be found at any price point, but mostly because "sexy" is however you define it. I define it with these beauties from Doen, Chloe, Love Shack Fancy, Otto d'ame, and Asos. (The cropped knit below is by Rouje, and a similar one can be found here.)

$45, nordstrom

My current layering M.O. has me inclined to throw this cute plaid cape (with pockets!) over a chunky sweater (or a pea coat)--and go!

1. The Knitter sweater, $570, netaporter.com
2. BP shawl, $45, nordstrom.com
3. GRLFRND jeans, $228, netaporter.com
4. Alexander Wang bucket bag, $750, netaporter.com
5. Vince ankle boots, $395, shopbop.com

I bought these snake-print H&M pants ages ago and they are still as stylish as ever. I wore them in Rome recently, above, and got asked by a handful of chic Italian women where they could buy them. Lo and behold, The Reformation just came out with a version that's equally gorgissima!

$395, veronica beard

Warm winter layering made easy, comfy and super chic. (It also comes in this color.)

1. Veronica Beard layered merino wool sweater, $395, veronicabeard.com
2. Raey shearling jacket, $1606, matchesfashion.com
3. J Brand button-fly jeans, $250, netaporter.com
4. Alison Lou gold ring, $1375, shopbop.com
5. Patagonia mini hip pack, $29, thereformation.com
6. Gucci shearling lined sneakers, $830, netaporter.com

Maybe it's LA's beach weather that has me still in Christmastime denial. I am, however, lucid about one thing: this $15 (on sale!) summery dress, similar to the one I am wearing above, would be an amazing stocking stuffer (or self gift!). Also great (and some very practical) under $50 finds: this Pat McGrath Highlighter and Duo Balm (my beauty editor/makeup artist friends swear by this glow-inducer, and my best friend gave it to me yesterday--magic!), these pretty pinstriped H&M pajamas (bought these for myself!), this Shashi pave ear cuff (cute for my niece!), this colorful Iphoria iPhone cable (fun for my always traveling sis), this international Native Union charger (ditto), these cashmere striped J.Crew mittens, and these booty-shaping exercise bands by Sweat with Bec (I could def use these!).

Elle Strauss is one of the girls who's always wearing exactly what I want to wear. When we worked together on photo shoots at Lucky Magazine (ages ago!), I'd basically shop her outfits on set, purchasing piece by piece (or derivatives, if needed) via my cell phone. Now is no different, as I just bought the cutest Sarah Chloe earrings she designed and wearing, above. They feature a pair of irregular shaped freshwater pearls that can be removed for a versatile day to night look. LOVE (and love the price!). Plus, I snapped up the Anine Bing wool blazer that will see me through chilly LA days, plus the leg-lengthening Madewell jeans she's wearing below!

I was trying not to be a last-minute holiday shopper. I hit the Grove last week in search of family gifts, but somehow I ended up in Topshop's dressing room, surrounded by a bounty of amazing party dresses. All for me! And, um, oopsie, I bought them all, including the spotted print sexy slit dress! Also in the bag: this belted print dress, this floral maxi (obsessed!), and this houndstooth drama queen! The scary thing is I could have left with even more dresses if I were able to get away with it. I mean, how great is this lace-trimmed lovely and clever hybrid situation?