LE CATCH

A couple of years ago my twin sister introduced me to Natalie Martin, prefacing our meeting with, "You are going to love her." Natalie is one of those women who always looks like she just came back from a spa somewhere in the tropics (see below). She has this opulent Bain de Soleil glow (with barely a stitch of makeup) and an effortlessly glamorous style, due in part to her namesake line of breezy kaftans, flowy dresses and embroidered tops, all made by hand in Bali. Her latest collection--which includes a long silk block-printed dress named after me!--makes me want to abandon my snowbound holiday plans for a deserted beach south of the equator. And on that fantasy vacation I'd also take this halter maxi dress, this floral print dress and this wrap dress! Trust me, you are going to love Natalie and her line, too.

$119, mango

This evening-ready jumpsuit is the definition of one-step dressing. Genius!

1. Mango jumpsuit, $119, mango.com
2. Rag & Bone velvet blazer, $550, netaporter.com
3. Kotur clutch, $238, theoutnet.com
4. Aurelie Bidermann gold cuff, $905, shopbop.com
5. Jimmy Choo sandals, $925, neimanmarcus.com

Lately, I've had more glasses of eggnog and gingerbread cookies than I care to count but the holiday festivities have also presented some--surprise, surprise!--stylish treats. A publicist friend of mine recently staged a Christmas party that felt more like Halloween, as guests were given a sleek and rather large leather tote bag, courtesy of Everlane (see above), and ordered to stuff it with all sorts of goodies, ranging from a Mara Hoffman romper to a Parker sequin blouse to a pair of James Jeans (in the perfect charcoal wash). Joy! And then our annual Yankee Swap was flush with desirables from a Clare Vivier clutch to a Jennifer Fisher bracelet to next season Lena Wald diamond sliver earrings (I want!). I walked away with a seriously cute Sydney Evan necklace. My holiday partying, however, did involve a sour moment or two, most notably the other night when I committed one of the ultimate party fouls: I accidentally spilled a glass of red wine (or, um, two) all over someone. It was my first glass of wine of the night and it was perched on a table in front of me next to my sister's full glass. I was talking to a friend's husband, probably gesticulating more than necessary, when I knocked both glasses over, dousing a woman, an innocent bystander with her back to the table. Fortunately, she was wearing all black. But she was sopping wet. I remember looking at my twin sister and seeing the panic/sympathy in her eyes. She handed me a stack of paper cocktail napkins and I proceeded to pat down this woman from head to toe, concentrating, for some reason, on her butt. (I was nervous!) I kept apologizing, telling her I'd take care of the dry cleaning bill, and she repeated over and over again that she was okay. Finally, her husband interceded and stood between me and this woman and told me that his wife was fine. Then they literally ran away from me and off into the dark of the night. Without missing a beat, my friend's husband, bless his heart, tried to resuscitate our conversation, but it was... awkward would be an understatement. I am still so mortified, but hoping the next few soirees go a little better and a lot drier!

Photo: Stefanie Keenan

$525*, rebecca taylor

Marked down by 25% (for three days only!), this Rebecca Taylor coat is still a splurge, but it's the type of gift that keeps on giving and giving.

1. Warehouse top, $64, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
2. Rebecca Taylor tweed coat, $525, rebeccataylor.com
3. J Brand studded boyfriend jeans, $295, netaporter.com
4. Nila Anthony cross-body bag, $48, nordstrom.com
5. Campbell Tornado ring, $85, clubmonaco.com
6. 3.1 Phillip Lim velvet and patent leather sandal, $495, netaporter.com

*To get this price--or 25% off your purchase use the code HOLIDAY25 at checkout through 12/19.

I used to have the perfect pair of oxfords: not too masculine, super comfortable and thoroughly versatile. Hence, they were worn to death and ultimately rendered unwearable. These pictures make me want a replacement ASAP--such as this patent leather Lanvin (40% off!); this slip-on J.Crew; this navy one from The Gap, and this buckled Pour La Victoire (50% off!). All seriously good ones--eek!

$130, topshop

Still on the holiday party circuit--and flitting around on fumes. However, wearing this embellished statement top could easily recharge my batteries.

1. Topshop floral top, $130, topshop.com
2. Blossom Box chandelier earrings, $140*, maxandchloe.com
3. Asos embroidered clutch, $43**, asos.com
4. Michael Kors ankle-strap heels, $276, shopbop.com
5. Joseph pants, $375, netaporter.com

*Get this price--or 20% off any purchase at Max and Chloe--with the code HOLIDAYFF20 through 12/17.
**Get this price--or 25% off any purchase at Asos--with the code GETGIFTS today only.

Refinery29 recently shot my house for a little Target promotion, and it came out nicely, I think! You can see it here adorned with a few shoppable Target items.

Photos: Jessie Webster

$136, topshop

A mere three hours after flying in from Hong Kong, my friend Stephanie showed up at a dinner party last night looking impossibly gorgeous, thanks in part to this stunning dress. I want!

1. Topshop dress, $136, topshop.com
2. River Island ring, $30, riverisland.com
3. Anthropologie woven tapestry clutch, $48, anthropologie.com
4. Joie cut-out booties, $335, shopbop.com

Dispatched by Moda Operandi founder Lauren Santo Domingo last week, this instagram prompted me to run out and buy The Goldfinch, the latest book from Donna Tartt. Because I love nothing better than a book you can't put down! Now everyone I know is talking about it. I am waiting till Christmas break to dive in. So excited!

$88, henri bendel

We bought the Christmas tree, got the lights up, and the wreath hung. Now I just need some of this twinkle, twinkle!

1. Topshop sequin top, $150, topshop.com
2. Henri Bendel Swarovski crystal ring, $88, henribendel.com
3. Kevia gold-plated bangle, $50, theoutnet.com
4. M2Malletier bag, $1696, netaporter.com
5. Topshop sandal, $100, nordstrom.com
6. Mango jacquard trousers, $59, mango.com