Getting Dressed Between Trips

Seven outfits, The Real Real hearts, and Mexico City tips & recs

Dear Reader,

This week finally feels like the start of the new year for me. We returned from Connecticut and immediately hosted my in-laws, followed by a very quick trip to Mexico City to meet my cousin’s first baby. I also squeezed in time with my grandmother, a few great meals, and a stop at a store that’s been on my list for ages.

Now back in LA, and here for a bit, I’m looking forward to settling into a routine, cleaning out my closet, and restocking the freezer with broths and soups.

Below: seven recent outfits, a few hearted finds on The RealReal, and my latest Mexico City tips.

All my best,
Natalia

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Seven Recent Outfits

In Search of a Hot Latte

I typically only drink black coffee at home, but on a cold Saturday morning, a decaf hot latte from Cookbook in Larchmont sounded just right. Creamy, foamy, and delicious.

Wearing a Kilte cotton sweater (in a size medium. I usually size up in their knits) // Levi’s jeans // Alex Mill tote // Chanel ballet flats.

My husband has used his Alex Mill tote Christmas present exactly zero times because I can’t stop using it.

A Friday Museum Visit

When my in-laws are in town, my husband and I plan a few outings and carve out time to really be together. This past visit, we drove out to the Hammer Museum to see the permanent collection and current exhibitions, then had lunch at Lulu (restaurant at the museum). This is one of my favorite LA outings—the art is always worth the visit, and the meal never disappoints. Lulu, by Alice Waters & David Tanis, serves seasonal, thoughtful, and perfectly Californian food. Easily one of the best lunches in the city.

Wearing a Buck Mason jacket // Flore Flore tshirt // Levi’s (not vintage!!) // Krewe sunglasses // Chanel ballet flats.

I’m a sucker for a museum sticker, and the blue on the Hammer one is good. // Intrigued by this book on color schemes (on my wishlist). Also, the Hammer has black bookmarks with tassels that serve as the book's price tag. I tried to buy one, but unfortunately, they are not for sale.

Midweek Lunch and Window Shopping Date

I’m back on my Real Real sh*t—browsing at both daily drop times and hearting far more than I know what to do with. It had been a while since I’d really shopped on The Real Real, but when a Phoebe Philo–era Celine jacket popped up, I knew it was for me. Still, I waited 24 hours, telling myself that if it was there the next day, it was meant to be. Reader, IT WAS MEANT TO BE!!!

Wearing a Celine jacket // Flore Flore tshirt (my most worn tshirt lately) // vintage Levi’s // Margaux ballet flats // The Horse bag.

These Margaux ballet flats are so comfortable and beautiful. What I love most is the shape — classic and flattering. I have them in brown and love, and am so glad I got them in black now. A black ballet flat is my most-worn shoe!!

Sunday Coffee Run

My sister and her husband are moving to LA next month (!!), and they were in town to pick up their apartment keys and start settling in. I still can’t believe Sunday coffee and breakfast with my sister is about to be a regular thing. We went to Cafe Telegrama on Western, and everyone loved the breakfast burritos.

Wearing an RLT vneck sweater (in a medium for some extra room) // DONNI. silk pants // Margaux ballet flats // Krewe sunglasses.

Sometimes the Aries in me comes out, and I wear pants before taking them to the tailor. It is what it is. I solved the extra length by rolling them up.

Sensing a theme in my latest closet additions. DONNI. pants on the left // Mansur Gavriel ballet flats on the right. The star of this show, though, is the Fawn print Ruggable runner in my kitchen. I have the natural version, but I think the warm brown would be stunning!!

How To Wear It: Airport Outfit Edition

Wearing a 440me wool button-up (wears like a cardigan) // Levi’s jeans // Chanel ballet flats. Schlepping a Sezane leather jacket in my LL Bean Boat and Tote, and my Alex Mill tote.

4 outfits and 48 Hours in Mexico City

Day One in Mexico City: spent the morning with my cousin in Polanco, starting with breakfast at Maque, a coffee walk around the Parque Lincoln, a visit to El Péndulo bookstore (left with so many books), then lunch back at my in-laws’ (chicken milanesas + mashed potatoes + green beans + zucchini soup), and a few hours of work in the afternoon.

Wearing a Flore Flore long sleeve // vintage Levi’s // Sezane leather jacket // Hunting Season bag // Chanel ballet flats.

In the evening, we went out to dinner with my aunt Alex to Gia (Italian spot making really good pizza).

Wearing a Modern Citizen jacket // the same Flore Flore shirt // vintage Levi’s // Hunting Season bag // Chanel ballet flats.

Day Two in Mexico City: started with breakfast with my aunt (chilaquiles verdes), and a walk for coffee around her neighborhood (americano + an almond cookie), then an afternoon visit and lunch with my grandmother (smoked salmon tartines), followed by a visit to Chava Studio (more on this below), and finally a little work before dinner.

Wearing an RLT vneck sweater // vintage Levi’s // ByOrly necklace // Krewe sunglasses.

I was running out the door and remembered to grab my ByOrly necklace from my desk. Orly is so sweet, and I love seeing her business grow.

For dinner, we met one of my husband’s friends for tacos at La Bonvi. As the temperature dropped, I swapped my sweater for a Sézane leather jacket, buttoned it, and wore it as a top, and used the sweater as a scarf to keep warm.

Wearing a Sezane leather jacket // vintage Levi’s // RLT vneck sweater // Chanel ballet flats.

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The Real Real Hearts

Don’t you love it when all your Real Real hearts come together to make one great outfit? Also, I recently found out that The Real Real has vintage Levi’s, and for the most part, the prices aren’t outrageous (yet). How about that…

An outfit I’d wear Mon-Sun. Burberry black trench coat (size M) // Khaite blue/yellow cashmere sweater (size XS) // vintage Levi’s (waist 29”) // Tom Ford sunglasses // Celine pony hair bag // Chanel black ballet flats (size 37.5).

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For The Love of Mexico City

I’m often asked for my Mexico City tips and guide—and I’ll get to that one day, promise!! For now, here are three places to eat, plus a few favorites from this last trip.

• Three Places to Eat

  • Sushi Iwashi (Polanco)

    When my husband and I lived in Mexico City a few years ago, this was our go-to neighborhood sushi spot—and where I learned to truly appreciate great sushi. Our first stop after our afternoon flight this past trip.

  • El Cardenal (San Ángel)

    The best chilaquiles I’ve had in Mexico City. There are multiple locations, but San Angel is my favorite—especially if you’re already in the area for the Diego Rivera museum or Bazar del Sábado. Order the chilaquiles verdes with a fried egg, extra crema, and a hot chocolate.

  • La Bonvi (Polanco)

    We went for tacos on this last trip and loved them. They encourage customizing your tacos—flour tortilla, beans, cheese—which makes them especially satisfying. The picaña taco was a standout, and the tres leches soaked in dulce de leche is worth saving room for.

• Two Things To Remember

  • Traffic requires patience (and planning).
    Mexico City traffic is on another level—even compared to LA. Rush hour can mean sitting in the same spot for 45 minutes without moving. Build in an extra 30–40 minutes, especially before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Better to arrive early and linger than be an hour and a half late (true story).

  • Layers are essential.

    You can experience a full range of temperatures in a single day. It’s often warm during the day and freezing by night, so dress in layers.

• One Place to Shop

  • I finally made it to Chava Studio, and even with just fifteen minutes to browse, it was a great experience. Paulina, the shop director, was warm and attentive and helped me choose a beautiful shirt. If you’re in Mexico City, this store is a must-visit.