This edition of monthly favorites is all looks and no books. The first half of the month was packed with work, and by the second half, I was traveling to visit family, so I didn’t read a single page. Sometimes that happens, and I’ve learned to go with it, knowing I’ll find my way back to reading soon.

Below, ten outfits I wore in May, a DÔEN Summer collection try-on, and two new makeup favorites.

I’ll be soaking in these few days home before we head out on our summer trip. Wishing you a fun and sunny June!

All my best,
Natalia

Ten Looks From May

1. Starting with the most basic of outfits: jeans + a tshirt. For me, it’s so easy to throw this on because I love my tshirts and I love my jeans. Add some sunglasses, a ballet flat, and a large coffee, and we’re good to go.

2. The “it’s 10 degrees colder” version of the above outfit: jeans + v-neck + big bag + ballet flats.

3. Layered up for another chilly day in LA.

4. Spring weather is great because you can wear linen with cashmere. Love the contrast of a warmer fabric with the ease of linen.

5. An easy outfit formula for May Grey mornings: trench + long sleeve + jeans + ballet flats.

6. Right before my two weeks of travel started, I stopped by the Brentwood Country Mart for a fun day of shopping. I popped into Jenni Kayne and DÔEN, two of my favorite stores ever.

I wore my yellow cotton cardigan from Jenni Kayne and got stopped multiple times with inquiries about where the sweater was from.

My first stop was the DÔEN store to try on pieces from their new summer collection. The team invited me in a few days before launch to shoot some content, and I had so much fun trying everything on. DÔEN is great year-round, but they really shine in summer with their airy, romantic pieces.

These were some of my favorites:

As soon as I finished at DÔEN, I walked over to Jenni Kayne with the sole purpose of trying on their suede Lennox jacket.

7. Right before I left town, this beautiful red bag arrived from the Turkish brand Serena Uziyel. The two-tone braided pattern and leather details make it seriously stunning. I wore it straight to dinner, and just packed it for my upcoming summer trip.

8. Excuse the bathroom picture, but it was the only full-length mirror I could find. We spent a few days in Wayzata. Minnesota visiting my husband’s family. Snapped this before lunch at The Grocer’s Table — highly recommend. Leaning on my May grey outfit formula here.

9. I packed a whole suitcase of outfits, and repeated this all-white one the most. I wore it first on a walk in Wayzata (cashmere wrap necessary with the wind), and again to my youngest brother’s pre-prom celebration in Connecticut.

10. The Jenni Kayne suede jacket worn two ways in two cities.

Two New Makeup Favorites

Gosh, I missed writing this weekly faves column the last two weeks!! I tried to keep this one short, despite having a lot to share. From a beautiful citrine necklace straight from Paris, to new touches of blue around the house (and wardrobe) — this one is filled with lots of special things.

Hope you find something below to add to your favorites list.

All my best,
Natalia

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There’s a theme with the outfit screenshots of the past few weeks. Lots of ease and shades of white and brown.

Make sure you’re subscribed to ’s Substack, btw!!

OLIVIA KNOTT

I'm obsessed with being obsessed. Head of Marketing at Dorsey. Writing about what I'm buying and how I'm wearing it.

By Olivia Knott

NEW IN

As life starts to speed up and the calendar fills in, I find myself leaning more and more on outfit formulas. Getting dressed becomes much easier when you already know the silhouettes and color combinations that work for you.

One formula I come back to constantly this time of year is simple: white top and white bottom. I’m using the color white broadly here; it can, of course, be ecru, cream, ivory, etc. An outfit can feel particularly interesting when mixing shades of white to create a bit of contrast and texture.

Below are six examples styled for various everyday appointments and commitments. Hope you find something you love. Back next week with weekly favorites (it will be a long one!!).

All my best,
Natalia

Look One

I recently wore a variation of this look to a lunch meeting and a few appointments on the West Side of Los Angeles. The weather was gloomy, as most May mornings tend to be, so layers were key. By the time I left my appointments, the sun was out, and it felt like early summer. The Zara suede jacket is from last year, and the cut is perfect. I’d wear it over an airy white linen top and white jeans, with black accessories to ground the look.

Look Two

A look for mornings that start in the car, skincare and all, with enough traffic ahead of you to justify leaving 30 minutes early for a 9am appointment. The striped long sleeve and white linen pants feel polished but relaxed, while the red tote and sandals wake everything up. Sitting in traffic gives our skincare time to sink in, so a generous swipe of eye cream for the ride ensures fresh undereyes once we arrive.

Look Three

This is what I’d wear for a morning with a few errands, a coffee stop, and nowhere I need to be too dressed up. The proportions here are what make the look feel easy — a relaxed vneck sweater with structured cotton pants and delicate flats. The oversized navy bag adds just enough contrast to keep everything from feeling too precious.

Look Four

Another look inspired by something I recently wore. I purchased the Leset Laura V-neck tee on a whim, hoping it would have a similar neckline to my beloved Flore Flore Iman shirt, but feel lighter and easier for warmer weather. Luckily, I was right. The fit is loose, but still has that great V-neck silhouette. Wear it with white jeans, a loose trench, black wrap-around sandals, and a raffia bag.

Look Five

A softer take on spring dressing. The floral embroidered coat feels polished, but the clean white dress and pale pink accessories keep everything light and unfussy. I love a look like this for a long lunch, a garden dinner, or one of those rare LA days that actually feels seasonal.

Look Six

This is what I want to wear for slow weekend mornings that turn into an afternoon wandering through a market or sitting outside for lunch. The boxer shorts and lightweight cotton knit keep the look relaxed, while the trench and black accessories sharpen everything up a bit. I’ve also been reaching for the Oak Essentials Mineral Sunscreen lately. Sunscreen is an essential for me year-round, especially during these longer, sunnier days. This one blends in beautifully and gives skin a healthy, slightly glowy finish.

2. I finally got my reading groove back, thanks to Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. I don’t want to spoil a single thing, but I will say it stayed with me long after I finished it. I’ve talked about it with a few friends who’ve read it too, and we all agreed: it’s a must-read.

   

3. Ballet flats are the staple in my closet, and the Demi flats from Margaux continue to be one of the hardest-working pairs I own. I have them in black and brown, and after picking up the butter yellow pair earlier this spring, I wore them nonstop through April.

   

4. The red barn jacket from DÔEN was one of my most-worn pieces this month. It’s much lighter than my heavier Toteme barn jacket, which makes it perfect for spring and cooler mornings. I also love the longer length — especially with leggings, since it fully covers my behind without feeling oversized. The red color is striking in the best way, and the brown accents are so good. I wore it for coffee runs, neighborhood walks, and out to lunch on weekends.

   P.S. I believe the jacket is part of the DÔEN Mother’s Day Sale!!

   

5. I used the Emma Lewisham Supernatural Vitale Elixir and the Supernatural Face Crème Riche morning and night all through April, and my skin loved them. The Vitale Elixir left my skin feeling smooth, refreshed, and really hydrated, while the Crème Riche sealed everything in without feeling heavy. By the end of the month, my skin felt consistently smooth and well moisturized. Plus, both products smell delicious. I’m so sensitive to scent in products, and these were so calming.

   

6. The navy raffia bag from Jenni Kayne has been such a good everyday bag this spring. The size is perfect — roomy enough to fit everything I need without feeling oversized or bulky.

   

7. La Ridícula Idea de No Volver A Verte by Rosa Montero was one of my favorite reads this month. The book weaves together reflections on grief, love, womanhood, and creativity through the life of Marie Curie, while also pulling from Montero’s own experiences. What stayed with me most was how clear Rosa Montero’s voice felt throughout the entire book. She’s sharp, honest, morbidly funny, and deeply human. I also loved reading it in Spanish, which made the whole experience feel even richer.

   

8. The Oak Essentials Dew Body Butter has been part of my nightly routine for months now, but it really stepped up in April. It’s rich and moisturizing without feeling heavy, and somehow fully absorbs overnight so I wake up feeling soft and hydrated — never sticky!!

   

9. We watched The Count of Monte Cristo from PBS Masterpiece this month, and it completely pulled us in. It’s rare for a show to totally pull me in from start to finish, but this one did. The costumes were also incredible — dramatic and detailed without feeling overdone.

10. The Small Park Tote from The Row, borrowed through Vivrelle, has been such a fun bag to carry lately. The tomato-red color adds the perfect pop to an outfit, and the shape is so simple and good.

Switching up the weekly favorites to share some tried and trues instead of new arrivals. Sometimes, the stuff you’ve used forever hits better than anything new.

Next week, I’ll share everything I loved in April, including two books that I very much enjoyed. Talk then!

All my best,
Natalia

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TRIED AND TRUES

I’m back with weekly favorites. I loved putting this format together again, and from the comments and messages, it seems you all enjoyed it too.

If you missed last week’s weekly favorites letter, I’m leaning into shorter, more frequent sends featuring compliment magnets (pieces people IRL and in my DMs wanted info on), scroll stoppers (screenshots, saved posts, something in my The RealReal wishlist), and fresh finds (pieces that hit my “desk” the past week and how I’m wearing or using them).

Can’t wait to hear what you think. Talk next week!

All my best,
Natalia

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lynettesaid

I dress boring, I only have good accessories

I got you with the HED, didn’t I? Well now you’re here, welcome to another week on lynettesaid. This week I’ve been thinking about my foray into Substack—what I have to say and what would make this worth your time and attention amidst all the writers, thinkers and style set that dominate Substack (BTW: I’ve so enjoyed deep-diving on Substack of late and…

Read more

2 months ago · 184 likes · 16 comments · Lynette Nylander

FRESH FINDS

Ok, that’s it for this week! Hope you have a great weekend filled with fun plans and something delicious. We celebrated my husband’s 40th last weekend, so we’re all celebrated out for now and hoping to have some chill time at home to read and hike (and make bolognese, I’m reaaally craving it). Xx

I’m inspired by the newsletters I love to read to share shorter, more frequent letters. So, I’m trying out this new weekly favorites format. Three sections featuring mostly images: compliment magnets (pieces people IRL and in my DMs wanted info on), scroll stoppers (screenshots, saved posts, something in my the real real wishlist), and fresh finds (pieces that hit my “desk” the past week and how I’m wearing or using them).

Hope you enjoy this letter style! I had so much putting it together.

All my best,
Natalia

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FRESH FINDS

Sharing thirteen favorites from March. It was a busy month, but I’m grateful for long days with family. Spring break came to me this year, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Hope April is off to a great start!

All my best,
Natalia

1. Trench coats were the heaviest hitters in March. I wrote a dedicated letter about my favorites, but the one I reached for most was the Jenni Kayne Leo trench. The shape (which feels very me, with its single-button front) and the lightweight fabric, which worked across the range of temperatures we had in March, made it my most-worn coat.

2. A bag I reached for a lot in March was the Parker Thatch Daily bag. It’s an easy throw-on, and works over the shoulder or tucked under the arm as a clutch. A great design detail is the side sleeve, made to hold a sweater (or anything, really). It came in handy on days I wasn’t sure I’d need one.

3. My favorite kind of show is a British period piece. As a longtime fan of Downton Abbey, I can’t believe it took me this long to watch Belgravia from the same creator. It’s entertaining, with plenty of twists, and delivers everything I love from a British period show. Just be warned, it’s only six episodes. I realized it was ending with only ten minutes left. :(

4. I typically run into two problems with linen pants: they’re sheer, and they have no pockets. Imagine my delight when I tried these J.Crew Cosmo linen pants that not only fit like a dream, but aren’t see-through. I can’t tell you how hard it is to find linen that doesn’t show your bum. These also have pockets, which is a game changer.

5. For the first time in a while, reading felt nearly impossible this past month. Between travel, hosting family, and work, I couldn’t quite settle into a book. My hold for Heart the Lover (Lily King) came in, but I only made it a few chapters before returning it. I’m back on the list and hoping I’ll be in a better place to read when it comes around again.

6. March was all about body care. I finished my Oak Essentials Perfecting Scrub and started my second tub of the Body Butter. It absorbs quickly, so I can get my pajamas on and get into bed without feeling slimy.

7. I know I included this in last month’s Books & Looks, but the DONNI. zip-up sweatshirt is still a favorite. It might be my most-worn piece, given how versatile and comfortable it is. Last month, I wore it to the airport with jeans and a v-neck long-sleeve + over a pointelle tank with white jeans for a neighborhood walk + under a trench on a chilly coffee run + on a Sunday hike. I wash it after every wear, and it’s held its shape and slouch. The next time I place a DONNI. order (soon, given my cart!!), I’m adding another.

8. My approach to makeup is still very much less is more. And apparently, also almost all Saie. I love the products and the brand, and have always admired the founder, Lainey Crowell. I remember discovering it a few years ago and thinking there was something special there. In March, I reached most for the Glowy Super Gel in Sunglow for a hint of bronze, topped with Warmglow for a bit of highlight.

9. Knowing I had to send the blue Garden Party bag back, I made the most of it in March. I can’t tell you how often I was stopped with compliments. I have my eye on a bag from The Row for my next Vivrelle borrow, and I’m patiently waiting for it to be returned so I can snag it for April.

   

10. I don’t drink alcohol (haven’t for many years; I just don’t like the taste or the way it makes me feel), but I love a fun drink. You’re probably thinking mocktails, but no—I love Shirley Temples. Sweet, refreshing, and joyful.

11. Looking back at my March outfits, many were all white. It might feel more like me than blue jeans, especially after rediscovering my AGOLDE pair from last summer. They’re loose and slouchy, just how I like them. If I want something more polished, I reach for my Levi’s—they never fail me.

    

12. A few updates to my skincare routine. Tried (and loved): the Emma Lewisham Oil Cleanser (I double cleanse in the shower at night), followed by a Sofie Pavitt Micellar Wipe, then sealed in with the Oak Essentials Moisture Rich Balm.

    In the morning: a five-minute gua sha routine with the Vintner’s Daughter Botanical Serum, then three drops of the French Farmacie Vitamin C serum, and finished with a light layer of the Sofie Pavitt Omega Moisturizer. If I don’t want a heavy moisturizer at night, I’ll do the Sofie Pavitt one instead of the Oak Essentials. I don’t like complicated routines or products that don’t do anything, but I’ve finished (or nearly finished) all of these, and they gave me glowy, hydrated skin in March. None of the products are sticky or pill, and they all apply seamlessly.

13. The return of the straw bag is official. You’ve probably noticed it in many of my looks from March. I lean on it to dial a look down a notch or two, especially when there’s a lot of texture at play. This one had wool, denim, and leather, and felt a bit too stuffy, so an oversized raffia tote kept it easy.

Inspired by the types of magazine spreads I grew up loving to read (and still do!), here’s a tight edit of pieces that have caught my eye as we live through the first few days of the new season. Short and sweet, with lots of blue and pink!

Next week, I’ll be back with a longer send featuring books and looks from March. Let me know what you think of this type of letter. Always love your feedback.

All my best,
Natalia

1. I bought this Destree bag two years ago for my birthday, and returned it. Can you believe it?!?! It was in a different shade of blue, and admittedly, it was the wrong shade of blue. But this one is just right. (Destree Mini Gunther bag, $685)

2. Loving this powdery blue rollneck cardigan. Wear it all the way buttoned up, or just the first two, leaving the rest open. (James Street Co. Peri cardigan, $348)

3. Last October in Paris, I spotted so many great Jimmy Choos in stores and in the streets. These have my eye for upcoming Spring gatherings. (Jimmy Choo Amita slingbacks, $925)

4. This Liffner pouch in a perfect pink has been on my wishlist since I spotted it on their website a few months ago. Back when I spotted it in January, I was bummed to see it shipped until mid-April, but guess what… that’s next month!! (Liffner Pushlock clutch, $495)

5. Every morning, after coffee, I gua sha my face for five minutes. My skin and face instantly see a difference, and using the Vitner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum takes it up a notch. Smells so clean and fresh, and leaves my skin moisturized for the day. Coincidentally, my aunt Jacquie has been using this serum for years. Twinning! (Vitner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, $215)

6. A friend of mine is working with New Zealand–based Emma Lewisham and sent over a few products to try. As soon as they arrived, I texted her about how beautiful the packaging is and how intentional every detail feels. Emma actually started the line while she was pregnant. She was dealing with melasma, couldn’t use certain ingredients, and realized there wasn’t anything on the market that felt both safe and effective. So she began researching herself, and the brand was born. It’s all very thoughtful and grounded in how the skin actually works, which you can feel in the products. (Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Glow Serum, $92)

7. I have the Devon sandals from Loeffler Randall in gold and have been wearing them with white jeans and some type of black top. But those IG ads… they really get you. I was recently served one of the same sandals, but in this creamy purple/pink shade, and now they’re on my wishlist. (Loeffler Randall Devon sandal, $295)

8. You know I love the Ruggable Fawn runner I have in my kitchen, but I’ve had this blue rug on my home wishlist for a long time. I’ve seen it in person, and it reads more as powder blue than teal. Hoping to make some home changes and updates, and this will be ideal for our bedroom. (Ruggable Luna rug, starting at $118)

9. Raffia bags = beacons of warmer weather. And in navy? Sign me up. (Jenni Kayne Hollis bag, $245)

10. Just last week, my assistant and I were talking about lip gloss, and we both agreed the Saie one is the best one on the market. Snagging this new “Bubble” color for a subtle pink refresh. (Saie Glossybounce, $22)

11. Something happened to all my Henri DÔEN tops, and I can’t seem to find them. A restock is in order, and I love both the pink and the navy. Will be a hard choice (maybe both?!?!). (DÔEN Henri top, $248)

12. I stopped getting regular manicures a few months ago (just don’t have the time anymore) and prefer to sit on my patio and give myself a quick clean-up. I’ve used the Manucurist Active Glow since last year, and recently got the Active Blur and Active Shine. Love these products — just one coat and you’re good to go! (Manucurist Active Blur, $19)

13. Jeans + tshirt + ballet flats + a great pair of earrings. Nothing more, nothing less. (Dorsey Porter earrings, $235)

14. A true throw-on-and-go pant. They have that perfect relaxed shape—slightly baggy, hits at the ankle—with a pull-on waistband that makes them as easy as sweats, but far more polished. (Leset Kyoto Pant, $280)

15. My mom lent my youngest brother her Cuyana travel pouch for his trip to visit me, and it reminded me how much I love them. I got the white ones and immediately swapped out all my purse pouches for these. Eyeing these beautiful blue ones. (Cuyana Travel Case set, $178)

16. Best for last. I check Starling’s site for this necklace almost every night. Birthday gift to myself? (Starling beaded necklace, $490)

I’m writing to you from my couch after two weeks of taking my youngest brother, Felipe, on college tours across California. It’s hard to believe that sixteen years ago, I was in his shoes, touring colleges and imagining what the rest of my life might look like. I never could have predicted that I’d end up living in California, taking my then-newborn brother on these tours himself. Life takes funny turns like that.

Believe it or not, I probably could have predicted what I’d be wearing, because so many of the pieces I love now are the same ones I loved at sixteen: jeans, ballet flats, and the star of this letter, trench coats. They’re the perfect spring layer — functional, chic, and easy to wear. Below are four trenches I reached for over the past two weeks, and how I styled them.

All my best,
Natalia

Trench Week Contender #1: the Rue Sophie Anne Satin Coat

On the West Side, getting my eyebrows done.

This coat is easy to throw on, lightweight, and won’t wrinkle too much. The cream tone is flattering (doesn’t wash me out) and looks just as good buttoned or open. I wore it on our first college tour and had no trouble carrying it when it got warm.

Trench Week Contender #2: the Jenni Kayne Leo Trench Coat

Same, but different right before heading out on a campus tour.

Trench Week Contender #3: the Sezane Clyde Leather Trench

Worn another way around town.

Trench Week Contender #4: the Buck Mason Signature Trench

Out and about in the trench.

Before I sign off — and speaking of bags — I wanted to give the cobalt blue Hermès Garden Party another moment because I’m so enamored with it. Everywhere I wear it, people are drawn to it and ask about it. I borrowed this one from Vivrelle for a few weeks, and when I first browsed their site, I knew I wanted to try it. It’s been on my wishlist forever, and now I know I’d gladly carry it any day of the week.

If you also want to borrow a bag (maybe something you’ve been eyeing), you can use my code NATALIAOCHOA for your first month free. Let me know what you choose!

I hope you’ve been well. Sharing February favorites a week into March. Sometimes, time just gets away from you!

This month I’m trying a new format for my Books & Looks roundup to freshen things up—it is (almost) spring, after all. This new season always feels like an opportunity for renewal to me, so the timing felt right. Let me know what you think, and whether we shared any February favorites.

All my best,
Natalia

1. I tried two new jackets from Hill House’s spring collection last month, and I forgot what a great jacket can do for an outfit. Jackets are the California winter version of “the coat is the outfit.”

2. A few letters ago, I mentioned I was back to my regular RealReal browsing habit. It’s served me well—my most-worn piece in February was a black Prada trench. Simple, elegant, and belt-free. Belted trenches are chic, but I much prefer the clean line of a single-breasted style.

3. I need to order refills of two of my favorite Oak Essentials products: the Moisture Rich Balm and the Cloud Foaming Bath Oil—absolute staples in my routine. Picture this: I have a hot bath with the foaming bath oil at 830pm sharp, then I cover every inch of my face and neck with the Moisture Rich Balm, get into bed facing up, and try very hard not to move an inch. I wake up refreshed, my skin completely moisturized.

4. Wore this DONNI. sweatshirt on hikes, to run errands, and around the house. It’s soft, warm, and slouchy.

   

   

5. Vivrelle let me borrow this gorgeous cobalt blue Hermes Garden Party for the month, and I can’t tell you how many DMs and IRL compliments I’ve gotten. Vivrelle is a members-only club where you can borrow designer accessories—Hermès, Chanel, Dior, and more—for a flat monthly membership and swap them out whenever you’re ready for something new. If you’re curious to try it, use my code NATALIAOCHOA to get your first month free.

6. I finished 's One & Only last weekend and haven’t stopped thinking about it. She had a signing at our local independent bookstore at the start of February, and I came home with a copy that sat on my shelf for a few weeks—I was already sad the book would end, so I tried to savor it. Finally, I gave in and read it in two days. I’m so bummed it’s over, but wow, did I love this book.

7. It’s romantic and genuinely funny (that’s Maurene IRL, btw). Her writing feels modern and magnetic, and with every page, you really come to know and care for the characters she’s created. My only complaint: I wish there were another 300 pages. The whole book feels optimistic and hopeful—if you’re in the mood for that, move this one to the top of your list.

8. It hit 90 degrees for a few days in February here in LA, so no sweaters, but yes to jeans and a tshirt. I reached for my usuals (wrote about them here), but added this Christy Dawn pointelle tee to the rotation—a nice switch from the usual white tee.

9. New additions to my vanity that quickly became favorites: the Saie Super Sun bronzer, the U Beauty Super Hydrator moisturizer, and the Moonbow Reset Cleanser. I don’t wear much makeup, and most of what I use is cream-based, but sometimes I want a little powder to add warmth. The Saie bronzer does exactly that—the formula and shade (I wear Palermo) are spot on, giving a natural, sun-kissed look. I started using the U Beauty Super Hydrator in the mornings and love how it sits under sunscreen—specifically the new one from Oak Essentials. They sent a sample earlier this year and a full-size bottle last month, and I’ve used every last drop. No pilling, no greasy residue—just great sunscreen. Finally, I rediscovered the Moonbow Reset cleanser after accidentally placing it in the wrong drawer. It’s gentle but effective, and the bright green bottle adds a nice pop of color to an otherwise neutral shower lineup.

10. I recently added a Ruggable runner in the fawn print to our kitchen and love the warmth and pattern it brings to the space. It’s practical too, which matters in a room that sees as much action as a kitchen. Meadow has already claimed it as her daytime lounging spot. Most afternoons, you’ll find her stretched out on it while I putter around the kitchen.

11. This Clare V. snakeskin bag is so lightweight and easy to throw on. My aunt Jacquie was over recently and loved this bag. Always love gettiner her stamp of approval.

12. The book I’m holding in the photo above is Strangers by Belle Burden. It’s been everywhere lately (my library has a months-long waitlist), and my local bookstore had one copy left, so I grabbed it. The opening is incredibly intriguing and brought back memories of the early days of the Covid pandemic. Burden’s writing is concise and a pleasure to read, and she’s a strong storyteller. My only issue was the repeated mentions of weight and body size in the second half, which I found off-putting. It’s already on its way to Ofelia in Paris—along with Maurene’s book—and I can’t wait to hear what she thinks.

13. In my house, the nicest hand soap usually goes out for guests—but the Taromina soap from EvolveTogether is the exception. It smells fresh and clean, lingers just the right amount, and doesn’t have that chemical scent I dislike. It’s also less drying than most soaps, so it lives in my bathroom now. Sorry to the guests.

14. I spent a few days in February sick with what felt like a mix of the flu and really bad allergies. Whatever it was, it knocked me out. Sick Natalia was so grateful to past Natalia for adding a bunch of wellness goodies to her Grove delivery box. Notable favorites included the Beekeeper’s Naturals Soothing Lollipops and some Honey Cough Syrup. Not sick-related, but their striped kitchen towels absorb well and are also really cute.

15. My mom has some great pieces from the late ’90s and early 2000s, and it always feels special when I wear one. One favorite is a polka-dot Armani jacket with a double zipper and a perfectly boxy shape—relaxed yet still elevated. I paired it with my new Hunting Season clutch from Bessette, which I found on major sale. If you haven’t checked out Bessette, you should—they carry great discounted pieces from brands you actually want, like Toteme, Rohé, and Hunting Season.

Over the past few weeks, many friends have asked me to share my wardrobe staples—the pillars of my closet and the pieces that make me feel most like myself. As I’m currently in the process of cleaning out my wardrobe, the exercise has been both fun and clarifying (I certainly don’t need twenty pairs of jeans, haha).

After years of testing and refining, I’ve compiled a list of seventeen essentials, pruned to be as intentional and direct as possible.

All my best,
Natalia

1. Three pairs of blue jeans

   1. Vintage Levi’s are my top denim choice every time. I’ve found my best pairs at RLT in LA (worth a visit if you’re in town—you might even meet Rachel, the owner, who’s an angel), the Rose Bowl Flea Market, and eBay. I recently took a pair to a local tailor, and now they fit like a glove.

      1. My favorite eBay seller is JeanStop (a bit pricier, but they’ve sourced great pairs). Currently selling these medium wash ones (32x32), or these (30x32). If you need a refresher on buying vintage Levi’s, check out my post from last year.

   2. Runner-up to vintage Levi’s are my AGOLDE 90’s Pinch Waist jeans. These relax with wear and look lived-in. I particularly love the wash I linked (Stage) because it has that vintage-wear look (see the distressed hem).

   3. My fanciest jeans, and the ones I wear when I want to feel put-together or want to tuck in, are the Khaite Abigail jeans. Worth every cent.

2. One pair of white jeans

   My tried-and-true ecru Levi’s 501 jeans. I prefer the ankle/cropped version in this style. I’m on the hunt for a longer white jean, and these from Ozma recommended by caught my eye.

3. Four t-shirts

   1. My go-to basic white tshirt is the Margo from LESET. This has been in my closet for 3+ years. I wear an extra small or small, depending on the look I want.

   2. My easy breezy white tshirt rec is the RLT easy shirt (lol)—I wear a medium.

   3. I also love the easy tshirt in washed black (pictured above).

   4. The Flore Flore Car tee is my go-to under sweaters for that pop of white—the collar stays flat, a detail I care about. I recently tried RLT’s new cotton-cashmere tee, and it’s just as well-made with the same flat collar (pictured below).

4. Two Pairs of Ballet Flats

   1. One pair of black ballet flats

      1. My preference will always be the classic Chanel ballet flats in leather with a patent toe. Timeless and versatile, they look just as good new as they do after years of wear (and a resole).

      2. The Margaux Demi ballet flats are my backup to the Chanels. Beautifully shaped, comfortable, and timeless.

   2. One pair of fun ballet flats

      1. Lately, I’ve been loving these leopard-print flats from Manolo Blahnik. You can often find vintage pairs (here if you’re a 37.5), or shop them new.

      2. Hoping to add pink ballet flats to my wardrobe this spring. I have my eye on a semi-sheer pair from Chanel (new collection), plus a few options saved on Vestiaire Collective. These light-pink ones with black toes are divine; these ones with camellia flowers are beautiful; and these two-tone velvet ones would be perfect.

5. One v-neck sweater

   I’m recommending just one: the RLT V-neck. I wear the black in a medium and love the slouch and length. The higher V feels relaxed rather than preppy, and I get questions every time I wear it out.

6. Two cashmere crewneck sweaters

   One grey, one black—both from J.Crew and slightly cropped. I’ve had these sweaters for years and return to them every season. They require care (all good things do): I use a cashmere comb for larger pills, then a NORI fabric shaver to finish the job—I loved it so much I gifted one to my mom.

7. One black cardigan

   The La Ligne cardigan is my go-to. I wear a size medium and usually wear it buttoned up like a top.

8. One oversized sweater

   The Janessa Leone Genevieve sweater is so cozy, and lived up to the frigid temps in Connecticut this past holiday season. 100% wool and 100% warm.

9. One novelty sweater

   The Loulou de Saison grey polo I got last season is a top contender for this category; however, I just placed an order for the J.Crew cotton rollneck in red. Need to report back, but I’ve been on the search for the perfect red sweater.

10. One suede jacket

    The Sézane Will jacket is a closet staple —I’ve already convinced two of my aunts to get one. In fact, my aunt Jacquie and I both showed up wearing ours to a Houston’s date last weekend.

11. One leather jacket

    A slouchy leather jacket is new territory for me, so I wanted one at a lower price point without compromising quality or fit. I recently picked this one up from Pêche, and it fills the gap perfectly—slouchy, slightly oversized (but not overwhelming), with a great length. The price doesn’t hurt either. Pictured below.

12. One (maybe two) belts

    1. This no-nonsense belt from RLT looks like you’ve had it forever—nothing shiny about it. I also love my black Khaite belt, though the hardware is a bit more statement-making.

    2. I’ve been thinking about this zebra-print belt from Déhanche for months — there’s room in my wardrobe for an accent that adds color and texture.

13. Two oversized totes

    1. Alex Mill for a classic, canvas tote. I particularly love that you can use the snaps to create a range of bag shapes. I have the Painted Perfect Weekday Tote

       in Natural.

    2. The Call It By Your Name picnic tote has served me well—especially when I’m wearing a lot of leather or suede and want a softer texture to balance the look. I carried it to lunch this week with my Peche leather jacket, vintage Levi’s, a black J.Crew cashmere sweater, and Chanel ballet flats; a leather bag would’ve been overkill.

14. Bras!!

    I am particular about my bras, and the EBY tshirt bras are my most-worn. I have the nude and the black. They provide support without sacrificing comfort! I also need bras to have some type of padding, so these are great.

15. One pair of black pants

    J’adore the Donni track pants—I wore them in red linen over the summer, and got the black silk version for these colder months. I got them tailored just a smidge, and now they fit and flow perfectly.

16. One grey sweatshirt or zip-up

    Big fan of a J.Crew grey sweatshirt (worn for years, I always cut the elastic off the hem), and now a fan of a grey zip up. I’ve always worn my husband’s zip-ups, and thought it was time to get my own. Wore it this week layered under the Pêche leather jacket. I have it in a medium for extra slouch.

17. Two trench coats

    1. One black, mine is vintage Prada.

    2. One cream, I have the Provenance jacket from Rue Sophie. This jacket runs quite large, so size down. I also use fashion tape to secure the inside flap because I want it to lie flat (a tip in case you have this piece and were also frustrated by this design detail!!). The color is excellent, and the cut is timeless.

Before you go…

One of the quiet joys of writing here has been meeting other writers whose voices feel both distinct and deeply aligned. From our very first meeting, felt like a soul sister — someone with a shared sensitivity to beauty, detail, and the rituals of everyday life.

She writes Café Café, a deeply reflective newsletter guided by a strong aesthetic eye and an intuitive approach to style, creativity, and living well. Arielle has a remarkable ability to notice (and really elevate) the small details that make life feel artful. Her writing invites you to slow down, look closer, and savor what’s in front of you.

I’m happy to gift five one-month subscriptions to her paid tier. If you’d like one, message me directly or drop me a line in the comments. I’d love to share her work with you.

Every afternoon, around 4pm, I take my dog, Meadow, for a walk around the neighborhood. We have different routes, from a quick twelve-minute loop to a longer hour stroll. After three years of Meadow walks, I’ve gotten pretty good at figuring out what kind of walk we’re both in the mood for. No matter the route, this walk is the highlight of my day.

One of the things I love most about my little pocket of Los Angeles is how small-town and familiar it feels; I rarely go on a walk without running into a kind neighbor. There is one neighbor, however, who always has something to say about my shoes. Every time I’ve seen him (a half-dozen times, at least), he’s felt the need to express his disapproval. It’s always “Why are you wearing those shoes?” or “Those aren’t walking shoes.” If you’ve been a reader of How To Wear It for a while, you can probably guess which shoes he’s referring to. Ballet flats, of course!!

This past weekend, on our usual afternoon walk with Meadow, we ran into him again. After we exchanged hellos, he zeroed in on me and asked, “Why are you so dressed up?” Uncomfortable and eager to move on, I answered him with a clumsy and slightly cheesy “You always need to be ready.”

Although my answer was awkward and definitely not my best (do you also always think of the right thing to say after the fact??), it was truthful. You do need to be ready—at least, I like to be. Not for the paparazzi, as he rebutted, but for life. For the life I want to live, and the way I want to move through it. That means getting dressed every single day in clothes (and shoes!!) that make me feel like me. Jeans that get better with every wear, tshirts and sweaters that have seen me at my best + worst, and, of course, my trusty ballet flats.

Getting dressed is personal. It’s not an invitation for commentary, nor does it hinge on anyone else’s approval. I’ve learned to trust what I like and let that be enough. What I wore that afternoon was the same outfit I’d worn earlier that day—to sushi with a friend, to run errands in a new part of town, and to stand in the kitchen making dinner. These are the clothes I live in, and they make me feel ready for whatever life presents.

I hope this letter reminds you that you don’t need permission to wear what you want, where you want, and when you want. The “right” outfit isn’t the one that earns approval; it’s the one that lets you move through your day with ease, confidence, and a little joy.

With that in mind, below are the six outfits I wore to close out January, along with two recent reads.

All my best,
Natalia

January Closing Looks

This Prada trench coat is a dream. Here are some currently on The Real Real.

January Books

January wasn’t a great reading month. Between travel, an upsetting/scary news cycle (and social feeds), and work deadlines, I didn’t feel especially pulled toward reading. To be honest, my anxiety hit an all-time high this month. If you’re also feeling this way, my heart goes out to you. I was also less willing than usual to push through books I wasn’t immediately connecting with—if it’s not clicking by the second chapter, I let it go, with plans to try again another time.

I started The Ten Year Affair (Erin Somers), which I was excited about, but couldn’t quite get into and returned quickly (the library waitlist is longgg). I’ve added myself back and will try again in a couple of months. On a bookstore visit, I picked up Lost Lambs (Madeline Cash), which so far is strange—but good? The character voices are strong, though it’s too soon to tell if it’s good weird or just weird weird.

I’m excited for this new month, mostly because I get to read One & Only by !!

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

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

How To Wear It: Airport Outfit Edition

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.

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

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.

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.

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…

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.

I certainly hope I’m not the first to wish you a happy new year, but please accept my heartfelt good wishes almost a week into 2026. Everything feels exactly the same as last year, and yet, totally different.

For this first letter of the year, I want to share three recent looks I wore while visiting my family in Connecticut, what’s in my cart (I have a major case of the shoppies), and a little love note to pouches. I was hoping to share more outfits from my time in Connecticut, but I barely took any outfit photos. My screen time hit a low of two hours per day, thanks to being mostly off my phone. It was a much-needed mental break, I’ll admit. And maybe that’s the tone I want to carry into this year: present, edited, and a little more spacious.

So let’s ease into the new year with familiar outfits, a very full cart, and a few favorites worth sharing. I’m glad you’re here.

All my best,
Natalia

Three Recent Looks

The temperatures in Connecticut were bone-cold. I moved away from New York/Connecticut eight years ago, and I think my time in milder climates made me weather-soft. I can’t tell you how many times I complained about the cold, haha. Most days, I wore two outfits: one for dog walks + one for home and family time.

For the first outfit, I rotated between a few Varley sets, my favorites being the base layer leggings in brown and the matching base layer top, plus my go-to hiking pants + Comme Si hiking socks + my brother’s old Bogs boots (great in rain and snow) + and a Kujten cashmere scarf. Everything was then covered up by the famous Amazon jacket from six (omg) years ago. Yes, I still own one — it lives at my parents’ house and is so warm!! Worn with the hood up, of course.

The second outfit was always jeans + a wool or cashmere sweater. A tshirt underneath for an extra layer, and warm socks. My usual.

I “dressed up” on three occasions, so I’m sharing those outfits below.

Outfit One

Right before I left for Connecticut, my aunt Jacquie took me to a beloved local lingerie shop to find a gift for my mom. Jacquie has shopped there for years (decades?), knows the owner, Rose, and trusts her recommendations completely. She surprised me with a few gifts, too—one being a beautiful Italian shirt with lace at the neckline. I wore it to dinner that very night.

Outfit Two

Outfit Three

In My Cart

New year, new pieces I’m loving. This is everything that’s sitting in my cart (some are already on their way to me).

For The Love of Pouches

Over the past year, I’ve collected some truly exquisite pouches. Not all pouches are created equal, and there’s an art to the perfect one. The search started with the red Violet Grey pouch (double-zipper, easy to clean, perfect red), and ended with these Dairy Boy striped pouches (great size, easy to clean, tassel detail). The striped ones are unfortunately sold out, but the pink and checkered versions are still in stock. I just ordered the pink ones (small and large) because I put EVERYTHING in a pouch.

This is how I organized my carry-on pouches for my flight home to LA.

• The blue & red striped pouch is my everyday bag pouch. This moves from bag to bag with me, and usually goes in the seat with me on a flight. In it I had:

  • Salt & Stone hand cream (I’m almost out of this and need to reorder. No residue, smells great, and very hydrating).

  • Wired headphones.

  • Muji pen (officially converted to these).

  • Gum.

  • Aquaphor and a Saie lip gloss.

  • Wallet.

  • Cash.

  • Erewhon hand sanitizer (the best out there!!).

  • A phone stand to watch shows on my phone. Binged The Seduction (HBO) on my flight home. Not bad!!

  • A sudoku puzzle sheet to fill out during takeoff/landing. I’m an anxious flyer now, and this helps keep my mind focused.

• The blue & white striped pouch is for my daily skincare/makeup/haircare products. I use the Saie vanity case for makeup, plus another pouch for non-daily skin and hair products, but I packed those in my suitcase the night before my flight. This daily beauty pouch had:

  • Oak Essentials Moisture Rich Balm (the only moisturizer that worked for my skin in dry, frigid weather. Before bed, I applied a thick layer of this to my face and neck, and by morning it was all absorbed. Life-saver).

  • Clarins Cryo-flash Mask (I do this every single morning, without fail).

  • RŌZ Evergreen Style Cream (tames fly-aways).

  • Ursa Major face wipes.

  • Jones Road tinted moisturizer.

  • Soshe mascara (also converted to this product. A long-time user of the Merit mascara, and this one made me switch because of the perfect brush + formula).

  • Saie blush.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like the holidays, despite the temperature stubbornly refusing to drop below 72 degrees. This is my fifth December in Los Angeles, and between 11am-4pm, I often have to convince myself that the season is actually upon us. Can you believe I spent the second half of my childhood in Connecticut, dreaming of warmer winters and ballet-flat weather year-round? Such a human feeling, really — always imagining the grass is greener on the other side. :)

Weather and fashion go hand in hand for me. It’s usually one of the biggest factors in deciding what I’ll wear on any given day. In a recent conversation with a neighbor, she mentioned that our little pocket of Los Angeles has a strange microclimate. Warm afternoons that give way to surprisingly cold evenings the moment the sun sets. I’m grateful for those chilly shifts; they let me confidently pull out coats and boots without fearing too many weird looks.

All of that to say, here’s what I’m sharing today:

• seven recent looks (one’s even an athleisure one!)

• everything I’ve gotten to gift for the holidays

• two recent reads, including a strong contender for favorite book of the year

Next time we speak, I’ll be writing to you from cold, very wintery Connecticut. Hopefully, fresh off long dog walks, cozy nights by the fire, and festive moments with family. Wishing you the chillest energy possible, plus a little breathing room as we ramp up on this holiday sprint. And a reminder (mostly for me) to pause and take in the beauty this season has to offer.

All my best,
Natalia

Seven Recent Outfits

Gifting Update

If you’re my family member, don’t read the rest of this, please!

I’ve got almost all of my gifts sorted, thank Gd, honestly. I always stress that I’ll forget someone (or something), so this feels like a small miracle. Sharing what I have so far in case it’s helpful as you figure out what to gift loved ones.

• I put myself in charge of stocking stuffers for my family and got all the guys a pair of Comme Si socks. Everyone’s getting a different style that suits them. For example, my brother-in-law (early 30s) loves cycling, so he’s getting the cycling sock; the older of my brothers (late 20s) works, works, and then works some more, so he’s getting a sleek yet cozy cotton sock in a deep green. Will be perfect with loafers or other work shoes (idk what finance bros in nyc are wearing to work).

• For the ladies, including my sister (early 30s) and Mom (50s), I got cute vanity cases from Sezane, hand cream from DedCool, and mini travel-sized Salt & Stone body washes.

• My youngest brother (sixteen) asked for cash, haha. But I wanted him to have something to unwrap on Christmas morning. He’s just like me and loves a hot bath, so I got him an Oak Essentials bath set. Is this a little ridiculous? Yes, but it’s still not even close to the most ridiculous thing I’ve done/gifted this kid. He is my life!!!!!!

• My husband (almost 40) always steals my L.L.Bean tote on work trips (shown above), so I got him his own: the Alex Mill Weekday tote, with hand-painted initials and all. I went with the natural color and ivory lettering.

• I got my assistant a Saie mini vanity case and filled it with lip gloss and museum passes to use over winter break. I also picked one up for my brother’s girlfriend, who is truly an angel. They’re both young women and very cool, so if you have a 20-something loved one in your life, get them a Saie mini vanity case!!

Recent Books

So, I read The Correspondent (Virginia Evans) last week, and it’s now one of my favorite books ever. The main character, Sybil, has such a strong and peculiar voice. It’s a pleasure to see the world through her perspective, which is presented entirely through letters (and a few emails) she writes and receives. We meet Sybil in her early seventies, and the story spans roughly eight years. I think everyone should read this book and be prepared to have their hearts cracked open. I sat outside in my garden crying as I finished it, feeling deeply human and grateful for every moment on this earth — the good and the bad. As soon as I came back inside, I grabbed a fresh bookmark, wrapped it, and went to drop it off with my aunt Jacquie. Hoping she enjoys it as much as I did.

Earlier in the month, I finished Mansfield Park (Jane Austen), after slowly making my way through it. I first read it when I was sixteen or seventeen and remember loving the main character, Fanny Price. A line that’s stayed with me since my first read comes from this book, and I’ve always thought it was the perfect comeback. Fanny says to Henry Crawford (a very persistent suitor of hers), “No man dies of love but on the stage, Mr. Crawford,” after he claims she’s “killing him.” Fanny brought him right back down to reality. Period!!

Happy December! I’ll keep today’s intro short and get straight to my 2025 gift guide.

If you’re on the hunt for ideas, I’ve rounded up eighteen pieces that make genuinely great gifts for a range of people and personalities. All under $280, all thoughtful, and all equally suited for wrapping or slipping into a stocking.

A quick note on gifting: I stand by the belief that the best gifts are the ones you ask for. If you’re anything like me, you probably know exactly what you like—and likely have a wishlist somewhere (Notes app, your brain, or an Excel sheet… hehe). Please share it with your loved ones. There’s nothing more satisfying than checking something off someone’s wishlist. It reminds me of shopping IRL with my mom or aunts, admiring something, and watching them quietly add it to their pile at checkout. Unexpected, delightful, and always well-appreciated. (This happened last week when I took my aunt shopping, and it was such a sweet surprise!!)

Once your gift is sorted and ordered, take a moment, if you can, to write a handwritten note. It transforms a simple “happy holidays” into “You’re always on my mind, and I’m so lucky to have you. Happy holidays.” These Nutcracker-themed cards add a festive and personalized touch.

I hope you find something for everyone on your list—yourself very much included. Let’s get gifting.

All my best,
Natalia

1. A manicure set from Celisse — my favorite shade is Vanity — one coat gives just enough coverage.

2. This Boatkin bag is on my Secret Santa wishlist. I asked for the canvas-with-black version.

3. Comme Si socks are the best socks out there, no contest. They’re soft, luxurious, and elevate something otherwise mundane. Their holiday packaging this year is so cute and brings so much joy to the gift of cashmere socks!! This will be a stocking stuffer for my Dad. <3

4. These Dorsey earrings are high up on my own list. The petite size, please!

5. How beautiful is this jewelry box from Trove? A friend of mine posted a story from her visit to the Trove store in NYC, and I immediately bookmarked it for my next trip.

6. A grey cashmere sweater from J.Crew is also on my Secret Santa wishlist. This is a good grey, and I love the black version of this sweater — I’ve worn it more times than I care to admit since Thanksgiving.

7. Saie’s mini vanity case is small enough for your carry-on and comes in this stunning shade of red. Fill it with Saie lip gloss (I like the shade Kiss) or a couple of Violette FR lip balms. A gift card to either place is nice, too.

8. The highlight of my Saturday morning is reading the HTSI (How To Spend It) magazine with coffee. Delivered every weekend and full of interviews, curated spreads, and editorial images. A subscription is a gift they’ll be thankful for all year long!

9. This Hermès coffee mug is at the top of my Secret Santa wishlist, haha. Absolutely shameless (and way above the agreed-upon Secret Santa budget), but I’m so drawn to this mug, especially the pattern.

10. Earlier in the season, I added this Still Here navy sweatshirt to my fall wishlist. Would make such a great gift! If you’re not sure on sizing or color preference, a gift card is a sweet gesture as well.

11. The second subscription recommendation of this gift guide — The Paris Review is one of my favorite publications. A gift you get to enjoy as time goes on.

12. I already gifted these Bose headphones to my husband as an early holiday gift. He uses them daily! I got him the sandstone, but the ice blue ones are gorgeous.

13. If you have someone in your life who really enjoys taking baths, this Oak Essentials Relaxation bath set is the gift for them.

14. Another mug!! For someone whose morning coffee or afternoon tea time is sacred, this Ginori blue mug is a special gift. Wrap it up with a box of Mariage Frères tea sachets or a bag of Caffe Luxxe coffee beans for a homerun gift.

15. Shared this Janessa Leoné scarf in my BFCM roundup, and I still think it’s such a great piece. I’m leaning more and more towards the heather brown.

16. Cozyland makes my favorite PJ set. This baby-blue-ish color is divine, but the lemon-print one is cute too.

17. A Flamingo Estate candle is a gift I’ve given many times over the years, and one I’d happily receive. Bonus points if it’s personalized!

18. For the creative in your life — a sketchbook from Art Life Practice, packed with all the tools they need to find a moment to connect with their inner artist.

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you and your family had the coziest, sweetest holiday. I stayed true to my quiet Thanksgiving plans, but traded my planned outfit for jeans and a t-shirt. Hey, when you’re the one doing all the cooking, basics are just fine! Plus, I wore a version of my Thanksgiving outfit on Wednesday for family photos (see below!).

It was a quiet Thanksgiving, but not a quiet week — my days and evenings were packed with friend dates. So many of our conversations circled around how overwhelmed we’ve all been by the simplest decisions: what’s for dinner, what to wear, whether to fill up the gas tank now or wait for the last 15 miles. Add in the onslaught of sales filling our feeds and inboxes, and it starts to feel like a lot. I like to shop, but I love to shop a sale — and I hate missing out on the really good ones from my favorite brands.

So, I found a little extra time this holiday week, and I did what I do best when I feel overwhelmed: I made a spreadsheet. Don’t worry — this isn’t a post linking you to a spreadsheet; rather, it’s the Substack-translated version. Below are my pared-down selections of current sales, highlighting products I’ve used and loved, plus a few I’ve been waiting to try. My goal is for this to be fun and helpful, and maybe inspire some gift ideas for the special and important people in our lives (starting with ourselves).

All my best,
Natalia

INEZ

• 20% off sitewide, select styles up to 30% off through December 1st

• In my closet: Without a doubt, my most-worn boots this season are the Paz boots from Inez. Just this past week, I wore them twice: once for a day of pre-Thanksgiving shopping in the “city” (LA proper!), and then again for a meeting with my assistant. The Paz boots continue to be my go-tos when I want to elevate a look — both visually and literally (they make me almost 3 inches taller, haha). I wear my true size 7 and have them in both black and ginger suede. Can’t go wrong.

• In my cart: the Valentina boot in brown leather (20% off!).

Rue Sophie

• 20% off sitewide

• In my closet: The Provenance trench is a piece I reach for year-round. It’s lightweight but easy to layer over thicker sweaters.

• In my cart: I’ve got my eye on the Basile coat (double-breasted, softly structured, perfect length) in black, and the Iana coat (collarless, great buttons, so elegant) in eggnog.

  

Janessa Leone

• 30% off

• In my closet: Janessa Leone makes the best hats — I’m just not a hat person haha. But I am a sweater person. And I’ve worn the Genevieve sweater endlessly since it arrived. It’s 100% wool, non-itchy, and the perfect mix of weight and slouch. In fact, I’m wearing it now as I put together this sale roundup!

• In my cart: We’re spending the December holidays in cold Connecticut, so this headscarf is high on my wishlist. I can’t decide between the grey and the heather brown. And this suede brown belt is also calling my name — I’ve been looking for a square buckle just like that.

Kilte

• Sitewide discounts up to 60% off

• In my closet: The Madison set in charcoal grey, which I love to wear as a set and separately. I got rid of my other grey cardigans because this was the only one I’d reach for.

• In my cart: My favorite silhouette this season has been a wrap, and the Hannah wrap looks right up my alley — the same great grey as my Madison cardigan.

Call It By Your Name

• 20% off sitewide

• In my closet: You’ve seen me wear the picnic bag in blue as my throw-all tote (and travel bag). I get compliments every time, and in Paris, I spotted so many chic people carrying them — even as diaper bags. But before the picnic bag, I relied on the black bucket bag, my summer go-to whenever I wanted to switch up my usual jeans-and-a-t-shirt uniform.

• In my cart: I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can resist their puppy items any longer. Meadow definitely needs a cute dog bag holder (I usually just tie a bag to her leash… the opposite of très chic), plus a little bandana with her name on it. Santa, baby?!?

Nation

• 30% off sitewide

• In my closet: Great tops — from their basic white tee and cozy sweaters to true date-night tops. There’s an unspoken styling “rule” out there: if you see a going-out top you like, buy it. When date night rolls around and you’re standing in front of your closet, you’ll be grateful. Nation also makes great belts. The Joss belt in red adds the perfect pop of color, and the Camden belt gives just enough interest to an otherwise simple black belt.

• In my cart: The Babette sweater has the sweetest tie at the neck — ideal for chilly morning coffee runs and walks. And the Brenna mockneck top in grey might be the next addition to my date-night top rotation.

More pieces in my closet I love that are on sale:

• A few months into wearing the EBY bras, and I’m still reaching for these over everything else. The pain-free bra and the wireless bralette are incredibly comfortable and disappear under any tee or sweater — truly everyday essentials. The whole site has a BOGO offer, so stock up!!

• I featured these AGOLDE Pinch Waist jeans prominently in my last letter — they’re 20% off, and I went with the larger of my two denim sizes. The cropped Pinch Waist pair (26” inseam) is just as essential, especially in the summer. They’re 20% off too, and I take the smaller of my two denim sizes in that cut.

• My Christmas pjs from Cozyland arrived on Wednesday, and waking up with coffee and holiday music in my Xmas-tree set was the coziest start to Thanksgiving. I have this set in two other colors (both sold out), and I love that they also work as easy lounge sets. They’re 30% off, and I wear a size small!

• It’s no secret Leset makes some of my favorite t-shirts. They’re perfect on their own and instantly elevate the jeans-and-t-shirt uniform. I have about five now, in sizes XS to medium. The boatneck version was a great addition this year — love wearing it tucked into jeans. The whole site is 30% off.

• Freda Salvador is 25% off sitewide and gifting cashmere socks with every $250+ purchase. I need to confess that I own their infamous Jada ballet flats (the woven ones everywhere on your feed), but they’re a size too big—so I never wear them. Time to finally order my true size. The wine color is my top pick, though the Derek Lam collab denim pair would be perfect for my all-white summer looks.

• Of all the cashmere crewnecks in my closet, the J.Crew ones truly stand out. California weather makes thinner cashmere the sweet spot — perfect for layering, but light enough to wear on its own. Years ago, I bought the cropped black and the cropped charcoal grey, and this year I went back for the “perfect” crewneck in black (this is slouchier) and the classic crewneck in cream. I even paid full price before the sale. THAT’S how much I love them. Get yours at 30% off!

Beauty Favorites

These are the products that feature in my routine (some pictured above!).

• Oak Essentials (25% off sitewide) — the moisture-rich balm (great for “slugging” and locking in moisture), the hydrating eye balm, the refining mask (smells and feels incredible), and the cloud foaming bath oil (a nightly-bath staple).

• Ursa Major (up to 25% off sitewide, most items are 20% off) — hyaluronic acid serum (for nighttime) + vitamin c serum (for daytime) + golden hour recovery cream.

• Supergoop (20% off sitewide) — tinted daily spf (protectint).

• Elemis (30% off sitewide) —Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (gets every trace of makeup off) + Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads (gentle enough for daily use) + Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (SPF 30 — the perfect daytime moisturizer).

• Versed (25% off sitewide) — The rich barrier cream is so good that I need to reorder it. I’m also adding the multi-serum skin tint to try. Both products come in a set that’s $29!

• RŌZ (20% off sitewide) — I have a LOT of little hairs and flyaways, and the evergreen style cream is the only thing that can tame them without making my hair sticky or greasy.

• Salt & Stone (20% off sitewide) — Every bathroom in my house is stocked with the Santal & Vetiver Body Wash. I have a few minis I’ve taken on trips, and I think they’d make great stocking stuffers.

• Dedcool (30% off sitewide) — Similarly, most sinks in my house are stocked with the Dedcool handwash in Taunt. The scent is subtle, elegant, and never overpowering in that “this makes my head hurt” way. I’ve got the hand cream in my bag as well (and one in my car just in case!).

• Crown Affair (3 for 30% off) — The Crown Affair Leave-In Conditioner really is the hero product. Softer, bouncier hair! Smells so good, too.

• Violet Grey (20% off $250+) — If you want to stock up on beauty faves, Violet Grey is doing 20% off $250+. But the real catch of the sale is the makeup bag they throw in. It’s truly the best pouch: double-zipper, easy to wipe clean, and that perfect Goldilocks size (not too big, not too small). I get asked about it constantly IRL—friends, family, strangers, everyone.

• Flamingo Estate (20% off sitewide) — Last but not least, a beauty-ish favorite: my personalized Flamingo Estate candle. I’ve been buying from the brand since they launched a few years ago, totally enamored by their branding and story. A customized candle in a beautiful box makes the perfect holiday gift (or anytime!). This gift set, which includes the candle and soap, is a great gift under $100.

It’s so nice to connect with you again. The past few weeks, I’ve had a difficult time showing up here. I think it’s a combination of so much going on IRL, plus hitting a wall every time I sat down to write something. But, it seems we’re all going through something similar, no?

We’ve got a lot to catch up on! And we’re officially on the eve of the holiday season, with Thanksgiving just over a week away.

So, the plan for this Substack is to share:

• Seven outfits I’ve been wearing lately

• A very short street style report

• My plan for Thanksgiving (including what I’m hoping to wear)

• Three recent reads

Hope you’re hanging in there. If you are participating in or celebrating any holidays in the coming weeks, I’m sending you a warm hug. They can be the best of times and the worst of times, haha. Wishing you a sweet and chill holiday!! <3

All my best,
Natalia

*POSTSCRIPT* I just went in and bolded the items I’m wearing that are on sale now for the holidays. As things become available, I’ll update this post!

Seven Recent Outfits

Last month, I spent a few quick days on the East Coast—NYC and Connecticut—to visit family. My husband had a board meeting, so we planned it so I could join him before heading on our vacation in France. I spent the initial forty-eight hours in NYC running up and down Manhattan, visiting with friends and family (and getting as much work done as possible!!).

A Mini Street Style Report

Reader, I had this folder of street style images I took while in Paris, and they’re all horrible pictures!! Haha. It feels weird to me to take pictures of total strangers, so I ended up taking very zoomed-out shots of them walking away, which means it’s mostly the backs of coats. Not great for our purposes.

The only salvageable one is a picture I took within five minutes of arriving in NYC. My husband and I were on our walk to dinner when I spotted this burgundy Balenciaga Rodeo bag.

Thanksgiving Plan

For the last five years (minus last year), I’ve hosted and cooked Thanksgiving, gathering friends and family at our home. It’s one of my favorite meals of the year. This time, we’re having a quiet Thanksgiving (I always love when people say that!!).

Anyway, I always advise people not to mess with the Thanksgiving menu — stick to the classics and use Martha Stewart recipes. If you’re going the traditional route this year, or you’ve got a crowd to impress, you can’t go wrong with her cheesecloth turkey (and gravy, of course) and her mashed potatoes (I always make mine in my stand mixer).

I’m not taking my own advice this year and instead going with an alternative menu for our petite party. On my table: Ina Garten’s engagement chicken (with a gravy from the pan drippings) and green beans gremolata, Alice Waters’s potato gratin, Martha Stewart’s glazed carrots, Alexandra Stafford’s popovers, a simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette, and for dessert, an apple crisp (likely ’s aunt’s!).

My Thanksgiving outfit plan: I’m thinking Dorsey earrings, a cream cashmere sweater tucked into high-waisted jeans, and flat leather boots. I’ll throw on a black wool wrap coat and sunglasses for the morning coffee run and pre/post-dinner dog walks. And since I’ll be in the kitchen, I’ll put my hair up with my French hairpin (which I never talk about but use every day… get one!!).

Recent Books

The Booker Prize winner was announced last week, and would you believe I was already reading it? Flesh by David Szalay. It took me about a week to read. The first half is slow — I found the main character dry and unattached (so many “yeah”s), which can be frustrating. But the night before the announcement, I pushed through the tedious parts, and I’m so glad I did. The pace picked up, the stakes got higher, and by the time I woke up to the news that it had won, I agreed — it’s a great book.

Earlier in the month, I read two other longlist books: Audition (Katie Kitamura), which I loved mostly for the writing, and Endling (Maria Reva), which has a really interesting structure. I’d recommend picking up both.

Currently, I’m a few chapters into Flashlight (Susan Choi) and hoping to finish it before Thanksgiving.

Thank you for sticking around, and I hope you all have a great and cozy holiday, however you spend it.

I’m a creature of habit and crave predictability and reliability in many areas of my life. Getting dressed is one of them. I’m the first to admit that I have a hard time being adventurous with my style. It’s probably equal parts having a strong sense of what I like and holding on tightly to what I know.

Still, as the seasons change and my days start to look different (so many more social commitments, holidays, colder/shorter days), I find myself wanting to push my comfort zone a little — especially when it comes to what I wear. The easiest way for me to do this is to switch up my footwear. You know I wear ballet flats all day, every day (I really mean that. I even walk my dog in them!!). But after spending a few weeks between New York and Paris seeing loads of cool ladies in boots, I found myself wanting to wear them. So when the brand Inez reached out last month to send me a pair of black boots, I immediately said yes.

The first time I heard about Inez was exactly a year ago. My aunts and I were discussing for the fiftieth time what they’d wear to my sister’s black-tie December wedding, when my aunt Alex showed me a pair of heels that were just right for her dress. “Also, don’t they look so comfortable??” she noted. Alex encouraged me to check out the brand — a recommendation I took seriously (all of my aunts are very chic and have excellent taste). What stood out most to me about Inez was their commitment to comfort and craftsmanship. When I shop (especially for shoes), both of those things are at the top of my list of priorities. The brand instantly resonated with me.

After wearing the Paz boots in black, Inez sent over their ginger suede Paz boots for me to try and style. We partnered to bring you a Substack dedicated to showcasing ways to wear their timeless suede boots. Over the past few weeks, I’ve worn both colors out and about, and while I was initially nervous about styling the lighter suede, a little time in my closet quickly changed that. Those looks turned out to be the perfect transitional outfits for the cooler seasons, and I can’t wait to rewear them.

Hope you love the Paz boots as much as I do!

All my best,
Natalia

How I’ve Worn The Inez Paz Boots

Look One

Look Two

Look Three

Look Four

As I sat down to plan outfits for November, I couldn’t help but include both boots in looks I’m excited to wear. I think the last one with the red sweater is my favorite!

November Lookbook

Look One

Look Two

Look Three

Look Four

Look Five

If you’re interested in trying the Paz boots (or any other Inez shoe), use Natalia15 at checkout for 15% off. And let me know what you think!! Xx