My love for podcasts have sort of waned—I haven’t been wow-ed by anything lately (but am open to new ones—drop them in the comments if you have been moved by a long story podcast lately).

Anyways, let’s get to the books and I’ll give you my takes without revealing too much:

Calamity Club

My rating: ★★★★★

When you don’t want a book to end, you know it’s good. This is written by the author of The Help, which I absolutely loved back in the day, and apparently this book took the author 15+ years to write. The beginning is a little slow and confusing but once I was in, I couldn’t stop. I really became attached to the characters and the narrators were INCREDIBLE. Just to show you my dedication to this book, I listened to is on my flight home from Rome and didn’t turn on a screen once—just listened to the final 8 hours of the book (it’s 27 hours long, btw—LONG).

Shampoo Effect

My rating: ★★★★☆

I also really enjoyed the author’s book Pineapple Street (read that!) so was excited for this one. It’s a very easy/enjoyable listen, centering around the complex lives of an east coast friend group. Yes, the friends can be dramatic, messy, and selfish but that’s why we love peering into the interesting dynamics! I love these types of books.

Mad Mabel

My rating: ★★★★½

I love Australian accents so this was a fun listen revolving around Mabel’s life, then as a child growing up in a dysfunctional household where chaos reigns and now as an elderly woman just living her life. A super interesting and heartwarming story with some twists—I very much enjoyed this!

The Fine Art of Lying

My rating: ★★★☆☆

Great for a fast poolside read (I actually read this one at the pool in a couple days). Kind of thriller, kind of Lifetime movie (actually it could be an old school Lifetime movie, which admittedly is my jam), kind of adult Gossip Girl because it’s Upper Ease Side based. If you like a little poolside, easy reading thriller, definitely give it a go but it won’t change your life.

The Mad Wife

My rating: ★★★½☆

A little historical fiction (set in 1950s suburban America) mixed with some psychological thriller drama, I couldn’t stop listening to this one but then it just kind of ended. Definitely some intense and sad moments mixed in there, too. Even so, I enjoyed the ride and would recommend it!

Our Perfect Storm

My rating: ★★★½☆

Carly Fortune is part of a genre that is so predictable and cheesy to me but I LOVE IT. (Honestly, I say it with love because I really like reading these books.) They’re always a good palette cleanser; female protagonist is gorgeous but doesn’t know it and low maintenance/main male character is an Adonis, smart, respectful towards women, yet suspiciously single. They’re always very rinse and repeat but hey, I love ‘em. It’s not my favorite from her (One Golden Summer is my fav) but it’s exactly what you expect. And Carly always gives her books a little spice but honestly, I need more :D

I used to do these book reviews on my blog (which doesn’t get updated anymore but is there for reference! It’s kind of my life!) and everyone loved them. I always share my reads on stories and get asked to do Goodreads but I can’t handle another platform at this point in my life so will start keeping my books here. Will share more soon!

In the meantime, did you see my post on boring things that keep me looking/feeling/smelling good (I’m very passionate about my home smelling good, ha)—they’re items I swear by, albeit, nothing sexy. Check them out here.

Alright, we did it. The first Europe excursion WITH the kids! I knew the older two would be fine but I was a little nervous about our 5YO….and honestly, he did awesome. Even in Rome, where we walked 25K steps a day in the sweltering heat!

Chicago has a direct flight to Rome so we did that first (kid’s request), then over to Puglia (the heel of the boot — think whitewashed towns and water so blue it looks fake). The best part? We booked this trip less than a month ago—it CAN be done!

Here’s the shape of it, day by day, plus the exact restaurants and hotels so you don’t have to do the research yourself. And the most important part - here’s everything I wore!

The Route

Chicago → Rome (4 nights) → fly to Bari, drive to Ostuni (4 nights) → 1 airport-hotel night back in Rome → home.

That connector night before the flight home is the move, by the way. Save a night from a super expensive hotel and sleep by the airport, roll onto the plane.

Rome: Days 1–4

Where to stay: Six Senses Rome. Central, gorgeous rooftop, and if you book through an advisor you can usually snag perks like a F&B credit, welcome aperitivo, and a bottle of Franciacorta waiting in the room. VERY KID FRIENDLY - they were SO nice to our kids; I can’t say that enough!

The flow:

• Day 1: Land, check in, ease in with lunch at Bivium (the hotel restaurant), then a private golf cart tour (highly recommend - it’s 3 hours and great for a first day when you’re tired) before dinner at Alle Carrette.

• Day 2: Colosseum + Roman Forum tour with a kid friendly guide and early entry (worth it — beats the crowds and the heat and it was my 4th tour there and I still learned somethign new), lunch at La Matriciana dal 1870, dinner at Felice a Testaccio — this is the cacio e pepe made tableside, fyi.

• Day 3: Vatican Museums tour (5YO and I skipped it—too much for him and I’ve been there), then late lunch at Emma Restorante (my favorite Roman pizza, second trip!) and dinner Enoteca Corsi (kind of small and quiet. Good but wouldn’t take little kids there again).

• Day 4: Check out, fly to Bari.

Where else to eat in Rome based on suggestions from others:

• Armando al Pantheon — iconic, reservations essential, order the carbonara

• Santo Palato — modern Roman, great if you’re adventurous

• Cesare al Casaletto — outside the center but a local-favorite

• Mordi e Vai — legendary sandwich stand in Testaccio Market

• L’Elementare — casual, great pizza

  ---

Puglia: Days 4–8

Where to stay: We stayed in a newer hotel, Vista Ostuni, within the White City itself. The hotel was a convent turned school turned tobacco factory and now hotel; it was absolutely stunning, breakfast was included and delicious, and it’s just a spectacular property with great amenities (get a massage!).

By the way, I don’t know how people say you can do Puglia without a car—I would feel trapped. I think the beauty of the area is that you can pop around the towns and I think a car is essential. You do need to get an international license, which is super easy at your local AAA; Eric said it took like 20 minutes.

The flow:

• Day 4: Land in Bari, pick up the rental car, check in, dinner at Impasto Napoletano (it was ok—good for pizza.

• Day 5: Beach day at Le Palme Beach Club, dinner at the Opera Prima in Ostuni where I had one of my favorite pastas the whole trip (tagliatelle with beef ragu)

• Day 6: Roamed around Alberbello (cute little trullo houses—looks like a Disney town!) Dinner at Sax.

• Day 7: Another beach club (Togo Bay this time — book the front-row beds in advance, they go fast—your hotel can do it, too!), dinner at Trattoria Fave e Fogghjie.

• Day 8: Check out, drive back to Bari, fly to Rome for a nice little stay at teh Hilton Rome—attached to the airport!overnight-before-departure hotel stay.

Where else to eat in Ostuni:

• Osteria del Tempo Perso — set in an old cave, traditional with a twist - we tried and they don’t allow kids.

• Taverna della Gelosia — romantic, tucked into the old town

• Burro Cafe — THE breakfast spot

Hot tips:

1. Do the airport-hotel buffer night. Book a hotel near FCO for your last night instead of trying to make an early flight from the beach. Your future self will thank you.

2. Early-entry tours in Rome are worth the upcharge. Colosseum and Vatican both get brutal by 10am in summer — book the early slots. A kid-friendly Colosseum tour is even better for adults, ha.

3. Reserve beach club beds ahead of time, especially front-row. Puglia’s beach clubs fill up fast in July (your hotel can help and you can email them all yourself, too)

4. Rome → Puglia is a quick flight OR train ride. Bari is an hour flight from Rome and a 5 hour train.

5. Pick one home base per region. Bouncing hotels every night kills the vacation feeling. If we would’ve stayed in Puglia for a solid week, I would have stayed in two different towns.

ciao ciao!

I worked at a company that Nordstrom purchased in 2014 (RIP Trunk Club). I sold the Anniversary Sale from the inside. I to market with the Nordstrom women’s buyers to help influence the Trunk Club buy. But I’m also an influencer. I used to set an alarm in the middle of the night to create content around this sale and have been covering it for over ten years. But over the past decade, I have watched it slowly turn into something I barely recognize, and I need to talk about it before my DMs implode from the discourse.

I can’t just “cover” the sale without giving tons of context. Let’s start here: the Anniversary Sale used to be amazing. I used to shop it in high school and really looked forward to that catalog. New fall merchandise, marked down instead of marked up, with designer pieces you could not get anywhere else at that price? Unheard of! It was the one sale a year that justified the hype. Now I have to ask if people even care in an instagram poll. So here’s my two cents:

1. We’re just desensitized to sales now

Part of why the Anniversary Sale doesn’t hit the way it used to isn’t only Nordstrom’s fault. There is a sale happening somewhere, always, on everything, all year round. Remember when Prime Day was a day and not like a monthly event? We aren’t falling for it anymore. When literally everything is “on sale,” nothing is. Our brains stop registering a discount as urgent or special, because we’ve been trained to expect one is always right around the corner. It’s exhausting.

That’s what made the old Anniversary Sale genuinely rare: it was one of the only times a year prices went down on new stuff instead of getting marked up first so a “sale” could feel bigger later. It was cool because it was mid-July and you could stock up for fall/winter. With the world at our finger tips it’s kind of like….do we even need this? Plus, with everything online, you can catch all this stuff on even deeper discount once it’s actually fall (little hot tip for you).

2. The designer exclusives all but disappeared

The whole premise of the sale used to be: brands gave Nordstrom early access to fall product, at a discount, because Nordstrom moved serious volume. That’s the deal that made it special. Over the last several years, that mix has been diluted hard. Fewer genuine designer drops, more filler, which means goodbye exclusive Chloe bag, rag & bone boots, Celine sunglasses. You’re not getting early access to something exciting anymore — you’re getting the stuff that was always going to be there in September anyway, just relabeled as an “event.”

3. Nordstrom-owned brands took over

Here’s the part the average lay person might not notice: Nordstrom owns a growing stable of its own brands — think Caslon, Halogen, Treasure & Bond, Zella, BP. — and every single one of those has a better margin for Nordstrom than a third-party designer label does. No middleman, no wholesale cut. So guess what gets the prime placement, the homepage real estate, and the “exclusive just for the sale” framing?

4. Beauty took over

Same story, different department. Beauty exclusives have exploded during the sale, and it’s not because Anniversary shoppers suddenly became obsessed with serum. Beauty has fantastic margins and brutally low return rates compared to apparel. A $58 exclusive-shade lipstick set doesn’t come back in a box with a stain on it and a note about sizing. A pair of jeans does. You are watching a retailer optimize for its own P&L, dressed up as a gift with purchase.

5. Influencers ruined some of it too (and I’ll say it since I was one)

I’m not exempting myself from this. The sale used to be word of mouth and loyalty program insiders. Now it’s forty coordinated hauls of the exact same eleven items, posted within six hours of early access opening, because those eleven items are what’s in the affiliate feed and what the brand paid to boost. Audiences are FATIGUED and I get it—as a consumer, I am, too. Nobody’s finding a hidden gem on their own anymore, they’re finding whatever the algorithm already decided was the gem. And yes, as shopping lover, that’s a real bummer.

The same stuff, year after year

And can we talk about the actual product? It’s the same bras. The same Barefoot Dreams blanket. The same Nordstrom brand three neutral sweaters in six colorways, every single July, like Nordstrom put “cozy quarter-zip” into a copy machine in 2019 and never took it out. We don’t all want to dress like a Pinterest board titled “Fall Capsule Wardrobe.” Some of us have personalities. Classic with a TWIST, remember?! Can we not forget the twist!

But I have hope

Nordstrom went private this year, which means it no longer has to manage a stock price by quarter. In theory, that takes some pressure off the short-term margin games — the owned-brand push, the beauty math, the sameness — because there’s no earnings call to please every ninety days. But I’m cautiously, suspiciously, one-eyebrow-raised hopeful that this could be the moment the sale remembers what it used to be. Because again, I am rooting for Nordstrom. They’ve always been my favorite big retailer and I loved working for them back in the day (even if it was by acquisition); they’re a pretty forward-thinking company that respects its people, its roots, and has a love of customer service. Seriously, I want them to succeed!

I just wanted to comment on this sale because it’s all I’m seeing on my own algorithm right now and thought I’d give some insider info. And truthfully, I’ll probably buy a couple things (here’s a short list things I like/would buy—there are some cute things if you are willing to dig!). But you know I’ll keep running my big mouth.

My actual wishlist for future sales, if anyone cares

Since I clearly have opinions, here’s what would get me back on the app at 6am on early access day:

• Real designer exclusives again (and emerging designers!!)— not “exclusive colorway of a bag you can already buy,” an actual reason to show up

• More of the trusted-brand players, not the house brands — give me Faherty, AGOLDE, Citizens, Buck Mason, TWP, Khaite, IRO at a real discount instead of another Zella legging drop

• Investment outerwear that isn’t the same puffer — one great wool coat (pls no poly), one great trench, priced like it matters

• More COS and Quince-caliber basics and less poly blend — brands actually built around cost-per-wear and quality, not just margin (They actually have good COS this year)

• Less duplicated inventory across categories — stop putting the same crewneck in “new arrivals,” “just in,” and “editor picks” like I won’t notice

• Fewer “exclusive” bundles that are just regular products in a different box

Basically: surprise me. Show me something I’d actually be excited to build a fall wardrobe around, not something I’ve already scrolled past nine times this month.

Tell me which brand you miss the most from the “old” Anniversary Sale or what you’d want to see — I’m building a list.

As we enter into the dog days of summer, it’s time to get creative with your wardrobe rather than default to the jean shorts and a tee everyday (I mean, that works, so I get it!). And sadly, I’m just not a rigid capsule wardrobe person; I’m all about a great staple but I can’t be limited to just that! I need variety.

So if you’re like me and like to think a little outside the box for your summer wardrobe while still being very wearable, check out these combos and shop your closet:

Combo 1: The statement piece that does all the work

A bold stripe linen maxi dress, flat sandals, nothing else. That’s it. When the dress is doing the talking, your only job is to get out of the way. No bag, no layers, no jewelry pileup. The restraint is the outfit.

The formula: one loud piece + minimalist jewelry and shoes.

Combo 2: The elevated casual

A cream linen tank, cotton or silk pull on pants, flat sandals, small crossbody bag in natural straw. This is the combo I reach for when I need to look like I tried without actually trying. A fitted tank keeps it looking slightly elevated and the crossbody bag keeps it from feeling too serious.

The formula: neutral top + one strong-colored bottom + one texture-play accessory.

Combo 3: The sneaker outfit

White ribbed tank, linen striped shorts in a neutral, sneakers, woven bag in a darker neutral. I’m really not a sneaker person (although have become more of one in recent years) and this is how i like to wear them. The key is keeping everything else relaxed enough that the sneakers feel like the natural conclusion.

The formula: fitted top + relaxed bottom + sneakers that match the bottom’s neutral.

Combo 4: The going-out-but-not-trying-too-hard

A textured white tank tucked loosely into dark wide-leg pants with a silk scarf detail and woven mini bag. Yes, it’s trendy but it’s so wearable and adds visual interest so you don’t need to do anything else. Add earrings, bare arms, done.

The formula: simple top + one piece with a built-in detail + understated bag.

Combo 5: The print that works

NOT a romper (you know I love a set), white slides, summery bag. I’ve already worn these shorts solo and the top with white jeans so you don’t need a lesson on how separates are the ultimate wardrobe hat. ANYWAY, the print is busy enough that the accessories basically pick themselves — you just need something that pulls one color from the pattern and doesn’t compete.

The formula: statement print + tonal accessories pulled from within the print.

Combo 6: Super casual tonal but going out

Cream linen tank, cream barrel-leg pants, woven flats, rattan bag. I’m all about a tonal look— the pieces are slightly different shades of the same neutral, which is what keeps it from looking like a uniform. This is the combo I could wear every single day and not get bored of.

The formula: tonal dressing in one neutral family, but with just enough variation in shade or texture to create dimension.

SHOP EVERYTHING HERE

And speaking of shopping, it’s Prime Day(s). Even as a longtime content creator/influencer who follows a lot of influencers, it kind of cracks me up how different everyone’s approach to this mega holiday is. Let me remind you that YES, there are some good deals and YES, they will most likely go on sale again sometime this year. I usually use this sale as a way to get my re-orders on discount (and I’m looking for a 20% discount or higher). As a result, I’ve never bought my Erborian makeup or GOOP gtox full price—and that’s a win for me!

Here are the things I re-order again and again (mostly beauty, the best floss ever which is sort of expensive so I def get it on sale, Oribe, some of Eric’s stuff, soap, etc)

And then here are just general picks, all things I own and swear by, in no particular order.

Gah, I love Paris. I would say it’s such a cliche, but it’s not a cliche to love a city so beautiful and full of history. Plus, you can’t beat the pace (you know, the fact that nobody seems to be in a rush to finish their coffee or drink). Just spending four days there felt like a reset button.

As always, I packed light (for me), walked miles every day, ate a grotesque amount of bread, and came home with a camera roll full of outfit photos and a renewed appreciation for getting dressed (thanks, Parisians).

Here’s exactly where we went, what I loved, and what I wore (all condensed here in my shopmy).

Day One: Arrive, Walk, Stay Awake

We landed in the morning and checked into our hotel, Le Bristol Paris. Of course, the room wasn’t ready so we walked around. My biggest travel tip after many years of international trips: don’t go to bed right away. Get outside, walk around, and if you need to take a siesta before dinner, don’t sleep longer than an hour!

We spent the afternoon wandering through the 8th arrondissement, stopping for coffee, chewing on a baguette, people watching, and reminding ourselves that yes, the buildings really are that beautiful.

My plane clothes were: AYR Space pants (love these), a Buck Mason tee, a Quince cashmere sweater around my waist, Sambas, and my Bandana bag.

More casual than I would like while walking around in Paris but I knew it would only be an hour until our room was ready.

That night we went to Le Bon Georges and honestly the steak au poivre was the best thing I’ve ever tasted so GO THERE. I felt like they sat all the English speakers together but Eric and I agreed that we won over our waitress by the end. And again, I can’t stress enough using French phrases helps! Please do it—you’re in their country and it’s the polite thing to do. I spoke French much better in high school/college but have since lost it but it still comes back to me. Eric, who speaks zero French, was even using phrases I taught him.

We spent the evening getting our steps in and walked all the stairs of Montemarte and I took Eric to Sacre Coeur as he had never been (qu’elle horreur!).

What I wore at night: Veronica Beard dress and Margaux sandals.

Day Two: Louvre Morning + Marais Wandering

I am not a spend-eight-hours-in-a-museum person; Eric is. The Louvre is incredible, but I prefer a focused visit followed by wandering. I told him we could hang for two hours and we did. I’m always amazed by it when I’m there and can’t believe it stood standing after the French Revolution (good on the French!).

After the museum we headed toward the Marais where I could happily spend days doing absolutely nothing productive—that’s my favorite thing about Paris. I also had a meeting with the Sezane team and shopped at their flagship store before heading out to dinner at Parcelles (the creme brulee…..must get!). We wandered around the Seine after dinner and it was perfect.

Favorite Stops

• Louvre Museum

• Le Marais

• Vintage shopping throughout the neighborhood

• Random cafés chosen entirely based on outdoor seating

What I wore: Easy linen pants, a linen pleated Quince tank, Margaux woven mary jane flats, and the Mansur Gavriel crossbody bag. At night, I changed into Sezane pants, a Sezane strapless top and my Christopher Esber bag.

Day Three: Eiffel Tower, Shopping, and Pretending I’m French

Even after several times in Paris, I’ve never made it to the top level of the Eiffel Tower and that still remains true to this day. We forgot to get top level tickets and they sold out while we were in line so 2nd floor it is. Still breathtaking, still a little scary (I don’t love heights), still amazed that it was part of the World’s Fair and is still standing!

Then I found myself in Chanel where I bought some ballerina flats. No regrets there—they’re expensive but I still wear my pair from the Paris Chanel store in 2010. They’re meant to last. Also snagged a couple things from Kujten too as I LOVE their scarves and they’re substantially less expensive in Paris.

What I Wore: Pistola cotton drawstring pants, Doen top, Sambas

That night I changed into an easy cotton Michael Stars dress, put the Kujten scarf on my shoulders and we back to Montemarte for drinks at Hotel Particular only to find it was closed for an event (but I need to go back—it was adorable) and dinner at Le Vins de Montemarte, which I never hear anyone talk about but it was incroyable. I think I randomly found it on the Paris reddit thread and am so glad i did. The garlic bread and burger were insane and the dessert cheese plate was heavenly.

My big regret was not getting our portrait done at the artists square in Montemarte, so I guess we’ll have to go back! (go early if you want that done)

Day Four: Shopping, Notre Dame, Seine Cruise and One Last Dinner

One of my favorite moments from the trip was seeing Paris from the water. The city somehow looks even more beautiful from the Seine. And who knew that the US gave Paris a mini Statue of Liberty just two years after Paris gave the US one!

Earlier that day, we walked about the Paris islands, Notre Dame, ate the delicious Berthillion ice cream, stumbled upon some Roman ruins on our way to Bon Marche, and went to the French Pharmacy to stock up on sunscreen.

After the river cruise (we used River Limousine and it was a beautiful wood paneled boat), we had a late dinner at Le Petit Lutetia and it was delicious.

What I Wore: during the day I wore an old Ulla Johnson chambray shirt, a LNA tank, Margaux flats, and at night I wore my polka dot Posse dress.

Final Thoughts

Parisians love pants. So many linen pants with cute flats or sneakers—even in 90 degree heat! If you’re headed there this summer, pack your cotton and linen. Don’t forget a wrap to cover your shoulders in case you go into churches or places of worship.

The older I get, the less interested I am in checking boxes. I don’t need to see every landmark, I don’t need reservations at every buzzy restaurant (although I love a good rec).

Some of my favorite moments were:

• Sitting outside with a glass of wine.

• Wandering without a destination.

• Browsing vintage shops.

• Watching people walk by.

• Taking photos of beautiful doors and pretending I’ll recreate the look at home.

And I’d love to know: if you’ve been to Paris, what was your favorite meal, shop, or hidden gem? Reply and tell me—I already have a running list for the next trip.

*Thank you to Sezane for being a long, long term partner of my content and for sponsoring this post! Black strapless top, green pants, zebra dress

I swear, every time I get stopped and get asked about something I’m wearing or a compliment is sent my way, it’s ALWAYS Sézane. Even a couple days at the Savannah airport, a younger gal said “I love your sweater.” ….and it was a Sézane jacket cardigan hybrid from two years ago (I told her it was old. Sorry, boo). Whether it’s outside a restaurant, in a parking garage (yes, that happened) or at an event, whenever someone asks what I’m wearing, it’s always Sézane.

I didn’t set out to become a Sézane person. It just kind of… happened. Actually wait, I lied, I did set out to be a Sézane person—once I discovered it on instagram, it was game over. It was 2017 and I think my gateway drug was one perfect striped top. Then it was one jacket that made me feel like I had my life together. And then the next thing I know, I’m standing in a parking garage explaining French sizing to a stranger.

The reactions always go two different way. There are the people who already know me, who just laugh. “Of course it is. You love Sézane and always talk about them on IG.” (Hey, thanks for following)

And then there are the others — the ones who say “I keep meaning to order from there but I never do.” These are my people—it’s my job to spread the gospel and tell them they have free shipping/returns (and it’s easy!) and that it runs narrow as most European brands do. Shipping may not be as fast as next day, but you generally get it within the week.

To the “I keep meaning to” people: just order the thing. You’ve been meaning to for a reason. The stripe top. The jacket. The matching set. Soon you’ll be at an airport explaining it to strangers before you know it.

I’ve reached the stage of life where I don’t want more stuff just to have stuff.

I want things that:

1. Improve my life

2. I can wear/pass down later (heirlooms, perhaps?)

So without further ado, where are some recs! If you’re asking what to get (or sending this to someone who is asking), here’s what I’d actually say (and yes I realize we’re cutting it close).

The thing I’ve used consistently for 3 years

I don’t say that lightly because I don’t think I’ve had it for three years, which is honestly shocking behavior for me. The reason it’s stuck is simple: it doesn’t require anything! And of course, I’m talking about my CurrentBody LED Red Light Mask (thank you for sponsoring this post!).

I put it on and then:

• unload the dishwasher

• help with homework

• answer emails

• walk around the house looking mildly insane

and it just… works in the background.

Quick version of why: red light helps stimulate collagen and calm inflammation, so over time your skin just looks smoother and more even. Nothing dramatic overnight, but noticeable if you stick with it. It delivers red, near-infrared, and deep near-infrared light to boost collagen and elastin, smooth fine lines, calm inflammation, and support overall skin health. It’s simple and it works. Also worth noting (because I’ve looked into this): they do Veritace testing on all their devices where every single LED bulb is individually tested to ensure it’s delivering the exact wavelengths used in clinical trials. That’s what makes CurrentBody stand out–no other brand offers that level of precision, which makes it feel like a really reliable investment in your skin.”

I recommend it to my friends, family, and am a HUGE fan. In fact, I reached out to Current Body to work together three years ago after I realized how much I loved this thing–and luckily, they said yes! If you want to try it, you can use my code ANNAJANE for 10% off all devices.

A few more recommendations for Mother’s Day because why not

Sentimental jewelry

Nothing trendy–just something that makes every outfit feel slightly more finished without trying. I’m on my own fine jewelry journey and have been getting a LOT of inspo from this woman Taylor (her account). I also wouldn’t mind an Adina Reyter charm necklace :)

A vacation that’s already handled

and by handled i mean:

• trip planned

• reservation made

• time chosen

• babysitter figured out

I’m a simple woman, right?!

Replacing something I use every day

Boring but luxurious and also deeply satisfying:

• new pajamas (I love this LAKE set)

• better towels (all my towels are Weezie and I’m obsessed—they’re on sale)

• fresh bedding (I love Boll & Branch and Quince)

Immediate gratification home items that I hate buying for myself.

The common thread is that all these things that work in the middle of a normal, slightly chaotic life like mine. And that’s precisely why the Current Body red light mask stuck so hard for me. It doesn’t require a full routine or a personality shift–it just slides right in!

Hope this helps you in your Mother’s Day journey!

We used to be a proper country. There was a time when a gal could walk into a store and find a cute going-out top in under ten minutes. Not a bathing suit top masquerading as a shirt. Not a sculptural vest. You know, a going out top. To wear out. At night.

What I mean is: flattering, slightly special, looked good with jeans, worked with a real bra, made dinner plans feel like an occasion, and could live happily in the backseat of your car until 7:15 p.m.

In high school and college it was all about the going out top. Then dresses kind of took over for awhile. Then we wore a lot of peplum, business casual and Brooklyn buttons. Then I had three kids and kind of blacked out and when I woke up and we wore puffy sleeve milkmaid dresses. Now it’s present day and I’m like, ok, I want a GD going out top.

I remember these tops well. We had satin camis with sequin bolero cardigans. Drapey halters. One-shoulder numbers. Peplum. The magic category known simply as “cute top + jeans.” It carried us through birthdays, first dates, bachelorette parties, rooftop bars, and any dinner reservation after 8.

Here’s what I don’t want:

• A vest pretending to be a shirt (I love a vest—no hate, but a going out top, it’s not)

• A crop top with no practical next step

• A basic tank or button-down (I have those and love them! They aren’t going out tops_

• A bodycon knit (I….can’t)

Maybe retailers aren’t making clothes for my generation anymore—I know youth sells. But there’s a market, of yes, there’s a market, for the elder millennial with some disposible income that wants a shirt she can wear with jeans on date night.

So here’s what I’ve found:

Ok, halter top. I see you (Tuckernuck)

I forget that Sezane does have great tops. This crochet tank + an amazon sticky bra will look amazing with all pants and skirts this summer.

While Zara may not fully cater to my demo anymore (wah), they do still make a few cute tops in between their crop tops and vests. I am digging their balloon tops (they’re cute on, promise). I want this one, too—would be cute with skirts as well.

Cotton lace halter top from Mango?! Are you serious with this and under $40. I’m buying for research purposes.

This gorgeous Rue Sophie pleated cotton top looks like that Sea one I posted about last week but half the price! Might need to test this one out, too.

Textural, loose but not flowy, AND cotton?! This top makes my millennial heart sing.

Reformation was suggested to me and it’s true, they do make a good going out top. This sheer peplum number is calling my name. Doesn’t seem to be lined but I am drawn to it for sure.

I’ve had this Ulla Johnson silk tank saved because it’s expensive but I am hoping I can snag it on sale. It’s so beautiful and would look amazing with jeans and even with a jacket on top. 20 year old me would love.

Where are we getting our going out tops these days?! SHARE!

Whenever I tell someone (in real life), I’m wearing Sezane, I always get the same feedback: “You always talk about them but I’m nervous to order because I’ve never tried it and it’s coming from Europe.” So I’m here to tell you that shipping and returns are free, you don’t pay additional fees (even with the ever-changing tariffs), it’s just like ordering from any other US retailer in my opinion. Sizing tips: it runs NARROW. Sezane is a European brand and it runs smaller than its US counterparts. Typically the tops fit normally on me but the bottoms I’m sizing up.

Ok, now that that’s out of the way—you know I’m always talking about getting more mileage out of your wardrobe—and matching sets are kind my spring/summer cheat code. You get the ease of an outfit, but also separates you can wear a million different ways. The tops always look good with white jeans for some reason.

ALSO (and this matters to me more and more): Sezane continues to impress me by their natural fabrics. So much cotton/linen/wool–I’m loving it.to prioritize natural fabrics. And I feel like the prices are just right.

Here are three sets I’m genuinely excited about (and you can shop them all HERE):

1. Printed floral linen (top + skirt)

Sezane florals are always my favorite and the separates are so easy to wear (you know I’ll be wearing this skirt on its own many times this spring/summer).

2. The beaded beach set (top + skirt)

Nice enough for a country club swim meet? Most definitely. And I love love love the beaded textural element!

3. The elevated but comfy linen set (top + trousers)

This is the one you throw on when you want to look polished but it’s 75° and you refuse to suffer.

Lightweight linen, slightly relaxed fit, and works just as well together as it does split up (top with jeans, pants with a white tee, etc.).

These are three reasons Sézane has stuck around in my closet this long but also:

• the fabrics feel good (and hold up)

• the pieces are feminine but not fussy

• everything mixes back to basics you already own

• and the styling always hits that sweet spot of classic but not boring

So if you haven’t tried Sezane yet - give it a whirl and report back!

**Thanks to Sezane for being a long-term sponsor of my content and channels.

THE “FINE. IT’S WORTH IT.” LIST:

1. The perfect white button down
Anyone, and I mean anyone, can make a white button down. That’s why there are so many bad versions out there—too sheer, weird fabric blends, or they lose shape after two washes.

A good one should be:

• 100% cotton

• substantial enough that it’s not see-through

• slightly oversized but still polished

• One caveat is that my favorite one ever is CROPPED.

The TWP next ex shirt is (unfortunately) so amazing. I couldn’t believe the price point of the shirt until I received it. The cotton is so amazingly silky that I thought it had to be a blend—it’s not. Just cotton so cool and smooth I want to make sheets out of it. I bought it over the summer and I have worn it so much that there is no longer a cost per wear. (I wear the XS/S). T

→ TWP shirt, TWP shirt on shopbop, TWP on Nordstrom Rack (limited sizes)

2. Really good denim (all or mostly cotton, minimal stretch)
This is one I don’t like to compromise on. Cheap denim never fits quite right, bags out, and you end up replacing it constantly.

The good pairs hold their shape, break in beautifully, and you wear them into the ground for years. Personally I prefer 100% cotton but I am a huge fan of the AYR Secret Sauce which is a cotton/lyocell (semi-synthetic, not poly) blend—if you like stretch for comfort, you’ll love those.

Here are four pairs I swear by: Pistola Cassie (code ANNA should work), AYR Secret Sauce (PERFECT10 should work), Levi’s Ribcage wide-leg (under $100), and Citizens Blaine.

3. A trench coat that does all the work
If you live somewhere with actual seasons (hi), you and your trench coat are going to spend a lot of time together during those temperamental spring days (I think I hate spring in the midwest until it’s a nice day, then I love it). I bought the Sezane Clyde coat years ago and although many dupes have come out since, the original is just so good and I love wearing it.

A great coat instantly pulls everything together — even jeans and a sweater feel elevated. I’ve always says I’ll spend on coats and jackets because we need them for so long here in Chicago (workhorse!).

Sezane Clyde coat

4. Shoes you can actually walk in
I don’t have time for a long-term break in period—places to go, people to see! If they’re not comfortable from the start, they’re tough for me to justify.

Margaux flats are known for being ultra comfortable and I reach for this pair over and over — and I can walk for hours without thinking about them.

Margaux Fonetyn in suede are my fav.

5. A beautiful leather bag that goes with everything
I bought this Khaite suede bag in 2022 and I think people thought it would be a flash in the pan trend; what I saw was a beautiful suede bag that had some arichtectural interest and I’m glad I ignored that narrative because I carry it ALL THE TIME. No logos, no trends—just a really well-made bag that somehow works with everything and gets better with age. (PS I think suede is a 3 season fabric.)

Khaite Lotus bag (medium) - it’s also on second hand sites!

6. The perfect white t-shirt
This one sounds basic but is weirdly hard to get right. Too thin and it’s useless. Too stiff and it feels awkward.

The best white t-shirt is made of cotton that’s not too thick but not too thin, has a clean neckline that retains its shape, and it’s too tight and isn’t too oversized (what a tall order!)

The Buck Mason white t-shirts fit the bill for me. They’re amazing and I reach for them constantly — under jackets, with denim, with everything — so when it’s good, you actually notice. Depending on my mood, the boyfriend crop and the slim are equally as amazing. And while $48-$68 for a t-shirt isn’t cheap, it really isn’t that bad either.

Buck Mason Boyfriend Crop and Buck Mason Slim Pima

I linked everything here if you want to see exactly what I mean: shop the “goddammit it’s worth-it” list

You know I’ll always tell you when something isn’t worth it. But this is the flip side, I will absolutely shout from the rooftops when something IS worth it.

Every year, the fashion gods decide what we’re all supposed to wear for the next twelve months.

“2001 era low-rise jeans are back.”

“Time for Aladdin parachute pants.”

“Sheer tops are outerwear now.”

And every year, I see people on the internet trying to make trends works through fun reels and catchy transitions that were simply not designed for their lives.

Here’s what nobody in fashion wants to admit: trends are not suggestions for you specifically. They are inventory decisions made by brands, influenced by runways, filtered through buyers, and then marketed to everyone regardless of whether it makes any sense for their body, lifestyle, or personal style.

And guess what? You’re allowed to opt out. (Did you catch my reel on this?)

Before you write me off as a hater, know that I love to dabble with new trends. I want to be stylish and ahead of the curve but I’m also a realist, a mom, and 41 years old. So, my ultimate sniff test is to dip my toe in and seeing how seamlessly a new trend fits with my current wardrobe. Sorry, but I have too many clothes I love to be changing the foundation of my style every single year—ya hear me!?

A surefire way to try test trends? Try the F test.

Fit — Does this trend work with your actual body, not the body in the campaign? Low rise jeans look incredible on certain frames. And it’s ok if it doesn’t work on you. What worked on me at age 17 doesn’t work with me C-section shelf (is that my scar peeking out?).

Function — Does this work in your actual life? If you’re carrying a laptop, chasing kids, or sitting in meetings, a micro bag probably isn’t your friend. Fashion is supposed to serve your life, not the other way around.

Fabric — This is the one people skip and it’s the most important. CHECK THE TAG. What is it actually made of? A trendy silhouette in cheap polyester is going to look dated and worn out within a season. The same silhouette in a natural fiber or quality blend can actually work long term. The trend might be worth trying—the fabric might not be.

The three questions I ask myself before buying anything trendy:

• Will I still want to wear this in two years or am I just caught up in the moment?

• Does this fit into my existing wardrobe or am I trying to change my entire style?

• What is this actually made of and is the price justified by the material?

If something passes all three it’s worth considering.

The goal isn’t to be anti-fashion because you know I love getting dressed. But I stopped letting the industry decide what “works” for me a long time ago and honestly it’s one of the most freeing things I’ve ever done.

So I’m skipping the harem pants. I’m skipping the ultra-low rise jeans (but actually loving the low-rise jeans that actually aren’t low rise at all—they’re a 9 inch rise with is MID-RISE BABY). I’m also skipping the backless loafers because they are so loud and hurt my shins when I walk.

“I have nothing to wear.” And also: “I refuse to buy anything new that’s winter-adjacent".”

It’s not really winter anymore, right?! The holidays are over. The snow is gray. The light is different. You want to dress like it’s March in Charleston… but you live in the Midwest and it’s 34° and windy.

This is, in my opinion, the hardest part of the entire season to get dressed.

You’re bored of your sweaters.
You’re tired of your boots.
Your puffer feels aggressive.
But it’s absolutely not warm enough for spring.

It’s the ugliest time of year in so many ways, so here are some outfits and advice because we could all use a little inspiration right now.

I Lighten Things by 15%

Not full spring. Just… a smidge.

Instead of black, I reach for navy.
I start to incorporate some spring color.
Cream sweaters are in full force.

The other day I did cream knit + vintage wash jeans + brown belt + navy coat and it felt like a tiny exhale.

It’s amazing what one lighter color does for your brain in late winter.

I Start Dressing Like I Have Plans (Even When I Don’t)

Late winter is when I’m most tempted to default to “errand clothes.”

But I’ve learned something: if I dress like I might run into someone during errands, my mood shifts.

Blazer under coat.
Button down under sweater.
Real belt.
Structured bag.

It’s still cold. The boys are still arguing in the back seat. But I feel pulled together instead of buried.

Transitional Shoes Are My Emotional Support

I can’t jump to ballet flats yet unless we get some fake spring days (which we have and you’re damn straight I wore ballet flats).

But I can:

• Wear loafers with socks.

• Swap heavy boots for sleeker ankle boots.

• Pull out leather sneakers that feel lighter.

Loafers are my signal to myself that spring exists somewhere.

I Edit Instead of Shop

This is the part no one talks about because late winter makes you want to panic buy:

• A trench coat you can’t wear yet.

• Dresses you won’t reach for until May.

• A cotton jacket that makes no sense in 30° wind.

Instead, I:

• Pull my best denim forward and try new styles.

• Steam and dry clean the coats I actually love.

• Rotate accessories (belts, scarves, suede bags).

• Put away the snow boots unless absolutely necessary.

So all to say: shop your closet for the worst time of the year, as I’ve been saying since 2017 (probably need to trademark that at this point).

We just returned from an amazing trip to the US Virgin Islands - our first time there and I’m wondering why seeing as there’s a direct flight into St. Thomas from Chicago. I love to travel and although my world tour has slowed down a bit since having kids, I still love bringing them along. And now that my youngest is 5 years old, my husband and I always say “we’re over the hump” and travel is SO much easier than when the boys were babies/young toddlers. We aren’t at the mercy of rigid sleep schedules, they’ll eat whatever, and we can reason with them! This trip was so fun and the kids are all saying how much they love the USVI and can’t wait to go back. And to start things off right here is a quick round up of my Amazon beach vacation essentials. (And here are my outfits)

We were hosted by the Lovango resort for a few nights and wowowow, it’s hard to put into words so may I just say it was incredible? (This wasn’t paid but they gave me a discount.). The resort is on a private island off St. John (one of the USVI) and it was a really unique and luxurious resort. If you’ve ever been to Round Hill in Jamaica, I’d say that it gave off those vibes in the way that it was beautiful but not stuffy, exclusive yet extremely welcoming with staff who wants to get to know you, a hidden gem (but with a direct flight from Chicago!), and a place where generations will go for their entire lives. I saw so many extended family vacations (i.e. Grandparents there with their kids and grandchildren) and it made my heart happy.

My oldest son broke his ankle skiing two days after Christmas (yes, the same child who broke his arm during football 7 months ago) and when we were back at the orthopedic surgeon we told her about our upcoming travels to the USVI and apparently she goes every single year, loves Lovango (she likes to stay at the Ritz and go to Lovango for a day trip every year), gave us all the hot tips about the islands and even took his cast off a week early so he could enjoy the vacation in a walking boot rather than crutches (thank GOD).

So here I am to give YOU the hot tips about Lovango and what to do in the USVI:

• Lovango is on a private island and you need a boat to get there. Luckily, they have a ferry that runs all day to/from St. Thomas and St. John. It makes it incredibly easy to take excursions to shop, eat, and see other beaches.

• The ferry to Cruz Bay St. John is 10 minutes and there are so many great restaurants. My kids LOVED Longboard (and apparently the restaurant fed the island when a hurricane hit so I love that they support their community). The catch of the day sliders, wings, and fried rice were big hits with my boys. Mongoose Junction is also a great place to shop, eat, and stop by Scoops for dessert!

• It’s the Virgin Islands and there is much to see, so a boat day is crucial. We did a day cruising the BVI but make sure to account for the waiting times in customs/immigration (it adds an hour) but it was so worth it. Norman Island, Willy-T’s for lunch (YUM), White Bay, and Soggy Dollar were the highlights and we had the best day. We used Apex Marine. If we would’ve stayed another night, we would’ve done a boat day in the USVI (Lime Out Floating taco is what we missed but it’s supposed to be amazing and Pizza Pi we did get to and it was honestly really good pizza!).

• The restaurant on the waterfront is amazing dining with insane views; that was the night we had my oldest babysit his brothers so they could play ipads and eat pizza in the room so mom and dad could have a night out. The seafood is incredible, obviously, and the restaurant prides itself on sourcing locally.

• Breakfast is included and we loved going to the nearby tent for a buffet style on the top of the mountain while we ate eggs, bacon and hash browns.

• Next time, we want to take advantage of hiking at the resort around since it’s so hilly. But because of my son’s broken ankle/boot situation, we took golf carts everywhere. You can text the concierge and they’ll send a golf cart to wherever you are and I swear it’s instantaneous and I don’t know how they do it.

• The front of the club has an amazing pool and beach area along with bar, corn hole and chess. I was humbled many times, getting beat by my kids in both those games (wtf). I also enjoyed many a Painkiller while reading Theo of Golden while my kids swam—it was divine. The back of the island has Crescent Beach, which is rustic, wild, and gorgeous—great for snorkeling.

• Because I’ve been a savvy traveler since the age of 22 due to my consulting job, I consider myself a bit of a hotel pro but have also become quite the hotel snob in my old age. I want comfortable beds, all the amenities, nice sheets…I’m sorry, but I do. Lovango has my stamp of approval on my luxury hotel scale (plus, it smelled amazing which is important to me, ha). PS They even had a really nice steamer in the room—most hotels give you an iron. Bonus points for that alone!

• Lovango now has a place in our family’s heart. The ferry ride, the hidden trails, the quiet villa verandas, the casual bar chats with the owner of the hotel who is omnipresent — they all add up to that elusive thing we chase on vacation: a sense of place. It was a magical trip we’ve told all our friends about and we can’t stop looking back at photos. I know one thing for sure—we’ll be back. And you can use code ANNA for 10% off at Lovango or any of the Little Gem properties (The Nantucket and The Winnetu—now both on my list) in 2026/2027.

  Ok, I’ve rambled. Signing off and if you go/have been, let’s chat!

I love to try new beauty and wellness products but these are the tried and true, stranded on a deserted island items that I would stowaway.

BEAUTY: THE CURRENT ROTATION

There are certain products I keep coming back to — whether I’m in full “get ready with me” mode or just need to feel a little bit more alive in the school drop-off line.

• Erborian CC Creme (Clair) – My skin but glowier. Evens me out just enough to skip more coverage on most days.

• Erborian BB Creme (Dore) - More coverage than the BB creme. Dore is slightly too dark for me in the dead of winter, so I mix it with the CC creme (just a little) and its perfect coverage for me.

• Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Stick – It makes me look healthy even when I’m... spiraling inside! (The highlighter in Lit is legit the best ever, too)

• CurrentBody LED Mask – My red light therapy era continues. Is it working? I think so (going on year 3). Do I love it regardless? Absolutely.

HAIR: CLEAN, POLISHED, UNBOTHERED

I want my hair to look like I tried... when I absolutely did not. (very simple partial highlights with a root melt that allows 3 months of growth absolutely help!)

• Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray - There is truly nothing like this and it has such a chokehold on me. So I keep on buying!

• Crown Affair Dry Shampoo – Smells amazing, works even better. Chic enough to leave on your counter.

• Crown Affair Brush – Perfect for my fine, tangly hair. No notes.

• G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scrub Shampoo – Once a week I detox my scalp like it’s a wellness retreat. It’s heavenly and have never used anything like it.

• Olaplex Weightless Mask – The saving mask for greasy haired gals such as myself. (About to try this volumizing shampoo—anyone like it?)

• Dyson AirWrap - Unfortunately, I love this (and bought one off Nordstrom Rack a couple years ago).

WELLNESS

I’ve accepted that I’m never going to be a green juice before 7 AM kind of person — but I am the girl who:

• Likes to try new supplements like this Armra colustrum I just received (truly unflavored, yay!). I actually want to try the Performance Revival too, to add to coffee, actually—next order.

• Has a standard of supplements I take based on extensive bloodwork I’ve done. Baby aspirin, methylated folate (I have a MTHFR gene mutation I found when I was 22), and omega 3 (I like that this one isn’t fishy…ew). I keep it pretty simple day to day and really do like taking Gruns (and so do my kids!)—the Gruns have the methylated folate I need.

• Taking my “concoction.” People always ask on stories when I share but I pride myself on not getting sick (even with little kids!) often because as soon as I feel a tickle in my throat I take: Vitamin D, Oil of Oregano, and Zinc (I get these on Amazon)

• Takes magnesium religiously at night (these chews from Amazon are on subscription). If you like to drink magnesium before bed, the Ritual one is good.

• Has a Skylight calendar full of routines to support my brain — because otherwise, I forget to take care of myself.

• Is drinking Cann instead of wine and loving it (no waking up in the middle of the night!).

• Spends real money on Quince bedding because sleep is the one thing that genuinely helps my mood.

But wellness only goes so far. It’s what I can control. You know what I can’t control? My health anxiety. You know what isn’t good for health anxiety, too? Getting old. Every sensation, tweak—I panic. When I try to think about what caused this in me, my first thought it watching my dad suffer and pass away from a relatively unknown cancer, but honestly, that’s not its genesis story. I was a wee little hypochondriac way before that. In fact, my mom said I would even spiral as a kid and my family called me Worried Walrus after the Sweet Pickles books (I think I blame watching ER on Thursday nights). Sometimes I think it’s because I found out in elementary school during a family tree project that my Grandpa’s dad died from a brain tumor in the 1920s. Regardless of where it stemmed from, and while I’ve always had a touch of hypochondria, having kids sent me into overdrive. I worry about me. I worry about watching them grow up. I worry about Eric. I worry about my kids. I worry about my mom, the only parent I have left. I worry about my siblings. I worry about friends. By the way, if you ever want to discuss symptoms, do not ask me because I take it to the worst case scenario.

ANYWAY, recently I’ve had a little scare — an “incidentaloma” as they say which has resulted some imaging, some waiting, some spiraling. TBD if I’m even ok because they want more tests… but I think I am. And while my rational brain knows the odds are in my favor, my anxious brain wakes me up at 3 AM whispering worst-case scenarios like it’s doing me a favor.

Some days I’m fine. Other days, I’m convinced a random burp means disaster. I’m working on it. Talking to my doctor. But then I find myself in the depths of Reddit (most people would say not to do that but I think it helps me. That’s probably the health anxiety talking). And reminding myself: I’m okay right now. I’m okay right now.

What helps? Getting dressed. Seriously. So only a few more days left of No Athleisure January (join me into Feb?).

As you know, I’m obsessed with checking clothing label to see the contents of my clothing and I’ve been noticing an annoying trend from contemporary/designer denim brands: POLYESTER. Sure, we were were all used to a little stretch for comfort. And you might’ve noticed Lyocell/Tencel blends in the super soft jeans. But poly? What’s the point?

Jeans are personal and I’m not here to lecture you on what I do as if it’s the right answer but stop and take a beat and you might notice that most of the jeans flooding the market today are no longer 100% cotton. Instead, they’re blended with polyester, viscose, nylon, or lyocell — often marketed as comfort or performance. And they ARE softer, more comfortable. But I’m not a huge fan of the blends, if I’m being honest.

Why are brands adding polyester to denim?

In my slightest of conspiracy theorist tone, I personally think it’s strategic.

1. Comfort sells faster
Poly blends make jeans soft immediately. No break-in period, no stiffness, no commitment. For the average shopper, that instant gratification wins.

2. It’s cheaper to make (and scale).
Cotton prices fluctuate. Cotton is a natural fabric and not uniform. Polyester is stable and less expensive. Blending fibers helps brands protect margins without raising prices — especially important in January, when denim sales spike.

3. Better “hold” on the rack and on Instagram
Poly helps jeans bounce back instead of bagging out (in the short term). For brands, that means: fewer returns, better product photos.

4. Faster trend cycles
Stretch and blended denim is easier to wash, distress, and mass-produce quickly — which supports the nonstop trend churn we’re all living in. It also wears out quickly and you’re more apt to buy another pair sooner (again, my tin foil hat is coming out).

Again, cotton-blends with denim are nothing new! It’s the poly that seems unnecessary to me and here are the tradeoff brands don’t talk about.

Poly-heavy denim can feel:

• plasticky

• overly stretchy (I’m done with jeggings, sorry)

• less breathable

• less structured

• less timeless

There’s a reason why people are buying up vintage Levi’s from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Because that cool, broken-in, slightly rigid feeling we associate with vintage denim?
That’s cotton doing the work.

What I look for now when shopping jeans

If you care about structure, longevity, and that old-school denim feel:

• 100% cotton is still king

• Up to 98% cotton / 2% elastane is my personal max when it comes to stretch.

• Heavier weight denim almost always wears better

• Want something super comfortable? Try a cotton/lyocell (or tencel, same thing) blend like these AYR jeans.

Check.Those.Labels

This isn’t about being anti-comfort or anti-innovation. It’s about knowing why your clothes feel different — and deciding what actually matters to you.

For me?
I’ll take a slightly stiffer jean that gets better every wear over one that feels amazing for an hour and tired by lunchtime. If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. And if you’re wondering why jeans dont wear like they used to, start checking those labels.

HERE ARE MY FAVORITE JEANS. I consider myself a jean expert, so yes I’m yelling.

So today I’m sharing my 2025 Favorites: Best Sellers — the pieces that carried me through school drop-offs, travel days, date nights, cozy weekends, and everything in between. If you’re building a timeless wardrobe or want a few beauty, home, and lifestyle upgrades going into the new year, this list is for you.

Let’s dig in. (And if you don’t want to read everything, shop them all HERE)

The Fancy Button-Down I Never Knew I Needed

TWP Next Ex Button Down
If there’s one thing my closet proves, it’s that a great white button-down solves 90% of outfit dilemmas. TWP makes that shirt — perfectly cropped, so smooth I couldn’t believe it was cotton, and somehow always polished. I wore it tucked, half-tucked, open over tees, layered under sweaters… you name it.

Why I love it: effortless, timeless, and worth every penny. (hot tip: some color ways are on sale at Shopbop and Nordstrom Rack)

Jeans That Became My Uniform

AYR Secret Sauce Jeans
These lived up to the hype. Flattering, comfortable, and the perfect intro to a “wide leg” to my hesitant friends.

Pistola Lexi Mid Rise Bowed Straight Jean
For when I wanted something a little more fashion-forward but still wearable. The shape is cool without trying too hard.

Citizens of Humanity Blaine Jeans
The perfect straight leg that hits right at the ankle (great for boots season).

Why I love them: these styles made getting dressed easy — because we’re not relying on athleisure in the new year.

The Sweater I Reached For on Repeat

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Crewneck Sweater
Super soft, perfectly oversized, and classic. This was my grab-and-go layer for chilly mornings and travel days.

Why I love it: luxe feel, approachable price, and washes beautifully (On the most gentle cycle/cold you have and for the love of God, DO NOT DRY IT - and if you don’t trust yourself, dry clean it).

Chic Lounge Pants

Spanx AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant
These are basically chic sweatpants. I wore them for errands, casual meetings, and even styled up with a nice coat.

Negative Whipped Track Pant
Buttery soft (seriously, wrap me in this fabric) - these made lounging feel elevated.

Why I love them: comfort without sacrificing style.

Beauty Tools & Makeup That Delivered

CurrentBody Skin LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask (use code ANNAJANE)
My biggest beauty investment of the year — and I actually stuck with it. I used it while folding laundry or lying in bed.

Dyson Airwrap
Still undefeated. Whether I wanted smooth and sleek or bouncy waves, this made it fast and foolproof. So easy to travel with, too (we all know hotel hair dryers are from 1970). (Hot tip: I bought mine refurbished off Nordstrom Rack and have bought more attachements for cheap off amazon)

Erborian CC Crème
The ultimate “your skin but better” product. I wore this on no-makeup days and always got compliments.

Westman Atelier | Baby Cheeks
The blush that makes you look alive in five seconds. So natural, so pretty.

Crown Affair | The Dry Shampoo
Clean, effective, and didn’t leave my hair gritty.

Goop G.Tox
The best clarifying shampoo I’ve ever tried—I use it every 10 days and it lathers so well.

Things I Love at Home

Organic Luxe Honeycomb Duvet Cover Set
This instantly elevated our bedroom. Soft, breathable, and that perfect cozy texture that makes getting into bed something to look forward to.

Cann Drinks (use code ANNA20)
Whether it was girls’ night or winding down at home after a long day, Cann became my alternative to wine (and perfect for Mahjong).

Skylight Calendar
With three boys, a million activities, and a traveling husband, this has been a total game changer. Everyone can see what’s happening, and I’m not answering “what do we have tonight?” twelve times a day.

Jewelry That Elevated Every Outfit

Dorsey | Clemence, 7.50 Carat 15 Stone Strand Necklace
This necklace became my signature. Layered or worn alone, it made even a tee and jeans feel styled—and I literally never take it off.

Why I love it: timeless sparkle that works day to night.

Shoes That Got the Most Mileage

Veronica Beard | Penny Loafers
The chic flat I wore constantly — with jeans, trousers, even dresses.

Loeffler Randall | Goldy Tall Boot
My fall and winter hero boot. Sleek, comfortable, and instantly makes an outfit.

Why I love them: classic silhouettes that never feel dated (in fact, I’ve owned the boots since 2018).

What This Year’s Favorites Taught Me

Looking at this list, a theme is obvious: classic, cozy, and collected always wins.

These are the pieces I reached for again and again; if you follow me on social media you know this to be true. These products are ones that made getting dressed easier and everyday life feel a little more elevated, and I’d buy them over and over again.

If you’re refreshing your wardrobe, beauty routine, or home for 2026, I hope this list gives you a few ideas (and saves you some trial and error). Can’t wait to dig in more this year.

As always, I’d love to know — what was your favorite find of the year? (And did I help you find it?!)

XO

I was having my weekly recap with my longtime manager and she was like, “wow you have A LOT of holiday events.” (shop my holiday capsule collection here)

And the answer is: Well yes… but they’re not the kind where champagne fountains shoot out of ice sculptures (please note my first job out of college was at a consulting firm and before the economy crashed in 2007, my first Christmas party there was in fact champagne fountains and WILD). My December calendar is pretty a normal mom/life calendar with a few sparkly moments sprinkled in. And I think that’s exactly why getting dressed for it is fun.

So today’s Substack is dedicated to the actual holiday events many of us have—and what I genuinely wear to each one.

1. The School Concert + “Auditorium Chic”

Dress code: cold metal chairs + stage lighting that ages you 10 years.
My outfit formula: nice trousers, a polished sweater, and a great coat.
You’re festive, you’re put together, and you can sprint to find your kid in the sea of Santa hats.

2. The Neighborhood Holiday Party

Dress code: someone hands you mulled wine before you’ve taken off your coat.
Outfit formula: a midi skirt + knit top + boots.
Festive but not try-hard, and you can sit, mingle, and maneuver tiny crockpot meatballs with dignity.

3. The Work/Industry Get-Together That’s “Casual” but Actually Isn’t

Dress code: unspoken pressure to look like you have your life together.
Outfit formula: structured blazer, dark denim or tailored pants, silky top.
It’s the “holiday version” of a power casual outfit.

4. The Friends’ Dinner Where the Reservation Is at 5:30 PM Because We’re All Tired

Dress code: we’re fun… but also in bed by 9.
Outfit formula: jeans, a special blouse (sparkle/velvet/satin), heels or embellished flats.
I love breaking out the sequins for nights like this.

5. The Cookie Exchange

Dress code: you bought cookies from Whole Foods and put them on a plate.
Outfit formula (NO leggings, promise):
a chic sweater + mini or midi skirt + tights + flats/ankle boots.
It’s giving “I’m festive and pulled together, but also here to bring home a shit ton of cookies.”

6. Christmas Eve / Christmas Morning / Family Photos

Dress code: whatever makes you feel most like the Leading Lady of your own Nancy Meyers movie.
For me: a soft sweater, a pretty skirt, maybe a bow somewhere. Comfortable but intentional.

I miss these events come January.

I love the fast and furious month of school performances, neighborhood gatherings, date nights, church services, and wrapping-paper chaos.

And honestly, you know I love to GET DRESSED. Because when life gets busy and blurry, dressing a little bit special helps make the season even more festive. And having something fun to wear and feeling good is actually my favorite form of self care. (And if you’re interested in those outfits, find them here)

Remember when Black Friday meant setting a 5 a.m. alarm, grabbing a lukewarm Starbucks, and making the trek to Somerset Mall to tear through the Neiman’s clearance rack? (Just me?) Now it’s… Tuesday. Or Wednesday. Or honestly, mid-October. Anyway, here are the sales worth your clicks.

My Amazon Black Friday store front (Oribe, Snif laundry, Eborian and more!)

Aureum - the most beautiful belts—I LOVE them (Belt #2 was my first and has my heart—she’s fancy)

AYR - 20% off everything. I love my Secret Sauce jeans (TTS) and the denim button down.

Barefaced - 25% off sitewide - I love love love the facial razor and toning pads.

BOSE - The quiet comfort headphones are my absolute fav.

CANN - 30% off everything (I swear to GOD if these go away, I’ll riot)

Crown Affair 20% off bundles (the dry shampoo is my JAM) PLUS an extra 15% off with code ANNAW15

CurrentBody 20% off using code ANNAJANE - I’m coming up on almost 3 years with this and I swear by it!

Earlybird, buy more save more - love the gummies 1-2 a week for sleep.

EBY - my fav no-lines underwear is buy one get one free (their wireless bras are great, too!)

Elemis - 30% off sitewide. The cleansing balm is my OG and I only buy it on sale.

Farm Rio - 50% off so much! Especially amazing if you’re going somewhere warm soon.

Faherty Black Friday Sale - Longtime fan of the brand but I love my chambray shirt.

Gap - 50% off sitewide - love these Easy Pants, the Barrel Jeans, and the 100% cotton turtleneck sweater.

goop - lots of great sales including 20% all Westman Altier with code PRECYBER20. Love the concealer, complexion drops, and baby cheeks blush!

Le Creuset - Have loved my dutch oven over the years and it might be time for a soup pot (save $120!)

Macy’s is my go-to for home brands. Love that their All Clad set is 42% off and Le Creuset dutch oven is 37% off (one of my fav gifts from years ago).

Madewell - 40% off sitewide. I LOVE THESE BOOTIES (they run small, size up)

Margaux - 20% off sitewide (I have worn my Fonteyn to death)

Negative Underwear - 15% off everything and this brand NEVER goes on sale. If you get anything, please get these whipped track pants.

Pistola Denim - I love the Lexi (slight barrel) and the Cassie (the best full-length straight leg).

Rothy’s - 30% off (I love the clogs)

Shopbop - my 25% off sale roundup here (just stuff I own and love)

SPANX - 30% off sitewide. (I prefer the Air pants with pockets)

Stripe & Stare - save up to 50% off. The high rise is my absolute favorite underwear.

Tuckernuck - 25% off everything! My Varley fleece is actually on sale and you can get great holiday dresses on sale like this velvet stunner (I have the sleevless version from last year).

Varley - 30% off winter sale. Their sherpa puffer is perfect and I love their oversized fleeces.

In the 2010s, it felt like anything was possible when starting an online brand. DTC (direct to consumer) was the hot new thing and brands across the spectrum were popping off. My friend Coabi and I saw a real white space in third pieces (aka jackets) under the $200 price point; we felt like everything was IRO/Veronica Beard prices ($500+) or Topshop (under $70). So in 2019, we launched and it was awesome. And within a few short years, by the end of 2023, we shuttered once and for all.

It’s never been easier to start a clothing line, but trust me when I say that it’s really hard to make it work. Between rising costs, a tired consumer, and a ruthless algorithm, even the best brands are struggling. For us, starting a brand right before a pandemic didn’t help us over at One/Third but we never made a profit (and also didn’t want to take on investors so we decided after a few short years to shutter). I have nothing but the utmost respect for anyone in the apparel business right now because I tried (and failed) and know how hard it is to swim against the tide. And honestly, the relief that came over me when we decided to shut it down was palpable because that shit was HARD.

1. The market is saturated

Everyone’s selling “elevated basics” and “capsule staples.” It’s not just other small brands—it’s Zara, Amazon, and influencers with new labels every week. Do you know how hard it is to stand out right now?!

2. Costs are up, margins are thin

Fabric, labor, shipping—everything’s pricier. Trust me, I experienced this first hand right when Covid hit. Shipping went through the roof and we had to increase our prices immediately and I felt defeated. We don’t have to wonder why brands are cheapening their products with less quality materials, because the math rarely works.

3. The customer has evolved

The customer is savvier (honestly, I hope I am helping that cause through my substack and instagram stories on fabric ratios and seeking out quality :). People are buying nice, not twice. That’s great for sustainability—tough for sell-through.

4. The algorithm sucks

A few years ago, a viral post could move serious inventory. Now? TikTok and Instagram are pay-to-play. Organic reach is unpredictable and ad costs have doubled (again, I watched this first hand from Trunk Club ot One/Third). Social media is no longer an intern’s role—you need a pro to help you navigate those waters.

5. Brand fatigue is real

Consumers want story and soul, not just another logo or “female-founded” tagline. Building that kind of loyalty takes years—and most small brands don’t have the runway.

The conundrum: we say we want small brands to win, but we also want fast shipping, low prices, and constant newness (hey, I’m guilty, too). Owning a brand right now is a lesson in resilience so I’m sending nothing but good vibes my way to these brands who weathering the storm. It’s a great time to show your support to your favorite brands with your wallet because it’s TOUGH out there.

(And speaking of, my friend Mary started CHORD baseball caps and I gotta say, I’ve had the white one since launch and it’s one of my favorites—I have a sneaky big head and it fits like a DREAM. I am so impressed with her play to get into this very niche space and I’m always rooting her on. They just dropped some great fall textures and I just got the navy boucle).

And now that Black Friday is basically a whole month, some of the sales have started so here’s a little preview of sales from brands I love/use (more comprehensive post coming later, don’t worry):

Aureum 30% off

• I love to wear this belt (save $165)

• This beauty is under $100!

Barefaced - save up to 30%

• I love love love these toner pads

• And the face razor is my favorite thing to do once a month

Bose

• A few colors of my favorite headphones (amazing on planes and I hate ear buds) are $130 off

Le Creuset

• My husband gifted me a dutch oven for Christmas years ago and I still love it so much. You can snag certain sizes on deep discount!

Ritual - 40% off

• I did a smattering of functional bloodwork over the summer and found I needed to supplement DHA so I’ve been taking this!

Stay tuned for more sales soon! x

Before you get into the looks, you can find sources for everything in my shopmy! All links are here or here.

1. The Easiest Outfits (a.k.a. What I Reach for First)

(Think sweaters, jeans, flats, done.)

These are my “half-asleep but still pulled-together” looks. Cozy knits, lived-in denim, and sneakers or flats. I wear this combo on repeat because it never fails.

Formula:
→ Oversized polo + straight-leg jeans + ballet flats (unexpected with the polo! Keep ‘em on their toes)
→ Sweater + barrel cords + loafers
→ Jeans + cream textured knit + chunky booties

Why it works: The proportions feel relaxed but intentional. These combos truly take the effort out of effortless.

2. Dressy Lite (but still chic)

When you need to get a little dressed up

These are my “I have plans” outfits—still easy, but a touch more intentional. Perfect for dinners, school events, or just those days when jeans and a sweater don’t feel right.

Formulas I love:
→ Silk skirt + tucked-in sweater + tall boots
→ Structured jacket + chic belt + straight leg jeans
→ Midi dress + heeled boots

Why it works: Skirts and dresses feel elevated without effort, especially when you anchor them with boots or a polished outer layer. When in doubt, I love tonal looks —think ivory on ivory, navy on navy, camel with cream.

3. When the Jacket Is the Outfit

The outer layer that does all the work.

If you’ve seen me out lately, chances are I’m wearing a jacket that makes the outfit. It’s the easiest fall hack—throw a great jacket over basics and call it a day.

Formulas I love:
→ Plaid blazer + denim + loafers
→ Barn jacket + crewneck + wide leg jeans
→ Oversized mac trench + tee + straight jeans

Why it works: The jacket adds instant structure and polish. You can keep everything else neutral and simple—just let the outerwear shine.