To Give
Every December I take a table at a Christmas Luncheon. This year I decided to shake things up and host the lunch for my dear friend Amanda Ross Bacon and asked her to do the guest list. Amanda is a phenomenal designer and a passionate board member of Teaching Matters, so I was excited to meet a few of her friends. Not only was it an incredible group of women, they brought 5-star hostess gifts.
Remembering that I have a knack for finding four-leaf clovers, Amanda gave me the D. Porthault trays. Our mutual friend, the writer Kate Betts who just launched Editors@Large on Substack, gave me a Dagne Dover travel toiletry organizer — it’s next-level and I will take it to Paris in January. Knowing that I chair the New York Committee of the GCA and my commitment to NYC parks, Kate, also, brought Trent Preszler’s new book, Evergreen. Cathryn Collins, the brilliant designer and founder of I Pezzi Dipinti, rivaled Amanda for the chicest-woman-in-the-room award. Thank you, Cathryn, for the gorgeous scarf. Other fab presents I received — Olverum Bath Oil, Torta di Torrone, and Carlos Mota’s most recent book, Purple Fever — make for excellent hostess gifts as well. Thank you all!
P.S. I decided to skip red and green and, instead, broke out the Commission skirt from a few years ago. Pairing it with a grey crewneck sweater and brown The Row pumps helped tone-down the sequins for a luncheon.
On My Radar
Books are my favorite present to give and, especially, to receive. This LL Bean tote is an ideal gift bag. Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico and Harper Lee’s The Land of Sweet Forever are atop the stack next to my bed. I’m obsessed with the hair in look 11 from the Gucci Pre-Fall 2026 collection images, my 2026 hair goal. Joachim Trier’s film Sentimental Value looks so good I will go to a theater to see it. Despite the mediocre reviews of The Neighbourhood’s new album, Ultra Sound, their songs Hula Girl and Private are terrific. And, I hope Santa will bring me a really nice coffee cup for my drive back and forth to the city.
On My Mind
Kate Betts and Michael Boodro, ex-Vogue colleagues and dear friends, recently launched Editors@Large on Substack. Lots of folks call themselves editors, but these two are the real deal. Their newsletter is a must-read.
The Allude sweater is so perfect that I bought an embarrassing number in both black and grey. However, late January I am hosting a morning event and have challenged myself to not wear black or grey —this Proenza Schouler skirt may fit the bill.
Holiday debuted an interiors and gardens magazine and it is gorgeous. Lastly, Auteur Superlative Cream Voyage is next level. My skin has never looked better.
Collections
Matthieu Blazy held the Chanel Metiers d’art show, his second collection for the house, in the Bowery Street subway station. The clothes, casting, and venue all get top marks. Without a doubt, a wish-I’d-been-there moment.
On My Mind
I always think I need more dresses and non-jeans pants, but the truth is I rarely wear either. When getting “dressed” I always opt for a skirt and I am resolved to lean into this choice. Street style inspiration images, like the top two, are saved to my desktop, I will buy a second of a favorite midi-length and make it shorter like the one lower left, and I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot when I find a skirt that I’ve been eyeing on sale lower right. I, also, love skirts because they are easy to alter.
It Item
One of the things I have learned from going back and forth from NY to Paris so often is that packing multiple coats and jackets isn’t optimal. Even though I take trunks, coats are the ultimate space hogs. Finding something to go with both pants and skirts was a challenge. The Row’s Althena anorak — from a number of seasons ago — hit the mark. A bit more polished than a traditional parka, and less cumbersome than a wool coat, this down-filled, cashmere-lined jacket has been the perfect space saver. I now make the trip with one less trunk.
On My Radar
The Celine shoulder bag caught my eye when I spied it in the runway images last July. So chic, and large enough for a laptop. As a fervent acorn motif fan, the Verdura earrings are everything. If they come in a smaller size they will top my Christmas list. I am searching for these The Row pumps, please share if you see them. Finally, it is no secret that I am a kerchief headscarf devotee and this The Row cashmere neck scarf doubles up nicely. Charcoal grey is not available stateside yet (soon, I’m told), so I’m having one sent to my BFF who is in London for the week. Thanks KB!
On My Radar
Last night I met Janet Mavec and heard her speak about her new book, Bird Haven Farm. Besides being an extraordinary gardener, Janet is a jewelry designer and a very cool person to boot. She was interviewed by my garden hero, Paige Dickey. I’d been toying with starting a literary festival in Bedford, NY after my trip to the Charleston Literary Festival last November but, happily, someone beat me to the punch. The debut Westchester Book Festival is tomorrow with Geraldine Brooks, Emma Straub, and many other amazing authors speaking. I loved Catherine Newman’s Sandwich and I am midway through the sequel, Wreck. Not as great as Sandwich, but still a good read. Next in the queue is Lily King’s Heart the Lover. Ms. King’s piece in Vogue is a must-read. I am excited for John Irving’s new novel, Queen Esther, a sequel to The Cider House Rules. The new film Die My Love with Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson is set in rural France and looks excellent. And, finally, the band Florence and the Machine has a new album “Everybody Scream.”
On My Mind
Fall of 2023 I decided to up my game mentally and physically. I started listening to audiobooks to get more reading time in each day and it’s been a game changer. Patrick Ryan’s Buckeye is excellent. Two years ago I tried Pilates and quickly went from once a week to five when I am here. My phenomenal instructor is the reason I stuck with it and look forward to every session. After years of struggling to find a comfortable athletic bra, I now layer a scoop bra, sports bra, and tanks from FP Movement — also a game changer. While in Paris recently, I switched oat milk for cow’s milk in my coffee and, after years of limiting dairy, I’m eating lots of yogurt. My skin cleared up instantly! Finally, I use predominantly Biologique Recherche products from my facialist, however, she introduced me to Margy’s The Lotion 1 and it has made an enormous difference.
On My Mind
Spring 2024 I shelved my Adidas Sambas and wondered what could replace them. Dries Van Noten’s sneakers filled the gap nicely. I bought the tan pair in January — they were so comfortable that I immediately bought the other two. I’ve posted on the Paris-based Canadian fashion journalist Monica Ainley de La Villardiere for years — I love her personal style and spirit. Her Substack Mon Review is one of my top five favorites. I want to add a white skirt to my fall/winter rotation and I’m inspired by Ms. de La Villardiere’s outfit, also look #7 from the recent The Row Summer 2026 collection images. Finally, the appointment of Maria Grazia Chiuri as Fendi’s chief creative officer makes me want to jump for joy. She designed the Valentino pieces I cherish and the Dior shoes I collect. I am already making space in my wardrobe for the beautiful things she will design for Fendi.
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