Six Quick Things
The Staples Edition.
Hello! We are back. Happy New Year! Happy 2026.
This year, I’m resisting every urge that compels me to finalize my goals, complete my journaling, and ever so neatly tie a bow on my resolutions by the first week of January. Instead, I’m opting for a slower entry into the new year. Maybe it’s because there’s so much going on in the world. Maybe it’s because last year—between my first year of motherhood and building a business that’s growing and evolving at a new speed—felt like a slightly frenetic race to the finish. Probably it’s both. Either way, I’m trying to move into 2026 with a bit more… ease? This, of course, is much easier said than done. The realities of life mostly demand otherwise. So instead, I’m thinking about urgency. Where it is required, and where it should be tempered. And I’m thinking about where I can apply this feeling of ease, especially when it comes to the good stuff. I’m doing things like giving myself time to really reflect on last year before diving into the aspirations for this one. And going back to the basics, particularly when it comes to what I put on and how I want to show up.
Which brings me to today’s dispatch, dedicated to the very best staples. I hesitated to share this one at first because, in some ways, it all feels quite obvious. Maybe even too simple? But simple is exactly what I’m craving this time of year. A de-layering of sorts. There’s something nice about revisiting the foundational things that make you feel grounded and clear, so here it is. Six great things that I think are worth a moment of your time.
And also, thank you for being here :) One thing I do know is that this community is one of the things I am very excited about (and grateful for) going into 2026.
I really debated putting a pair of jeans on this list. Jeans are so personal that recommending them feels a bit like recommending a bathing suit. What works for someone else on the internet I often find does not always translate for me. But there has proven to be one exception!!!! And it is these barrel jeans. This fall, I learned they were viral for a reason. They look good on everyone! I’ve never had a pair of jeans prompt two different people on Sixth Avenue to stop me and ask where they’re from. They’re also supremely comfortable. If there is a singular pair of jeans I am reaching for most this month, it’s these.
Of course, among the six great things that make up the backbone of my closet is a great pair of shoes. This year, it’s The Phoebe for me. The website is not exaggerating when it says “glovelike fit”. I promise these shoes feel like socks. They really do. I love them in all colors but my pick for January is the chocolate suede. They’re equal parts versatile and elegant, and will not disappoint.
This has been my most-used bag of 2025 and 2024. It may be one of my most favorite handbags ever. It is deceptively big (ie, it can fit a wallet, a child’s truck, a sippy cup, a traveling lip gloss collection, a sizable scarf, and the Spindrift you throw in at the last minute just in case). After two years of serious wear, it looks as good as new, and the beginnings of the patina I’m starting to see on the croc are making me fall even more in love with it. I love the shape and the finish—and that it’s more interesting than a standard tote.
The mileage I’ve gotten out of this trouser! And I really mean mileage. 2025 was the year I fell in love with an everyday trouser, and this was my most-reached-for pair. I think what must set these pants apart is the elastic waist band. It almost makes them feel like loungewear. Also, the taper of this pant is extremely flattering. It gives them real range. From a tank to an oversized sweater, the styling options are limitless! Clearly, I’m in love with these pants, and I think you could be too.
As I’ve shared, last year was the year of the car coat for me—in every shape and for every use case. I love them. But as I’m returning to shapes that feel good right now, I’m craving something more along the lines of a classic trench. One that has a bit of personality in how it moves. Enter: this trench coat. What’s not to love! It comes in perfect shade of light beige, with a cut built for laying, and a price point that’s refreshingly reasonable. Ps. I love it styled with the red.
Last but not least, the earring. Continuing our conversation re: an interesting but unimposing earring, here is another fabulous option. Perhaps you’ve considered this style already, but if not, allow me to introduce you to a perfect everyday earring. I wear them constantly. My favorite part is that if you want a bit more personality than a single stud, you can layer them up your ear in different sizes for a completely different look. And then there’s the price point. I keep coming back to them, which feels like the truest endorsement I can give.
Happy weekend! x
Feeling so validated reading the first few sentences! Love this.