Featuring the most beautiful and comfortable loafers from Jamie Haller, my new Herve Chapelier bag, and a very reasonably priced cashmere sweater from COS.

I’m definitely at the point where I am so tired of influencers pushing the same brands online (Hill House Home, Jenni Kayne, Doen, Sezane (I know I used to love them but private equity ruined it), etc.), and the social media budgets for these brands means everyone ends up looking the same. As I’ve written about before, I have been trying to focus my shopping on small boutiques. Boutiques still have items on trend but with a twist. Plus, they have a lot of international brands that are hard to find in the US, so there is less likelihood that you are going to see someone else wearing it.

One of my favorite follows on Instagram is Le Weekend Studio, a boutique in Alabama. They have such a great edit, and I love seeing their styling ideas. While I don’t have the exact pieces they show, I often use what is already in my closet to achieve a similar look. I also bought from them my favorite dress from the summer, below, from Oroton (a new to me Australian brand). It is a knock around dress, and the heavier linen/cotten fabric is easy to wash and looks okay even if wrinkled. I also love the more modern floral inspired print and inset lace details.

I saw this old reel on Instagram and laughed, because there were definitely two camps of nylon bags in college in 2000. I was neither, since I came from Tennessee and didn’t know they existed. Since law school, I’ve always had a Longchamp tote around because they are endlessly useful. My Longchamp has been co-opted as my son’s diaper/playground bag for the past year, so I decided to get some HC bags for my personal use. The one on the right is the classic tote, and the one on the left is very minimal and chic (and fits an iPad!). They shipped quickly and easily from Paris, and (if) they make a comeback, I’ll be ready.

Since this is my first winter in the suburbs where I am consistently leaving the house, I thought I would share a few items that help me through daily life (walking the dog, daycare drop offs/pickup, driving, etc).

The recent snow and ice made me reevaluate my shoe choices. I wanted boots with a thick sole that I could wear on slushy sidewalks, but looked nice enough for errands around town. I got these rain resistant Freda Salvador boots during a sale and love them.

Unlike when we lived in the city, I don’t want bulky layers to keep me warm. They don’t feel great while driving, and I find myself shedding everything as soon as I enter the grocery store. My new revelation is a merino base layer under a thinner sweater. I like this one from Heimat, and the gorgeous cuff looks great peeking out from under sweaters. I’ve also never been a scarf person, so this balaclava from Nadaam keeps my neck and head warm without me feeling strangled. It’s also easy on, easy off as I’m going about my day.

I do still have my huge puffer from my city walking days, but got this sleeker yet still warm coat from APC (sold out now) for my current life. The photo is deceptive – the shape is oversized but the quilting is thin. It’s comfortable to wear for long neighborhood walks but also not too bulky for getting into and out of the car.

Finally, I am in love with cashmere socks. Why didn’t I wear them sooner? I like these from J.Crew, which I picked up when they were 50% off. I wash them with my other clothes (on cold) and lay flat to dry, and they are holding up great (especially since I wear each pair multiple times a week). I do use a sweater shaver on them sometimes but that is more because sweater shaving has become therapeutic for me. More on that later.

My most used bags these days are from Loewe. The leathers are soft and tactile, yet withstand my daily activities (including a baby and dog)! I also love that the logos are small and not flashy. Here is a peek at my small collection.

This black tote is great for travel because it folds down completely flat, as shown above.

I have written before about my goal to buy just one exceptional sweater a year. This year’s model is from Sister Katie, a new-to-me woman-founded company. I love the mid-gray color and the slight ribs on the body. The cashmere is so thick and luscious, and there is minimal pilling after wearing nonstop for weeks.

I just got these gorgeous heels and Acne Musubi bag (both on sale!). I love that they are classic pieces but with interesting designs.

I think it is clear by now on this blog how much I love handbags. I’m sometimes afraid to count how many are in my collection. The pandemic made me feel weird about carrying anything too flashy, so I added a few beautiful but more subtle bags. The below are my favorites.

From the top, clockwise: By Far “Eric”, Tibi “Papa”, Mansur Gavriel Crossbody, Tibi “Le Client”

I got this lovely white top and simple jeans from ShopUAL. I didn’t have much with me in Tennessee, but realized that I could easily switch up the look just with the shoes and the bag. I’m such a sucker for a printed floral dress in the summer than I need to remember that simple is sometimes the best.

As you can tell from my recent posts, reading has been a great source of comfort for me during COVID. I will read basically anything, so long as I get something from it.

I was so thrilled when I found at one of my favorite discount stores – ShopUAL – this Olympia Le Tan clutch made to look like one of my favorite books. Each book is handmade, and the cover has raised embroidery. I can’t wait to get back out in the world and use it.

Can you spot it below?