December Favorites
A sparkly tee, Toteme boots that have been my greatest investment and a flannel I want to buy everyone in my family this Christmas.
Per usual December feels like a fabulously chaotic whirlwind with a full calendar and fun reasons to dress up. I’m no where near being done with my holiday shopping and the clock is a’ ticking! But I did want to carve out some time here to share what has been sparking some joy in my everyday routine this last and final month of 2024.
1. It’s officially cooled down around here and I’ve been relying on all my warmest layers like this incredibly soft Frank & Eileen flannel shirt that is giving “dad’s winter plaid” and I’m all for it. I’ve been throwing it on over tees, this wool layer and under some go-to jackets like this barn coat and this Toteme puffer.
2. I’ve had a few dinner parties lately and styled both of my outfits around a new espresso brown Savette bag I just got. The shape and size is so perfect for just a wallet, phone and keys and fits so comfortable under your arm. During the day I have been loving it with jeans and this cashmere turtleneck (samantha15) and equally loving it with black as well.
3. Another great find this month, a shimmery, sheer lilac tee that I have found to be so essential for the Holidays as it’s easily dressed up or down, comfortable and yet so festive at the same time. It’s part of a collaboration collection called “Holiday Things” with two of my favorites, Becky Malinsky (a New York stylist who also writes one of my favorite substacks Five Things You Should Buy) and Alex Mill that can do no wrong.
4. Two years ago I bought these knee-high Toteme boots (also available here) and they have proven to be one of my greatest investments. For starters, the classic riding boot silhouette feels timeless (reminiscent of an Hermes boot for a 1/4 of the price) and they’re a keystone when it comes to transitioning to cooler days as I end up pairing them with dresses and coats. Without fail they collect compliments when I wear them and best of all, they’re comfortable. Just the other night I wore them to a Merlette dinner (who recently opened their very first store here in Montecito!) with this dress and a shearling coat (a $200 version) because it was cold as cold can be here! The combo was perfect and I was again so glad I had these sitting in my closet.
5. One consistent thing I’ve leaned into this year is a bit of western influence with whatever I’m wearing. It started with an older pair of brown suede Doen boots that I wore and loved but was wanting a slightly more slender shape to pair with straight leg jeans. I went for these Khaite Marfa boots and have (literally) worn them every other day for the past two months. I hit a rhythm this fall because of them and felt like my usual sweater and jeans formula was infused with a bit of cool.
6. Lastly these Jennifer Fisher hoops that are quickly becoming my favorites. I love the size, chunkiness and how lightweight they are but also loving them paired with layers like turtlenecks, chunky knits and scarves. Feels like the bit of jewelry that you can really show off even if you’re bundled up! And to me there is nothing cooler than a hoop and a baseball cap, one accessory combo I do love at this time of year.
Hope this inspires your December style a little! Now back to Christmas shopping, wish me luck.
xx Samantha