For me, a classic is a piece I don’t have to think too much about. It’s something I can reach for over and over because it just works for me. A sweater that feels good, fits into my everyday routine, and can be worn in many different ways. I think the best classics have a simplicity to them that doesn’t feel tied to a particular moment or trend. They can just become part of a personal uniform.

Many of the pieces in my classic collection came from identifying the things I was missing in my own wardrobe. I wanted sweaters that felt simple and beautiful but also really easy to wear, a pleated skirt I could style with a tee or elevate with a sweater, and silk pants I could wear casually at home or dress up a little. I am always drawn towards natural fabrics because they develop character as I wear them, and I think the same is true of the right silhouette. It becomes more personal over time.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized I don’t need more clothes, I just need the right ones. Having a curated wardrobe of pieces I really love, like the Demi Pant and the Pleated Skirt, has actually given me more freedom. I know what works for me, I know I’ll actually wear them, and I’m not constantly thinking about what’s new.

All to say, I’m not against trends. I think it’s fun to bring something new into my wardrobe and see how it changes the way I wear the things I already own. But I think trends work better as an accent than the foundation. For me, the foundation should be a good tee, a cashmere sweater, a silk pant, and then you can have fun around them. I always love mixing in pieces from Sophie Buhai’s jewelry collection for added color and texture. It’s a simple way for my wardrobe to feel current without needing to start over every season.

Reading: I loved The Lion Women of Tehran and Remarkably Bright Creatures.

Cooking: I recently made Gjelina’s roasted yams recipe. It’s the perfect summer side dish.

Wearing: I’ve been traveling a good amount this summer, and always pack a Flynn Cashmere V-Neck for the airplane. You never know how cold it will be!

Listening: I’ve been finding myself listening to Flea’s new album, Honora.

Every year, I find myself packing for lake days and gravitating toward lightweight sweaters, loose-fitting pants, white tees, and comfortable sandals. The nights are chilly here—it’s one of my favorite feelings after a day spent on the water. Friends often visit on the weekends, and we love gathering on our patio together, listening to the sounds of summer while sharing a meal. There’s something about these unhurried evenings that feels like the whole point of the season.

At home, we switch off cooking, and I’m always looking to Pamela Salzman for inspiration in the kitchen—her recipes feel fresh, built around summer produce and beautiful, simple meals. I recently baked her Blueberry Lemon Tart, and it was the perfect summer dessert. I want guests to feel at home when they’re here, from a good meal to the small luxuries, like a good hand wash. We’ve been using our newly launched Oak Essentials x Jenni Kayne Hand Wash & Balm Set, with notes of calming lavender and warm musk—it’s a quiet touch, but it leaves a lasting impression on guests.

Of course, packing for the lake is its own kind of ritual.

My Summer Packing List

Packing feels so much easier in the summer. My number one must-have is a raffia sun hat—ours is packable and easy to bring wherever I go. I have a favorite pair of red sunglasses I save for summer to add a bit of color to any outfit. My wardrobe consists mostly of lightweight cardigans I can throw on for a chilly boat ride or a cooler afternoon, an oversized white tee, linen pants, and leather sandals. On days I want to feel put together without having to think, I reach for a cotton poplin dress. And I always find myself drawn to summer stripes in July and August, whether it’s a top or a sweater—I find it’s an easy way to lean into the season. Vacation days should be enjoyed without overthinking every outfit—pulled together, but easy in every layer.

Once my wardrobe is ready, my next essential for a week by the water is a good book. I love having no schedule, spending time outside and often find time to catch up on reading. Lately, I’ve been loving A Little Life and A Marriage at Sea.

With this, I hope to inspire a slower weekend ahead—whether you’re home with family or somewhere new. Wherever you are, take a moment to relish in stillness and simply be.

Cooking: This Preserved Lemon Chicken recipe from Ottolenghi.

Listening: I’ve been loving this playlist one of my best friends made this summer.

Loving: Afternoon swims off beach just before I start cooking dinner and an after dinner walk with the dogs.

As Oak Essentials continues to expand, we’ve also been slowly expanding our scent collections. And in honor of Valentine’s Day, I wanted to share a few personal favorites and why I love them.

Lavender Oak

This is our signature scent, and the one I most associate with our brand. It’s found in some of my favorite products like Dew Body Oil, our nighttime bath soak, our bath oil, our hydrating face mist, our cleansing milk (it’s so lovely for dry skin), our body balm, and our all-new Dew Body Butter.

It’s a calming, grounding mix of Lavender, Geranium, and Cedarwood, and it’s exactly what I reach for when I want to settle my nervous system.

Blue Tansy

Blue Tansy is hard to explain—but if you know, you know. You’ll find it in Ritual Oil (a staple of my morning routine), our body lotion, our clean deodorant, and our skin-perfecting mask.

It has an almost cooling quality to it, but I’d mainly describe it as fresh and herbal. Once people smell it, they usually love it. Our blend also features notes of Chamomile and Jasmine, so it’s sweet in a very delicate way.

Botanical Citrus

I love how bright and sunny Botanical Citrus is, with notes of Orange Peel, Rosemary, and Freesia. It’s in Oak’s Pure Gel Cleanser, Awaken Body Wash, and Perfecting Body Scrub.

It’s paired really intentionally with our more invigorating products, and is especially nice first thing in the morning.

Valentine’s Day at Home

A few years ago, my husband Richard and I started the tradition of hosting a low-key Valentine’s Day dinner with friends. We invite both couples and singles, which keeps the night casual and fun. It’s also (always) nice to stay home, especially when it comes to the madness of Valentine’s Day.

In terms of gifting, I’ll usually get my daughter Ripley something a little bigger. This year it’s a Flynn Cashmere Sweater. For my sons, I always get them Valentine’s Day candy, which they love. Richard and I like to do a group gift and treat each other to something we’ve been eyeing. We both fell in love with a small piece of art from Overduin & Co. by the artist Claire Oswalt.

Wearing: Our new Summer Demi Pant in Buttercream. They have a pretty, pale-yellow hue to them that feels fresh but goes with almost anything.

Loving: I’m still enjoying lots of cozy evenings at home this time of year. I’m being very intentional about what I commit to, and saying no more than I say yes.

Planning: I’m starting a book club with some girlfriends, which should be fun. My friend Nikki posts great recommendations on her Instagram @_itslitbooks_.

Watching: The Pitt.

Starting with body care, I try to remember to dry brush before I shower or sauna. It’s such an easy, energizing ritual. Then after the shower, while my skin is still damp, I’ll use Oak Essentials Dew Body Oil (1) for deep hydration. I’m also testing our next Oak launch, which I’m very excited about. It’s designed to support the skin in a really meaningful way as it ages. If you’re curious, sign up for our emails to hear about it first.

For skincare, I love my Omnilux red light mask (3) because I can email, tidy the house, or even watch TV with it on. And when I meditate, I’ll always use my Celluma light panel (4) over my face.

January usually nudges me to eat a bit cleaner after indulging over the holidays. I’ve been cooking simple, warming one-pot meals since it’s still chilly out. Pamela Salzman’s chicken and vegetable curry, her Moroccan stew, and Leanne Citrone’s chili are some of our family favorites.

Movement stays fairly consistent for me year-round. Horseback riding for cardio, and also for my mind. I call it my moving meditation. For strength, I do Pilates and Gyrotonic with light weights mixed in.

After traveling over the last few weeks, I’ve settled back into my favorite wind-down routine at home. I start with a long bath using our Oak Essentials Dream Bath Soak (it has Magnesium, which is great for relaxing the body) and Cloud Foaming Bath Oil (I love this scent). I’ll use Restorative Mask (6) while I’m in the bath, then finish with Moisture Rich Balm and Moisture Rich Body Balm afterward. Finally, I’ll slip into the Chalet Sweater (2) and Chalet Pant (5) to relax and call it a night.

Both personally and at work, I like to reflect on the past year and set a few goals for the coming year. I keep it fluid, though, and let my intentions take shape over the first weeks of the year.

I hope 2026 is off to a gentle, grounded start for all.

Cooking: Anything warming! I also love chai all year round…right now I’m sipping on a hot chai with almond milk every morning.

Planning: Lots of horse shows with my daughter, Ripley. Plus, lots of events for Pacific Natural Everywhere, which launches February 17th!

Loving: The New Year energy. I love a fresh start. It’s nice to reflect and get focused on what the year ahead will hold.

What I Wear This Time of Year

Holiday dressing doesn’t have to feel loud to feel special. I gravitate toward pieces that feel elevated but effortless…things I can move through my day (and night) in with ease.

For dinners and holiday gatherings, I’ve been living in the Crimson Flynn paired with the Crimson Nina Slip Skirt—simple, timeless, and festive without trying too hard. I’m also obsessed with the Penelope Skirt and Dara Top in both colors, but the chocolate has been on repeat for the holidays, styled with the Olivia Coat. The Dara Top is one of those pieces I reach for constantly because it looks just as good with trousers as it is with denim.

When the evenings slow down and we’re staying in, nothing beats comfort. The Chalet Set that just launched has quickly become my go-to for cozy nights at home.

Preparing the Home for the Season

As December arrives, I like to shift my home to feel warmer and more inviting. I layer in cozier blankets and pillows, add sheepskins where I can, and swap out candles throughout the house for holiday scents.

Telluride is burning in most rooms right now (stop in store to snag!), with Sun Valley and Ember mixed in throughout the house. I also love using the Sun Valley room spray. It instantly makes everything feel more grounded and wintery. And I’m completely obsessed with the new large Sun Valley and Aspen candles—they’re beautiful and fill a space so effortlessly.

Festive (The JK Way)

I always approach holiday decor with restraint while still being festive. I love bringing in greenery with soft pops, like with linen tree skirts and green velvet stockings…just keeping everything natural and neutral. Then I layer in a few special ornaments for warmth and personality…like our fun woodland creature ornaments that the kids love. John Derian is a constant source of inspiration when it comes to ornaments—thoughtful, artistic, and timeless.

It’s less about doing more and more about choosing well.

Traditions That Ground Us

Traditions are where the real magic lives. One of our favorites is breakfast for dinner—French toast and frittata from my first book, with hashbrowns for the kids. It’s simple, comforting, and always a hit.

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We also host a holiday dinner with gingerbread decorating for all the kids. We’ve been doing for 15 years now! Everyone looks forward to it, and it’s one of those moments that reminds me why rituals matter so much.

Little Things That Make the Season

I always have a holiday playlist playing softly in the background. My favorite cocktail this time of year is a hot toddy—tea, whiskey, lemon, and honey. And I find myself turning inward more than usual by getting cozy, staying in, drinking tea, making soups and stews, and spending time with friends and family.

December doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. Sometimes the most beautiful moments come from slowing down enough to notice them.

Happy holidays from me and the family…animals included!

Cooking: Pamela Salzman’s gingerbread cookies, this Italian wedding soup, Leanne Citrone’s chocolate chili, and dates with parmesan wrapped with turkey bacon.

Packing For: Ski trip to Utah with friends and family!

Loving: Long baths with Oak Essentials bath salts and oil and Restorative Face Mask and then MRB for face and body before bed.

Watching: Palm Royale and Landman.

Reading: I just finished The Vaster Wilds and The Frequency of Living Things.

This year, I’m leaning into three little traditions that I always bring out:

1. A wishbone at each place setting (you can order from Etsy or Amazon!). We all break one, make a wish, and it kicks off the meal with something slightly playful.

2. Going around the table and naming what we’re all grateful for—no pressure, just honest and casual.

3. We’ll be traveling this year, but when I’m home I love to make a pumpkin body scrub for everyone to take home. It’s not glamorous, but it’s meaningful. It’s 10 minutes of self-care after the meal, and it ties back to the same cozy intention of the gathering.

For food, I always love going centering the meal around veggie-heavy sides. Here are some of my favorite recipes:

• Pamela Salzman’s maple-mustard roasted vegetables, roasted delicata squash salad, spatchcocked turkey (or chicken), and mashed potatoes.

• Leanne Citrone’s cranberry sauce is always in the mix.

• Sweet Laurel is a must for the season. I love everything!

For me, tying this all together is less about one perfect dinner and more about the feeling: the table-linen you’ve had for years, the throw you bring out in November, the neutral pieces that welcome your people in, the candle that softens the room.

If you’re hosting this year, here are three quick suggestions you could borrow:

• Use wishbones or another small token at each place setting to create a micro-ritual that sets the tone.

• Invite everyone, before the meal, to say one thing they’re grateful for. It doesn’t have to be long—but that moment sets a level of connection.

• Choose a take-home gesture: a jar of something homemade, cute take home containers for leftovers, a small pouch of a seasonal scent, a body-scrub, or even a simple printed recipe card from the meal.

Happy celebrating! Let the season officially begin.

Gifting: BDDW ceramic mugs, this chic catch all, and these Sophie Buhai earrings. But the list keeps growing!

Burning: Our Sun Valley scent in every room! We also just launched a larger 28-ounce size—perfect for coziness at home.

Wearing: Sweaters on sweaters. I have this on currently and am planning on wearing this skirt for Thanksgiving.

To me, fall is a time of shedding and settling in. Winter is for deep rest and nourishment. Spring brings growth, newness, and planning. And summer is defined by long days, ease, and extra energy.

Starting with my morning routine, I’m opting for coffee or a warm chai latte instead of my usual iced matcha. It’s (slowly) starting to feel crisp in LA, and a warm start to the day feels grounding. If you know me, you know my signature scent is Kiehl’s Original Musk Oil. Lately, I’ve been layering it with Oak Essentials’ Santo Wood Eau De Parfum, which has this beautiful earthiness, or Santa Maria Novella’s Peau d’Espagne. And as the air gets cooler and drier, I’m more generous with Oak Essentials Moisture Rich Balm.

Lymphatic drainage is always part of my routine, but it feels especially important now to keep things moving and ward off sluggishness. Most mornings I do a light facial massage after moisturizing, and I’ve been booking regular full-body lymphatic sessions.

In the evenings, you’ll find me at home in my sweats and slippers, drinking tea instead of a cocktail, and enjoying a nightly bath with Oak Essentials Dream Bath Soak, which recently won an Allure Best of Beauty award. I definitely say no to a lot more this time of year, to protect these quiet evenings. And right before I go to bed, I’ll use ROZ Santa Lucia Styling Oil as an overnight mask to help keep my hair soft and hydrated.

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Cooking: By now everyone knows how obsessed I am with Pamela Salzman’s recipes. We made the veggie chili earlier this week—it’s so good. I love one-pot, warming meals this time of year. This stew is another favorite. I learned how to make this veggie curry at my first cooking class with Pamela 16 years ago and still make at least once a month, if not more.

Watching: Task on HBO and The Lowdown.

Wearing: We just launched the Boyd Cashmere Sweater, it is the perfect layer for LA fall and winter. I’ve been living in it!

I love baking, especially with pumpkin this time of year. We have been making these with and without the chocolate chips and everyone loves them.

Ripley and I have been riding a lot of together and we also welcomed two new rescue animals to our family: Cedar and Moo!

Around the home, I really like to start layering with things that feel like fall. I added our Alpaca Coverlet as a throw in the living room and recovered my Brentwood Chairs in a taupe color that feels perfect for this time of year. I’m also layering the Anastasio Home marble coasters and trays in fall colors. My final fall home trick: bringing in fresh florals to showcase the season. Right now, that’s fall leaves and branches.

One fall tradition I especially love is making a DIY body scrub with the kids. We make a big batch, dispense into small jars like this, and put them in every bathroom. Plus, we hang onto a bunch for gifts!

Brown Sugar Body Scrub How-To:

• Combine ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an airtight container.

• Tie a ribbon around and add a wooden spoon (like this).

I’ve been traveling a lot both for work and fun this fall. Richard and I recently took a trip to Ojai for a wedding and we stayed at the Ojai Valley Inn, which is my favorite place. We started the weekend off at Rory’s Place—everything on the menu is so good.

Cooking: This roast chicken is a favorite in my house, as is Pamela Salzman’s roasted squash!

Loving: I’m burning Ember right now—the candle scent is so perfect for this time of year.

Reading: I just finished Marguerite by the Lake.

Listening: I have the October playlist from the Row on repeat.

At home, the kids are back in full swing at school, which somehow makes the rhythm of our days feel steadier. I’ve been spending more time in the kitchen, cooking up family dinners and leaning into the comfort of recipes that become traditions in themselves.

This idea of fall as foundational is what inspired our new campaign, Heritage. For us at Jenni Kayne, fall isn’t fleeting—it’s the season that defines us. It’s about choosing pieces that last, whether that’s a coat that grounds your wardrobe year after year or a table that hosts the moments that matter most. Designed not for now, but for the years to come.

Fall is also a season of rituals—both old and new. Setting the table for friends, lighting a candle as the sun goes down, pulling your favorite sweater from the closet again. These little moments become the markers of the season, the things you look forward to year after year.

My hope is that Heritage inspires you to embrace fall as the season of forever—the one that brings us back to what we value most. To me, that’s what makes it our signature season: a reminder that simplicity, care, and clarity never go out of style.

Wearing: Now that it’s finally cooling off in LA, I’m bringing out my favorite sweaters—like the Amelia. I’ve also been pairing simple tees with my vintage Armani jacket. This Sophie Buhai ring has also been in my rotation non-stop. I’ll definitely be wearing it all fall.

Cooking: Pamela Salzman is my favorite always, and this veggie dish has been a recent classic in our house.

Reading: I just finished The Wedding People and Culpability—Flame Throwers is next.

Eyeing: A day at Surya Spa! My favorite place in LA.

I’m thrilled to share that my third book with Rizzoli, Pacific Natural Everywhere, is now available for pre-order on Amazon. Building on Pacific Natural and Pacific Natural At Home, this new volume expands the idea of California living beyond the coast itself—exploring homes and landscapes across the world that reflect the same spirit of ease, intention, and connection to nature. It’s been such a joy to see this vision take shape, and I can’t wait for you to experience it.

This past weekend, we returned to New York Fashion Week after 14 years away. Rather than a traditional runway show, we created an immersive experience inside our SoHo store—transforming the space into a living expression of our world, from floral installations to thoughtful details at every turn.

Kate Young, who is one of the first stylists I worked with at the start of my career, styled the collection, which was so special. It was a moment to share how far we’ve come: not just as a fashion brand, but as a complete lifestyle.

The weekend was truly magical—and I can’t forget to share a few of my New York favorites: Via Carota, King, Cafe Zaffri. To shop, I loved popping into our Jenni Kayne stores, Kallmeyer, Toteme, and walking around the West Village, as always.

Wearing: My current go-to outfit has been a pair of vintage Levi’s from Denim Revival, our Crosby Tee, and our Leo Trench—plus this exact nail polish from Chanel, it’s perfect for fall.

Cooking: This simple yet delicious salad and these chicken pesto meatballs. Such a yummy dinner that comes together easily.

Loving: Horseback riding with my daughter, Ripley.

Listening: I am loving this playlist right now!

Eyeing: I’m obsessed with the Orca Sauna by Harbor Saunas. It’s high on my wishlist!

I’ve always felt lucky that I’ve been able to grow alongside my brands, and our customers. When I first started Oak Essentials, my vision was symbolic of the life stage I was entering. I’ve always been intentional about skincare. But as soon as I turned 40, I had this sharpened desire to prioritize my long-term skin health.

So often, the conversation around aging focuses on quick fixes. I wanted to explore a different approach—one where we age beautifully and mindfully, with simple daily rituals that feel good and deliver results. I believe consistency is what really moves the needle. Showing up for ourselves day after day, with formulas that invest in the skin over time.

The scent and textures really matter to me, too. I think moments of sensorial pause hold real value. Like massaging in a body scrub at the end of a long day, or taking a deep breath as you press a luxurious oil into your skin.

My vision for Oak is to be a trusted resource for women like myself. And more and more—especially through thoughtful partnerships with brands like Perelel, Sorette, and others—I see us stepping even more fully into that vision. It’s reaffirmed something I already knew: when you stay true to yourself and operate authentically, amazing things can happen.

Wearing: I feel like I’ve been living in these Comme Si poplin pants. I love pairing them with our Simone V-Neck, which I think is the perfect in-between season sweater. It’s been so hot in LA, so I’ve been reaching for the Lauren Skirt a lot…it’s so easy to wear.

Cooking: My family has been loving Ottolenghi’s lemon chicken and this delicious farro peach salad from Pamela Salzman.

Loving: Oak Essentials Refining Mask. We just launched this in early August, and the response has already been incredible. It’s a 10-minute treatment that leaves your skin looking airbrushed—smoothing texture and refining pores while still hydrating. It’s changed my routine.

Planning: Some exciting trips this fall—like New York! Stay tuned that for.

That’s why I started Current.

Where my blog, Rip & Tan, is a bit more polished and planned, Current is a space to showcase what I’m loving and doing with ease. It feels like the perfect evolution for sharing another piece of my world.

I’m writing this as my family wraps up another summer in Lake Tahoe. It’s one of my favorite places to be, particularly because of the peace it brings. I always leave feeling refreshed and inspired. During my days on the water, in the kitchen, or relaxing on the patio with my husband, I’ve found myself pausing to appreciate the way sunlight lands across a table. The ritual of getting dressed in the morning. A favorite recipe you return to week after week.

Current is a space to share those moments with you.

Here, you’ll find what’s unfolding in real time: what I’m wearing, cooking, loving, and creating. Some sends will take you behind the scenes at my home in the canyon—whether it’s a dinner party, a creative shoot, or a slow morning with my family. Others might explore my go-to beauty routine, a favorite vintage find, or a travel guide from a recent getaway.

First up—a look at summer in Tahoe.

Each send, I’ll be sharing a list of what’s Current—quick hits of what I’m loving at the moment.

Wearing: I’ve been loving the Paloma Pant, Lara Top, and Gia Sandal. For days by the lake, you’ll find me in an Eres bikini, these Garrett Leight sunglasses, and our Linen Colby Shirt.

Cooking: Pamela Salzman’s turkey burgers and berry crumble, Gjelina’s sweet potatoes (I use Japanese sweet potatoes), and EyeSwoon’s roasted cauliflower.

Loving: Reading, hiking, boat rides, and time at the beach. I’ve also been using the Oak Essentials Luminous Body Lotion non-stop, it’s perfect after spending all day in the sun.

Planning: Leaving the summer bubble up in Tahoe and heading back home.

Reading: I’ve read more this summer than I have since having kids. Some favorites as of late: Broken Country, Next to Heaven, The Emperor of Gladness, My Dark Vanessa, The Berry Pickers, Wild Dark Shore, and The God of the Woods. I’m about to start my friend’s new book, The Carpool Detectives, and can’t wait.

Listening: Spotify’s Sault Radio.

That’s all for now. Until next time!