LE CATCH

There's that time, deep into winter, when all I want to do is avoid my everyday coat. After a while, it just gets to feel so burdensome, so Groundhog Day, so never going to get warm again. Enter the cape. Poppy Delevingne executes the fresh-looking topper to perfection, and so does Kate Moss, of course, below. These images prompted me to search out the latest and greatest capes, and so far, I love these ones by DKNY, Maje, Michael Kors, and L'Agence.

$240, topshop

One of my old statement jackets came to the rescue yesterday as I rushed to get dressed for a sit-down luncheon. It basically carried my outfit! This bold, beaded stunner would do the same for a fun dinner out.

1. Equipment washed silk camisole, $98, netaporter.com
2. Topshop beaded jacket, $240, topshop.com
3. Lizzie Fortunato earrings, $240, shopbop.com
4. Accessorize clutch, $72, accessorize.com
5. Alexander Wang sandals, $595, forwardbyelysewalker.com
5. Clu silk tapered pants, $225, netaporter.com

I often find that I will want a piece of clothing that I previously overlooked when I see it on someone else I admire. Case in point: Netaporter's fashion director Holli Rogers, above, who does fine justice to J.Crew's waffle cashmere sweater. Now, all of sudden I need it. Want it! Fortunately, it can be mine today at 25% off--along with mostly everything else J.Crew when your order totals $150+ through 10/30. Hmmm... don't mind if I do! Here's what I'm fancying: the color-block coat, below, this chic workhorse of a black sweater (featured in this morning's post), this extra cozy cashmere tunic in navy, camel and, well, why not, pink, this Aspen-ready puffer jacket, and these versatile black booties. Use code SHOPNOW at checkout.

$220, saturday

This bright plaid poncho might just be the chicest and comfiest way to stave off the crisp autumn chill.

1. J.Crew zippered sweater*, $98, jcrew.com
2. Saturday plaid poncho, $220, saturday.com
3. 3.1 Phillip Lim tote bag, $1250, shopbop.com
4. Aldo over-the-knee boots, $220, aldoshoes.com
5. J Brand mid-rise jeans, $218, netaporter.com

*Fyi, J.Crew is having a 25% off sale through Oct 30 on purchases $150+. I will publish a roundup of my favorite on sale pieces shortly.

Earlier this month, my husband and I were lucky enough to sneak away from reality (and the kiddos!) for a long weekend trip to Costa Careyes, Mexico. Unlike most resort towns, there are no hotels, stores, or even ATM's. Located on the Pacific Coast, a few hours south of Puerto Vallarta, Costa Careyes (literally “turtle coast”) is home to a sea turtle sanctuary, and 70% of the land is a nature preserve, surrounded by miles and miles of deserted beaches and lush jungle. Founded in the late 1960's by the eccentric Italian-born financier and artist Gian Franco Brignone, Careyes has an artsy, bohemian vibe, reflected in the Crayola-hued villas that are perched on steep craggy cliffs. We, along with some friends, stayed in the thatched-roof open-air villa, pictured above, and indulged in infinity pool swimming, hammock swinging and guacamole-and-chips eating. Read on for more highlights!

Here I am, ready for action Day 1.

The colorful walls and floating staircase of Dos Estrellas (our villa) capture Careyes' creative spirit.

Meet our infinity pool, where we convened after breakfast, post-workout, pre-sunset and so on.

This might just be the best late afternoon snack I've ever had: homemade guac, chips, pico de gallo salsa and a frozen margarita. Served up poolside, of course.

We hit the beach at Playa Rosa, located in the bay below our house. It served as our launching pad for boating, paddle boarding, and Pacific Ocean bobbing. (P.S. the bath tub-like water temperature was utterly perfect.)

Here I am lounging (and most likely debating another nap) at Playa Rosa.

The trip's signature drink: a fresh lime juice margarita with a smidge of salt. Yum!

Our nights out centered around dinners al fresco and dancing till midnight. In the picture, above, I am partaking in some cocktail lounging. Ah, yes!

One day we took a boat ride up the Jalisco coast in search of secluded coves. It didn't take us long as they were everywhere. Once we decided on the perfect calm spot, we anchored and jumped into the ocean. You can see our orange villa in the distance, above.

I can't really recall why I chose the expression above, since there were plenty of handsome men and guacamole on board.

We lingered over big and hearty breakfasts at this table every morning--huevos rancheros, frijoles con queso, fruit, chocolate cake, and yes, more guacamole.

The villa had more cool hang out spots than I had time for! I did not do this terrace justice, sadly, but knowing it was there felt just as good!

Here I am getting my festive on in a recently purchased beaded dress by Virgos Lounge (with a slit up to there!).

Our bedroom balcony afforded this mesmerizing view of the ocean. The sound of the waves crashing on shore lulled me into the best sleep I've had in ages.

On the last day of our vacation, we stayed in the pool till the very last minute. Careyes was hard to leave--but I am sure I will return some day!

Photos: Casa Does Estrellas, Stephanie Johnson, Kevin Kendrick (last pic)

$298, anthropologie

Stripes and sequins excite me. Especially when they adorn something I could wear pretty much everyday (or night!).

1. By Malene Birger blouse, $375, netaporter.com
2. Tracy Reese wool jacket, $298, anthropologie.com
3. Henri Bendel wraparound watch, $168, henribendel.com
4. Gap leather tote bag, $98, gap.com
5. Jessica Simpson pumps, $78, nordstrom.com
6. Frame Denim mid-rise skinny jeans, $199, netaporter.com

I have no idea what I was thinking on Saturday afternoon when I attempted to move a king-size upholstered headboard on my own. It ultimately fell smack dab on top of my right big toe--it hurt so badly! But then later, of course, I put on my heels and headed to a dance party, where I, with the help of my friend tequila, proceeded to boogie-woogie all night long. On Sunday morning, the consequences of my actions were revealed: I could barely walk. Woe is me. It looks like I am going to be wearing flat shoes for days to come. Of course, the one upside is an excuse to buy a new pair of flats (or two!) that I will be excited to hobble around in. So far, I've dug up these comfy contenders from Jenni Kayne (similar to the pair above), Schutz, Aquazurra, and Zara.

Photo: Pinterest

$120, miss selfridge

Since metallic will be a big Spring 2014 trend, I'm thinking this glimmery silver dress will dazzle through the holidays and straight into summer soirees.

1. Miss Selfridge metallic dress, $120, missselfridge.com
2. Bauble Bar drop earrings, $32, baublebar.com
3. Charlotte Olympia clutch, $1565, netaporter.com
4. Aquazurra tie-up sandals, $795, shopbop.com

The party time of year is here (see my desk above)--and thus the quest for festive dresses begins, which is fun since I actually enjoy this hunt as much as the soirees themselves. I struck gold this morning at The Outnet, stocked with a bounty of deeply discounted party-around-the-clock frocks, including this strapless Michael Van Der Ham (70% off!), this embellished fringe tulle Issa (65% off!), and this highly dramatic Michael Kors (70%). I also dug up these fetching lovelies--though not on sale but still incredibly tempting nonetheless!--from ML Monique L'huiller, BCBG, and Alexander McQueen. Party on, people!