I’m not pretending I can wear most of this yet. It’s still very much summer outside, but mentally? I’ve moved on. I’ve been paying attention to what I keep saving, what you keep responding to, and the things that seem to be following me around the internet. There are eight things I can’t stop thinking about for fall including one very small accessory that is quite rich-bitch-regal era.

1. The Cashmere Bandana Scarf

If you’ve been following along, you already know about this one. The cashmere bandana scarf went viral, and now there are new colors that are making me want fall to hurry up and get here: burgundy, green, pink and navy, and a gorgeous red.

I love these because they do so much for such a little thing. Tie one around your neck with a white button-down, wear it with a simple sweater, or tuck it inside a jacket and suddenly the entire outfit looks more interesting.

My take: The bandana isn’t going anywhere for fall. It’s just getting started. There is a reason I bought 6 last year and wore them all of the time. Under $100 option here.

2. A Pop of Red

I am really into red for fall, particularly when it shows up somewhere unexpected. These red utility pants ( runs large - I sized down 1 size) have become one of those pieces everyone seems to be discovering at once, and I understand why. They’re incredibly flattering and elongating, and the color does all the work so everything else can stay simple.

White tee + leopard ballet flats. A sweater + boots. Button-down + cozy blazer. Add a scarf or fall jacket later. There are so many ways to wear them without making the outfit feel like A LOT. My take: Red is starting to feel less like a trend and more like a neutral with a personality. I love it especially paired with a light or navy blue.

3. Apparently, We’re All Horse Girls Now

According to my completely unscientific but surprisingly reliable Instagram research, we’re all horse girls now. Every time I share something remotely equestrian, you go crazy for it. The horsebit denim midi skirt. The equestrian-print skirt with the matching belt. The silk horsebit skirt that looks like it wandered out of an Hermès window. And this horsebit belt that is somehow under $70. Does that mean I can get both the black and brown bc I know that I’ll wear them both on repeat.

And I get it. There’s something about horsebits, equestrian prints and those little riding-inspired details that instantly makes an outfit feel expensive. My take: Equestrian is one of the easiest ways to make a very normal fall outfit feel interesting.

4. The Petra Cashmere Cardigan

After all that personality, give me one really good sweater I can wear with everything.

The Petra cashmere cardigan is ridiculously soft, comes in more than ten colors and is exactly the kind of piece I know I’ll reach for constantly. I’m particularly obsessed with the seafare color. It is so unique and interesting to me. Wear it with navy silk pants and a ballet flat and tell me that isn’t chic. Then wear it with bootcut jeans the next day.

This is the kind of thing I want more of in my closet: pieces that don’t require an entire styling meeting. My take: Buy the sweater that makes everything you already own look better.

5. Quilted Jackets

I cannot stop looking at quilted jackets.

Celine helped put the look back on everyone’s radar, and now I’m seeing versions everywhere. I have my eye on a brown one, a pink one and a multicolored one, and unfortunately I can make a very convincing argument for all three.

The beauty of a great quilted jacket is that you really don’t have to do much underneath it. Jeans, white tee, flats, jacket. Done. It’s the interesting thing.

My take: This may be the easiest way to make your fall basics feel completely different.

6. The Pinky Ring

And now for something completely unnecessary that I suddenly consider essential. I love a statement pinky ring. Always have. My mother often wore one as did my paternal grandmother. It’s tiny, but somehow it changes the whole hand. One substantial ring on your pinky looks chic. Two statement rings on the same hand?

Rich-bitch regal.

There. I said it.

I have a favorite brand for these, and they’re so eye-catching without feeling like you tried too hard and without breaking the bank. My take: Not every fall update needs to be another sweater. Sometimes six square millimeters of unnecessary jewelry will do just fine.

7. The Striped Polo/Rugby

This look is ALL over the fall style reports: stripes, collars, rugby shirts, polos and that slightly sporty, preppy thing that feels classic without feeling boring.

I’ve found cashmere versions, cotton versions ( Princess Diana’s favorite brqnd) and some really good options under $80, which is why I don’t think this is about one particular sweater. It’s the look.

Wear one with jeans, relaxed trousers, a skirt or layered over a button-down. And please don’t make it too perfect. I think this looks best a little undone. My take: Classic prep is having another moment, and I’m very much here for it. It’s all very Love Story inspired.

8. The Pants I’d Wear With Almost Everything Above

And finally, the Colby pants. Use Holley10

If I were building a fall wardrobe from scratch, I’d want a pant like this in it. They’re relaxed and flowy and somehow look just as good with a white tee as they do with cashmere, a blazer or a great jacket. They come in regular (31 inseam) and cropped lengths (27.5 inseam), which I particularly appreciate because proportion matters with a relaxed pant. More sizes here.

But here’s why I put them last: look back at everything else on this list.

The cashmere bandana scarf? Colby pants.
The pale blue cardigan? Colby pants.
The striped rugby? Colby pants.
The quilted jacket? Colby pants.

My take: Sometimes the least flashy thing on the list is the thing that makes the entire wardrobe work.

And that’s where my head is for fall: a little more color, a little equestrian influence, something quilted, something striped, great relaxed pants and apparently enough jewelry to make me feel mildly aristocratic.

I am ready for summer to end. My closet clearly has fall plans.

I had pretty good skin growing up. A little acne here and there, but nothing particularly memorable. What I do remember is being prescribed Tazorac (stronger than tretinoin) in my 20s for a small bout of acne. Once my skin cleared, I brought it back to my dermatologist and basically said, “Here, I don’t need this anymore.”

He handed it back to me and told me to keep using it. The acne might be gone, but retinoids had benefits (antiaging) well beyond acne, and he told me I’d thank him in 20 years. He was playing a very long game on my behalf. The short version of what he meant: retinoids nudge your skin into making more collagen and turning over fresh cells faster, which is a fancy way of saying smoother texture, fewer fine lines and more even tone the longer you stay with them. At 20, this information meant almost nothing to me. Obviously I was never going to age! I was also a former tanning bed girl who spent high school trying to be the tannest person at prom and certainly wasn’t thinking much about SPF on spring break.

I’m 47 now, and he was right. Thank you Dr. Anders.

Age matters when you are taking skincare advice is something I think about more than I probably should. And we do not say it out loud nearly enough! Of course the girl sharing the miracle cream at 34 has gorgeous skin. She is 34. That’s her birth certificate talking, not the serum. The advice I actually trust comes from the women a little older than me who look incredible, because they are the real proof of concept.

And I want that advice from someone who will be honest about everything she has done to her face, not just what is in her medicine cabinet and not just half of the truth. Because here is the part we tiptoe around: skincare is wonderful, necessary and worth every single step, but it cannot do what Botox does. Well, maybe this can! A great serum is not going to replace a needle, and pretnding otherwise does you a disservice. My skin looks better in some ways and different in some ways at 47 than it did at 35 but I get Dysport and I have had cosmetic treatments done. You deserve to know that when you are looking at my skin and deciding whether to take my recommendations. Good skin at my age is skincare plus SPF plus honesty plus a few appointments, and I would so much rather tell you the whole recipe than let you believe a bottle did all the work. Also, I am rarely without a hat during the day and under an umbrella and a coverup at the pool or beach. I’m loads of fun lol.

I also spent more than a decade working in dermatology for pharmaceutical companies, where the training was intense and we were tested monthly on the science, clinical data and product knowledge. I learned from some incredibly smart dermatologists, national thought leaders and tried hundreds of products prescription and OTC. I am extremely passionate about skin health and have hundreds of DMS asking what I use, recommend and what treatments are my favorites.

Very few products become permanent residents in my bathroom. These are the ones that have and everything I’ve done to my face along the way.

What I’ve Done to My Face

I started Botox at 30 and have continued ever since. I think I took one year off when I was trying to be “clean” and let’s just say I look better with a neurotoxin on board. I get it all over for the most part including my neck. Again, your injector will know what is best for your goals and face structure. Over the years I’ve also done quarterly microneedling, quarterly Clear + Brilliant, PRP under my eyes, lip filler, under-eye filler, cheek filler and Sculptra. Most of these injectable treatments were paid for by my company a huge perk of my previous job. Today I consistently keep up with Dysport and the Clear + Brilliant laser, microneedling and Sculptra (I’ve done 2 treaments). I haven’t done PRP under my eyes in over a year, lip filler in roughly a year and a half or two years, or traditional filler in about three years. There is a “need” for all of it and your injector can help you decide what is best for you and your goals. Filler isn’t scary as long as you have a skilled injector. Here in Charleston I see Carly at Skin Pharm (it’s nationwide) for Dysport, Sculptra and she did my PRP under my eyes when I tried that treatment. I also see Meredith Bauerband for microneedling and Dysport. We have so many smart and talented aesthetic professionals in Charleston. Remember, it can take 5-14 days to see your Botox results, filler is immediate and Sculptra takes weeks for your results to appear. And never do anything you haven’t done before a big event as you may need a tweak. Filler can be dissolved and moved around but Botox takes 3-4 months to run it’s course unless of course you use this.

Years ago, a very well-respected dermatologist in the DC area told me something that has always stuck with me: if you consistently do Clear + Brilliant and microneedling four times a year each, you may be able to maintain your skin well enough that you don’t need to reach for the “hard stuff” later. That has guided where I spend my skincare money ever since. It’s also why I rarely spend money on facials. I enjoy one as a treat, but if I’m choosing between the two, I’m choosing microneedling over a facial every time. I do enjoy my LED mask, microcurrent and hydrafacial machine at home.

What I Actually Use Every Morning

Despite everything I’ve tried, my everyday routine is pretty simple: cleanse, vitamin C, P-TIOX, Rhofade and SPF (use holley30).

I sleep around on cleansers, so you’ll see me share different ones depending on what I’m trying and how my skin feels. This isn’t a category I overthink. Currently obsessed with this hydrating cleanser (use holley30 30% off).

This vitamin C has been in my routine for roughly 20 years. I use it every morning on my face, neck and chest and put whatever is left on the backs of my hands. A few years ago, my neck was starting to look crepey and a dermatologist friend asked if I was putting my vitamin C there. I wasn’t. She told me to start, I did, and I absolutely think it has helped. (Vitamin C is an antioxidant, so the job it is quietly doing all day is helping to defend your skin against the environmental stuff that ages it, while supporting collagen. That is why it lives in my morning routine and not my nighttime one.) Also highly recommend this vitamin c serum, this one under $100 and this combo product under $70.

Then there is SkinCeuticals P-TIOX, the product I publicly owe an apology. I thought it was hooey. I rolled my eyes at the “glass skin” and “Botox in a bottle” talk and finally tried it after 2 years on the market. Here is what it actually is, for the curious among us: P-TIOX is a peptide serum, and the peptides are designed to soften the look of expression lines by quieting the little signals that tell your facial muscles to crease. Which is exactly why everyone keeps calling it Botox in a bottle. I rolled my eyes at that phrase and then it made a liar out of me.

Within about a week, I caught myself in a mirror or video and thought, whoa, my skin looks really good. Smoother, brighter, glossier, enough that I noticed without looking for it. I started using P-TIOX around January 2026 and that was my last Dysport session too. Historically, I was getting Dysport every three or four months. This time I didn’t go again until July. It really did prolong my Dysport as well. I was so wrong about this product and regret not adding it to my routine sooner. AM/PM use after my AM vitamin C in AM. I try skincare constantly, and very little gets permanently added to my routine. P-TIOX did. I also call this prodcut P-TOX. But I also thought the song was Every Girl’s Crazy About A Shy Fat Man vs Sharped Dressed Man. Come here for skincare advice NOT music lyrics. lol

Rhofade is another forever product for me. My rosacea presents primarily as facial redness rather than bumps, and Rhofade gets the red out. It’s a prescription topical vasoconstrictor I use daily, and for me it is a holy grail. (Vasoconstrictor is just a fancy way of saying it tightens up the tiny blood vessels near the surface, so the flush that comes with rosacea calms down.) Nothing else works like this except prescription Mirvaso but IMO that takes all the color out of my face and the rebound is bad if you don’t use it every day. I hate that most derms don’t treat redness of rosacea passionately. Just the bumps. There are OTC products I like for neutralizing or covering redness as well (Calm The Red Down is my favorite) but I think of it more as cosmetic correction vs a treatment.

The newest product to earn its way in is Aramore NAD+ Cell Energizing Treatment, which I discovered in the most me way possible: a chic woman on Nantucket told me about it. She was older than I am and had incredible, healthy, bouncy skin, so obviously I started asking questions. She told me what she was using, and I ordered it and had it shipped directly to my hotel.

What intrigued me once I started digging was the science behind the brand. (Here is the part that hooked me: NAD+ is the coenzyme your cells use to actually make energy, and the reality is that your levels of it drop as you age. The whole idea behind the treatment is giving your skin cells a little more of what they need to do their job.) What has kept me using it is much simpler: I like what I see on my own skin. Bouncy is still the best word I have for it. I liked the treatment enough that I’ve ordered two more products from the line to test. I’ll try them long enough to have an opinion and report back.

And then SPF. Every single day. I rotate because sometimes I want clear (especially for neck and chest), sometimes tinted and sometimes glow. EltaMD Clear, YSE Beauty Skin Glow SPF 35 and a tinted mineral sunscreen are all in my rotation. During the summer, my SPF usually is my moisturizer. In cooler months, when my skin needs more hydration, I’ll add this moisturizer or this triple lipid one.

The former tanning bed girl is officially an SPF nerd. Character development!

What I Actually Use at Night

At night, the non-negotiables are even simpler: cleanse, a serum, AlphaRet or my prescription retinoid, moisturize.

Skinbetter AlphaRet is the product I recommend over and over again. If you want to incorporate a retinoid or retinol into your routine or you’ve tried a prescription retinoid and found it difficult to tolerate, this is the one I would would start immediately. It WILL change your skin. My skin finds it much easier to tolerate, and it’s a product I continually come back to. I also love that it is active and a moisturizer all in one which helps with tolerability. Especially if you have sensitive skin I’d start here.

I still use a prescription retinoid too (I’ve been using them for more than 20 years) but I listen to my skin. If it feels sensitive or stingy (rosacea girls know), I reach for AlphaRet. If everything is happy, I may use my prescription retinoid. There are no gold stars for irritating your face in the name of skincare. One that I like that is different than the others is Akleif as it is indicated for the face and trunk (acne).

For moisturizer, SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore is one of my favorites, and I also love Skinbetter Trio. And if those two feel like a stretch, the one I point people to that comes in under $50 is INNBEAUTY Project Extreme Cream. It’s a peptide and ceramide moisturizer that punches above its price, and it’s the answer I give when someone wants the plump, firm results without the SkinCeuticals receipt. I use and love Dr. Diamond Metacine and other serums when I feel like it, but those are extras. I’m not wed to a complicated evening routine just for the sake of having one.

And yes, some nights I’m already in bed and absolutely refuse to get back up. I keep these cleansing wipes and my retinoid in my nightstand for exactly that reason. Is washing properly at the sink better? Obviously. But a realistic routine you actually follow beats a perfect one you don’t. Sometimes you just need lazy girl skincare.

I also exfoliate once or twice a week, usually with a peel pad. I love the Bluemercury glycolic peel pads, and I use another exfoliating pad because a friend in her 50s with ridiculously good skin told me she uses it. Every time I exfoliate, I wonder why I don’t do it more because my skin looks so good afterward.

Apparently my skincare methodology is clinical science + more than a decade in dermatology + interrogating women with fantastic skin. I’m comfortable with that.

Eye Cream? Mostly Hooey.

I said it. After all my years around dermatology, I have yet to become an eye cream evangelist. There are two exceptions I use because I can actually see what they do: Natura Bissé Diamond Cocoon Sheer Eye helps camouflage the appearance of my dark circles while hydrating (skincare and makeup in one basically saves me time), and Dr. Brandt No More Baggage is what I reach for when puffiness is the problem.

Otherwise I just use my face creams and serums in my eye area.

One Expensive Thing I Think Is Worth It

Natura Bissé Diamond Cocoon Sheer Cream is expensive S H I T that I think is worth it. It is like a Paris filter for your skin. It’s hydrating, color correcting and gives me this warm, lit-from-within finish that makes me catch myself in the mirror and think, oh, hello.

I wear Medium. It’s too rich for an August day in Charleston, but I love it for evenings and cooler weather. It’s absolutely a splurge, but there is a difference between expensive and expensive-but-worth-it, and this is the latter for me.

And because aging apparently doesn’t have the decency to stop at your jawline, I use a retinol hand treatment every night and body retinol where I want it, including Arm Sculpt (use holley20) on my arms. Not every single night…but most nights. First, you notice your face, then your neck, then your chest, then your hands. We carry on.

The Short Version: What’s Actually in My Bathroom

If you just want the list, I respect that too.

AM: Cleanser → SkinCeuticals Vitamin C → P-TIOX → Rhofade → SPF. My SPF rotation includes EltaMD Clear, YSE Beauty Skin Glow SPF 35 and SkinCeuticals Mineral Defense.

PM: Cleanser → Skinbetter AlphaRet or prescription retinoid → moisturizer. My most-used moisturizers are SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore and Skinbetter Trio, with INNBEAUTY Project Extreme Cream as my under-$50 pick. Dr. Diamond Metacine and whatever I’m currently testing are the extras.

A few other things I actually use: Aramore NAD+ Cell Energizing Treatment (holley20), Bluemercury glycolic peel pads, Natura Bissé Diamond Cocoon Sheer Eye, Dr. Brandt No More Baggage, Natura Bissé Diamond Cocoon Sheer Cream, my retinol hand treatment and Arm Sculpt.

After more than a decade working in dermatology and more than 20 years of taking care of my skin, I’m actually less interested in having more skincare than I used to be.

I want the things that work. I want to know what’s worth the money. I want to know what the woman with incredible skin is secretly using. And when I find something really good, I want to tell my girlfriends. YOU!!! Which is basically how we ended up here.

If there’s something here you want me to go deeper on, tell me. And if you have a product that has completely changed your skin, I obviously need to know about it. You know I’ll investigate.

xo, H

August is a funny month. I’m still dressing for 100 degrees while mentally planning fall outfits and apparently my bathroom counter, nightstand and snack drawer are having their own moment too. So consider this my current download: what I’m wearing, using, eating, drinking, watching, listening to, buying and telling my friends about.

Not everything is new. In fact, some of the things on this list have been in my life for years, which might be the best endorsement of all. Let’s discuss.

BEAUTY THINGS EARNING THEIR SPOT

The hair product solving a very specific August problem

If August has your hair looking dirty approximately 14 minutes after you wash it, we should talk. I’ve been using L’ANGE lately, but the Oil Control Scalp Serum is the thing I really want to tell you about. Right now I don’t need another product promising “beautiful hair.” I need something addressing the actual problem: heat, sweat, oily roots and trying not to wash my hair every day. I love a product that solves an actual problem, and this one does. Just trying to make my blowouts last as long as possible.

The closest I’ve gotten to bringing a facial home

I love a facial. I do not always love finding the time for a facial. The drive time to and from the appointment and the waitlist to get into places kills me. I’ve been getting hydra facials since 2019 and I like the glow and results they give my skin. The Shark FacialPro Glow is one of those beauty devices that surprised me because it delivered the hydra facial results at home. Sure, I worked in dermatology for over a decade, but I am no facialist so it is very user friendly. It gives me that fresh, just-did-something-to-my-skin feeling at home instead of becoming another expensive beauty device living under the sink. If you love that post-facial glow but would also like to achieve it in your pajamas or save time, this is for you. And yes, you can see the gunk it suctions out of your pores for those of you who enjoy that type of satisfaction!

The hand cream that has survived two years on my nightstand

Forget what I tried this month. What has stayed on my nightstand for TWO YEARS? My retinol hand cream. NO crepey hands for me thank you very much. I use it every evening, it travels easily, and unlike the products constantly rotating through my life, this one never seems to leave. Hands are one of those places we tend to ignore until suddenly we don’t, and this has become as automatic for me as putting skincare on my face. Two years of repeat use tells you more than any “favorites” list could. I am mentioning this because it is 10% off right NOW! They only discount their site 2x a year and this is one of those times. Don’t sleep on the body retinol (a rare find) or the buffing bar either. It can literally remove paint off the wall! She’s effective.

The dry shampoo I’ve used for THREE years

That’s how long Crown Affair Dry Shampoo has survived the beauty-product revolving door. It’s non-aerosol, comes with its own little brush and is ridiculously easy to use at home, throw in a gym bag or travel with. I actually like the ritual of brushing it in, and I don’t miss the giant cloud of aerosol dry shampoo taking over my bathroom. Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan too, which I will accept as supporting evidence, but three years in my own bathroom is probably the endorsement that matters more. I finally have a CODE! I begged for this for over a year. Holley15 15% off sitewide. Also quite fond of the repair serum to help with breakage and leave in conditioner to smootz frizz.

The cleansing balm I keep coming back to

The older I get, the less interested I am in skincare that makes cleansing feel aggressive. Elemis Cleansing Balm (found on sale) takes everything off without making my skin feel stripped afterward, and if fragrance isn’t your thing, it also comes unscented. Not the sexiest recommendation on this list. Just one of those products that quietly makes my routine better.

The skincare I had shipped to my hotel because a chic stranger told me to

If you’ve been following along on Stories, you know how this started. I met a woman on Nantucket with incredible skin. She was older than me, we started talking over a cocktail, and eventually I did what I always do when someone’s skin is that good: I asked questions.

She told me about Aramore, and I immediately ordered the treatment (holley20) she recommended and had it shipped to my hotel on Nantucket. Here’s the important part: I worked in dermatology for more than a decade, and it takes a LOT for me to add something to my skincare regimen. But this one has stayed.

The best way I can describe what I’ve noticed is bounce. My skin just feels different. Enough that after using the treatment, I went back and ordered the serum too. The brand has serious Havard and MIT science behind it, which obviously sent me down the rabbit hole, but my personal test is much simpler: Do I notice enough of a difference to keep using it? So far, absolutely.

THINGS MAKING LIFE A LITTLE BETTER

A sleep gadget I’m genuinely excited about

I do not need another device simply telling me that I slept badly. I’m fairly capable of figuring that out myself. What interests me about the new Hatch sleep clock is that the idea is different: help you actually get to sleep. It tracks your night contactlessly from the nightstand, so there’s nothing to wear or charge on your wrist, and it turns bedtime into more of a ritual with a huge library of sounds and stories. Less “here’s your terrible sleep score,” more “let’s actually get you into bed.” That I can get behind. It’s helping my husband too. He is quite the night owl.

What I’m drinking when I don’t really want to wake up foggy

The older I get, the less interested I am in borrowing happiness from tomorrow morning. I still like the ritual of a drink, having something fun in my hand and the social part of cocktail hour. I just increasingly don’t want the alcohol part.

CANN (try holley10) has been filling that space for me lately, and I’m especially interested in their Social Tonics. It still feels like you’re participating without committing to wine or a sugary cocktail, and it fits much better into the version of my life where tomorrow still includes a workout, work call or actual plans I’d prefer not to feel foggy for. They also make little Roadies that are incredibly easy to travel with or take to bars, restaurants or parties. Just add to water or sparkling water. It’s chic.

WHAT I’M EATING ON REPEAT

The protein powder requiring exactly zero ambition

My favorite healthy habit is one that requires almost no effort, and Ballerina Farm protein powder has become exactly that. Strawberry was my favorite until the new peanut butter arrived and, I regret to inform strawberry, I think it has officially been dethroned. Vanilla is my third favoirte.

The peanut butter tastes ridiculously close to a milkshake. I add water, stir and that’s it. No blender, no blender cleanup, no elaborate smoothie production. It has 25 grams of protein per serving and includes naturally occurring colostrum from cow’s milk. If making the healthy choice is easy, I’m approximately 400 percent more likely to keep making it.

The snack my husband and I apparently need custody terms for

My husband and I are currently rationing beef sticks like there’s been a national shortage. As a recovering pescatarian (fish wife forever!!!), beef sticks were not exactly an obvious personality development for me, but then a mom friend introduced me to these. She keeps them around during the school year because they’re an easy protein snack for her and her kids when everyone is running in different directions, and she completely converted me.

They’re made with grass-fed beef, easy to throw in a bag, and now my husband has developed an alarming habit of eating what I consider to be MY half of the supply. We may need a labeling system.

WHAT I’M WEARING AND BUYING

The leopard flat that looks like it costs four figures

Leopard can go expensive-looking or very much the opposite. These understood the assignment. The new Margaux leopard flats have the most beautiful shape, and the pony hair makes the print look rich instead of cheap. They look like the shoe you’d notice on a woman walking past you and immediately try to identify. And because they’re Margaux, I already trust the comfort equation. Interesting shoe + simple outfit = one of my favorite formulas.

The pants I apparently need in every color

Forget what I say I love. Watch what I buy SIX times. My Magic Pants continue to be one of the best-selling things I share week after week, but more importantly, I actually wear some version of them at least once a week.

I just got the leopard and fully planned on trying them and probably returning them. That did not happen. (styled them here) I fell in love, and apparently everyone else did too because they sold out almost immediately and are now available for preorder. I also grabbed the limited aubergine with my holley15 code because that color is SO good for fall and I know how quickly these disappear.

If you’re new to the Magic Pants universe, start with black or navy. If you’re bored with jeans, proceed directly to leopard. They’re comfortable, easy to throw on and go, and you can completely change them with a heel and blazer for work. Interesting pants make boring tops useful. I will die on this hill.

The bra for when it’s approximately the temperature of the sun

Are your boobs sweating? Yeah. Mine too. I have my usual go-to bra, but during these brutally hot summer months I’ve been reaching for the sheer version. It’s lighter, cooler and still gives me what I need under actual clothes. Sometimes innovation is simply less fabric touching you when it’s 100 degrees outside. OMG I just saw they released the boob job bra and it’s wire free!

What I’m eyeing for fall

I’m not ready to actually dress for fall. I am VERY ready to start looking like fall. I’ve been going through the Tuckernuck and Shopbop new arrivals, and a few themes keep pulling me in: leopard, chocolate brown, aubergine, equestrian details, suede and interesting shoes.

I’ll share my current edit here because you absolutely do not need to scroll through hundreds of new arrivals yourself. That’s my job.

CURRENTLY

What I’m watching

I just finished Sterling Point and really enjoyed it. It’s a coming-of-age story, and a few of the storylines completely pulled me in. One of those shows I started casually and then suddenly needed to know how everything turned out.

I also finished Quarterback with my husband. I’m not a huge NFL fan, but I always find this show interesting because knowing the behind-the-scenes stories of the players makes watching football on Sundays infinitely more entertaining. Although this season I mostly felt like everyone was getting hurt. At the very least, now when football is on and I’m scrolling on my phone, I occasionally know who everyone is talking about. THIS sweater is a must have for all of us gals “watching” sports.

What I’m listening to

Randomly: R.E.M.’s “Orange Crush.” My husband put on R.E.M.’s greatest hits in the golf cart the other night, and now “Orange Crush” has been lodged in my brain. It is literally playing as I type this. No trend. No algorithm. Apparently sometimes your husband playing a song from 1988 in a golf cart is all the music discovery you need.

What I’m listening to when I’m nosy

I’ve been really enjoying Bill and Giuliana Rancic’s podcast lately, and obviously I listened when Giuliana decided to revisit her breakup with Jerry O’Connell after he mentioned it on Kelly Ripa’s podcast. My girl Giuliana apparently had some things to clarify.

I LOVED Giuliana & Bill back in the E! days. They went through some incredibly difficult things alongside all the fun stuff, and I always thought they were such a likable couple. I would absolutely watch them do another reality show. Until then, apparently I’m available for a 20-year-old celebrity-breakup postmortem.

What I’m reading

Nothing. There, I said it. Perhaps September Holley will be more literary.

ONE LAST THING

If there’s a theme to my August List, maybe it’s that I’m increasingly interested in things that earn their place. The pants I’ve bought six times. The dry shampoo I’ve used for three years. The hand cream that has lived on my nightstand for two. The skincare a stranger convinced me to order to my hotel. The new thing that solves an actual problem.

Not more stuff just because it’s new. Better stuff because it makes getting dressed, taking care of yourself or simply getting through the day a little easier or more enjoyable. That’s what I’ll keep looking for.

If you liked The ByHolley List, tap the heart so I know we should make this a monthly thing, and subscribe if you want September’s list delivered straight to your inbox.

And now I want yours: What is the ONE thing you discovered lately that I need to know about? Tell me in the comments. You know I’ll investigate.

I wasn’t intentionally conducting fashion research. But I notice clothes. I notice the woman at the next table’s jacket, the saleswoman whose belt makes me abandon whatever I actually came in for, the shoes lined up outside barre class and the chic lady next to me at dinner drinking mysterious tea that she brought with her to the restaurant. She only asked for hot water. What was it?! I had to ask.

Spend enough time walking around town, shopping the boutiques, going to dinner and generally minding everyone else’s fashionable business, and eventually patterns emerge. What struck me most was that Nantucket style wasn’t nearly as precious and sweet as you might expect. Sure, there was navy. There were stripes. There were beautiful bags and very good jewelry. But the women whose outfits made me look twice usually had something a little unexpected going on.

Interesting pants. A ridiculous (in the best possible way) necklace stack. A great flat. A rich mom/IT girl bag you suddenly start noticing everywhere. It was classic without being boring. Polished without looking overly styled. So after three weeks of very serious field research, consider this my entirely unofficial Nantucket style report.

1. Interesting Pants Are Basically a Neutral

This may have been my favorite thing I noticed all summer: the chicest women weren’t saving their interesting pants for dinner.

They were wearing them everywhere. Floral pants with an oversized button-down. Stripes with a simple knit. Statement pants with flat sandals and an otherwise completely uncomplicated outfit. And I think that’s why it worked. They weren’t styling statement pants like statement pants. They were treating them like jeans.

Once the bottom of the outfit is doing the work, everything else can calm down. White tee (use holley15). Navy sweater. Button-down. Flat sandal. Done. I eventually bought the floral pair without even trying them on because the fitting-room line was too long and a small tiff erupted in the store as there was only one size left and three ladies wanted the pants. I ducked out and ordered them online! Thankfully, I love them.

And my striped “Rich Mom Pants” have become one of the easiest things in my closet for exactly the same reason. They make even the most basic top look intentional. Now available in bandana prints for fall. (These may be sold out already bc the demand is high) use code “extracrispy”

2. Nantucket Navy Is Its Own Color

Obviously there was navy. It’s Nantucket. But I started noticing that the best navy outfits weren’t particularly nautical. Navy was being treated almost like black: head-to-toe, paired with denim, mixed with white, worn with gold jewelry, thrown over shoulders, dressed up and dressed down. There is something about a really rich (like old money rich) navy cotton crewneck just makes an outfit look expensive without announcing itself. Use holley15. It’s so luxe.

I own enough blue and white to know I’m hardly an impartial observer here, but Nantucket did absolutely nothing to cure me. And yes, stripes still count as a neutral. I don’t make the rules.

3. The Shoes Outside Workout Class Tell You Everything

Want to know what women are actually wearing somewhere? Look at the shoes outside workout class. I kept seeing the same kind of elevated jelly sandals outside the chic workout studios and then again walking around town. The pair I saw over and over gave that impossible-to-find Christopher Esber look, but in colors and neutrals I actually want to wear on repeat.

And then there were the walking sneakers. Not the obvious pair everyone already owns. Something a little more interesting, stylish yet comfortable enough for an island where you actually walk most everywhere. I love this color and this color and there are some colors on sale here. That’s another thing Nantucket reinforced for me: the chic women were comfortable. Nobody looked like she was suffering for the outfit. I think I only saw one person wear heels.

4. More Jewelry. Not Less

Somewhere along the way, “take one thing off before you leave the house” apparently left the island. Shop all the chic necklaces and chains here.

5. Never Underestimate a Chic Saleswoman

Forget Instagram. Put me in a Nantucket boutique with a beautifully dressed saleswoman and apparently I have no defenses.

It happened three separate times.

First, the striped shorts set (shirt here). I took one look at the woman wearing it, asked for my size and went straight to the fitting room. There was no browsing period. The outfit had already made its case. Then there was the gold necklace. I spotted it on another sales associate, asked where it was from and, well... you know how this story ends. And finally, the belt. (use welcome15) I clocked that one before she could even say hello. Within minutes I was trying it on then checking out!

At some point I realized the best retail merchandising on Nantucket wasn’t hanging on the racks. It was walking around the store. Apparently my most effective shopping strategy is simply finding the chicest woman working there and copying her. Consider this your warning: never underestimate a chic saleswoman.

6. Yes, THAT Bag Really Was Everywhere

THE rich mom/cool girl bag

If you followed along on Instagram, you already know about the bag. Sold out already via my Instagram post in some colors but lucky for us all the prints are chic and swoon worthy. I saw it on all the rich moms and cool girls on the island in various prints. At barre class, in the coffee shop and walking down the street. Chicly slung over their shoulder. Hill House had 2 left when I popped in and it was love at first sight. I immediatley got the hype. I own this one and ordered this blue striped one after seeing it on some chic girls on the island. I NEED this one and this one for fall. Did you see the chestnut stripe?! Le sigh. Besides being chic and unique you can fold them flat for travel and bring three totes with you to Paris! You know I like to have options!

7. The Actual Nantucket Formula

My official Nantucket style report:

Interesting pants.
Great flats.
Navy everything.
Layer the jewelry.
Carry the bag.

And never underestimate a chic saleswoman.

I don’t think Nantucket style is really about dressing “Nantucket” at all. The women I noticed most weren’t wearing complicated outfits. They wore beautiful basics holley15, repeated what worked, walked everywhere in comfortable shoes and added one thing that made you look twice. Interesting pants. A great bag. A stack of necklaces. A really good belt. Classic, but never boring. And maybe that’s the part worth bringing home.

If you liked this little Nantucket field report, tap the heart so I know you want more of these and subscribe if you want my next style report and Nantucket roundup sent straight to your inbox. And send this to a friend that also considers people watching legitimate fashion research.

Charleston to DC (eight, nine hours, depending on how many potty breaks your dog needs) an overnight with friends in DC, then Newport for a week, and now two weeks deep on Nantucket. Least efficient way to get to two of our favorite places but also completely worth it, because this time Gigi came with us.

She’s thirty pounds, which in airline math means “too big to fly.” So we drove instead. And here’s the plot twist nobody tells you about a road trip: there’s no weight limit on a suitcase. For an overpacker like moi, that’s basically Christmas.

Here’s everything that’s actually gotten us through it.

The Cleanup Crew

Road tripping with a dog and living out of rental houses or hotels for a month teaches you fast what you need on hand at all times. For us it’s these Everything Wipes, They are non toxic and good for counters, hands, faces and are plant based. I keep them on the counter at home, in the car, in my gym bag. For the deeper clean when we first walk into a rental or hotel, I use these disinfecting wipes to kill germs. You can never be too clean. I like these bc I get headaches from traditional cleaners and these don’t contain ammonia or bleach and kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Plus, they smell good! Comforts of home.

The Muscle Rub That Replaced My Bath

All this walking in these historic towns means tired legs every night and our hotel doesn’t have a tub anyway. My mom always swore by an Epsom soak for anything that ached, and this Epsom muscle rub is literally that wisdom and efficacy in a bottle. Not greasy, works almost immediately, I sleep like a baby too. Bobby’s claimed it too, post golf and workouts. Use Holley15 15% off

What My Skin Needed Up North

My skin has gotten noticeably drier since we got here, so I’ve been leaning on U Beauty. Resurfacing Compound ( 8 steps in 1 so saves me time) at night, Super Hydrator during the day and night, and their Neck, Jaw and Decollete treatment I’ve used for two years and still think is the best on the market. Nobody wants a creepy neck, nobody wants a neck lift either. This is helpful and works. Also loving and using this new addition courtesy of a friend at the gym: Arm Compound, essentially a retinol for your upper arms, quietly smoothing things out and toning. I am not going to the gym on vacation like I do at home and this feels great and the results look good. Also just discovered I’ve had an unused 20% off code this whole time, so use holley20 20% off any purchase or restock! That’s a huge savings.

Cliff Walk Uniform, Two Ways

Did the Cliff Walk in Newport twice, once in these shorts (light as air I got almond) and once in these leggings (I love the cutout detail at the bottom I haven’t seen anywhere else, and the lifting legging does what it needs to do). I love how these make my bottom look and they are on sale 2 for $24 so I got a few pairs.

The Suitcase Solving a Problem You Didn’t Know You Had

Here’s the thing nobody warns you about a three week trip in one car: your suitcase has to survive being loaded and unloaded a dozen times, and it still has to be light enough that you’re not the reason your husband throws his back out. My carry on suitcase is so light I can lift it with one finger. Not an exaggeration, I’ve shown it on Stories and people still don’t believe me until they see it twice. I love the British color offerings, so luxe and regal and this English brand has been around forever. If it can handle my trips and overstuffing then it can handle whatever you’re packing for. Sale’s running now, this is the moment. I have the large carry on and the regular one for a check bag moment.

Staying On Track Without a Kitchen

Traveling makes protein goals hard when you’re not cooking. Flavcity makes it easy because this powder doesn’t require a blender, just water and a spoon, twenty five grams done. All you have to do is stir! I like vanilla, strawberry and mint. Bobby is a chocolate guy. Still on creatine gummies too, tastiest version I’ve found, sour apple and watermelon. They now have a variety pack here and do not skip their Clear Protein. My gym sells these for $5 a pop! 15g of protein and electrolytes. I drink these to avoid a PM slump and before and after if I partake in wine or cocktails to avoid snacking and hangovers. Just being honest.

The Vitamins Giving Me Life Right Now

Switched from Ritual to a perimenopause specific formula a couple months ago and it’s been a real turning point, mood, energy, all of it. Loved Ritual for years, but your body asks for different support at different stages, and I finally listened. These have helped with mood swings, brain fog and energy.

Literally the Best Shirts Ever Made

Most of what I packed is blue and white, mostly because it all works together, mostly because I have a genuine problem where I found one shirt and refused to diversify. That shirt is the Patrick, six years old at this point and still my emotional support shirt. I had the short sleeve polo version shipped straight to our hotel because I needed a navy blue one here pronto. And the cardigan from the same line has done more work than anything else in my suitcase, the exact right weight for these evenings, elevated enough to look intentional, easy enough to throw on without thinking. Sleeveless, cardigan, short sleeve polo, I own all three and reach for all three on repeat. If you only buy one shirt this year, make it one of these. All linked here.

The One Gadget That’s Actually Changed Something

Every rental house and hotel room has the same problem, one outlet, two people, zero patience. The Power Bug fixes it completely. It plugs straight into any wall, charges two devices at once, and rotates vertically or horizontally so it fits whatever outlet situation you’ve been handed, nightstand, bathroom counter, wherever. No dangling cords, no fighting over who gets to charge their phone first. We use it at home for the exact same reason, and now it comes with us on every single trip because once you stop untangling cords you cannot go back. Bobby is equally obsessed, which almost never happens with a gadget.

The Lotion Problem Nobody Else Has Solved

Hotel lotion is never it. Doesn’t matter where you stay, Ritz included, it’s always either scentless or smells like nothing you’d choose for yourself, and it sits on your skin instead of absorbing. So I bring my own. I’m loving Loofah for Summer, a water based formula built for exactly this, hot summer days, quick absorption, zero greasy residue under clothes. It solved a problem I didn’t realize I’d been quietly annoyed by on every single trip until this one.

So that’s the packing list so far. One very good dog, one very full suitcase, and a road trip we didn’t need to take but I’m so glad we did. More from Nantucket soon.

If this made you want to add to your own bag, tap the heart below so I know these travel diaries are landing. And if you’re not subscribed yet, this is where the good stuff always shows up first.

Merci!

xo, Holley

Grab your matcha, or your rose if it’s past noon somewhere, and let’s get into it.

The Main Event: Clothes You’ll Actually Wear

Let’s start with J.McLaughlin, doing an extra 30 percent off nearly everything, with sizes disappearing fast. The sale ends July 5th, so don’t wait. I am fully obsessed with this rich mom cardigan with the gold buttons, so luxe it practically screams Hamptons. I also cannot stop thinking about this white skirt under $80. All my sale picks here. Not on sale but still want it??? holley15 gets you 15 percent off sitewide here.

Then there’s Tuckernuck. I went through the entire secret sale so you don’t have to, and found so many hidden designer names on sale and buried in there: Ulla Johnson, Jonathan Simkhai, and more. Someone please get this Saloni dress. ALL my picks here. This is a very good sale. Do not sleep on these popular shoes either, they are moving fast.

And Veronica Beard deserves its own moment. They are doing an extra 25 percent off with code FIREWORKS2026 (yes, that is the actual code, and yes, it is extremely on brand for this week). If you have been eyeing anything from them, this is the sale to finally pull the trigger. My picks here. You have to get my best selling indigo eyelet jacket, the one all the Parisian ladies loved, and it works right now straight through fall. There’s also this jeweled collar jacket that I also took to Paris that feels a little event ready.

Tanya Taylor is having a huge sale and I am not being dramatic when I say this is one of my favorite brands precisely because not everyone owns it. The dresses I already have are on sale, and I wear mine on repeat all summer. If you want something that feels special without looking like everyone else at the party, this is your sign. See my picks here. You’ll recognize most of them from vacation and the gram.

Our favorite place to shop, Julia Amory, is also having one of the best sales I have seen from them all year. So many of my go to pieces are marked down, including a few I have had my eye on for weeks and finally caved on. To access sale click here and my specific picks are here, but fair warning, sizes will not last.

I genuinely do not know where to begin with the Hill House sale. I own and love this one and this set, and both are the kind of perfect summer pieces you can wear to a garden party or dress up for dinner reservations later that night. The whole sale is good so take a look and sort by size.

AYR is doing 60 percent off, which is the kind of number that makes me stop scrolling immediately. Their viral 90s straight leg denim that I own and that CBK would have worn is included. One of my coveted button downs is now under $100. The jeans I just got for Nantucket are now under $160 which blows my mind. Perfect for summer wear and I love the unfinished hem. So chic. This might be the best sale I have seen of theirs.

Spanx is up to 50 percent off and I need to talk about this oatmeal set specifically. I have been wearing it nonstop, it made the cut for our drive to Newport, and it is somehow both put together and completely comfortable, which almost never happens at the same time. Light as air. Lots of styles and workout pieces available too. I’ve got my eye on the sage green air essentials. If you don’t own one of these sets now is your time. The sale makes them like 50% off.

And can we talk about my viral thigh gap Ruti pants for a second? They are 15 percent off this weekend. I started with the black pair and got hooked, and now I am living in the new navy and lighter colors they made for summer. I wear the petite length, and between the way they feel and the way they make my short curvy legs look, I understand why everyone who tries a pair ends up buying a second color within the week. As seen here and here.

And Tory Burch is doing an extra 25 percent off, which is exactly the kind of quiet luxury markdown that makes a whole outfit feel more expensive than it was. All the cool girls in my workout class wear her compression leggings and these are on sale. This suede crossbody is under $200. I wore mine to Hermes last fall and I had 10 people ask me who made it?!

Shoes I Will Fight You Over

Margaux is up to 50 percent off, and there are two pairs I need you to know about. The viral Chelsea boot that every Upper East Side girl wore on repeat last winter, timeless in the truest sense. And the raffia flat, which I own and get complimented on every single time I wear it, no exceptions. All my sale picks here.

Separately, the viral huaraches are my most worn shoe of the whole spring and summer, and a best seller on my ShopMy every single week, is on sale for 85 dollars. No break in required, they feel like butter straight out of the box. I started with the bone pair, wore them into the ground, and eventually caved and bought the gold too.

Freda Salvador is having a huge sale and I have been wanting their iconic fisherman sandal for what feels like forever, so I think this is finally the moment. I already own four pairs of their flats and my pink pair just went on sale too. Zero break in period, incredibly luxe, and honestly it gives Bottega for a lot less money and, in my opinion, better quality.

You have seen me share these before: Fitflop’s ergonomic shoes are on a huge sale right now. I always grab an indoor pair and an outdoor pair, because my feet start aching on hardwood floors the second I am cleaning or on my feet too long. The arch support alone is worth it. I love the buckle style and the flip flops.

The One Sale I Never Thought I’d See

Soldout NYC never does sales. I mean never. So when I tell you they are quietly running a private sale on some of their best sellers, I need you to actually believe me. I am partial to the tank and the slightly cropped tee if you want a different silhouette than their classic best selling tee, the one that is famously Anna Wintour’s favorite.

Beauty and Wellness Worth Stocking Up On

After twenty years as a DC girl, Bluemercury is still one of my favorite stores for skincare, makeup, and beauty, and their summer essentials are 25 percent off. Think sunscreen, body lotion, self tanner, and the viral glycolic pads that give you an instant glow the second you swipe one on. I also love this cc cream w spf. This body sunscreen went viral on instagram and is 25% off. Get some Jack Black for your guy. It’s all included in the sale.

You have seen me share the Tria hair removal laser before, and it is rarely on sale, so the fact that it is 40 percent off right now with code holley is a big deal. I worked in dermatology for a decade and I will tell you plainly, it is more effective than the IPL treatments I saw done in office. Save your money on appointments and keep it at home for touch ups whenever you need them. Trust me on this one. The data is good. Details here.

Everyone is asking me about hair growth lately, and my honest answer is the CurrentBody LED helmet. It is comfortable, it actually works, and I try to do it daily. Both my derm and my hairdresser have noticed a difference since I started. It’s 100 dollars off this weekend with code HOLLEY100.

If you need to calm down after reading this entire list (fair), my favorite CBD gummies from Earlybird are 25 percent off. It’s like a glass of wine minus the calories and the next day regret. Code july4.

Can’t sleep? Lemme’s sleep line is 20 percent off sitewide. These will do the trick, no grogginess the next morning, and I have used them for two years now. They are a must have when I travel, because you truly never know who your neighbors are for the weekend.

The Extras

Koala Eco is 20 percent off, and we use their dish soap, cleaning products, and hand soap in our house now. I hear the detergent is just as good. I switched after getting headaches from typical cleaning products for way too long, and it was one of the easiest changes I have made.

Chappy Wrap is up to 40 percent off, and these blankets are permanently draped across our sofa, mostly so Gigi does not get the actual cushions dirty. They are pretty enough to leave out, soft enough to fight over, and they genuinely make us happy every time we curl up under one. Great gift for a dorm room too. My nieces all love this trending bandana print one. I am eyeing this blue and white one.

That’s the list. My cart is a disaster and I regret nothing.

Tap the heart if you want more roundups like this, and if you’re not subscribed yet, come join us.

Merci!

xo, Holley

I made good decisions at checkout. I am sharing them with you now.

The matching sets I live in.

I have been wearing this new to me brand every single week this summer. The white linen set, this sage green set man of you got, the rich mom green striped shorts set. Together they have solved the “what do I wear today” question for the entire season.

She looks pulled together without requiring anything from you. Coffee date, morning walk with Gigi, running errands, rooftop with something cold. She handles all of it, travels beautifully, photographs incredibly well, and can be dressed up or left exactly as she is. Start here if you have not Bella Dahl yet. This is the one. Use code holley15 ( I begged for this code for you all).

sage green

The flip flop revelation I did not see coming.

I got shearling clogs from this brand last winter and wore them every single day. Indoor pair, outdoor pair. I am doing the exact same thing with Ergonomic Style flip flops this summer. WAIT! Keep reading… don’t judge me yet.

The footbed supports and aligns in a way that is completely concealed inside a beautiful sandal. I will say it: more comfortable and more supportive than my Birkenstocks. (I said what I said.) I keep an indoor pair for the hardwood floors and an outdoor pair for everything else. Walks, pedicures, quick errands. The fisherman style that all the rich moms are wearing (almost sold out) is calling my name for Nantucket specifically because cobblestones and heels do not mix. The buckle pair is also very cute. Start anywhere. They are having an incredible sale right now too.

The necklace that goes with everything this summer.

This shell necklace is one of those accessories that makes whatever you are already wearing look like you planned it. She is the finishing touch. The piece people ask about. Casual enough for the beach, elevated enough for dinner. I have been wearing her constantly. Pairs well with an all white Hamptons looks or really pops against color like navy blue and yellow.

The dress that feels like a boutique discovery.

I got so many compliments on this blue silk lace dress. The way she moves, the way the silk and lace sit together, the way she feels like something you found in a small shop in the south of France rather than something you ordered from your phone. She is the trip dress. The dinner dress. The dress you wear when you want to feel like yourself, just slightly more so.

Anna Wintour’s favorite t-shirt is in stock today. Use this secret code. Do not wait.

Sold Out NYC is never in stock and never on sale. I mean that. They come back briefly, they disappear again, and you spend three months regretting that you did not move faster. Right now they are available in white, the new blush, and butter yellow, and I plan to own all of them.

These are the tees. The ones that look expensive, fit perfectly, and photograph in the way that cheaper versions simply cannot replicate. That CBK effortless quality that makes a t-shirt feel like a statement without trying to be one. I came across this secret code Juliam15 for 15% off! Shhhhh! The RSVP dress in chocolate brown and black is available too. She is the dress for a dinner reservation, a Saturday afternoon, a night that starts one place and ends somewhere better. Move quickly.

The jeans and the shirt you did not know you needed. Until now.

AYR Yaya jeans are the 90s straight-leg moment done correctly. The silhouette is relaxed without being sloppy, the proportion is the proportion that makes everything on top look more intentional, and the quality is the kind where you put them on and immediately understand why great denim is worth the investment. These are the jeans that make you look like you have somewhere to be even when you do not. I hate jeans but I love these jeans. I love that they have 3 lenghths.

And if you are getting the Yaya jeans, get the Tate button down while you are there. She is the summer shirt. Throw her over a swimsuit at the beach, tuck her into the jeans, tie her at the waist over shorts. She is the piece that makes everything else in your wardrobe look more expensive just by being near it. The IT girl COOL girl silk bandana scarves are back in summer colors too and make the perfect belt, bag tie, or neck situation. Very it girl. Very right now. Use code freshayr 10% off.

The travel outfit I wear on every plane and long car ride.

Spanx Air Essentials are what I reach for before anything else when I have to be somewhere for hours and still need to arrive looking like a person who planned her outfit. She breathes, she holds, she looks polished in the way travel demands while being comfortable in the way travel also demands.

The colors this season are the whole conversation: oatmeal heather and French grey especially. You know that energy of a woman who has elegantly climbed out of her SUV and is clearly about to board a private jet? That is oatmeal heather. That is French grey. If you have been wearing black on every flight, let this be your summer of neutrals. On sale now. Many lengths and an assortment of various tops and pant styles.

The bra drawer overhaul you have been putting off.

EBY changed how I think about lingerie entirely and I want the same for you. Three specifically:

The Relief Bra is the one you put on and forget you are wearing a bra. Pain free. Genuinely. If you have been tolerating discomfort all day, this is the correction.

The Sheer Mesh Bra is your hot weather answer. Lightweight, breathable, does not trap heat, which means no boob sweat on the days that would otherwise guarantee it. She is summer’s most practical luxury.

The Madam Bra is the prettiest bra I own. Full stop. She is the one you are happy to see in the mirror. The one that makes getting dressed feel like a small act of self-respect. Your drawer needs her.

How about this one for a pop of fun color?!? It’s a new bestseller.

For the floors, but make it designer.

Ruggable is the answer to having a beautiful home and also living in it. Machine washable, no rug pad needed, genuinely great design, and the quality looks far more expensive than it is.

What I love most is who they collaborate with. Their collections with designers like Gracie Studio bring a serious aesthetic sensibility to a practical product, and their work with icons like Kathy Hilton means you can have a genuinely special rug that can also survive a dog, a spill, and a Tuesday. That combination is rarer than it should be. Use holley15. The Kathy rug is my favorite I think.

Everything above is linked on my ShopMy page. Be sure to add me to yoour circle so you can see what I’m loving before I share it here and on Instagram. If you grab something, let me know in the comments. I love hearing what lands.

xo, H

Consider this the group chat. You are in now.

I owe Ptox an apology. A big one.

I spent more than twenty years in pharmaceutical sales, including over a decade in dermatology. I have seen claims come and go. I know what marketing looks like. I am not the person you fool with “glass skin in a week” and “extends the life of your botox” copy.

So when I first heard about Ptox, my reaction was exactly what you would expect: a very firm no. Absolutely not. I moved on.

And then after a year or two I tried it. And then I used it every single morning after my vitamin C serum for six months. And then the Botox appointment I had been keeping like clockwork started feeling less urgent. And then I pushed it back. And then I pushed it back again.

I have not had Botox since January (I tend to go every 3 months). I have an appointment coming up because I am going on vacation and I want to look fresh, but I could have pushed it another month. I almost did. Does this stuff really work?!

My friend Anne grabbed my face at dinner last week and said “what are you doing differently.” I told her. She ordered it that night. For the skeptics, because I was you: she quietly does things she promises to do. The results show up first in photos, then in the mirror, then in questions from people who know your face well. In the past I recommended this product only to people who could not or did not want to do Botox. Now I recommend it to everyone. Without qualification. I rest my case. It is a gamechanger.

Speaking of what comes first: the vitamin C conversation we need to have.

I have been using SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for over twenty years. Twenty. Never once considered switching. I was told in my 20s that it was the fountain of youth and I was hooked. That is the whole review, but I will give you more.

One of the dermatologists I worked with for years kept a bottle on her desk like it was a prescription pad. Practically pushed it on every patient who walked in. I believed her then. The reputation is earned and it has been earned for a long time. Roughly 90 percent of dermatologists name this exact product when asked for a vitamin C recommendation, and I know this not from a beauty editor but from a decade of working alongside these dermatologists every single day.

I still meet women who have not started vitamin C and I genuinely cannot let it continue. (This is me, gently but firmly, intervening on your behalf.) Start here. Everything else builds on top of her. I have tried others and can make a good recommendation if this one isn’t for you. Just shoot me a DM on Instagram.

The lazy girl skincare hack I mentioned on Stories. You all lost your minds.

Some nights I am exhausted. Work, life, Gigi. Just last week, I got home from a late Spoleto event and genuinely could not summon the will for a full facial cleanse. I reached for these micellar cloths I keep in my nightstand, did the whole thing in about forty-five seconds, and woke up the next morning to skin that looked, if anything, as good as if I had done my full routine. I mentioned this once on Stories with zero ceremony and my DMs went absolutely feral. So I am telling everyone now. Sometimes I don’t wash my face at night with a cleanser and I use these instead! But it has to be these because other brands sting, burn and irritate your face. Not these.

These are modeled after Bioderma, the cult French micellar formula every woman who has spent time in Paris knows by heart, except they are already on the cloth. No cotton balls, no transfer, no methodology required. They melt makeup off and leave skin feeling genuinely hydrated rather than stripped. Not for every night, but for the nights when washing your face feels like a project you did not sign up for. (We all have them. This is the solution, and it feels very French, which I fully support.) One pack in the nightstand, one in the car for late dinners and the third in your purse or gym bag. The 3-pack is the way and she is on major sale right now.

The five-minute face I packed for Paris. And will pack for Nantucket.

No Makeup Makeup is 20 percent off right now with their mailer code (NMMDM), and after that expires my code is holley10, because you will come back. I say this with total confidence because I have never once recommended this to someone who did not.

Just last week I put all three on (face, cheek,lip) in the car on the way to a birthday dinner at Melfi’s and CC said my skin looked like a filter! The foundation does not just cover, she blurs, she creates this airbrushed magazine-filter finish on your actual face and she gets better throughout the day rather than breaking down. I wore her in Paris every single day. It is so easy and not messy to apply. I wear light medium.

Do not skip the blush and lip in pink. Those three together are a three-minute face that looks like thirty. They lay flat, they travel perfectly, and they make a woman feel put together even on the days when she categorically is not.

The Paris accessory I now cannot imagine leaving home without.

La Bonne Brosse is no longer just a hairbrush. She is THE accessory in Paris.

My friend Kelly is in Paris and has been sending me photos of the new mini version clipped to a Celine bag, then to a Kelly on all the chic Parisian girls. The chic Parisian women have turned her into something you carry visibly, something you reach for at the pool or the beach or whenever your hair needs a touch throughout the day. (And if you were not already looking for a reason to clip something to your bag, here is your reason.) You do not have to clip she is chic in and out of your bag but there are now 3 sizes of this brush. Here is my video review of the iconic brush.

She is worth it beyond the status too: the No.1 adds volume, the No.2 detangles and adds shine, the No.3 is so soft it does not pull, it actually massages, and the No.4 with the white bristles works on both wet and dry hair. I tossed my paddle brush of ten years over the weekend. Picked it up, tried to use it, and the bristles felt like needles. I did not know how bad it was until I had something better. This brush is the secret to effortless French girl hair and I mean that without any hyperbole. It is 90 degrees and humid in Charleston and my hair has never looked better in humidity thanks to this chic IT girl brush.

The lip oil that is in a category of its own.

My friend reached across the table at brunch and grabbed the Chameleon Lip Oil right out of my bag. She has her own now.

She is a little magical and I like things that are a little magical. She adjusts to your ph and natural lip tone for a finish that looks completely bespoke, she glosses without being sticky or overdone, and she looks expensive in the most understated way possible. She also makes a genuinely wonderful gift for a friend who has everything because most people have not discovered her yet. Different, elevated, the one. Holleyn20 20% off

Your hands are aging faster than your face. Let’s talk about that.

I was in bed last year and caught a glimpse of my hands and had a quiet moment of panic. The skin on your hands is thinner than the skin on your face, it has fewer oil glands, and it is exposed to everything. Weather, sun, dishes, products, life. And yet most of us apply zero targeted treatment to them and wonder why they start to look older before everything else does. Guilty.

Theraplush is an overnight retinol repair treatment designed to live on your nightstand, in a refillable pod system that makes the packaging as elegant as the formula. Apply before bed, wake up with hands that look noticeably smoother. Retinol, colloidal oatmeal, panthenol. Not greasy, not complicated. Just works. You will thank yourself in ten years. No crepey hands.

While you are adding her to your cart, add the Vacation Buffing Bar too, because these two together are the brand entry point I would recommend to anyone. She is a collaboration with the brand Vacation and fragranced with coconut, banana, pineapple, pool toys and swimsuit fabric, which I know sounds like I made it up, and I did not. Gold standard for sunscreen removal, polishes rough patches, releases ingrown hairs, and smells like the very best version of summer. Get both. It is so effective.

The dry shampoo. For your brushes.

I cleaned my makeup brushes approximately never before this. I am not proud of it and we are not going to dwell on it. Well…maybe I washed 2 or 3 when I was in Round Hill.

THIS Brush Dry Shampoo Cleanser is to your makeup brushes what dry shampoo is to your hair. No water, no rinsing, no soaking overnight. You shake the bi-phase formula, spray it on a cloth or directly on the bristles, wipe, and your brush is ready immediately. That is the whole process. The scent is vanilla and it is genuinely lovely, which means for the first time cleaning my brushes actually feels like something I want to do. (Revolutionary.) Clean brushes mean better application, better skin, and brushes that last significantly longer. She is lazy girl approved, the brand says this, and they are correct.

That is everything I would tell you at dinner if we had nowhere to be and nothing to do tomorrow morning. Everything on this list is tested, earned, and something I am actively using or actively repurchasing.

If something resonated, tap the little heart below before you go. It takes one second, it means more than you know, and it helps more women find The Fine Print. And if a friend came to mind while you were reading, send it to her. That is what girl dinner is for.

Merci! xo, Holley

Not the friends who are a few years ahead of me, not the doctors I visited for twenty years, not a single person in my orbit sat me down and said: around your mid-40s, your body may start doing things that feel completely foreign to you, and the wellness industry you have mostly ignored until now is about to become very relevant very quickly.

So I did what any reasonable person does. I started researching at midnight. I compared ingredient labels. I read PubMed abstracts. I fell down rabbit holes I could not explain to my husband. I became, against my will, a supplement person. (I am a supplement person. I love my supplements!)

What follows is everything that has actually earned a permanent spot in my routine. Things I am taking, repurchasing and, in one case, sneaking onto Bobby’s bathroom shelf without warning.

Let’s start with the word nobody says out loud.

Perimenopause. I’m going to say it, and I am going to say it without lowering my voice. Because the number of women who have messaged me since I started mentioning this on Stories, the sheer volume of “me too” and “nobody told me either” in my DMs, made it very clear that we are all navigating this in complete silence when we absolutely do not have to be.

Needed came into my life through a friend from Pilates. What convinced me is that this brand is built on clinical research, which matters to me more than almost anything else given twenty years in pharmaceuticals. Their perimenopause formulas ( they have prenatal and daily vitamins as well) are designed specifically for this life stage, not adapted from something originally formulated for a 25-year-old body. There is a meaningful difference. I’ve been taking these vitamins for a few months now (powder form if you hate pills) and they are helping. I took these ritual vitamins (Bobby loves them too) for over 7 years but I need this type of support right now I think.

And while we are in this chapter of life.

Here is another thing nobody tells you: your metabolism in perimenopause is not the same metabolism you had at 35. I know this intimately and personally and with some frustration. Veracity was on my radar for a while from my nutritionist before I finally ordered their protein powder and Metabolism Ignite, and I am genuinely glad I did. I drink 1-2 protein shakes a day on the reg and I love trying out different ones as variety is the spice of life. When I find good ones, I like to share them with you all and my friends. This protein powder helps with muscle building and energy and who doesn’t need additional metabolism ignite on any given sunday?!

For everything else the internet calls “bloat.” And also, creatine.

Can we talk about this? You eat a completely normal dinner, maybe one glass of wine, and then you feel like a different person. I have been there. I am sometimes still there. Arrae’s Bloat gummies are what I reach for before anything even remotely indulgent, which in my life means most dinners and all travel days. These never leave my suitcase.

What I appreciate about her is the ingredient integrity: no fillers, nothing you have to squint at. After enough supplement phases (we’re talking years of trial and error), I have learned that what is not in a product matters as much as what is. I am on my third order and I have no plans to stop.

And then there is Arrae Tone, which is their creatine gummy, and I need you to know that I take four of these a day like they are a treat I have earned. Two in the morning, two sometime in the afternoon or evening, and genuinely, they taste like dessert. The watermelon and apple flavors are wonderful. (The berry? Skip her. I am telling you this as a friend.) If you have been hearing the conversation about creatine for women, especially in perimenopause, and wondering where to start, start here. Try holley15 15% off.

The snack that changed everything.

A friend pulled a Paleovalley beef stick out of her purse at coffee. She had them for herself and for her kid, just a snack for on the go, and she handed me one to try. I was hooked before I finished it. Ordered on the spot, right there at the table, phone in hand.

Here is the thing: we all want more protein and we all hate being hangry. That is not a niche problem, that is just being a person with a schedule. These are the answer. Clean ingredients, real food sourcing, no weird aftertaste, and they come in chicken and other proteins too, not just beef. I keep them in my [bag, car, desk] now and I will never go back to whatever I was doing before. (String cheese, if I am being completely honest. And sometimes I failed to remember to remove them from my bag. I blame the brain fog. I have come a long way with these beef snacks.)

The quiet upgrade nobody warned me about either.

This one is less about supplements and more about the daily comfort of feeling good in your own skin. We do not talk enough about the fact that most lingerie was not designed with women like us in mind. EBY changed that conversation for me. My go to is the pain free relief bra with no underwire. It still shapes and supports. She fits beautifully, she holds everything where you want it held (without the structural engineering of a space suit), and I have quietly replaced a significant portion of my bra drawer. This is one of those discoveries that makes every single day slightly better. I no longer come home and yank off my bra. Then you all told me about the sheer bra for summer and it really does keep me and my girls cool. Truly the prettiest bras that I own.

And one for the men in our lives who will absolutely not do this for themselves.

I have been taking Nutrafol for a while now. Millions of us do. But I recently had a moment where I realized I had never once looked at whether they made something for men, which, it turns out, they absolutely do.

A friend’s husband has become completely devoted to Nutrafol for Men, and when she told me how serious he was about it I had two thoughts. The first was genuine admiration. The second was we have to help our guys!!! I wish there was something like this for Bobby in his 30s. (Bobby is bald. Fully, confidently, committedly bald. Unfortunately we are a little past the treatment window on that one. We move on to others.)

But here is why I am telling you about this: the men who are not Bobby. The husbands and sons and dads who are noticing something in the mirror and doing absolutely nothing about it because they are men and that is what they do. This is where we come in. We are the ones who remind them to go to the dentist, schedule their physicals, and take their vitamins. Add this to the list.

My derm background makes me want to say this louder. If there is a man in your life who is shedding or thinning help him! Especially if he is not doing anything yet. This is where to start. Staying ahead of it is always the move for men and women. It will happen to all of us.

Pick it up for your husband, your son, your dad. They will not do it for themselves. We know this. That is why they have us. Lol.

So this is the actual shelf. The things I take each day, the things I reorder before I run out, the things I recommend when someone messages me asking what I am doing differently. I hope something here clicks for you. Sure, there is more and if you liked this we can get into another layer of it all.

And if you are in the perimenopause research spiral with me, I genuinely want to know what else you are trying. Leave me a comment. I read every one and we are clearly all figuring this out together.

If you found this helpful, please tap the little heart below. It helps more people find The Fine Print, and I truly notice and appreciate every single one.

Merci! xo, Holley

I love seeing what other women pack for trips because if something makes the suitcase, it usually means she really loves it. Especially beauty products.

Vacation makeup has to work harder. I need it to survive humidity, walking all day, dinners that somehow start at 8:30 pm, bad hotel lighting, good hotel lighting, and me aggressively shoving everything into a carry-on while saying, “I’m packing light this time.” And honestly? The older I get, the less interested I am in spending an hour getting ready. I want easy, polished, glowy, foolproof and makeup that makes me look alive and expensive without requiring a 14 step process.

When I was in Paris staying at the Ritz, these were the products I reached for over and over again while getting ready in that iconic bathroom in a peach robe living out my dream hotel stay.

Some of these blew up my DMs when I shared them on Stories, so here’s the full breakdown of everything that earned suitcase space.

The Viral French Girl Hairbrush

Let’s start with the brush because honestly this thing has become a personality trait for me.

I discovered La Bonne Brosse in Paris in 2024 before it exploded on social media, and I immediately understood the obsession. Every chic French woman seemed to own one. It’s basically a French-girl status symbol at this point.

People constantly compare it to Mason Pearson brushes and many swear it’s better.

I now own two:

• one for sensitive scalps - I get tender headed

• one for wet and dry hair

My hair has genuinely changed since using these:

• less breakage

• more shine

• less washing

• healthier-looking ends

And somehow brushing your hair with one just feels… elegant? I cannot explain it.

The brand also has different brush types depending on your scalp and hair goals, which makes the online quiz oh so necessary. The hardest part is honestly choosing the color because they’re all gorgeous.

The Vacation Tan That Cannot Be Messed Up

I do not want to arrive pale and stressed and immediately start marinating in self-tanner fumes before dinner.

I need easy.

The Salty Face tanning water (holley10) is foolproof. Truly. No smell. No sticky feeling. No weird patchiness. You spray it directly onto the brush and apply it to your face, which somehow makes the entire process feel cleaner and less chaotic.

I use Light, but next time I’ll probably try Medium Dark. What I love most is that it fades naturally and never gets blotchy around the hairline or jawline which, in my opinion, is where self-tanner can go very wrong very quickly.

Also:
do not forget your neck, chest, and the backs of your hands. Learn from my mistakes.

My “I Don’t Want To Fuss” Foundation

I do not enjoy complicated makeup while traveling because I would genuinely rather be shopping, walking around Paris, eating fries at lunch, and staring at beautiful buildings.

So this foundation became my MVP. It’s a 4-in-1 complexion product that somehow:

• color corrects

• evens skin tone

• blurs

• replaces concealer

And it adjusts to your skin tone instantly. I wear Light Medium.

This is the type of product that makes people think your skin just naturally looks good in photos. Which is exactly the category of makeup I’m interested in at this point in life. No Paris filter needed here! Use NMMDM for 20% off (limited time).

The “Rich Mom” Bronzer

The Gucci bronzer deserves every ounce of hype it gets. First of all, the compact alone makes you feel like you have your life together. If it is even in stock, you are in luck! It is always sold out.

Second, it somehow manages to look soft, expensive, and natural all at once. No orange. No muddy weirdness. Just healthy, expensive-looking skin. I wear shade 01 and I honestly think it’s universally flattering.

Also it smells like a rich Aunt, which somehow makes the entire experience feel more luxurious.

This is what I call “rich mom makeup.”
Polished. Effortless. Not trying too hard.

The Eye Products That Make Me Look Awake

When I travel, I need makeup that survives long days but does not require seventeen brushes and a prayer.

The Merit cream shadow in Glacé is one of those products that makes you look more awake immediately. It brightens the eye, stays put all day, and you can apply it with your finger in approximately four seconds.

No artistry required.

For brows, I’m still loyal to Boy Brow after more than 10 years. I always brush upward for a lifted look because otherwise I personally start resembling a Victorian ghost by 4 pm.

The Mascara That Survived Paris And Charleston Humidity

Mascara is where I become extremely picky. I need it to:

• stay put

• not flake

• not smudge

• survive humidity

• remove easily

I refuse to scrub my eyes with makeup remover after a long day. The Sara Creal mascara checks every single box. It’s a tubing mascara, which means it stays on beautifully for 12+ hours but slides off easily with cleanser and warm water.

No raccoon eyes.
No drama.
No scrubbing.

Honestly life-changing.

The Blush That Quietly Became My Favorite

Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy looked terrifying to me at first glance. I was convinced it would make me look like I lost a fight with bronzer.

Instead, it became my favorite blush.

It gives that expensive neutral flush that somehow works with every outfit, every lip color, every lighting situation, every city.

This is absolutely one of those “girls in the know” products.

The Lip Color That Blew Up My DMs

This lip color caused immediate chaos when I posted it on Stories. Everyone asked what I was wearing. It’s the perfect pink: (no really, the color is perfect pink!)

• brightening

• flattering

• makes your eyes pop

• makes you look alive even when you slept four hours and walked 19,000 steps in ballet flats

Exactly the kind of energy we’re going for.

Final Thoughts

At this point in my life, I want beauty products that make my life easier, not more complicated. Especially while traveling.

I do not want to spend my entire vacation contouring my forehead in a hotel bathroom while everyone else is downstairs ordering champagne. I want products that:

• work fast

• travel well

• look polished

• stay put

• photograph beautifully

• make me feel like the best version of myself with minimal effort

And these are the exact products that did that for me in Paris. Now excuse me while I convince myself I absolutely need another La Bonne Brosse in a different color.

If you liked this please tap a little heart and send to a friend that you think may enjoy these tips! Merci, Holley.

Let’s put our best foot forward and get this roundup started because the Memorial Day sales this year are exceptionally good. The kind of good where you accidentally open seventeen tabs and suddenly convince yourself you “need” metallic sandals for hypothetical rooftop parties.

And frankly, same. I mean…they are 40% off!

Loeffler Randall

If you’ve been eyeing something by Loeffler Randall, I have a super-secret 15% off code and they almost never do codes.

Use this link and code: LRSUMMERCATALOG

I have to get these blue shoes. I saw them in-store two weeks ago and they have been living rent-free in my head ever since.

Also currently obsessed with:

• the brown jelly sandals that somehow go with absolutely everything

• the heeled strappy sandals that look wildly expensive

• the block heel thong sandal that are begging to be worn to everywhere on your summer social calendar

• Check out my post here on all the different shoes you need for summer.

  

Elemis

is doing 25% off sitewide with code: MDW25

Two products I genuinely love:

• the iconic 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm

• the award winning resurfacing pads for gentle daily exfoliation

A woman at a wedding told me she was 52 and I nearly fell out of my chair because I thought she was 38. I asked what she used and she immediately credited the Elemis resurfacing pads. I ordered them on the spot.

The best deal is absolutely the trio with their three best sellers:

• cleansing balm

• SPF 30

• resurfacing pads

Normally $284, currently marked to $199, and THEN you can stack the 25% off code which brings it down to around $149.

If you only want the pads, the 3-pack for $98 is the best deal I’ve seen yet.

Oak Essentials

was a new-to-me brand this year and now I fully get the hype.

It’s clean skincare by Jenni Kayne and everything feels like a five-star spa experience.

I bought:

• the body lotion it has such a nice calming scent to it and absorbs perfectly

• the firming plant peptide serum peptides are all the rage and I use this in the evening

while in Charlotte for a wedding in January and I plan to repurchase both.

I also want to try their best seller Rich Balm for that glowy, expensive-looking skin everyone suddenly seems to have.

Entire site is 20% off.

Sold Out NYC

My most-worn white tee is 20% off with code: MDW20

It’s relaxed, flattering, not sheer, and somehow makes every outfit feel cooler with zero effort. Facts!

Anna Wintour has worn the shirt, which frankly makes me feel validated.

Get the almost sold-out light blue color before it disappears.

Also included:

• my favorite easy RSVP dress (also in black)

• the cropped tee for when you absolutely cannot be bothered to tuck anything in.

  

Who has time to iron?

Definitely not me.

The Non-Iron Things Saving My Life

The viral non-iron sateen sheets are on major sale right now.

I’m talking under $200 for a king sheet set.

I like these more than Matouk and Frette and apparently Nancy Merers is a fan too, which tells me everything I need to know. Obsessed with the new printed sheets. I wish these came in a dress they are so cure!

Pro tip: add monogramming for $10. It makes the whole thing feel much more luxe.

Also if you hate ironing as much as I do, don’t skip the non-iron women’s button-downs. Trust me on this one. Under $40.

EBY

I stopped wearing underwire bras about a year ago thanks to the relief bra.

The Relief Bra is my favorite pain-free bra and they’re running a BOGO sale right now.

• 2 bras for $69

• sheer mesh bras 2 for $59

The mesh ones are especially good if you run hot in the summer.

These always sell out during sales, so don’t wait too long.

The Yellow Pants

I recently fell hard for these yellow cropped trousers ( more sizes here) and now I want them in pink too (more sizes here). I fell for this brand in September at Carmel by the Sea.

The whole site is 25% off with code longweekend.

I love:

• the effortless fit

• the raw hem

• the fact that they somehow look polished and relaxed at the same time

  

I’ve also heard amazing things about the Robbie pants in bone (Slim through the top and kicks out at the ankle, So flattering) and their tees. Obsessed with this light blue tee.

Veronica Beard + J.Crew

25% off sale styles at Veronica Beard and 40% off at J.Crew which honestly feels dangerous.

At J.Crew:

• the everyday shorts in french blue will absolutely be a most-worn summer item

• I also have the brown polka-dot pants currently on sale for around $60 took to both Paris and Round Hill. They are great pants you can dress up or down.

• this casual blue skirt is tres french girl chic and is in everyone’s shopping cart right now for good reason

• and these emerald green and cerulean blue shirts immediately caught my eye because the color is perfection

Guest in Residence

is home of the viral cool-girl cashmere bandana scarf. Wear as a sarong this summer.

They rarely run sales, but when they do, I pay attention.

The cashmere is heirloom quality and the colors are incredible. I love this striped polo and this is the best colored sweater I’ve ever seen.

Currently eyeing two more sweaters I absolutely do not need but deeply want. My sweater I wore on the plane to and from Paris is included in the sale. I wore it with the viral slimming pants. Be sure to check out their new summer colors! (holley15)

Hanni

is doing 20% off sitewide.

Favorites:

• Splash Salve the in-shower moisturizer (saves me time)

• the Fatty Acid Stick (also a time saver)

Your skin will feel like dolphin skin. In the best way.

HigherDOSE

is taking 20% off sitewide with code: MDW26

If you’ve been considering:

• the sauna blanket

• serotonin soak

now is the time.

New Year’s health resolutions still count in May.

Net-a-Porter Private Sale + Nordstrom 50% off

I still get excited when I see these annual sale emails hit my inbox. My best advice: sort by your favorite designers immediately so you don’t spiral.

Also shopping:

• Hill House Home 20% off sale with code EXTRA20 this white eyelet dress I have with matching jacket is perfection. Under $100.

• Dermstore 20% off all beauty with code BEAUTY20

• 20% off stripes at Alice Walk I have the tee and zip sweatshirt in blue and the cashmere sweater in green stripes

  

• And yes, I finally caved and ordered the internet-famous Rothy’s clogs because they are doing 25% off siteweide.

Beauty + Wellness Worth Mentioning

• Inn Beauty is up to 25% off and their Extreme Cream rivals both Augustinus Bader and La Mer for me.

• If you deal with redness or rosacea, their Calm the Red Down is fantastic

• 20% off sitewide at Tata Harper with code Holley20

Fashion Sales I’m Trying Not to Black Out Over

• J.McLaughlin sale is excellent right now. Extra 30% off sale and I’m talking good stuff like this outfit I posted today. If it isn’t on sale you can use holley15 for 15% off full priced items.

• 30% off the no wedgie knickers I wear daily with code 30off. I’ve been wearing these for 8 years.

• Dudley Stevens fleece styles marked to $59. These are my favorite fleece turtlnecks. Grab extras for gifts.

And finally:
The only underwear I wear with pants, dresses, or literally anything are the No Wedgie Briefs. 30% off with code: 30OFF You’re welcome.

Let me know if I missed any good sales. If you liked this post or found it helpful please tap the heart and send to a friend that likes to shop sales.

Picture this: You’re walking through London’s chicest streets or your own favorite local café. The striped trousers on you are the embodiment of rich mom energy effortless, elevated, and undeniably fun. These pants are everywhere, from British yummy mummies to cool girls stateside, and the moment you slip them on, you can’t help but smile.

What makes these striped pants so irresistible? They elongate petite frames (trust me, at 5’2”, I’m here for that), and they turn even the most casual iced-coffee-in-hand moment into a polished statement. Throw them on with a crisp white tee, a CBK-style button-down (sleeveless option here), jelly sandals ($60 option here), ballet flats, viral huaraches, boat shoes or even a polished navy blazer or cute jacket and suddenly you look intentionally styled without trying too hard. Which, frankly, is the dream.

I love jeans as much as the next girl, but I am firmly in my striped pants era.

How to Style the Stripe Pants Everyone Is Suddenly Wearing

The beauty of these pants is that they somehow manage to feel polished, comfortable, effortless, and eye-catching all at once. They’re the kind of piece that makes people stop you mid iced coffee run to ask, “Wait… where are those from?”

You can pair a fancy blue striped pair with a white tee that carries that Vogue stamp of approval, alongside summer ballet flats or jelly sandals for that casually expensive, “I summer in Europe” energy. The butter yellow pair? Perfection with boat shoes and the only white tank top you’ll ever need, finished with raffia accessories or a clutch.

For the office, throw on a polished navy blazer or a white linen blazer and suddenly the pants feel less beachy and more “creative director taking meetings downtown with an iced latte in hand.” Add layered chunky necklaces and a pair of slight cat eye sunglasses and you’re done.

I also love a little pattern play moment. Stripes on stripes should not work nearly as well as they do, yet somehow it feels incredibly chic and fashion-girl coded. A striped button down over striped trousers gives effortless European vacation energy in the best possible way.

And if you really want to lean into the rich mom/yummy mummy aesthetic? Pair your striped pants with broderie anglaise or eyelet tops. There’s something about feminine white cotton mixed with a bold stripe that feels timeless, polished, and quietly luxurious.

These pants also may be one of the smartest travel pieces you can pack this summer. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and somehow always look styled. You can walk off a long flight wearing them with a tank and sweater draped over your shoulders and immediately look put together instead of rumpled.

No outfit change required.

They’re also wildly versatile in a carry-on. Wear them for morning coffee walks, museum tours, shopping afternoons, beach lunches, or tossed over a swimsuit with jelly sandals and a raffia tote. Then swap into a chic neutral heel, add jewelry and a good lip, and suddenly you have yourself an elevated dinner outfit.

Honestly, this may be the first trend in a long time that feels equally practical and fun. They’re cheerful. They’re flattering. They make petites look taller. And they somehow make everyday life feel a little more stylish.

Which is exactly the kind of energy I want to wear all summer long.

I rounded up all of my favorite striped (and a few gingham) pairs, plus all the styling pieces I’d wear with them, over on my ShopMy page here. Fair warning: once you buy one pair, you may suddenly find yourself wanting them in every color.

If you liked this post will you please tap the heart and share with a friend?

Something is happening.

I can feel it every time I open my closet, every time I get dressed for dinner, every time one of you sends me a DM saying “Wait… do I need drawstring pants now?” The answer, unfortunately for all of us and our credit cards, is yes.

We are entering a very specific elevated era. An effortless-but-expensive looking one. Rich mom on the French Riviera. Carolyn Bessette in the Hamptons. Jackie Kennedy carrying vegetables home from the market on Capri while somehow still looking pressed and unbothered.

And the best part? Comfortable clothes are finally participating!

These are the things I cannot stop wearing, ordering, repurchasing, talking about, forcing onto friends, and accidentally building entire outfits around lately. Some are practical. Some are wildly unnecessary. All are elite.

The Drawstring Pants That Started a Movement

You know that feeling when you put something on and suddenly your entire closet starts making sense again?

That was me in New York in March when I bought the Kyoto pants. Cotton. Loose flattering leg. Slightly cropped. Drawstring waist. The kind of pants that make people stop you on the street and ask where they’re from while pretending they’re not asking where they’re from.

I shared them once and my DMs immediately became a support group.

The problem? They are selling out quickly.

The solution? I found an almost identical pair at J.Crew for under $100 and honestly they may be even more practical because they come in classic, petite, and tall lengths. We love inclusivity for our ankles. Don’t sleep on this polka dot pair (on sale) that I packed for Paris and Round Hill. Makes you look tan and chic. Pair with this perfect never out of style white linen button down (holley-15).

I’m deeply interested in the peppermint ice color which is this soft pinky-white that looks like summer in Italy. But the others are equally chic. They have that impossible combination of polished and relaxed, which is really all any of us are chasing at this point.

Wear them with a white tee and sandals. Or take a tip from the cool girls and wear them with the viral huaraches. Designer option here (in almost sold out metallic here) or a great pair for a lot less here (I have these). Wear them with the everything shirt or a quintessential button down and chic woven ballet flats. Wear them while holding an iced coffee and pretending you summer in the South of France.

No notes.

The Taffeta Pants That Make You Look Like You Own a Villa Somewhere

The original silk taffeta pair I shared sold out in record time because apparently we all collectively decided we wanted to look like glamorous women escaping to the Amalfi Coast.

Reasonable.

But I found another taffeta version and I fear they may actually be better. 15% off ‘golden”.

Seven colors. SAGE GREEN. Bath blue. A rose pink that made me immediately add to cart with zero thought. They run roomy (size down for a tailored fit imo). I take the xs but would love a xxs.

Some colors are already backordered but let me tell you something: future you will not care. Future you will be drinking champagne outside somewhere warm wearing these pants with oversized sunglasses and saying things like “we should really come here every July.”

That woman deserves happiness and these pants!

They are dramatic in the best way. Crisp but airy. Expensive looking without trying too hard. Very “my husband owns a boat but I read French novels” energy.

Pass me a cigarette.

Blush Has Become a Personality Trait

I don’t know when this happened exactly but I’ve become deeply committed to blush.

Maybe it’s because we all want to look alive and rested. Maybe it’s because a good blush makes you look like you spent the weekend at a wellness resort instead of answering emails in your kitchen. Maybe it’s because I am in my 40s. Either way, here we are.

Toasted Teddy remains one of the great loves of my life. I packed her for Paris. NYC. Jamaica. Every trip lately. She somehow works with everything and gives that warm, healthy glow without looking overly “done.”

But I also fell in love with a newer blush that I cannot stop talking about.

It’s a hydro-powder formula which sounds confusing until you put it on and realize it’s cloud like, impossible-to-mess-up blush of your dreams. The color is this innocent Bermuda rose pink that makes you look fresh and expensive and emotionally stable.

It melts into the skin. It builds beautifully. It’s subte without looking shiny. It’s the kind of product that makes you walk past mirrors more often. Oh hello you! I shopped this lip to cheek color (demure) right off of the sales girl.

And yes, the refillable compact scratches the tiny environmentally conscious corner of my brain while I continue ordering belts I absolutely do not need. Holleyn20 20% off sitewide.

Speaking of beautiful makeup…

Westman Atelier Finally Got Me

One of my former coworkers, who is so smart and chic it’s honestly offensive, told me I needed the Westman Atelier blushes in Petal and Chouchette.

To be honest, this brand always intiidated me. But because I trust stylish women with my life, I bought both immediately.

They are STUNNING.

Creamy, blendable, effortless. The kind of blush that makes people ask if you just got back from vacation. I wore them in Jamaica and fully understood the hype. They just give that rich-girl flush that somehow looks natural and intentional at the same time.

Very “I drink green juice and don’t stress about anything.” Could not be me, but at least now I look like her.

The Button Down Era I Never Saw Coming

Somewhere between Love Story and the Carolyn Bessette renaissance and my trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea last year coupled with my growing exhaustion with overthinking outfits, I accidentally became a button-down person. I literally thought I was too short for them and that they were SO unflattering. Turns out they have come a long way since my prep school uniform.

And honestly? It has changed my life.

You know those mornings where you stand in front of your closet convinced you own nothing despite clear evidence to the contrary? A good button-down fixes that.

Jeans and a button-down ( this color is so unique). Skirt and a button-down. Trousers and a button-down. Suddenly you look polished, intentional, vaguely successful.

I wear the stand-up collar CBK-inspired button-downs in French blue and white constantly. CONSTANTLY. One color just got restocked after being sold out forever and if you’ve been waiting, run.

There’s a designer version that costs around $500 and these are under $200 which feels like information women should share with each other immediately.

I wash them at home, steam them quickly, and wear them weekly. They make every outfit feel smarter. More expensive. More East Coast in summer.

Very “there’s chilled Sancerre in the fridge.”

Belts Are the Difference Between Dressed and Styled

This is my newest theory. A good belt changes everything.

You can wear the most basic outfit imaginable, jeans and a shirt, but add a belt and suddenly you look like you belong on a yacht somewhere discussing real estate casually over lunch.

I’m obsessed with this lock belt lately (code holley15). Also a shell buckle belt that feels incredibly Palm Beach grandmother in the chicest possible way. And I’ve become deeply interested in white belts for spring and summer because they somehow make every outfit look richer.

There’s also a fringe belt I’m trying VERY hard not to order but I fear resistance is futile.

If you see me wearing it in two weeks mind your business.

The Bag That Looks Like Quiet Luxury Without the Waitlist

I discovered these bags from Colores Collective and immediately spiraled.

They remind me of the Hermès Garden Party tote but honestly I may prefer the proportions on these even more. They have little feet on the bottom, adjustable side panels, and this beautiful leather-and-canvas combination that somehow works for literally everything. And she has a crossbody strap for all our handsfree moments.

Pool. Beach. Work. Airplane. Farmer’s market. Diaper bag. Rich lady grocery run. Nancy Meyer’s would adore this bag. Ina too!

I ended up getting the olive sage green and I’m obsessed. But the coral was tempting. The Hamptons blue was tempting. I am only one woman.

The Ballet Flats Vogue and I Agree On

I had a revelation recently.

Apparently if ballet flats don’t fit correctly, you tighten the string.

I KNOW. Well, at least this brand.

How many pairs have I returned unnecessarily over the years? We may never know.

But these ecru Margaux ballet flats are genuinely one of the best shoe purchases I’ve made in years. I walked over 10,000 steps in them the first day without a blister which honestly deserves national news coverage.

They are buttery soft, flexible, elegant, and this perfect soft off-white color that somehow makes your legs look tanner.

They add texture and softness to every outfit. Great with jeans. Great with shorts. Great with skirts. Great for pretending you live in Paris and carry baguettes home daily.

Vogue loves them. I love them. We are aligned.

The Dress I Cannot Stop Thinking About

I’m attending an event for Louise New York, a brand I’ve admired forever, and there is one dress that has completely taken over my brain.

It’s this incredible floral print with fringe at the sleeves and hem and it just MOVES beautifully. The kind of dress that makes you want to hold a coupe glass dramatically while someone plays jazz nearby. Also available in this blue print with fringe.

It feels breezy and effortless but still like a statement. I think it would be incredible for vacation, summer dinners, weddings, all of it.

You know when a dress feels like an entire personality? That’s this dress.

here warm with oversized sunglasses and absolutely no responsibilities.

The Vitamin C That Has My Attention

I have worked in dermatology for over a decade and I will tell you forever: if you are not using a prescription retinoid and vitamin C consistently, nothing else matters as much.

That’s the foundation. It’s easy and basic. Start there.

I remain loyal to SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic because it works. It just does. But I know many people dislike the smell, the texture, or the price. I have been using it for 20 years.

But lately I’ve been testing alternatives. It is my job.

The new Goop 20% Vitamin C is fascinating to me because it starts as a powder that activates when mixed with the liquid component. Which means it stays fresher longer and oxidizes less quickly.

And I have to say… my skin has been unbelievably soft using it.

Like noticeably soft. And it has 20% Vitamin C. More is more.

I also really like the YSE Beauty vitamin C holley15, the Trinny London version, and Dr. Whitney Bowe’s formula if you want alternatives at or under $100 and without the hotdog water smell.

But this Goop one? She has my attention for real…try here here. She’s different.

AG1 and My Ongoing Battle With Vegetables

I need someone to explain how I went from eating two Sweetgreen salads a day in DC to surviving primarily on protein shakes and string cheese in Charleston. I kid. Sort of.

There is simply no Sweetgreen equivalent here and frankly I’ve been suffering.

So after talking with my nutritionist, I finally started using AG1 Next Gen because my vegetable intake lately has been quite concerning.

And honestly? It’s been shockingly easy.

The new citrus and berry flavors actually taste good. I put it in water, stir aggressively, chug it, and move on with my life. Wellness but efficient. I feel better. Different.

It has greens, vitamins, probiotics, superfoods, all the things I should probably be consuming intentionally instead of accidentally.

And I do feel better when I’m consistent with it. More energy. Less brain fog. Slightly more functional human behavior.

Growth. This is my new habit. Real vegetables with dinner each night though.

The T-Shirt That Makes Every Outfit Look Expensive

Anna Wintour loves this Sold Out NYC tee and unfortunately she is correct.

It immediately reminded me of that iconic Jackie Kennedy photo in white jeans and a navy tee where she somehow looks more elegant than everyone else alive doing absolutely nothing special in Greece.

That’s this shirt.

Higher neckline. Perfect sleeve length. Soft organic cotton. Slightly relaxed fit without looking sloppy. Perfect weight so you don’t see your bra outline.

I bought the white and chocolate immediately and now I’m stalking the navy color like a woman unwell. The azur is sold out hence the name of the brand. Their pieces are all that good and are always SOLD OUT!

The brand intentionally makes very limited quantities of everything which is stressful but also why everything feels special.

The RSVP Dress That Solves Every Event Panic

Sold Out NYC also made this dress called the RSVP Dress and honestly the name alone deserves an award. As seen here.

It’s basically the answer to every “what am I wearing to this thing?” meltdown.

Apparently they combined their bestselling tank silhouette with a skirt and somehow created the perfect easy day or night dress. Chic enough for dinners and weddings but relaxed enough that you don’t feel overdone.

The kind of dress that makes you actually WANT plans.

The face Cleanser I Bought in Paris

I discovered Wonder Valley while shopping in Paris after a chic French woman working in a store told me I needed it.

That was enough for me.

This cleanser is unlike anything I’ve used before. Thick like honey when it comes out, then milky when you add water. It melts away makeup, SPF, oil, all of it, but somehow leaves your skin feeling hydrated instead of stripped.

Like genuinely moisturized. Swear!

I’ve used every cleanser imaginable from my dermatology years and this one feels different. Especially if you have sensitive skin or live somewhere humid like Charleston where your skin starts acting emotionally by June. I don’t typically spend a lot on cleansers but this one is different and my skin is loving it.

Washable Rugs Have Changed My Personality

I have officially become a washable rug evangelist.

Between Gigi, high traffic areas, humidity, and life in general, I’m deeply into Ruggable right now, especially the newer jute-inspired performance weave rugs.

They look elevated and expensive but they’re washable, UV-resistant, and don’t require a separate rug pad which honestly feels revolutionary. Do you know how many porch rugs from Amazon I toss because of fade and lack of washability?

And yes, Kathy Hilton has a collaboration with them because of course she does. There’s one blue chambray rug from the collection I cannot stop thinking about. I have nowhere to put it. This has not stopped me from wanting it desperately. holley15 15% off sitewide

And honestly, this entire list feels very representative of where I am right now. Blush. Drawstring pants. Comfortable luxury. White button-downs. Greens I can chug quickly. A woman evolving.

Tell me which one pulled you in first because I already know half of you are adding the taffeta pants to cart as we speak.

And honestly? I support us.

If you enjoyed this post, tap the heart, forward it to your shopping soulmate, and tell me what YOU are obsessed with lately because my favorite thing is when one of you sends me something and suddenly we all spiral together.

Merci!

xo, Holley

There are trips you enjoy, and then there are trips that make you look around halfway through lunch and think, should I live here?

That was Palm Beach.

And I know some of you know exactly what I mean. You go away for 48 hours with your girlfriends, the weather behaves, your outfits hit, the hotel is giving old-money dollhouse, and suddenly you are mentally browsing real estate with a tan and a green juice in hand. Very normal behavior. Very us.

A few weeks ago, I went to Palm Beach for a quick girls’ trip with two of my friends, and when I say we packed it in, I mean packed it in. We packed our carry on bags, I wore my viral travel pants (now in tan and linen) and flew direct from Charleston to West Palm on Breeze which was so easy. From there, we checked into The Colony, which is every girlhood fantasy wrapped in pink lattice, beautiful wallpaper, chic pool furniture, and the kind of design that makes you want to redecorate your entire house. She is not subtle. She knows she’s fabulous. And she is.

The service was exquisite, the rooms were beautifully done, and the whole experience had this playful, polished, old-school glamour that felt so specific to Palm Beach. At one point we all agreed it had the energy of a very chic sorority house, which of course led to us immediately assigning ourselves names. We became Bunny, Cricket, and Cornelia for the weekend. As one should.

And honestly, if you cannot be silly with your girlfriends, who can you be silly with?

Night One, Swifty’s and a Bravo Sighting

Our first stop was drinks at Swifty’s by the pool, which is exactly where you want to land when you arrive in Palm Beach. There is something about sitting poolside in that setting, drink in hand, looking around at all the pink and palm trees, that makes you feel like you’ve wandered into a very stylish fever dream.

And because Palm Beach is Palm Beach, we promptly had our first sighting of the trip, Sonja Morgan from Real Housewives of New York. Casual. Just a little Bravo soft launch to kick off the weekend.

Dinner that night was at Renato’s, and it was such a good first-night choice. Romantic, buzzy, charming, very Palm Beach. I wore a green silk dupioni matching set that I absolutely love (now available in this chic poppy color holley-15). Yes, I own the poppy color too! I have such a thing for matching silk sets because they are elegant, easy to pack, and require almost no mental energy, which is exactly the kind of wardrobe math I support. You put it on, add a shoe and an earring, and suddenly you look like you tried very hard when in reality you were just being efficient. Plus they are timeless.

My exact green is sold out, naturally, but they launched a beautiful lilac version that I took to Paris that would be so lovely for spring events, graduations, Mother’s Day, or any occasion where you want to look polished without spiraling in your closet. Just add this chic white top (holley-15). Swoon!

Pink Mornings and Poolside Living

The next morning, we had breakfast at Swifty’s by the pool and it was one of those mornings that makes you wonder why we do not all live like this more often. I had the omelet, a green juice, and they had PopUp Bagels, which if you know, you know.

There was this perfect ocean breeze coming through, everything had a rosy-pink glow to it, and the whole scene felt so girly and delicious and a tiny bit unreal. It was the kind of breakfast that makes you sit up straighter and order one more coffee just to stay in it longer.

After breakfast, we did what any civilized women on a girls’ trip would do. We changed into our swimsuits, grabbed magazines from the pool stand, and settled in for a proper pool day. The pool boys tucked us into our chairs, brought us water and cappuccinos, and for a few hours we read, scrolled, chatted, people watched, and generally did the deeply important work of relaxing. With spf on but of course! I love this tinted mineral sunscreen for my face. (holley30)

One of my favorite details at the Colony pool, beyond the obvious, is that between the lounge chairs they have these garden stools, all different and all charming in their own way. Pelicans, elephants, books, all sorts of whimsical little shapes and motifs. That kind of detail gets me every time. It is thoughtful, playful, and so specific. The best spaces always have a sense of humor.

And the people-watching? Elite. Everyone looked adorable. Palm Beach pool style is alive and well.

The first day I wore a yellow gingham bikini with the matching pareo, and I cannot overstate how confident I felt in it. You know when a swimsuit just hits right, and suddenly you are standing a little taller and volunteering for photos instead of hiding behind the tote bag? That was this one. I shared it on Instagram and so many of you grabbed it too, which did not surprise me one bit. This brand is one I usually think of for children’s swim, but their women’s suits are so chic. Elevated, flattering, polished. A little hidden gem. There are only a few left, so I would not wait.

Worth Avenue, Chanel Temptation, and a Pink Bag I Cannot Forget

After a few dreamy hours at the pool, we got dressed and headed to Worth Avenue, which is basically a visual serotonin boost. Palm Beach shopping is so fun because it feels dressed up without being intimidating. Beautiful storefronts, lush courtyards, everyone looking slightly fabulous.

I changed into a knit set with marigold stripe pants and a matching cardigan, very subtle Missoni energy, and layered it over a white tee with my hat because beauty may be pain, but sun damage is worse. The set was cheerful, comfortable, and easy, which is really the vacation trifecta.

We popped into Chanel, where my friend bought her first pair of ballet flats, which felt like a moment. I collect these, so naturally I was very supportive of this decision. Possibly too supportive, because I may or may not have left with a blue suede pair for myself. There was also a tiny pink handbag there that is still haunting me. You know the kind. The one you leave behind because you are trying to be sensible, and then it follows you home emotionally. That one.

We also stopped into Aerin Lauder’s store, which I loved. She just gets it. The fragrances, the design, the orchids, the courtyard, the whole thing felt elegant and feminine without trying too hard. It was such a treat to see her world in person instead of through a screen.

Lunch was at Le Bilboquet, and if you love French energy, salads, rosé, and feeling like you are in on something, go. We sat outside, had the best time, and our waiter was so fun. It is one of those places that feels a little transportive, even if only for ninety minutes. We also popped into The Church Mouse after for a little thrifting, because of course we did.

That first afternoon was a perfect mix of polish and play. Shopping, lunch, wandering, more celebrity sightings back at the hotel. Palm Beach really does have that thing where you are casually walking to the pool and suddenly recognize someone from television.

The Polo Room and a Grasshopper, Because Obviously

Dinner that night was at The Polo Room, not to be confused with The Polo Bar, and yes, it is buzzy. Before dinner we had a drink back at the hotel, which is one of my favorite parts of any girls’ trip, the transitional hour where everyone is getting ready, complimenting each other’s outfits, borrowing lipstick (so many compliments on this one in perfect pink, and deciding whether one more martini is wise.

I wore a blue knit dress with fringe at the hem that was such a fun statement. It moved beautifully, it felt festive, and it was one of those dresses that does the work for you. You walk in wearing her and the outfit is handled. I love a piece like that for vacation, weddings, or any dressier moment when you want impact without complication. More sizes here and here. As seen on here.

I paired it with the heels I have been wearing nonstop lately, and tellingly, they were the only heels I packed for the trip. For me, that says everything. Also love these.

Dinner was delicious, the room was lively, and afterward we came back to the hotel and had a nightcap by the pool. I ordered a grasshopper because really, when in Palm Beach. Sometimes a destination calls for a little theatricality.

Could I Live Here? Possibly. Alarmingly.

The next morning, we had another leisurely breakfast by the pool, and somewhere between coffee and sunshine I had a thought I was not expecting.

Could I live here?

Palm Beach has always had charm, but it feels especially buzzy right now. You can feel the energy. There are so many people from the Northeast moving down, the restaurant scene is thriving, the shopping is excellent, and everyone we encountered was so nice. After such a cold winter, even in Charleston, it felt incredible to thaw out somewhere warm and beautiful for a couple of days.

Charleston will always have my heart, and moving here from D.C. was one of the best decisions we ever made. But Palm Beach? Always a good idea!

After breakfast, we grabbed our coffees and walked along Ocean Boulevard, admiring the houses, the landscaping, the architecture, all of it. It is different from Charleston. A little more polished, a little more manicured, perhaps a little less storied, but beautiful in its own way. Palm Beach feels like she knows exactly who she is. My coffee walk outfit here.

We also stopped by the new Vineta Hotel, which was fun to see in person. The pool has pink scalloped umbrellas and these green squiggle details that feel playful and fresh. It is darling. A little more modern and edited than the Colony, very aesthetically pleasing, and I think it would be such a lovely spot for a trip. But I have to be honest, I am partial to the Colony. That pink palace has my heart.

Kips Bay, Cigarettes Everywhere, and My Favorite Room of the Trip

Later that day we went to the Kips Bay Show House, which was such a treat. I always love seeing what designers do in these spaces because you get so much imagination, personality, and pure fantasy in one house. Every room had a point of view.

And I have to tell you, one theme appeared over and over again, cigarettes.

Some were styled in scalloped shell ashtrays, some were in bathrooms, some in bedrooms. Apparently smoking is back, or at least smoking-adjacent styling is back. The 90s are having a little renaissance. Pass me a cigarette. Kidding. Mostly.

My favorite room was the Princess Margaret room, which was obviously blue and white and therefore immediately in contention. It had cigarettes, orchids, garden stools, shelves, beautiful wallpaper, a bench as a coffee table, and a bowl full of tiaras, which felt like the perfect cheeky nod. I loved the couches, the pillows, all of it. It was glamorous and witty and a tiny bit eccentric, which is exactly my preferred decorating lane. That room felt like the design equivalent of a strong gin martini and good manners.

After Kips Bay, we popped into Asha (10% off asha10) and Julia Amory (15% off holley-15), which was so fun to see in person. I always love visiting Asha’s shop on Nantucket, so seeing it here felt like a little crossover episode for my wardrobe. I got this beaded kaftan and these earrings.

Why Palm Beach Works

I think what makes Palm Beach so special is that it does not ask you to choose between polished and playful. It gives you both. It is elegant, yes, but it also has personality. There is a sense of humor to the place. The pink hotels, the glamorous grandmothers, the garden stools, the courtyard shops, the slightly theatrical cocktails, the women dressed beautifully at breakfast for no reason other than it is more fun that way.

And maybe that is why a girls’ trip works so well there.

Because sometimes what we really want is not just a destination. We want a setting for the version of ourselves that remembers how to play. The one who says yes to one more drink by the pool, buys the cute bikini, tries on the Chanel flats, makes up ridiculous nicknames with her friends, and lets herself be delighted by beauty just because it is there.

If you have been craving a trip that feels easy, chic, warm, and genuinely fun, Palm Beach is absolutely worth the flight. And if you have ever come home from a girls’ trip feeling more like yourself than when you left, then you know exactly what I mean. I’m already dreaming about going back.

Tell me below, are you a Colony girl, or would you try the Vineta? And if you have a favorite Palm Beach spot I need for next time, please send it my way. You know my favorite recommendations always start with you.

Merci!

xo, Holley

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There are two types of people during the Sephora Savings Event: those who casually browse, and those of us who treat it like a well-planned investment strategy.

I am, unapologetically, the latter.

After more than a decade working in dermatology, I don’t approach skincare or beauty casually. I have tested more formulas than I can count, and I have very little patience for products that almost work.

So when I tell you something has earned a permanent place in my routine, it is because it has outperformed hundreds of others.

This is not a “what’s trending” list. This is what actually works.

And yes, this is exactly when I stock up.

The Sephora Savings Event runs April 10 through April 20. Rouge receives 20% off starting April 10, VIB and Insiders receive access April 14. Everyone gets 30% off Sephora Collection with code SPRINGSALE.

We’ll start with my tried and true favorites. I try so many products every year, but these are the ones I keep coming back to. The ones I buy again and again without hesitation. Complete list here.

Skin that looks like you, just better

I use YSE Beauty Skin Glow every single day, either alone or under makeup. It gives that subtle lit-from-within finish that makes people ask what you are doing differently. It is not shimmer. It is skin behaving the way it should. It has SPF in it in case you are looking to reduce skin care steps.

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is one I have used for nearly eight years. I have dry skin, and this is one of the few moisturizers that truly hydrates while supporting long term skin health. In dermatology, we focus on barrier support and maintaining healthy skin function, and this consistently delivers. I only buy this when it is on sale.

For a more accessible option to Bader, INNBeauty Extreme Cream is one I recommend constantly. It is under $60, performs far above its price point, and truly rivals far more expensive formulas. A lot of you have told me you actually prefer it to Bader.

When my skin looks tired or lined, INNBeauty Elastic Skin Serum is what I reach for. It gives that immediate plump, smoothing the look of fine lines and making skin look fresher and more hydrated. It is a stringy serum so you know that it is plumping!

Fig.1 Even Tone Serum has quietly become a staple. Niacinamide is one of the most versatile ingredients we use in dermatology. It improves tone, strengthens the skin barrier, and refines texture AND it gives that glass skin look. This one is one is under forty dollars. I brought it to Paris, which tells you everything. Trust me on this.

A little trick I have been loving lately, especially when I want that dewy, no makeup makeup finish: I mix rhode Glazing Milk into my tinted moisturizer or skin glow. It sheers everything out just slightly and gives that fresh, glossy skin look without feeling heavy. It is one of those small tweaks that makes your skin look very expensive.

Cleansing, but make it a ritual

Elemis Cleansing Balm is the reason I never skip washing my face. It melts off makeup and SPF without stripping the skin. Use it on dry skin before adding water. That one step alone will change how your skin feels.

Nécessaire Eucalyptus Body Wash is my forever favorite. It smells like a spa, is gentle enough for daily use, and somehow works for everyone in my house. Plus, the eucalyptus smell just wakes me up in the morning. I miss this when I travel.

If you want something more indulgent, CYKLAR Vanilla Verve Body Wash is worth it. It is oil infused and supports the moisture barrier, so your skin feels hydrated before you even step out of the shower. It is like a 5 star hotel in a bottle.

Body care that actually changes your skin

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is the one I would choose if I had to pick just one body cream. It hydrates, firms, and the scent alone is reason enough to use it daily. It is a must have for short and skirt season for texture and firming.

U Beauty Sculpt Neck and Décolleté Concentrate is non negotiable for me. The neck is one of the first places to show aging, and this is one of the few products I have seen make a visible difference over time. I would prefer not to get a neck lift so this product is a must have for me and my neck.

Theraplush Hand Cream has completely changed how my hands look and feel. Hands age quickly, and this has improved texture, tone, and that crepey appearance. The packaging is beautiful enough to leave on your nightstand, which means you will actually use it. Get one for you mom, aunt and sister for mum’s day. Don’t forget to apply spf to your hands too!

Kate McLeod Breathe Pebbles are the bath product I stock up on every sale. They turn your bath into a hydrating treatment. I can often skip lotion after, which says a lot. These are a great Mother’s Day and hostess gift too. Who wants another bottle of wine?!

Hair that looks expensive without trying

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask is one of the most effective products I have ever used. It is not a traditional mask. You apply it after the shower and leave it in instead of conditioner. The first time I used it, I immediately noticed a difference in how my hair looked and felt. The tangles just fell out. It blew my mind. After application you wait 4 minutes then brush and add your hair products but I don’t find I need anything else after using this magic portion.

Crown Affair Dry Shampoo has allowed me to wash my hair twice a week. The brush applicator lets you target exactly where you need volume without buildup or residue. It is non aerosol so it is a cinch to travel with this gem.

I am also trying the K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo after so many of you recommended it. A little goes a long way, which I always appreciate. I always get my best finds from you all. Thank you for always sharing.

For air drying, Crown Affair Leave-In Conditioner paired with their Air Dry Mousse gives soft, controlled volume without stiffness and frizz. This works especially well for thicker or coarser hair types too.

Makeup that earns its place

Sarah Creal Mascara is my current favorite. It is a tubing formula, so it stays in place all day and removes easily with warm water. No smudging, no flaking. No tugging at your skin to remove it which causes wrinkles!

Sarah Creal Concealer is a game changer, especially if you are noticing fine lines under your eyes. The formula stretches with the skin instead of settling, which makes a visible difference. It is the best concealer I have ever used.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade is one I always come back to. It has been around for years for a reason. It is precise, long lasting, and reliable. My bestie is a brow queen and she has used this for 20 years.

Erborian CC Cream is one I have been influenced to try and now fully understand the appeal. It evens tone, blurs imperfections, and still looks like skin. All the French girls love this product. It was sold out when I was in Paris.

And my forever, cannot be without, quietly luxurious staple: Gucci Bronzing Powder shade 01. If you know, you know. The tone is perfection. Never orange, never muddy, just that soft warmth that makes you look like you have spent a week somewhere fabulous. And it smells like a rich grandma. I always but two because I keep hearing it is going to be discontinued.

I am also fully in my blush era, and this is the product that converted me: Rhode Pocket Blush Toasted Teddy. I get more messages about my blush than almost anything else, and it is always this. The tone is that perfect warm, sunkissed flush that somehow works year round. It blends beautifully, never looks patchy, and just makes you look alive.

The extras that make a difference

Biodance Collagen Masks are one of the best low cost treatments I have found. I use them after travel or when my skin needs extra hydration. The results last for days.

Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Eye Patches and his eye tightening eye treatments are worth having on hand. They help with puffiness, dark circles, bags and give a temporary tightening effect that is pretty magical. These really work. I also love his skinjection which gives a needle free filler like appearance to your under eyes each time you use it. It really does fill in.

Alpyn Beauty Barrier Repair Moisturizer is one I respect from a clinical perspective. Products recognized by the National Eczema Association go through rigorous standards, and that matters. I love traveling with this too because it has vitamin c in the cream so I can lighten my load and skin care steps.

If you take one thing from this, let it be this

You do not need more products. You need better ones.

This is the time I restock what I know works and add one or two things I have been curious about. And if you are going to invest, invest in the products that actually make a difference. For a complete list in one place click here.

If you found this post helpful please tap the heart.

I swear my DMs have been unwell in the best way. Half of these became obsessions because one of you sent a message like “Have you seen this” and then we all spiraled after I shared it on my Broadcast Channel or in my stories. I love chatting with you. This is basically a group text recap. Here is what we cannot stop swooning over.

The Turquoise Tennis Necklace

The reaction when I posted this was dramatic in the best way. It sparkles just enough. It sharpens navy. It makes a white tee feel intentional. The extender chain makes layering with other loved pieces actually work. This turquoise necklace paired with their blue and chartreuse enamel feels very Palm Beach meets 90s minimalism. Pass me a cigarette.

The Cashmere Bandana Scarf

Bandana print is trending everywhere (even Hermes) and we all know that Spring lies. So, if you are thinking I don’t need a cashmere scarf because Spring is looming guess again. I cannot recall an Easter that was warm in Charleston. This IT girl, cool girl scarf is what I throw over my shoulders when it is bright but rude outside. Soft, substantial, not flimsy. Effortless with intentional colors. Yes, you need all of the colors. Blue was my favorite until I wore the pink one. Then I held up the green color to my blue eyes… I rest my case.

The Structured Top Handle Bag

It stands up on its own which immediately earned respect. Top handle when you want polish. Crossbody when you are running around. It looks regal with tailoring and relaxed with denim. I keep thinking about it in cream for Spring which feels dangerous for my wallet. Tan color here.

The Iconic White Button Down

Named after Carolyn Bessette because of course it is. Structured, crisp, timeless. I own it in xs and small for 2 different looks. Both feel intentional. If you are watching Love Story you understand why everyone is suddenly hunting for the perfect white shirt again. This is it. Look no further. Holley-15 15% off.

The Pink Pistola Pants

Nearly gone before spring even starts but I found a full size run here. The color is soft but somehow still sophisticated. One of you wore these out on to lunch and said strangers asking you where they were from all day long. That is the level.

The Grey Cashmere Sweater

The one that blew up my DMs and is now on sale (was $500 now under $200). Soft brushed cashmere. Clean silhouette. Slight structure at the hem and cuffs. It is the forever sweater you wear with tailored trousers and then again with off duty denim. Wear her with white denim for Spring or over your shoulders on chilly nights and airplanes. I am always chilly until August.

The Hill House Cinched Waist Jacket

Smythe, Veronica Beard, Barbour will always be jacket and blazer staples. But this eyelet cinched waist jacket (now under $200) entered the chat and refuses to leave. Feminine but structured. (matching dress on sale here) Perfect over blue jeans or soft pastel trousers like these yellow ones and light blue ones here.

Warm Weather Finds

If you are heading somewhere warm this brand does chic women’s suits. I grabbed the yellow bikini with the pareo. Need something for after pool hours? This knit set gives subtle Missoni energy and the colors are so happy! I also love this under $100 terry cloth sarong. Dries and launders like a dream.

The Short Sleeve White Tee

You asked for a good one. This is it. Not sheer. Not sad. The base layer that makes everything else behave better. We all need an emotional support tee. 20% off today (holley15 for other days). They also make my favorite unmentionables. No wedgies! I’ve worn these for 8 years.

A few more I can’t ignore…

I’ve been in a not drinking phase lately. Too much going on and I want to feel clear, focused, and actually rested. It’s been sparkling water at events, and one of these when I get home to unwind. I am getting SO much accomplished. (holley10 10% off)

Laundry scent beads. I was late to this, apparently everyone else already knew. They make everything smell fresh for weeks and now I understand the obsession.

Borrowing bags has become my new favorite move. So many of the ones I love are hard to find, and it’s the easiest way to try styles before committing. I borrowed one for Paris and now I’m already thinking about what I want for an upcoming wedding. Also a very strategic way to test an Hermès Evelyne versus a Picotin before making that decision. I borrowed both before I made my thoughtful purchase so I wouldn’t have remorse on the size or color. Use Holleyneary for one month free!

This chocolate that’s become part of my nighttime routine. It’s infused with CBD and CBN and genuinely helps me wind down and sleep deeper. One of those small luxuries that makes a difference. On nights I don’t have a Cann.

A niacinamide serum under $40 that’s giving glass skin without the effort. This one surprised me in the best way.

And if your brain has been feeling a little foggy lately, this coffee (also matcha) has been a game changer. I was skeptical, but it actually helps with focus without the jittery feeling. Try byholley10 10% off

This is the obsession list that keeps resurfacing in conversation. The pieces we keep screenshotting. The ones you tell me about and I immediately need. I genuinely love that we influence each other. Keep sending things. Keep spiraling with me. I’m so glad that you are here. If you enjoyed this post please tap the heart. Merci!

Something is happening.

Everywhere I turn, in store windows, in dressing rooms, in my late night scrolling, blue pants keep finding me. Not navy. Not denim. That rich, confident shade that feels so right right now.

And now I need you in on it.

It started with a pair from Chloé. Of course it did. They were out of my price range, naturally, but I could not stop thinking about them. They had that powerful that girl energy. The kind you imagine wearing to a dinner where you want to feel polished, to a meeting where you want to feel sharp, or even on vacation at a luxury resort knowing you look really good and tan.

I didn’t buy them. But I couldn’t unsee them. And when something keeps appearing in your line of sight, I pay attention. I think this is what they call the reticular activating system. Once your brain locks onto something, suddenly you see it everywhere. It is not random. It is your mind gently nudging you.

The first pair I actually brought home was from Ann Mashburn in French blue. That’s the color. They’re sweater knit and almost gently compressive in the most flattering way. You feel held in, but not squeezed. Structured, but still comfortable enough to wear all day.

I’ve been wearing mine with a crisp white button down (15% off holley-15) and these chic ballet flats, which feels classic and clean. I also love them with my $40 non iron button down because who is pressing anything right now. Add a brushed grey cashmere crewneck (on sale) and suddenly the whole look feels expensive and easy. They transition perfectly into spring, but right now that pop of color against dreary winter days is exactly what I want to reach for. Add this baguette tennis necklace for extra sparkle.

Then the algorithm delivered another pair to me. A kick flare in the most interesting shade of blue. Offered in three lengths, with built in tummy control. They even have coordinating tops if you want a monochromatic moment, which looks incredibly chic. I got this one bc you know I love a matching set. Or just add a simple tee and sneakers and you are done.

One of my favorite recent temptations happened at La Ligne. (holley10 10% off sitewide) I walked in for another Marin sweater. I own more than twenty. I like what I like. But in the window were cobalt crop flare pants that immediately pulled me in.

They’re made from the same elegant crepe as the Colby pants (these also come in satin), which so many of us already love. Pull on. Flat front. Easy to tuck in knits and tees. Chic with flats (these look like my blue suede chanel flats you all love), sleek with boots. They also come in black if you want to be sensible, but the cobalt is what makes your closet feel new again. I tried them on with the sweater (tulip 10% off) I had planned to buy and was genuinely surprised by how perfect the pairing felt.

And if you’re going to embrace color, you might as well accessorize with it. Hart just launched the most beautiful blue enamel bezel earrings and necklace and they are already a bestseller. Also available as a necklace and earrings in gold, chartreuse enamel and emerald green enamel. Bold color is having a moment, but more importantly it feels optimistic and fresh.

Later that same day I found ash blue velveteen jeans a few doors down. Plush, polished, and slightly unexpected. They feel elevated without being fussy. Perfect now with these champagne heels and a knit, and just as good in early spring with flats and a lighter layer. Texture makes them interesting. The color makes them special.

And for those of you who love a great find, Anthropologie has a wide-ish leg pair around one hundred dollars that comes in petite, tall, and plus. I own this style in multiple colors already. It is tailored enough to feel polished and easy enough to wear on repeat. The blue version feels like the smartest addition you could make right now.

Here’s what I love most about this whole blue pants chapter. They make your existing closet feel new. Your white shirts look crisper. Your grey knits look softer. Your black sweaters feel sharper. You do not need a full overhaul. You need one great pair that shifts the mood.

My favorite finds always make me excited and a little giddy to share with you. It feels like we are shopping besties on a long stroll, matcha in hand, popping in and out of stores and trying things on just for fun. I hope it feels that way to you too.

I am completely head over heels for French blue right now and I genuinely think you will be too.

Tell me, are you more French blue knit or cobalt crepe? And when you find your pair, promise me you’ll come back and tell me where you wore them first.

If this post made you want to open a new tab and start browsing, heart this article so I know you’re loving these shopping deep dives. And if you’re not subscribed yet, make sure you are. The best finds always land here first.

2025 Favorites

This is the kind of list that begs to be whispered over matcha (ceremonial grade but of course!) with a “you have to try this” energy.

I didn’t overhaul my routine this year. I just made room for the things that earned a permanent spot. No compromises, no swaps, just thoughtful additions that elevated the everyday. And if you’ve been with me since 2024? Don’t worry, those favorites are still in play. I’m loyal like that.

These are the products I actually use. The ones I’ve repurchased. The ones I travel with. This list is part bathroom shelf, part security blanket, part secret weapon and I can’t wait for you to discover a few new loves of your own.

Let’s get into it:

Mega babe Santal Deodorant

This scent made me cheat on my signature perfume.
This clean deodorant smells so intoxicating, I barely wear my beloved French fragrance anymore. It’s warm, unforgettable, subtly sexy… and yes, people will stop you to ask what scent you’re wearing. The fact that it actually works and keeps you fresh without aluminum or irritation is the icing on the cake. It’s understated, elegant, and slightly addictive. My passion for this was so strong they asked me to film an ad for them! See it here!

Gucci Bronzer (Shade 1)

The rich grandma bronzer of your dreams.
Shade 1 is universally flattering. It warms up your complexion without ever looking heavy or orange. It smells like expensive powder rooms and vintage lipstick (in the best way), and the gold compact makes the entire application feel like a moment. You feel fancy using it. Like you might casually own a yacht. If you are a fan already I hear they may be discontinuing it so stock up!
Honorable Mention: If you’re more of a cream bronzer girl (or want both (because you can never be too tan, too thin, or too rich), try Sara Creal’s cream bronzer. ( just like paradise) Blends like a dream. Makeup bag below linked here.

YSE Beauty Skin Glow SPF

Glowy skin + sun protection = perfection.
This is my no-makeup makeup base on days I can’t be bothered but still want to look polished. It gives light, breathable coverage with a luminous finish with SPF, which means I’m protected and radiant in one step. Also plays beautifully under makeup if you’re going full glam. 15% off Holley15

No Makeup Makeup Foundation

Flawless without the effort.
It’s just... perfect. Light but buildable, smooth but breathable, glowy but never greasy. It disappears into the skin in the best way. It blurs all your imperfections while evening everything out. It even somehow looks better on your face throughout the day. The company even offers a 14 day money back guarantee for those that may like an out. holley10 10% off

Prequel Cleanser

Sensitive-skin friendly and derm-approved.
I worked in dermatology for over a decade and the doctors always said do NOT spend a lot of money on a cleanser. CeraVe works just fine. BUT that was before there was Prequel which was developed by dermatologists! No frills, no fragrance, no irritation just a plush, gentle cleanse that removes everything without stripping your skin. It’s elegant in its simplicity. The kind of cleanser you’ll rebuy without hesitation. One container will likely last you a whole year. It’s huge!

Natura Bissé Cocoon Cream

The magic all the cool girls are using.
I don’t entirely understand how this works, I just know it does. It’s the cream that fancy women with perfect skin don’t talk about because they don’t want you knowing. It blurs imperfections, adds glow, and gives you that “she doesn’t even wear makeup” look. Detect a no makeup theme here yet?! If you take good care of your skin you don’t need a lot of makeup!

Most people won’t tell you that it is offered in 3 sizes. Mini (under $100), 1oz tube and full size. This age-defying wonder hydrates, evens tone, and protects against blue light. In just one step, it minimizes visible signs of aging and boosts your natural radiance. Trust me, you will walk by a mirror and glance at yourself and see that the cocoon cream is working it’s magic! It somehow just knows how to match, blur and correct. I am also smitten with their eye cream and you know I think eye creams are a waste of money! Just use your lotion unless it is going to do what this cocoon eye cream delivers. Just a dab will do ya. Under $100 size here.
Pro tip: Warm it up between your fingers to activate the color-correcting magic. Most days I wear this and nothing else. She’s that good. You should add a clear spf beforehand and I recommend this one as a clear option for your face and neck! I hate putting tinted on my neck bc it gets on my clothes. So most days I use 2 spf lotions.

Crown Affair Overnight Hair Serum

Silk sheets for your strands.
This serum is my go-to for next-day softness. I apply a little through the ends before bed and wake up with hydrated, frizz-free, subtly glossy hair. No weight, no stickiness just polished, healthy texture. Perfect for keeping bounce on your ends and extending the life of your blow out too.

Lemme Sleep

I take one an hour before bed for beauty sleep.
Simple as that. No grogginess, no weird dreams just solid, restful sleep. And I stay asleep. If you’ve ever felt too wired to wind down, or keep waking up at 3 AM you need these in your nightstand. holley15 15% off

Epsom It Muscle & Nerve Lotion

Magic for sore feet, tight neck/shoulders and restless legs.
After I raved about this on my Instagram stories some of you DMed me that you pack this for Disney or European vacations. Makes sense as they are walking marathons and your legs are likely sore. I have a shoulder issue and occasional restless legs, and this lotion is one of the only things that genuinely helps. It delivers magnesium topically (no tummy trouble), absorbs fast, and smells neutral. Magnesium is best absorbed topically vs orally so no wonder I can feel the difference.

This is quiet luxury for your body. Muscle version here. Holley15 15% off

ZIIP Microcurrent Tool

The at-home face lift that knows what your jowls need.
I am in my mid 40s and everything is falling down! Does ZIIP work? YES, if you use it! And this is certainly less expensive than a face and neck lift. I love this because it makes microcurrent idiot-proof. The app walks you through step-by-step routines that offer lifting, toning, contouring, de-puffing and it only takes four minutes. I need visuals. I need hand-holding. And this gives me both. Easy, effective, and makes a difference you can feel and see. holley 10% off

Still Love You, 2024

Quick reminder: last year’s favorites are still fully in the mix. I didn’t break up with a single one. These are just the additions that earned their place beside them. If you missed that list, you can find it [here].

If any of these products made you raise an eyebrow or reach for your card… tell me below and tap the heart! I love knowing what you try, love, rebuy.

And if you want more of this elevated beauty-and-beyond energy, subscribe, share, or just stick around. I’ve got more favorites on deck.

xo,
H

1. Bandana Scarves (Bandana print is having a Moment)

Bandana scarves are everywhere right now, and I dipped my toe into the trend with the Gigi Hadid–coded cashmere scarf that just came back in stock. When I wore it in December, my DMs exploded—but it was sold out. Now it is back in six colors, and I may or may not own four. I think I just bought the pink one. Try GIRWELCOME!) 10% off

Beyond scarves, the bandana bag brand Call It By Your Name is also having a major moment. Their pouches and totes are all over Instagram and TikTok, and you can customize your own. The bandanas are made in South Carolina and embroidered in Paris—a marriage of two of my favorite places. These are cool girl approved.

2. Prequel Skin Solutions Barrier Therapy Lotion

Prequel kindly gifted me their Barrier Therapy Lotion, and it truly knocked my socks off. After working in dermatology for over a decade, I have tried nearly every lotion and cream on the market, and this one feels genuinely different.

It is developed by dermatologists, works for both face and body (a true two-for-one), and immediately hydrates while calming itch. The ingredient list is excellent, and at around $20, it punches far above its price point. I have been talking about it at cocktail parties, which tells you how impressed I am. I also purchased their Hand Shield and Foot Rescue—Hand Shield is excellent so far, and I am currently testing the foot treatment.

3. The Tuckernuck Sample Sale

The Tuckernuck sample sale ends tomorrow, and I have never seen prices this low. There are truly timeless dresses for $59. It is overwhelming, so my advice is to sort by size, designer, and price or color—it makes it much more manageable.

I curated my favorite picks and a blue-and-white edit for anyone who shares my weakness for that palette.

4. Cropped Bootcut Jeans (My Uniform)

I have worn the same cropped bootcut jean style for nearly a decade. I first saw Aerin Lauder wear them, and they looked so polished that I immediately bought a pair… and then another. It is okay to have a type.

FRAME versions ( her fave brand) are currently on major sale (some under $60) in both white and blue. They are incredibly flattering. I have also heard the Julia Amory bell pants were inspired by this silhouette, though those are pocket-free and a bit more elevated. holley-15 15% off JA

5. Protein Powders Have Come a Long Way

Protein powders are no longer chalky and full of mystery ingredients. Many are clean and genuinely delicious. Two years ago, a very health-conscious friend introduced me to Flav City, and it quickly became a favorite.

I like that I can just add water, stir, and go—no blender, no cleanup. I aim for over 100 grams of protein per day, and at 24 grams per serving, this makes it easy. Vanilla is my go-to, and I have cookies and cream on deck.

6. Valentine’s Heart Towels

Valentine’s Day is everyday in our house with these charming heart towels. These heart-pattern towels make me irrationally happy every February. They come in blue and pink, and I love the built-in loop for hanging to dry—it keeps them fresh and extends their life. They offer both hand and bath sizes and are a charming seasonal upgrade.

7. The Boobie Pillow

If you are a side sleeper or noticing chest and neck wrinkles, a boobie pillow is worth knowing about. It helps prevent gravity-induced creasing and is life changing comfortable.

You can use it flat while reading in bed to prevent neck lines, place it between your chest while sleeping on your side, or use it post-surgery for support. This version is pillow-based (no straps like this one) and far more comfortable. It sold out after Black Friday and is finally back.

8. Daily Pebbles for Bath and Shower

I discovered Daily Pebbles at Lake Pajamas and am obsessed. The rose scent is beautiful. You toss one into a bath for hydration, or use it in the shower if baths are not your thing. I bought one for myself and one for a friend—they make a lovely small gift. The perfect thing to have in the bath and or shower all winter long.

9. Armra for Immunity

Everyone around me seems to be sick, so I am adding Armra to everything. I like the watermelon flavor. It supports skin, lung, and gut barriers and the microbiome, and tastes like Kool-Aid in the best way. 20% off code byholley

10. Cozy Days Call for Air Essentials

Another cold front is on the way, and I am firmly in cozy mode. I have been living in the Air Essentials set. The pieces mix and match beautifully, and the fabric is truly light as air.

I have the wide-leg pants and turtleneck, and I feel like an elevated, polished person even when lounging or working from home.

The Most-Loved byholley Favorites of 2025

I pulled the data. These are the things you bought, raved about, reordered, shared and texted your friends about. The pieces that made you feel more polished, more pulled together, more you whether you were racing to a meeting, getting dressed in the dark before school drop-off, or packing for a flight to Paris.

These aren’t passing picks. They’re the forever favorites. The staples that quietly make life feel better, chicer, easier.

The $50 Target Skirt Set That Feels Like Cashmere

Soft isn’t even the word. This set feels buttery. Like something from a boutique with no $$$$ price tags. I had low expectations when I added it to cart, and then it showed up and made me do a double take. I wore it to an event and got compliment after compliment. It’s that good—and yes, it comes in more colors. As seen here.

Shop the set →

The Viral Ruti Pants - A Magic Trick in Trouser Form

I wore these to dinner in NYC. I slept in them on the plane to Paris. I wore them to the office at least once a week. They look tailored but feel like pajamas, and somehow make every body look like it’s had a really good Pilates year. Thigh gap included. No wrinkles, no fuss. Just flattering, elevated comfort. Holley15 15% off. As seen here (I’m in the petie)

Get the pants →

The Quilted Olive Jacket That is Giving Marfa Stance

This jacket is giving major Marfa Stance energy—but it’s $50, not $1500. It’s warm but light, with that luxe, soft-to-the-touch feel you usually only get from designer outerwear. I’ve worn it for coffee runs, chilly morning walks and casual dinners and it always pulls the look together. Cool-mom energy, in the best way.

Add to cart →

Chestnut Sneakers of the Year

2025 was the year of the brown sneaker - casual, cool, slightly unexpected - and the two pairs that flew off shelves were this pair and this pair by Veronica Beard and this Larroude pair. Great with denim or with a tailored trouser. If you’re still debating? Don’t.

Shop my picks →

Red Jewelbox Heels -The Shoes That Stopped the Scroll

I got these in red. You saw them on stories, admired them like crazy, and made them bestsellers. They’re timeless, wearable, and surprisingly easy on the feet. I keep reaching for mine for winter events and dinners, and every time I wear them, someone asks where they’re from. They also come in timeless black and more colors here.

Step into them →

Palazzo Jeans (Yes, Even for Petites)

These jeans are my 5’2” leg-lengthening miracle. I stepped out of my cropped-bootcut comfort zone, and apparently so did you. They drape beautifully, look intentional, and come in petite sizing. New favorite silhouette. As seen here. Holley15 15% off

Get the jeans →

Target Club Chairs — Interior Gold

We used these in the living room and the guest room. That’s how versatile they are. The shape works with almost any aesthetic, and you can always reupholster them later if you want. But honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing. Just add a decorative pillow. They’re elegant, substantial, and look far more expensive than they are.

See the chairs →

Nancy Meyers’ Favorite Sheets (and yours)

I’ve raved about these forever and then someone sent me the article where Nancy Meyers herself uses them. Done. I even sidelined my Matouks. For extra elegance, personalize them for $10. They feel like a quiet luxury nobody’s gatekeeping.

Sleep better →

Skin You Trust - My Derm-Approved Essentials

I worked in dermatology for over a decade. I take skin seriously. When I say these serums work, I mean it. This is the best vitamin C serum on the market. I have used it for over 20 years. Be sure to add to your neck too to reduce crepiness. Hate the smell of it? This is our second favorite one and it doesn’t smell weird (holley15 15% off). A hyaluronic acid that actually does something was a 2025 best seller. And the glycolic pads my derm introduced me to back in 2019 and these resurfacing pads that are still the quiet MVP of my routine and yours. These aren’t trendy. They’re tried, tested, and loved by me and by you.

Best face forward →

Buffing Bar That Replaced My Scrubs

Once I started using this, I stopped using salt or sugar scrubs completely. It’s that powerful. I half-joke it could remove paint from a wall… but also exactly why it works. If that’s too intense for you, the gentler version from the same brand is equally adored.

Try the bar →

Retinol Hand Cream - Nightstand Staple

Hands reveal everything. This once-a-day retinol cream helps with crepiness, texture, and overall tone of your hands. Bonus: the packaging looks gorgeous sitting bedside. Non-negotiable for me. Scented and unscrented available.

Youthful hands start here →

Arrae Protein + Electrolyte Packets - The Travel and Party Lifesaver

These were a total game changer in 2025. I started using them on busy days when I didn’t have time for a full meal, and now I won’t travel without them. Each packet has 15g of protein plus electrolytes - which means they keep you full, help you stay hydrated, and seriously curb that mindless party snacking. I love one before an event so I don’t overdo it on apps, and another post-party to avoid the next-day fog/hangover. These came with me everywhere this year - Nantucket, Carmel, The Highlands. I wasn’t hangry or hungover. Just add to water. Holley15 15% off

Stock up →

Why This List Matters

Because you didn’t just buy these - you integrated them. Into your routines, your homes, your skin, your travels. That’s the whole point of byholley: finding things that make life feel a little more beautiful, a little more intentional, a little more you.

Want more curated edits, early recs, and things I’ll probably regret telling the internet about before I’ve stocked up?

Subscribe here and join the inner circle

Did something not make the list? Tell us below. If you read this post please tap the heart. Merci!