LE CATCH

$71, asos

I love the spiky, glinty craziness going on here--and how it pretty much demands a fun night out on the town.

1. Preen satin and chiffon dress, $796, theoutnet.com
2. J.Crew jean jacket, $128, jcrew.com
3. Makeup For Ever lipstick in Matte Bright Red, $20, sephora.com
4. Eugenia Kim rabbit snood, $285, netaporter.com
5. River Island embellished bag, $71, asos.com
6. Aquazurra peep-toe bootie, $595, shopbop.com

Like other twins I know, my twin sister and I call each other all the time. Even when we know it may disrupt work, wake up a husband or overtired kids, we generally cannot help ourselves. But the one time we do not call each other is between the hours of 7AM to 8AM on weekdays, when we are both in the hectic throes of getting our kids dressed, fed and off to school. So when she rang me during that crazy hour last week, I picked up the phone, knowing whatever she had to say was direly important. "You have to put my new H&M sweater on LE CATCH," she said. She went on to describe the perfect chunky-knit navy turtleneck that she's been wearing to photo shoots in New York and how she's inspired famous models to drop everything and go buy one for themselves. "It kind of looks Celine," she explained, "and it doubles as a jacket--perfect for this transitional weather." I waited till after I dropped the kids off at school to check the turtleneck's availability on H&M's site only to discover it was no longer available in blue, just in black, with most sizes sold out. Since my sister proclaimed the navy one far superior, I started prowling around for other options, now feeling like I had this giant hole in my wardrobe. First, I came across the one above from Emerson Fry. Truth be told, it may have been the whole outfit that sold me on it. (You can find the boots here and the jeans here). Clearly, there's an art to wearing these big knits stylishly, lest you want to look slovenly, and the key is to balance the oversize sweaters with more streamlined, form-fitting pieces--i.e. a skinny jeans, a fitted jacket, etc. I rounded up some snaps, below, for how-to-wear-a-big-slouchy-turtleneck inspiration along with some amazingly cozy knits, including this, this, this, and this --all of which will stand up to winter's chilliest days.

$39, gap

As you may recall, I have been in flat-shoe mode, and these cracked metallic ballerina slippers may just keep me there a little longer--and help spice up my everyday running around!

1. River Island sweater, $70, riverisland.com
2. Vanessa Bruno coat, $1020, netaporter.com
3. Topshop cross-body bag, $130, topshop.com
4. Gap metallic flats, $39, gap.com
5. J.Crew coated pants, $135, jcrew.com (get 25% off purchases of $150+ with the code SHOPNOW through 10/30)

It's always fun to see what people show up wearing to the airport, because it usually offers clues about where they are traveling. In Gwyneth Paltrow's case, above, seen at LAX a few days ago, I think her jacket connotes two things: JFK or LHR bound and universal chicness. Of course, the Alice & Olivia topper is already in short supply but I found sizes here, here, here and here. P.S. Gwyneth's sunglasses are by Oliver Peoples and you can find them here.

Photo: Just Jared

$188, shopbop

You may recall my obsession with a certain pair of Isabel Marant sandals last spring. But what you may not know was that I never found them in my size. This just-out budget-friendly version is going to help me lick that open wound!

1. River Island beaded fringe top, $80, riverisland.com
2. Theory leather-trimmed blazer, $495, netaporter.com
3. C. Wonder initial letter cuff, $48, cwonder.com
4. Topshop sequin messenger bag, $790, topshop.com
5. Schutz sandals, $188, shopbop.com
6. J.Crew cargo pants, $32, theoutnet.com

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)