globe trotting
Monday, October 8
I just had the pleasure of attending my father's book launch party in Amsterdam, where he is from. The book, called Footprints, is a retrospective of his work as a photographer, and it includes his most iconic pictures, from the snow monkeys of Japan to his Marlboro-man advertisements to Bali in the late 1960's (above), where he met my mom. It was a quick 36 hours in the city, during which my sister and I enjoyed some long walks along the canals, and it was preceded by a few days in London, where I spent a good portion of my time shopping (surprise, surprise!). Years ago I would fly to London just to shop at the High Street stores, because the offerings are so on the mark (i.e., runway-inspired but affordable) and relatively unidentifiable (i.e., rarely seen in America). Today, as LE CATCH readers know, you can get virtually all of it online, often via the miracle(!) of free shipping and returns, but I still thoroughly enjoy scouring in person the brick-and-mortar versions of the stores you so often see on LE CATCH. I bought a bunch of great stuff including some recent "le catches", such as this Miss Selfridge jacket, these Topshop jeans (almost sold out) and this (already sold-out) Monsoon cardigan, plus some new finds, including this faux fur trimmed dress by Minkie (which I plan on tailoring into a top). Below are some snaps from my trip.
Coco and I ambled along the canals and poked around The Leidseplein, a hip and bustling boutique and cafe-studded neighborhood (somewhat akin to NYC's Greenwich Village). Earlier in the day we went running in Vondelpark, where the leaves were just starting to turn. It was amazingly beautiful--one of those endorphin-flowing runs that makes you count your blessings.
Here we are (me on the right) leafing through my Dad's book in the lobby of our hotel, The Conservatorium, a former 19th-century bank-turned-music school that was recently renovated by Milanese architect Piero Lissoni. It's a spectacular sight to see, as it features original neo-Gothic architecture along with a fantastically modern multistory glass atrium. And it's conveniently located next to the Van Gogh and Stedelijk museums.
Back in London, on a mission (me on the left)!
bling it
Monday, October 8
Many of you have inquired about the provenance of a jeweled sweater that I was wearing in a previous post, which, unfortunately, is not available for purchase online (it's from H&M), so I am thinking this embellished top from Asos is a fantastic, perhaps even more glamorous stand-in. The loose, sweater-like fit means it can be paired with easygoing pieces, like boyfriend jeans, but it will also go hand in hand with dressy, even holiday-festive things. I'd wear it with....
1. Asos jeweled blouse, $149, asos.com
2. Topshop leather jacket, $400, topshop.com
3. Clare Vivier ponyhair clutch, $180, shopbop.com
4. Zara satin sandals, $89, zara.com
5. J Brand cargo jeans, $270, netaporter.com
heidi merrick spring 2013
Saturday, October 6
I am a huge fan of Heidi Merrick's playfully stylish, easy-to-wear designs, and the LA-based designer's Spring 2013 collection might just be my favorite yet. It draws inspiration from the beaches of California's Central Coast, and is reflected in the cool ocean colors, seaweed prints, and, of course, the breezy silhouettes, as seen in these looks, here. I also love how she re-interpreted a few of her signature pieces (like this top and dress), effectively making them must-have's. Winter has not even come, and I am already looking forward to wearing these pieces, come spring!
leather-trimmed tee
Friday, October 5
People, how good is this t-shirt? The leather trim, the pocket, the louche fit. It's the kind of thing I'd wear for days on end, because it's so comfortable and chic. Wear it with....
1. Club Monaco t-shirt, $89, clubmonaco.com
2. Madewell coat, $298, madewell.com
3. Topshop clutch, $28, topshop.com
4. Sam Edelman pumps, $120, shopbop.com
5. Preen sequin print pants, $450, netaporter.com
the carry-all
Thursday, October 4
Above is a picture of me, taken by my twin sister, a few nights ago outside 5 Hertford Street, London's newest members’ club. The exclusive Mayfair establishment was founded by Robin Birley, the former owner of Annabel’s. To say the club is ravishingly elegant would be an understatement: it features several sleek bars, dining rooms and a basement nightclub called Loulou’s--the jewel of the club (think Tony Duquette, Oushak rugs, tribal-deco decor). One of the bathrooms is lined with mother of pearl! And the people there (I spotted Tommy Hilfiger, Jemma Kidd) were dressed to the nines. I sported some new fall pieces (my Wren coat), but accessorized with tried-and-true: my red Clare Vivier clutch. Seriously, this bag has gone everywhere, from Capri to Montauk and now Amsterdam as I write this, and that's because it just about goes with everything, anywhere and adds some punch to any outfit!
puddle jumper
Thursday, October 4
For starters, it's been cold and blustery in London. But I am loving it--and the intermittent rain. Running all over the city means practical, weather-proof footwear--something like this, with, major style to boot. I'd wear these guys (back in LA too) with...
1. Madewell striped shirt, $48, madewell.com
2. River Island leopard blazer, $56, riverisland.com
3. J. Crew leather satchel, $348, jcrew.com
4. Gap suede boots, $79, gap.com
5. Goldsign jeans, $240, netaporter.com
i love my shoes
Wednesday, October 3
My three-year-old son loves a book called Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, and it's all about a cat who goes out for a walk, wearing his brand new white shoes. Along the way, he steps in a pile of strawberries, blueberries, mud, water, you name it, and his white shoes go from red to blue to brown. But no matter what color his shoes are are, Pete keeps singing his song, "I love my (insert color here) shoes...because it's all good." Whenever I put these new Zara shoes on, I find myself singing that song in my head! They've got the requisite ankle strap and it's nicely dainty so it doesn't have any of the leg-truncating effect, and the nude suede works to elongate my leg as well. They look especially great with slightly cropped pants, too. I love my nude shoes!
winter whites
Wednesday, October 3
Winter whites are big news this season, and this blazer is right on point. The fit is perfection: It's double-breasted well-cut, has nice heft, and the gold buttons give it a Balmain-chic touch. I 'd wear it with...
1. J. Crew sweater, $39, jcrew.com
2. Mango blazer, $129, mango.com
3. Miss Selfridge studded suede clutch*, $61, missselfridge.com
4. Thakoon heels, $925 shopbop.com
5. Mulberry corduroy pants, $380, netaporter.com
* I could not stop fondling this bag at Miss Selfridge in Selfridges in London. I love the portfolio-worthy size and Valentino-ish aura! Pics to come from London soon!
glitter guide
Tuesday, October 2
Check out my interview--and office, kitchen, bedroom, living room, etc., featured today on Glitter Guide!
get shorty
Tuesday, October 2
Call off the search! I found the ultimate day-to-night short. One that's not scandalously short. One that's black and flattering and boasts subtle beading and a feminine scalloped hem, to boot. Wear them all winter long with tights, or now while the weather permits with...
1. J. Crew cable knit turtleneck, $98, jcrew.com
2. Bauble Bar silver stud bracelet, $22, baublebar.com
3. Or Yany bag, $355, shopbop.com
4. Madewell flats, $98, madewell.com
5. Oasis shorts, $75, oasis.andotherbrands.com