#01 books and looks

everything I read and wore recently, plus a cozy nighttime routine

books

My winter break book was The God of The Woods (Liz Moore), and so far, I’m enjoying it. I didn’t have many opportunities to read during the break, so I look forward to having more time to sit on the couch and page-turn this month.

looks

I spent the winter break doing two things: cooking and visiting places with my in-laws.

headed out for my fifth coffee of the day

For each outing, I went with my go-to formula—jeans + a sweater + and ballet flats. It was practical and polished, perfect for long, active days filled with walking, moving around, and plenty of photo opportunities. Knowing that any picture could end up in five different WhatsApp groups within the hour, I wanted to look and feel confident at all times.

The wardrobe mvp award for these days goes to the Khaite Abigail jeans. I wore them a LOT.

COS sweater (true size small, and it’s oversized and boxy) // Khaite jeans (sized up to a 27, more info on sizing below) // Chanel ballet flats via TRR

This COS sweater was a recent purchase after I saw it on Jess Boardman.

COS sweater // Khaite jeans

Different sweater/flats combo, but the same idea.

RLT sweater (true size small) // Khaite belt // Khaite jeans // Chanel ballet flats

Wearing my vintage Gucci by Tom Ford bag, one of my first vintage purchases from The Real Real. //Similar here for $300 in black leather.

These jeans work well for my body type because I can wear them high-waisted and tuck sweaters or shirts in. Most of my other jeans are mid/low-waisted, so a full tuck doesn’t work (though I’ll always attempt a half-tuck!).

La Ligne cardigan (sized up to a medium) // Khaite belt // Khaite jeans // Hunting Season bag (old, but in a more orange-red here, and a bunch of other colors here) // Chanel flats

I purchased this Hunting Season bag at the Matches store in London last year (RIP), and it’s been one of my best purchases ever. Comes with a strap so you can wear it crossbody. Unless I have to, I don’t like wearing crossbody bags, so I hold this one by the top handle.

A note on sizing for these jeans: I should have stuck with my true size instead of sizing up. I have another pair of Khaite Abigail jeans from TRR in a size up—they’re snug. The ones pictured, also sized up, are loose in the bum/leg area and slightly in the waist. My plan is to have them tailored, leaving the waist a bit loose for tucking and wearing a belt but streamlining the extra fabric for a true straight-leg fit. If you’re buying these, I recommend trying your true size first and going from there. They definitely loosen with wear, and I’m hearing that not all washes fit the same.

Admiring a piece by my favorite artist ever, Joan Mitchell

Other than the Khaite jeans, I reached for white jeans from FRAME.

In the kitchen wearing an apron, I got at a local store (brand unknown) // Argent sweater (sized down to xs)* // FRAME jeans (took true size for a loose fit) // Jenni Kayne shearling mocs I use as house shoes

Out walking the dog in the same outfit as above.

Sometimes, I’ll refresh an outfit by switching out the shoes.

Argent sweater, which was kindly sent to me by their team, and I love love love. Would purchase this. // FRAME jeans // Chanel flats via TRR

More white jeans outfits:

a work from home outfit // COS sweater from earlier // FRAME jeans // Chanel ballet flats

trying out a new mirror setup // wearing Gabriel + Simone blue light readers in the coolest shade of green

picnic in the park // old Lauren Manoogian sweater (similar style here, and I am TEMPTED to order in cream) // Buck Mason tshirt // FRAME jeans // old Le Monde Beryl flats (similar here) // LL Bean boat and tote (large size short handles)

Keeping with the white bottoms theme, I pulled these Citizen cargo pants out of my closet. Hadn’t worn them since the summer.

Alex Mill vneck // Citizens of Humanity cargos (wearing my true size) // Chanel ballet flats

And snagged these DONNI baby rib scallop pants during their Boxing Day sale. I wore them from 12/30 through 01/02.

the scallop hem detail is so pretty

On the morning of January 2nd, I received a long-awaited eBay find—a Pringle of Scotland sweater in the most perfect shade of blue. It was absolutely worth the hunt and the wait.

55% cashmere 45% wool, 100% perfect

Washed it and threw it on the next day.

Pringle sweater via eBay // old GAP long sleeve // DONNI pants // Jenni Kayne shearling mocs

I had sushi dinner plans with my girlfriends later that night, so I swapped the bottoms for dark denim.

same outfit on top, but wearing Still Here Tate jeans in a darker wash (wearing my true size)

Added a coat because it gets cold at night.

Max Mara coat I got on The Real Real January

&bonus

I’ve felt anxious since the start of the new year. The energy around me has been very chaotic, and I’m craving stability and grounding.

So, I’m working on building daily routines to help me regain focus and flow—those might even be my words for 2025. Mornings are a bit tough right now; getting out of bed isn’t as effortless as it feels in summer, but I’m embracing that. I know this will pass.

In my favorite J.Crew striped pjs.

My nighttime routine, on the other hand, feels just right. I run a bath while tidying up, prepping Sleepytime tea, and taking a quick shower. Then, I soak in the tub with my tea. My husband often joins me for the last 15 minutes, sitting on the edge of the tub as we chat. It’s a sweet way to end the day.

I love using this muscle soak in the tub, it also makes the best bubbles. I usually throw a little Epson salt in there as well. Just ordered these sleep pebbles from Kate McLeod and am excited to try. First purchase from this brand.

Peep the two heaters!

After that, I make my way to bed and curl up with my two “heaters”: my hot water bottle and my puppy (seriously, how are they so warm!!). A little reading (or scrolling) before lights out.

Wishing you a focused and flowy 2025! Thank you for being here. <3

I turn to this poem every new year. Sharing it with you, hoping it moves something within you. <3

---

POSTSCRIPT 01.12.2025

I finished writing this edition of Books and Looks last Tuesday around 6 pm. Once I scheduled the post for later that evening, I moved on to make dinner, sat and ate on the couch while my husband watched the Nuggets game, and then checked NextDoor. There were a lot of sirens, and I wanted to see if anyone had any info. I quickly learned that a fire had broken out a few miles from my house. Panicked, I spent the next hours coordinating emergency plans with friends and family, packing go bags, and putting wet towels near windows and doors. We loaded the car early in the morning and received an evacuation warning right as we pulled out of the driveway.

My family, my home, and my neighbors are safe. But many, many… too many are not. My heart breaks for those who lost homes, family members, beloved pets, belongings, collections spanning lifetimes and generations, and a sense of safety. If this is you or someone you love, I am so deeply sorry.

This is a tragedy, and I’m overwhelmed thinking of the road ahead. But if the last few days have shown us anything, it’s that our communities are strong and unified.

I’m sure you’ve seen many ways to help. Below are some more ideas.

• If you’re in the LA area and are available this coming weekend, 11/18 — join me volunteering for We Love LA. Message me directly so we can coordinate.

  

• You can also sign up to volunteer for the Red Cross and World Central Kitchen. If you want to do a shift together, let me know.

• If you’re not in the LA area and want to help, I believe donating directly to affected families is best. Cat Chen put together a list of “neighbors in need.” There are almost 600 entries — it’s really quite hard to imagine. Any little bit helps and counts.

Sending everyone a hug. Message me, please, if you know of someone who needs help or if you want someone to talk to.

I found so many of these burnt pages all over my garden </3