LE CATCH

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?

I'm not joking: I broke my closet. The shelves came crashing down the other day under the weight of oversized sweaters, compressed cover-ups, forgotten t-shirts, you name it. So, I finally did what I've been putting off for way too long. I weeded out a mother lode of beloved pieces that I've held on to but not worn for ages, including the gorgeous (so sad to see it go!) lace Erdem skirt, above, along with the pretty Doen maxi, below, and hauled them over to The Real Real. I suggest you check out a few of my favorite hits before they find another (unbroken) closet, such as these Aquazurra sandals, this MSGM one-shoulder top, and this embroidered resort-ready Figue dress.

I've been sharing my kids' holiday wish lists for years now with you, and while I may be the only one who think these lists are cute (as they're my kids!), they also perfectly chronicle aging/maturation/life moving on. They're like time capsules! My oldest son's 2018 list is a thoughtful mix of little boy-meets-big-boy wants, accurately revealing his 12 years of age. The predominant theme: comfort, from the inflatable couch (!?) to the sweatpants to the crystals to the in-room swing (!?). Even James and Cody, our guinea pigs, are in on the hygge action. His list inspired me to craft my own: a medley of high and low, practical and indulgent. Unlike his though, mine is an adult working list, meaning I will keep revising it up until the last minute, because I know Santa can pull through! Check out what I have so far here!

New York City's chill has ushered in some strong and inspiring winter layering. One exceptional example: My friend Beth turned up at our La Goulue lunch yesterday wearing an oversized berry-colored turtleneck, thrown over a playful print Borgo de Nor dress, topped off with a plush fur vest. Then this morning I spotted a woman, who layered an embroidered boho-spirited Antik Batik vest over a standard issue winter coat. The look was perfection (and immediately prompted me to find the vest to, alas, no avail.) Of course, now I am in the market for more outfit-making, made-for-layering pieces. A good hoodie would be an easy place to start, and I love this one from Ganni, this cultish Supreme, or this basic Levi's. I also love a blazer like this under a coat (or this, or this, or this).