We haven’t planned for 2026 yet. I organize my year by seasons, and travel fills that framework first and sets the pace for everything else. When I look back in 2025, I can see what I want more of and what I am leaving behind. It’s a journey that works, a style that feels authentic, and a consistency of creative rhythm. These insights help me decide where I want to travel next, help me refine the style that suits me best, and provide inspiration for how I want to look. Notes on Style To watch in the future.
Here are the key takeaways that are shaping my thoughts for the year ahead.
travel:
Every travel destination has been an experience where I learn a little more about myself. What I like and what I want to avoid. Many of these things have not changed since “more of this, less of that.” mail. If anything, it has strengthened it. Hotels are very important along with maintaining a loose exploration itinerary. In 2026, we’ll be adding avoiding Instagram recommendations to our Less of That list. Realizing that sharing a location can be overwhelming has forced me to rethink what and how I post. I love taking photos and will continue to share them, but location naming will be reserved for my paid Substack subscribers.
I want to write more travel posts. I have a wealth of information, photos and suggestions that I would like to share. My preferred format is to follow “A Weekend in Ojai” posts (no paywall in January). Here we talk about the destination and also add clothing and decorations that reflect the atmosphere of the place. I also commit to being honest about things that don’t meet my standards. I have seen firsthand the overselling of places and the resulting disappointment. Truth in travel and building trust are of utmost importance.
Road trip: I’m always amazed at how little effort it takes to move somewhere completely different from home. I like small, walkable towns with a main street or central square and local restaurants and shopping. I also enjoy downtime in the car, chatting, listening to podcasts or books, and watching the world go by.
Travel to new places: In May we spent almost a month in Portugal, a country we had never been to before. I love the excitement of the unknown and how a destination reveals itself over extended visits. From Comporta to Lisbon, Alentejo and Duoro Valley, it was fascinating to see how each region was unique and had its own style of hospitality to go with it. Next thing to consider: more places in Ireland, Menorca, Egypt or Italy yet to be discovered.
Repeat favorites: We visited the Dolomites back to back in 2024 and 2025. Beyond being in awe of its beauty, I was drawn to the area in a way that is difficult to explain. Between two visits of about two weeks, I saw only a fraction of what the Alps had to offer. There are hotels you’ll want to try purely for the design experience, scenic trails for hiking and biking, and several villages that look authentic and charming. I plan to go again someday and would like to plan my trip around one of the country festivals, such as Almabtrieb, an autumn tradition where farmers gather their livestock from the mountain pastures and take them back to the valley for the winter.
Find smaller hotels: In September, I instinctively decided to stay at the Ottmanngut, a very small boutique hotel in Italy, rather than another famous hotel. I came across a few articles (two to be exact) that I found interesting. We stayed in a small room next to reception with a heavily knotted wooden floor and a small bathroom. The design was leisurely but beautiful with a Tyrolean-style antique bed, a dresser that served as a wardrobe, and a chair set. Deep windows, framed with linen curtains, looked out onto a lush garden. The food, atmosphere, and overall experience are worthy of a post in themselves (coming soon). Ottmanngut was one of my most memorable hotel stays.
wearing:
Conversations about fashion will continue to focus on creating a wardrobe that serves as an anchor of desirable essentials that can be styled depending on your mood or activity. While sharing favorites from the past, I’ll offer suggestions for current options to help you create a wardrobe that’s sustainable, functional, and beautiful. With the essentials in place, I’ll suggest some unexpected additions that will enhance your wardrobe while maintaining my core style.
Fill in the blanks: Shop for items that fill the emptiness in your closet. Now it’s black pants. It’s not particularly inspiring. This explains my lack of motivation. But there have been more than a few times when I’ve wished I had a pair of beautiful pants that I could style into more interesting pieces. Mid-heel pumps are another gap. I sold most of my older styles that weren’t comfortable because the heels were too high or the toes were too pointed.
update time: I have a few specific wardrobe items for traveling. One for warm resort-type destinations, one for outdoor adventures, and one for cold-weather destinations. Now it’s time to edit and update the tired parts. I don’t want to wait to buy a replacement until I have to pack up one of my “closets”. Because inevitably I won’t find what I really want. I’m organizing this in my mind, hoping it will surface when I see something that speaks to me.
Double up: If I like something and wear it often, I’ll buy it in a different color. Eliminate styling questions and keep you comfortable. The latest is the TWP shirt in ivory and navy, which I already own. It’s a winner in my wardrobe. Dress it up or down, it’s comfortable and defines your look.
The same goes for the Nili Lotan silk blouse (available in black, navy, dots and stripes – they’re all on sale) and several NL cropped jackets. The Dries Van Noten jacket is another jacket I have several of. The three-quarter sleeves and cinched shape give it the perfect chic look. I’m so happy that they continue to recreate it with new pieces every season. I am considering adding this woven jacquard to my collection. Also, I love the pinstripe style.
unexpected work: It’s very easy to get stuck in a classic style rut. I’m interested in adding that one piece that completes the look. Imagine my two uniforms. Add an all-black base layer or jeans and a white shirt, plus a statement jacket (leopard, patterned, velvet), a cool belt (Ralph Lauren: Defender of Life), a colorful bag, or outfit-defining shoes (these leopard pumps are coming to me right now).
decoration:
New project: We began an exterior project last summer, rebuilding the patio cover and updating the landscape lighting. This year I want to tackle some interior work, especially my son’s room. They both live in LA, and their room feels like they’re trapped in a time warp back to their high school days. I’ve wanted to update it for a while, but I’ve been having a hard time with the thought of erasing memories from my childhood. I think I’m the only one among my friends who thinks this way. But now it’s time to update so you can enjoy rooms that reflect your design style that can be seen throughout the home.
Wellness & Skincare:
Frustration and Learning: Since turning 60, I have started to focus more intentionally on exercise and diet. I already ate well and exercised two or three times a week, but being in my 60s seemed like an opportunity to act more cautiously. To build muscle, I increased my protein intake (a lot!) and added weight training three times a week. You can imagine how disappointed I was when my latest DEXA scan showed more bone loss. In response, I tried adding a weighted vest for my walking, but it never got comfortable and I threw it away after three months. I’m continuing my weight training and Pilates, but also adjusting my approach in other areas, including focusing on protein intake that suits my body, adding calcium supplements, and fine-tuning my dosages of creatine and amino acids.
Skin care: I found a simple routine that works for me in “Catching Up” and I’m sticking to it.
- Prequel Gleanser – Cleanses while hydrating with glycerin.
- Dr. Metacine Insta Facial Plasma (AM) by Diamond – Bioactive Growth Factor Serum. I love the way it makes my skin feel and glow (talented though, I will continue to use it).
- Coleman Compound Arbutin Cream (PM) – A miracle worker for brightening stubborn dark spots. Mrs. Check out the rave reviews for Derm. Melissa Coleman’s “less is more. Use only what works” philosophy has helped me streamline my skincare regimen.
- Tretinoin (prescription) (PM) – This is the single product that makes the biggest difference.
- When you feel dry (am/pm) dr. Diamond’s Metacine HYDRO/O Moisturizer – This is the only moisturizer I use. Gifted. A little goes a long way.
- Use European Anthelios UV MUNE 400 sunscreen daily. I stock up on it every time I travel, and you can also buy it at Care2Beauty.
Creative Rhythm:
This need for structure extends to my posting rhythm. I’ve been more inconsistent lately and I’ve spent some time thinking about why. I came to a few conclusions: First, there are too many voices coming from email, Instagram, and Substack. The constant promotion and push for newness dilutes what’s actually worth paying attention to and makes it difficult to form your own perspective. I’m editing in depth who I follow and asking myself what I’m getting out of their posts. The goal is to be more selective and create space for the truly inspiring.
