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Double Up: If I love a piece and wear it often, I'll buy it in other colors. It eliminates styling questions and keeps me in my comfort zone. The latest is a TWP shirt which I already own in ivory and navy. It’s a winner in my closet: dresses up or down, is comfortable and defines a look.

Double Up: If I love a piece and wear it often, I'll buy it in other colors. It eliminates styling questions and keeps me in my comfort zone. The latest is a TWP shirt which I already own in ivory and navy. It’s a winner in my closet: dresses up or down, is comfortable and defines a look.

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Patti Ruffle Front Cotton & Silk Button-Up Shirt | Nordstrom

Patti Top in Cotton Silk Organza | TWP

Patti Top in Cotton Silk Organza | TWP

Patti Ruffle Button-Front Shirt | Neiman Marcus

A Dries Van Noten jacket is another I have in multiples. The three-quarter sleeve and nipped in shape give it the perfect dose of chic. I’m so glad they’ve continued to recreate it in new fabrications each season. I’m considering adding a woven jacquard to my collection. Also, love it in a pinstripe... linked below

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Highlights from my annual “More of This, Less of That” post for 2026 published this week on Substack.

Looking back at 2025 shows me what I want more of and what I’m leaving behind: the trips that worked, style that feels authentic, consistency in creative rhythm. These insights are shaping my decision on where I want to travel next, helping me refine the style that feels most like me, and providing inspiration on how I want A Note on Style to look going forward.

TRAVEL: Every destination has been an experience where I learn a little more about myself: what I liked and what I’ll want to avoid.

Road trips: I’m always amazed how little effort it takes to be transported somewhere completely different from home.

Travel somewhere new: I love the excitement of the unknown and how a destination reveals itself over a prolonged visit.

Seek out the smaller hotels: In September, I went with my instinct and chose to stay at Ottmangut, a very small boutique hotel in Italy rather than others more well known. It turned out to be one of my most memorable stays.

WEARING: The fashion conversation will continue to center on building a wardrobe that acts as an anchor of desirable staples to be styled according to mood or activity.

Double Up: If I love a piece and wear it often, I’ll buy it in other colors. It eliminates styling questions and keeps me in my comfort zone.

An Unexpected Piece: It’s very easy to get stuck in a classic style rut. I’m always looking for singular pieces that add a punctuation mark to a look.

Skincare: I found a simple routine (I talked about in “Catching Up”) that works for me. I’ll continue with the regimen into 2026.

There’s more in the full story on Substack. ❤️

A uniform for dinner dates.

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A BIT OF ARGYLE

I’ll end this post with argyle. The diamond motif has caught my eye this season courtesy of the latest iterations in unique colors and playful scale. The runway treatments from Celine, Miu Miu and Khaite prove the pattern’s endless versatility for reinvention. There are a number of references to use as a jumping off point with argyle’s heritage-rich roots and country club prep. A hint of nostalgia is clear.

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PENCIL SKIRTS

I’m making an effort to wear more skirts. I have two maxi pencil styles, in navy and black, from the glory days of Matches Fashion. They are perfect in every way and fit in with the renaissance of 90s minimalism. I’d like to introduce two new pieces—an embellished/printed design and a deep brown leather fit. I’d style them casually with a poplin shirt, silk blouse, or slouchy sweater to make them feel more everyday rather than special. Kallmeyer’s leather skirt is a top contender. And for an even more casual option, don’t forget the COS denim skirt, which is almost identical to this from Tom Ford. Embellished or special treatment goes to Dries Van Noten (always) and the floral-applique on Shushu/Tong’s brown midi skirt.

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CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION

Pieces from Veronica Leoni’s Fall 2025 debut for the house are trickling in. Mytheresa has a nice round up. I’m very into the bags and shoes with a 90’s minimalism reinvented for the present. The bags above are beautiful in color, shape and functionality, and in comparison to the skyrocketing prices on current luxury bags, they’re somewhat reasonable.

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Settling into a variation on my dinner uniform: jeans, blazer, blouse and heels

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SUNDAY STYLE - OCTOBER
Street style inspiration is back, Calvin Klein looks good, pencil skirts and argyle knits on my radar...plus, late to the game but loving pilot frames.

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A handful of the items, colors, styling, and images shaping my September moodboard for More Of, Less Of. The themes covered this month include zeroing in on my current style, bringing back old school classics, adding personality to an outfit, reminiscing on old Vogue, and an ongoing appreciation of collected decor. Read on for the details and more.

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A lot of my fall inspiration comes in the form of creating a palette around familiar pieces. This week it’s a blue and brown story stemming from the Ralph Lauren Home Rue Boheme Collection. I’m especially drawn to a deep, rich blue which is pretty new for me meaning I’ll most likely be purchasing a piece or two to create some fresh looks.

The key to the richness of this palette lies in the varying textures that bring depth and visual interest to each outfit. Consider matte suede loafers paired with lustrous silk blouses, creating a beautiful contrast between smooth and textured surfaces. Even the blue pants above come to life when rendered in soft corduroy, adding dimension that makes the color look more interesting.

These earthy browns ground the vibrant blue perfectly, think cognac leather boots or chocolate cashmere sweaters. The interplay between warm and cool tones creates a harmony that feels right for fall.

I’d finish up with a Devon Woodhill shimmering tigers-eye pendant that serves as an intentional polishing touch. The warm brown striations add just the right amount of luxurious detail to tie everything together with effortless elegance.

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Diving deep into curating a fall wardrobe.

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This season, I'm investing in the richest tones autumn offers: chocolate browns, burgundy, and suede pieces that will form the foundation of my fall wardrobe.

I'll balance matte textures with a hit of shine through crinkled patent leather (love these loafers!). The combination creates visual interest without overthinking it.

And I like how a stacked wood heel brings an organic element to a beautiful suede boot. Weathered finishes that feel worn add character to this palette too. A Miu Miu bag speaks nicely to this theme. It brings in a note of vintage beauty which could further translate to jewelry. One-of-a-kind special pieces always elevate!

These details help create a palette that's sophisticated for any setting. It's an approach to seasonal dressing I've been referring to often lately, with palette taking priority over specific items for creating interesting combinations rather than following trends.

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A mood board of four very good, unrelated finds. Each piece stands on its own as a simple style statement. All keepers. Full story on Substack.

1. These jeans strike a perfect balance with their uniform fade - far more sophisticated than heavily distressed denim.

2. Love these beautiful drop earrings. They'd create stunning contrast against my go-to all-black evening looks or bring unexpected sophistication to more casual ensembles - the kind of accessory that elevates everything it touches.

3. Snake print accessories work beautifully when used sparingly and strategically. A delicate strap on sandals or a petite handbag introduces just the right amount of texture and visual interest to simple outfits.

4. These new Prada frames capture a sporty sensibility with tinted lenses and clean rectangular lines. The silhouette manages to feel both contemporary and classic - style that will transcend seasonal trends.

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Redefining Formal Wear: Simple, Elegant, and Endlessly Versatile

Even if an event calls for formal attire, I skip the preconceived idea of what formal wear should look like. I prefer to wear something simple and elegant that’s elevated enough for me to confidently mingle with the dressier crowd. The bonus points hit when the same outfit can be turned down a notch and have a life for other moments - a relaxed dinner party, cocktail party, destination dress, etc. Instead of being confined by rigid rules about what constitutes "appropriate" formal wear, I've learned to trust my instincts and choose pieces that feel like me while still honoring the occasion.

The key is finding that sweet spot where elevated meets effortless. A silk slip dress can work just as beautifully at a black-tie event as it does at a beachside dinner, swapping heels for sandals and adding a relaxed cardigan. This approach has made my wardrobe infinitely more practical. Instead of owning separate outfits for every type of occasion, I invest in versatile pieces that can be styled up or down with shoes and jewelry depending on the moment.

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Elevating the Ordinary

I may never purchase a pair of black flip flops this season, even though they've been on my radar. They're incredibly versatile and very much in style, but I've reached fatigue with the overwhelming availability across price points that run the gamut. I'll probably pass on the basics now that I've found a more elevated style from Tom Ford - so simple in softly braided suede with a delicate gold T-bar adding major style points. They're a notch above the rest.

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The Outfit Defining Top

The top I want multiples of right now looks like this: sleeveless, special neck detail (meaning draped, drawstring, funnel), gathered or asymmetrical silhouette, interesting fabric. It’s a nod to pieces from The Row that’ve gained enough momentum to trickle down into a multitude of interpretations over the last several seasons. Look at the striped double-layered silk top or the layered cotton gauze style above if you want the OG. If you’re more interested in an alternative that perhaps better suits your personal style and pocketbook, check out at the links below.

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Today’s Sunday Style Newsletter on Substack includes an outfit defining top, an elevated flip flop, adding personal style to a tech ring, and rethinking what formal wear looks like.

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NEW BLACK BAGS

A few new black bags have caught my attention. I’ve already talked about a tan Balenciaga Rodeo in this post, but think it looks especially strong in black. The somewhat slouchy but still structured shape is appealing. And I love the subtle warmth the gold hardware brings to the Rodeo. My preference is the smaller of the sizes offered. Also in the same vein of slightly undone is Prada’s Buckle bag or the even simpler Aimee shoulder bag. These are all a nice departure from the more formal, structured bags that have been on my radar the last several years.

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A FRESH WAY TO STYLE BLACK

I’ll never abandon black in my wardrobe, so I’m always looking for ways to make it feel fresh. This season, I’ll introduce green.

An emerald sweater, a bright olive skirt, or sage pants will bring life to my favorite black pieces.

The key is to break it up with a pop of white to emphasize the contrast. What I love about this combination is how sophisticated it feels without trying too hard. Black with green is one of those color pairings that feels both unexpected and completely natural. The darker the green, the more dramatic the effect.

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Leaning into fall fashion even though I know we won’t get a glimpse of cooler weather for several months. Living in California, the best way to partake in fall fashion is to shift the palette. Today, I’m talking about the pants that are replacing my jeans, a fresh way to style black, a good shoe, beautiful bags, and a striking watch you don’t see on everyone’s wrist - all in the context of dipping into fall fashion.

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NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE FIND:

On a recent trip to Portugal in May, a padded black bomber became the surprising hero. I loved its sporty vibe that gave my wardrobe a contemporary edge. I only wished it wasn’t so heavy. Note to self…find a lightweight style to wear in warmer weather.

A contender popped up online, but I wasn’t sold based on how it was styled. I scrolled on. In store, I spotted it again and saw its relevance. The slightly textured sheen, subtle interesting details, lots of pockets - it was a definite winner I wouldn’t have considered if I hadn’t seen it in person. I purchased it in navy (so dark it almost reads black). It’s available in ivory too which I’m seriously considering. When I love an item, I buy doubles, and this may be one of those special pieces.

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NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE PREVIEW
Thinking ahead…I like to have a few items on hand I think would be universally good for a last minute gift. Sets from Byredo, Le Labo, Diptyque, and Salt & Stone are always well received. Or, if I see something I know a friend would love, I’ll purchase it now and gift it later for a birthday or just because gift. Think about hostess gifts too…a beautiful carving board set or picnic blanket are great for the right occasion.

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