Grey cashmere 5 ways, what’s in my basket(s), and self care city
Plus maybe some more replicas…
OK my rapacious little replica kittens I see you. I see you clicking those links and buying those replicas I keep finding, so let’s give you more of what you need as we sail straight into replica corner. Coming up this week:
Shoes: You want that gorgeous Alaia satin wedge mule but without the $1,150 price tag? You got it babes - peep this for $75 (I ordered it, will report back). Stay cool but not broke AF in these Jil Sander net ballet reps (which surely are, in themselves, a dupe of the Alaia fisherman’s net sandals last year, tres meta). Feel like potentially breaking your ankles (or becoming a dominatrix) in YSL’s hottest burgundy patent leather wedge? I found some for a fraction of the price. Lean into the mesh trend but pop a heel on it with these copies of Loewe’s mesh slingback (you can also find their flats here). Want it flat? Revert to the Row’s sock mesh flat for way less here (you’re not going to be wearing it next year, anyway).
Jewels: Finally, on the jewelry front layering is back and more is less. Lean into boho with a refined twist by switching up winter jewelry with this gold covered puka shell bracelet (I bought a few to supplement those vintage gold herringbone tennis bracelets I sourced from Etsy. This was inspired by some chic B I saw last time I ate at the bar at Horses who had layered a bunch of them draped over an old silver mans Rolex - VIBES) + and finish with a multi-toned, multi-faceted ring. Finally jump on the chunky-lensed cat-eye trend with these Loewe tortoiseshell sunnies at a fraction of the price. And believe me I’m digging for that coveted JujuVera Petra Shell Necklace but no luck yet (although I discovered it might be a nod to a Kenneth Lane vintage gold plated necklace I found on E-Bay…)
OK, let’s have a quick moment on belts, which have made a serious comeback as a fashion-forward accessory in recent seasons, a widely documented by style authorities such as Vogue and WWD. Their resurgence isn't just about function—it’s about silhouette, statement, and styling versatility. As a recent belt re-adopter, here’s my breakdown of why belts are trending again and where to buy some - high and low end.
Why Belts Are Back
1. Return to Structured Dressing:
According to Vogue, post-pandemic fashion has seen a shift from oversized, relaxed silhouettes to more refined, tailored pieces. Belts play a central role in this, helping to define the waist and add polish to everything from suiting to dresses.
2. Belt as Statement:
Rather than being purely utilitarian, belts are now treated as a styling centerpiece. WWD notes that belts are being used to create high-impact focal points in both day and eveningwear. Think: bold hardware, luxurious leathers, and unexpected proportions.
3. Y2K and '90s Nostalgia:
The fashion world’s love affair with Y2K and late-‘90s style has also revived the belt’s popularity. Midriff belts, chain belts, and logo-heavy styles—reminiscent of early 2000s looks—are back in rotation particularly among Gen Z and streetwear influencers.
4. Layering and Versatility:
Belts offer an easy way to transform or personalize an outfit. Vogue Runway has pointed out how belts are now being layered over coats, knit dresses, and even blazers to create strong silhouettes and add dimension to simple looks.
The popular Khaite Bambi belt is a beautiful slim number in a versatile number of colorways, but if you’re now down for spending $850 then look to Madewell for similar styles, or grab this look-ish-a-like here.
Madewell has a strong line in all similar styles of this seasons most popular belts, including the studded silver or gold Khaite Benny which has been so popular (and as a regular wearer, can attest to it’s versatility). Think hard about the color of your other associated hardware before making a purchase, I opted for a silver studded look but have quickly realized all of my jewelry and handbag hardware is gold, so it’s limited its usability as an accessory.
Gray 5 ways - learning to shop in my closet
Despite a heat surge in Los Angeles last week, this week we returned to spring temperatures - and while (sadly) coats are now consigned to early morning and late evening, it’s still cool enough to wear a thin layer of cashmere during the day. A heather gray Quince cashmere sweater has been a staple this winter, so this week I challenged myself to style it 5 ways to take me into the spring using stuff I already have in my closet - mainly to stop the ever increasing flow of packages of new things to my door. This is actually a really fun exercise I encourage you to try and home - it will allow you to truly determine what you wear and what you don’t in your closet. Anchoring each outfit around a core piece is also a useful way to focus when packing a capsule wardrobe for a short trip.
Day 1: Anine Bing Black leather trousers, Frankie shop white shirt, Khaite Ben Bely and Anine Bing kitten heels
Day 2: With a Frankie shop black midi skirt, matching Quince cashmere socks and Miu Miu sneakers
Day 3: Blue Levis stovepipe jeans, Khaite Benny Belt, & gray Anine Bing blazer (wear with Miu Miu sneakers or kitten heels)
Day 4: Zara white cotton midi skirt & black Isabel Marant cowboy boots
Day 5: black leather Bermuda shorts & Anine Bing kitten heels - layer under the white shirt it it’s cooler
Beauty
A big beauty couple of weeks in preparation for some travel and summer fun, so my first stop is Erin at Contour and Ink for my quarterly ProCell microchanneling treatment. It’s hard to notice significant differences in your own face but right on cue, about 3 weeks after I get this done, people start asking about my skincare routine. Backed up with regular use of my Current Body LED face mask, this is one of the foundational principles of my skincare regime.
I also tried out snail slime, or Mucin. Tipped over the edge by the sheer amount of support for it from influencers I trust, I bit the bullet on the UGH factor and got a bottle of COSRX Snail Mucin Essence. Ladies, this is leagues cheaper than the serums I’ve been trying and provides better, instant results. Apply 2 pumps before moisturizer morning and evening, wait for the stickiness to fade and then moisturizer on top, and use a little bit more than normal. I hate to admit it but this has done more for the plumpness and hydration of my skin than any of the other (more expensive) serums I’ve been trying recently. However, I have the sneaking suspicion that this works at the front end while more expensive alternatives do the deeper work at the back end.
Hair Color is refreshed and amped up for summer by Kari at Meche. Meche is certainly not the cheapest (but hey, I save on belts and shoes so LFG) but they do LA blonde like no-one else, and for Deux Moi celeb spotting or passing gossip is hard to beat (recently overheard ‘you know, the one member of 1D that’s not the good looking, of course I wasn’t going to go to his house at midnight to cover his grays before Coachella!’). I’ve been traveling here to get my color done for 15 years and they are still unbeaten. In between treatments if I can’t get the time to go in and get a gloss done to amp up dull roots I’ve grabbed Redken’s Acid Gloss treatment and swapped our Bumble and Bumble Professional Hair Oil for the Wella Professional Ultimate Repair Treatment (on my stylists advice) which will keep my hair in great condition and the color fresh until my next foil marathon.
I accidentally stumbled into Aesop last weekend and stumbled out having spent $150+ - they have gorgeous new scents for their hand balm (I’m a sucker for packaging and they’ve actually started to color it now so there you go) and body lotion. Trick - if you don’t have Aesop money (or don’t want to spend it on the guest bathroom then try Element Brooklyn - they have created a whole business on replicas of the most popular Aesop, Diptiyque and now Tom Ford and Loewe scents in soap, body lotion, and candle refills) and you can buy really nice containers from Amazon to make them look smart). This will save you money to buy a Flamingo Estate candle in one of their new scents, maybe the Roma Tomato Heirloom (who did it first? Loewe or Flamingo?). If you’re filling a basket get the new user discount and make sure you pick up some Persimmon Vinegar and their excellent Estate Olive Oil while you’re there. Flaminog never disappoint for gifts, the packing and quality are amazing, and for a truly lovely gift subscribe to their regenerative estate produce box, you want to splurge get yourself their
Eating out in Los Angeles
Time for some good time old school local eats. I turn to Blair’s time and time again - it’s one of those rare neighborhood gems that feels timeless in its simplicity. Tucked into a quiet corner of Silver Lake, Blair’s offers an intimate, relaxed atmosphere that feels as comforting as the food itself. The menu leans toward California-Italian, with a strong emphasis on seasonal produce, housemade pastas, and hearty, classic dishes like roast chicken and braised short ribs. Nothing feels overly fussy here — it’s honest cooking, thoughtfully prepared, in a setting that invites you to linger. Whether you're tucked into a small booth or enjoying a low-key dinner with friends on the spacious patio, Blair’s embodies a kind of unfussy elegance that’s increasingly rare in L.A.
if you’re on the other side of town and c an’t get a reservation at Gjelina, Superba Food & Bread in Venice captures the heart of California casual dining with just the right amount of polish. Known equally for its house-baked breads and bright, ingredient-driven plates, Superba is the kind of place where the vibe is laid-back but the food is taken seriously. The menu effortlessly balances healthful dishes — think grain bowls and roasted vegetables — with indulgences like buttery croissants and rich pastas. It’s particularly beloved for brunch, but its versatility makes it equally appealing for a casual business lunch or a dinner with friends. Superba thrives in that sweet spot where everything feels easy, fresh, and just a little bit special.
Finally a heavy hitter which I’d been dying to visit- Dunsmoor, located in Glassell Park, is a love letter to American heritage cooking — but with a distinct Los Angeles point of view. In a warmly rustic, yet stylish space, Chef Brian Dunsmoor (formerly of Hatchet Hall) draws on deep Southern roots, wood-fire techniques, and a reverence for old-world flavors. Expect dishes like hearth-roasted meats, pickled seasonal vegetables, and cornbread that’s so good it could stand alone as a meal - warning - it is both addictive and filling and you will not - can not - leave a scrap left. Dunsmoor brings a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship that's hard to fake, and while the food feels deeply soulful, it’s also plated with an eye for modern simplicity. It’s a restaurant that feels rooted, confident, and genuinely transporting. The wine list is priced a bit yikes, but they do have a reasonable corkage fee. Grab a friend with a wine club delivery and head on over (and get 2 cornbreads!).
Hot new alert LeLe Dinner Club: a secret warehouse pop up by Daniele Uditi (the maestro behind LA’s Pizzana) and Fernando Mucerino is the hardest to get reservation in LA right now and boy am I trying. People who have been are raving about the insane Italian food and wine pairing,