Happy Sunday, everyone. As you may have noticed, be it the gift guides or our Christmas decorating hacks post on Friday, we are really getting into the holiday spirit. And you bet shoots have been happening, so get ready for those. Ok links? Great.
This week’s house tour is a cool, modern, exciting home! So many interesting choices that you just have to go take a look:)
From Emily: It’s fair isle sweater time (adjacent to the holiday sweater, and a great substitute for more than just festive occasions). I bought this one, it’s warm, soft, and the color is so pretty. I paired it with a mini skirt and tall boots to dress it up, and then of course with sweats for around the house. It feels way more luxurious and high-end than the price tag would give.
From Arlyn: Is it just me, or is the quality of, uh, everything, just getting worse and worse? I used to buy my kid’s entire wardrobe from Target, which I did find great quality for the price, but then I moved on to Old Navy and Carter’s, and the quality is just okay on most things (especially the T-shirts…meh). But I ordered some cold-weather essentials recently from this brand called Primary, and I was blown away by the quality. Sure, it’s a bit more expensive, so it should be longer-wearing clothes, but they currently have a 40% off site-wide cyber sale, and now is the time to grab all the things. I especially loved their joggers, puffer, zippie hoodie, and long-sleeve tees. Honestly, I wanted it all for myself because it was so soft and well-made!
From Jess: Cool, small brand alert! So I came across this streetwear clothing brand called Saalt Studio, and I immediately loved how fresh it felt. The color palette is muted, the shapes are cool and oversized, and everything is pretty unisex. I signed up for the SMS texts so I could get a first look at their new drop, and I am so happy I did. I bought these track sweatpants and have maybe never felt cooler? lol. I would size down because they are really oversized unless you want that look. I think something from this brand would be such a great gift for someone in your life with this style or who likes to dabble in it (like me:)). Plus, you’ll look extremely cool for knowing about them. The colorway I got is pretty sold out, but I loved these, too.
From Catilin: If you’ve been reading the blog for a long time, you know that She Should Run is an organization that’s near and dear to my heart. They’re a national and nonpartisan group that helps women run for everything from the local school board to the Senate. If you’ve felt frustrated in the past year about the direction of our country, please consider checking out their 12-week Local Leader incubator! They’re currently forming cohorts for 2026; you’ll leave with a fleshed-out plan to help solve a problem in your own community (plus, it’s a low-stakes way to determine if politics is right for you!). We need more women in all levels of government – and that means all types of women, so please don’t count yourself out! You are far more qualified than you know, and you have the power to make your community better. I will happily volunteer my support for any of your campaigns:)
Also from Caitlin: Really enjoyed this piece on Marion Mahony Griffin! She was one of the first licensed female architects in America (the actual first in Illinois!) and Frank Lloyd Wright’s first employee. I’ve been obsessed with Wright since the fourth grade (when I did a report on Fallingwater, and dressed up as him to present it to my class – yes, I was a weirdo), but I wasn’t familiar with Griffin’s impacts on all those iconic buildings! This is a fun, easy read about a cool lady – check it out.
From Mallory: Guys! Our good friend Ajai launched a new home decor brand called Cadbury Home!! You guys have to check out her adorable tea towels – I LOVE the ones with the little ruffles sooo much. Be sure to also follow her new brand on Instagram here! (PS, these would make the best holiday gift).
From Marlee: This week, I received the following text in a group chat: “What is your winter staple shoe that goes with everything. AKA what is the flip flop of winter?” It didn’t take much debate for everyone to agree that the flip-flop of winter is the garden clog – they’re slip-on and go, work with basically any outfit, AND they’re waterproof. Obviously, they aren’t ideal for a *snow* situation, or heavy rainfall, but if you’re trudging around town and it’s a little wet out, they do a pretty good job of keeping your feet dry. As a clog gal myself, I have 2 absolute favorite pairs, plus 2 pairs that I will recommend because all my garden-clog-rocking friends have them (the only reason I don’t have them is because one simply does not need more than 2 pairs of garden clogs…or do they). My favorite everyday pair is this pair – they’re pretty low profile, with a little height (not great for treacherous ground, I will say! You could roll your ankle!!) and very, very comfy. I have them in black, but I’ve been eyeing the oxblood color for a while. My almost-every-day pair is the Super-Birki by Birkenstock in a super fun powder blue color that seems to be discontinued. I’ve had these for at least 4 years at this point, and they’re in great shape. I get a ton of compliments on these, and my favorite way to wear them is with a super neutral outfit, with my shoes acting as my pop of color. They’re so comfortable and great for long days on your feet (nurses and food-service workers love them, I’ve heard!). Ok, rapid fire of my friends’ recs: these recycled hemp clogs, which are still slip-on but seem to be a little more secure on your feet than my other recs. And the Ugg Tasman clogs (there’s also this color on Nordstrom Rack!). These come with a matching sock that you can take out of the shoe – these are definitely a funky look but in the BEST way!!!! They’re super fun. Either you’re a clog person or you’re not – if you’re on the fence, try some out!
From Gretchen: This week, I treated myself to something pretty ridiculous, maybe even embarrassing, but it has sparked a little joy in me, so I think it’s worth a share. One of my all-time favorite movies, has been since I was a kid, is Spice World. There’s been something in the air that’s had me dying for a rewatch, but unfortunately, it’s one of those select few movies that just isn’t available on any streaming platform. If you’re familiar with this cinematic masterpiece and worship it the way I do, congratulations! You are one of the chosen–girl power! If you’ve seen this movie and are rolling your eyes right now at the thought of it, I forgive you. And if you have yet to be introduced and are curious to know more, here’s what you’ll need to watch it for yourself: buy a physical DVD copy of the movie AND purchase a cheap but functional (also small and unassuming) DVD player. I did it and couldn’t be happier. Sure, it’s a little more expensive than purchasing/downloading the movie (if you even have that option). But there’s something about seeing this “old school” player in my home, knowing it’s loaded up with my favorite comfort movie, ready to play at any moment, that just makes me giddy. The world has been feeling extremely heavy, and this was a silly, (relatively) small purchase that brought some lightness into my home. The player is nothing fancy. Extra small so it’s not an eyesore. It works as intended. But being able to watch this movie, whenever I feel the need, is luxurious! It’s what the kid version of me would’ve spent her money on, that’s for sure.
Thanks for spending time with us today, and see y’all tomorrow for yet another pretty great post;) xx
Opening Image Credits: Photo and Design by Kaitlin Green | From: The Tile Pattern Risk That REALLY Paid Off In This Kids’ Bathroom