RECENT POSTS, REVISITED

I was with a group of friends recently who mentioned they’ve been missing A NOTE ON STYLE posts since I began publishing more frequently on Substack. Unfamiliar with the platform, they assumed a paid subscription was required to read my content. While many Substack accounts do require payment, A NOTE ON STYLE does not. If that was a concern for any readers, please know my Substack newsletter currently is completely free to access.

Knowing many of you may still prefer the blog format, I’ll start sharing weekly recaps of content published on Substack here as well. For those who subscribe to both platforms, you’ll receive individual Substack posts as they’re published, plus a separate weekly summary on the blog.

The recap below is a bit of catching up and therefore longer than future weekly summaries. It covers the last four Substack posts published over the past several weeks. 

 

AUGUST 5: THE BEST PICKS OF THE WEEK

pants, shoes, watch, bag, sweater

I’m slowly leaning into fall fashion even though I know we won’t get a glimpse of cooler weather until late October (fingers crossed) or November. Living in California, the best way to partake in fall fashion is to shift the palette. Lightweight pieces still dictate any outfit, but styling them with a fall mindset allows me to feel more intentional about the season. For someone who loves coats, sweaters and boots, California has always challenged my fall wardrobe. I’ve finally accepted (sadly) that I don’t need any of these covetable pieces except for travel. This partially explains why I love to travel off season to places most people would prefer to escape in the middle of winter. Experiencing weather and dressing for it makes me happy. But I digress. 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.

The Pants: Volume Color Sheen

From left: Chan Luu, Kallmeyer, Massimo Dutti, COS, COS, and Aflalo. Also love this style and color from Tibi, a linen balloon shape in several colors from Suzie Kondi, a classic and versatile black from Rachel Comey, and a best selling COS twill palazzo.

Lately, I’ve surprised myself with how few times I reach for a pair of jeans when getting dressed. They’ve always hung front and center in my closet for quick, easy and frequent access. However, I’ve been glancing right past them to reach for soft, relaxed silhouettes instead.

The shape is nothing new, but they’re the most style forward pant at the moment. The pairs I’ve collected over the years are now being imagined from a new perspective. The beauty of the style is in personalizing how far you want to go with volume, movement and shape. Conservatively speaking, a wide-leg pull on is the entry level. Feeling a little more adventurous lets you delve into a barrel leg. The farthest I’ll possibly test is a balloon leg that gathers at the ankle. It all depends on the fabric. They’re quite easy to style with t-shirts, blouses, jackets, and sweaters. Even better, as the silhouette becomes more dramatic, the shoe pairing actually gets easier. While I prefer a flat sandal with a wide leg pant, a balloon leg looks great with either a flat or heel.

Color and fabric are defining details too. Black and white are classic choices but can feel too dressy in the soft fabrications I’m focused on. If I’m trying to wear this style in place of my jeans, I want them to look casual. Khaki, green, olive – really the entire range of greens – looks best to me. For something more adventurous, I’d try a pale blue or butter yellow. As for fabric, a subtle (or bold) sheen is the finishing touch that really puts these pants in the spotlight. All the colors I love look dramatically better with a lustrous finish. How much or little is personal choice.

A Fresh Way to Style Black

Gucci cropped GG pant, Toteme gauze shirt, COS white jeans, ARCH4 v-neck sweater, COS bubble skirt (and in white), Matteau poplin shirt, COS pointelle scarf, Marissa Klass Tourmaline necklace, Khaite x Oliver Peoples sunglasses, The Row ballet pump or Miu Miu’s newest flat ballet/loafer (not shown)

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 (love the polo in opening image), 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. But even softer sage tones create something special when paired with black. The white element doesn’t have to be major—a crisp white tee under an emerald sweater, white sneakers with black pants and an olive jacket, or even just white accessories can do the work. It’s that third color that prevents the look from feeling too heavy or monotone. My favorite way to pull it together is with a green sweater tied around my waist or over my shoulders with a black pant and white poplin shirt. From the pieces in the above image, I’d wear the green cotton shirt (fall weather friendly) with white jeans, and black accessories. I’d also try the black skirt and top with a bold green piece of jewelry or a scarf. This simple refresh using mostly pieces I already own is at the top of my Ways to Transition to a Fall Wardrobe list.

A Beautiful Shoe

Christian Louboutin Ballet Pump, wearing The Row Park Pump from this post

As sandal season wanes, the closed toe shoes emerge. My go-to for the last several fall seasons has been a loafer. But there’s been a shift in the visual balance and a more tapered, perhaps feminine, shape has emerged. I tested the waters last year with The Row Park pump and appreciated the versatility of the toe profile with both skirts and wide leg pants. When I saw the Christian Louboutin low heel black pumps, I immediately thought of The Row Park pump and had to make sure you all saw it too. The toe shape peeking out from a wide leg jean or pant is the gamechanger in making that silhouette more flattering. The trend in shoes continues to move towards a slimmer profile with a minimal sole. Look back at this post with discussion on the low profile sneakers of the moment.

New Black Bags

Balenciaga Rodeo Mini leather tote, Prada Buckle tote, Prada Aimée Medium leather shoulder bag

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.

A Less Predictable Watch

Cartier, Rolex, Bulgari, image: Launchmetrics

I look at a watch as a piece of jewelry more than a timepiece. Precision timing isn’t the end all for me. And like jewelry, I find beauty in the unique and collected. The wave of watches I’ve been drawn to lately is vintage or less predictable versions of both emerging and well known brands. There’s always a place for the investment classics, but it’s the watches that don’t get as much press that are grabbing my attention. And what a great arena to shop gently used or vintage. Some of my recent favorites include a bold Bulgari, a rose gold Cartier tank and a simple gold face Rolex – all with a black leather strap.

 

 

JULY 27: THE BEST TOP, ELEVATED FLIP FLOPS, TECH RING STYLE & REDEFINING FORMAL WEAR

I’m introducing a series called Sunday Style – a weekly collection of the details, links, and moments that caught my attention. The series will be a place for me to organize smaller observations that deserve to be shared without building an entire post around each one. It’s a more intentional version of the occasional This & That posts, now arriving reliably each week. Today’s Sunday Style includes an outfit defining top, an elevated flip flop, adding personal style to a tech ring, and rethinking what formal wear looks like.

The Outfit Defining Top

dress, top, sandals, ring jacket

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 here or the layered cotton gauze style here if you want the OG. If you’re more interested in an alternative that perhaps better suits your personal style and pocketbook, look here, here and here.

Layered Cotton Taupe Top (also here and here), Stripe Side Drape Top (and here), Draped Lightweight Wool Taupe Top, Striped Poplin Top, Drawstring Neck Top (just purchased – similar to the long sleeve version from spring)

 

 

Elevating the Ordinary

sandals, Mini 18kt rose gold tech ring jackets with diamonds, 18kt gold ring jackets with diamonds, 14kt single gold eternity band with diamonds, and Icon Midi 18kt gold tech ring jackets with diamonds (image)

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.

On the subject of elevating the ordinary, I love tech ring jackets. I wear my OURA ring every day and wouldn’t mind dressing it up on occasion. Suzanne Kalan has several gorgeous options in the brand’s signature aesthetic in both mini and midi sizes. I’m also fond of a single eternity band as a simpler but equally chic statement.

Redefining Formal Wear: Simple, Elegant, and Endlessly Versatile

Ruched Gathered Dress, V-Neck Stretch Satin Dress, Layered Mirror Dress

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.

Fil Coupe Midi Skirt and Top, Ruched Jersey Dress, Painted Stripe Pleated Gown, Hammered Silk Satin Dress,Silk Print Ruffle DressRuffled Metallic Dress, Twill Satin Maxi Dress,Twill Satin Skirt and Top, Gold Slip Dress

More dresses in my EVENT DRESS COLLECTION on SHOPMY

 

 

JULY 23: THE FAB FOUR

Kallmeyer FW25 – Each piece stands on its own with infinite styling possibilities. There’s a perfect balance of tailored polish and casual familiarity—denim, plaid flannel, and relaxed silhouettes.

More than ever, I find myself drawn to four designers whose work resonates with a particular sensibility: Khaite, Toteme, The Row, and Kallmeyer. There’s an unmistakable thread connecting them—a commitment to relaxed, tailored luxury that feels fresh without being forced. Each pushes just far enough from traditional classics to avoid predictability, yet remains utterly wearable.

If pressed to choose, Kallmeyer emerges as my current favorite. Daniella Kallmeyer achieves a perfect balance between masculine and feminine, structured and soft, solid and pattern. Her pieces possess that rare quality of being both covetable and entirely practical—the sort of clothes I aspire to build a considered wardrobe around.

What sets Kallmeyer apart is her restraint while remaining fluid. The designs avoid the occasionally rigid minimalism that can make Toteme feel austere, and sidestep the more conceptual tendencies that sometimes push Khaite into unwearable territory. Most importantly, the price points remain accessible in a way The Row’s rarely are—a crucial consideration when curating a thoughtful closet rather than making singular statement purchases.

While I’ll continue to appreciate the vision of all four designers, it’s Kallmeyer that has quietly begun to define my wardrobe. Sometimes the most profound style decisions happen organically, and this feels exactly right.

Kallmeyer PreFall 25 – A satin twill skirt sporty enough for daytime wear. Beautiful when styled with the windbreaker jacket, but equally chic with a tee or knit for casual moments or a structured taffeta top for an evening look… pencil skirt (also in limestone), jacket, braided leather and bead keyring

Kallmeyer Resort 2026 – Styling details pulled together with the versatile and creative use of a beaded belt. My favorite look is with the trouser and jacket on the left.

Kallmeyer PreFall 2025 – silk chiffon top, skirt and dress…as separates the top would get mileage paired with white jeans, trousers, even shorts. The skirt with an oversized knit or tee is valid too. I’d wear the dress with a light layer underneath to create an appropriate look for a relaxed special occasion.

Kallmeyer Resort 2026 – Fluid hemlines with movement might be my favorite detail from Kallmeyer. I especially love adding a tailored piece as an interesting contrast.

Kallmeyer PreFall 2025 – Four fabulous pieces to wear together or as separates…navy jacket, trouser, shirt/jacket, and plaid skirt (matching plaid shirt)

 

 

 

JULY 21: QUICK NOTES

I’m constantly jotting down notes of things I want to share, though many never make it into an individual post. They’re simple tidbits of information interesting to me and I hope to you too. I’m wrapping them up in a new series called Quick Notes. EU sunscreens and a makeup product, an important Birkenstock detail, and the sneaker trend I’m seeing are a few of the topics included in today’s notes.

SUNSCREEN

La Roche-Posay UV MUNE – the OG of all face sunscreens for protection with UVMUNE; Ducray Melascreen – for added BlueLight protection.

I follow Dr. Ellen Gendler on Instagram and pay close attention to her skincare recommendations. Her recent Instagram story on blue light protection caught my attention—she recommended two standout options: Ducray Melascreen and Avene Sun Intense. I ordered both immediately. The Ducray proved to be the winner for my face with its velvet, matte finish and impressive formula that delivers high protection against UVB, UVA, and blue light while helping reduce dark spots thanks to added Azelaic Acid. The Avene, unfortunately, left me too shiny for facial use, so it’s been relegated to arms and chest duty where a bit of sheen doesn’t bother me.

I buy all of my European sunscreens from a trio of sites – Care to Beauty, Cocoon Center, and French Beauty Hub. Each has its strengths. Care to Beauty and French Beauty Hub both ship the Ducray Melascreen to the US while Cocoon Center offers La Roche-Posay Anthelios MUNE at nearly half the price of its French counterparts. The shipping policies and pricing fluctuate enough between them that it’s worth checking all three before placing an order. There are more European skincare sites, but these are the three I’ve used and can attest to their consistent product quality and reliable delivery.

Concealer & Color Corrector

The Erborian CC and BB creams and concealers I love. Erborian CC Eye Cream (use as a base around eyes to smooth skin and adjust color imperfections), the BB Creme for spot correcting (can be blended like a foundation), Super BB Concealer for dark circles. The packaging doesn’t feel lux but the formulation performs better than any high end beauty product I’ve used. A little goes a long way. Read more about how to select the right Erborian CC cream here.

Another product I absolutely love is the CC Eye Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen from Korean skincare brand Erborian. It blends seamlessly and creates the perfect base for concealer application when needed. Unlike other eye products I’ve tried, it never leaves the delicate corner skin dry and flaky – an issue that sold me on this formulation completely. The quality impressed me enough to expand into their Super BB Concealer and CC Crème High Definition Radiance Cream, both offering SPF 25 protection. Since I prefer strategic spot correction over foundation coverage, these deliver exactly what I need. Worth noting: while Erborian products appear on US retail sites, many feature different formulations than their European counterparts. My favorite product, the CC EYE, remains exclusive to EU sites.

BIRKENSTOCK SANDALS

Birkenstock Arizona Droplet Patent-Leather in black or beige

The Arizona Buckle Sandal is my go-to for complete comfort. I’ve learned that subtle details make all the difference in elevating the look beyond typical Birkenstock territory. The smooth leather footbed proves superior to cork – not only is it more visually appealing but infinitely more comfortable since cork tends to be harshly drying on bare feet. The new Arizona Droplet Buckle features a sophisticated, subtle teardrop edge detail and high-shine patent leather that transforms the classic silhouette into something more polished.

 

SUMMER DRESSES

Appliquéd gardenia linen midi, Butterfly appliquéd linen maxi, Green embroidered linen maxi, Belted floral-print linen (I have a version of this exact dress from several years ago and receive so many compliments when I wear it.)

Earlier this year, I curated an event dress collection on ShopMy that’s proven invaluable for readers navigating special occasion shopping. The dedicated page works so well that I’ve expanded with a separate Summer Dresses collection. While Event Dresses focuses on more formal styles, Summer Dresses spans the spectrum from cocktail to casual day wear. I refresh both collections monthly to keep the selections current and relevant.

SLIM SOLE SNEAKERS

The slimmest soles – white leather, tan suede (also here), ivory suede, suede and mesh

After years of chunky athletic dad sneakers dominating the scene, the pendulum has swung dramatically toward the slimmest possible profile—think retro-inspired styles that sit low to the ground, almost like ballet flats with laces. These sleek silhouettes work beautifully as ballet flat alternatives, pairing effortlessly with skirts, dresses, and softly pooling pant hems for a look that feels refreshingly current. I’ve been eyeing several pairs and finally committed to this one while it was on sale.

CARGO PANTS

CoH tapered cargo pants (and in green)

A noted trend continuing into 2026, cargo pants are becoming the most interesting style to watch. The Citizens of Humanity pair above demonstrates their everyday appeal—simply styled with a cropped henley for effortless wearability. For more unexpected styling, I like the contrast of a shrunken tailored blazer with polished loafers, creating a serious-meets-casual tension. Current lightweight options worth considering include Leset’s Yoko Drawstring or Cargo, along with offerings from Tory Burch and the Citizens of Humanity pair pictured above.

 

TRAVEL SIZE BEAUTY PICKS

Drowsy Padded Sleep Mask, Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Trio or Eyeshadow Palette & Eyeliner, ILIA Lip/Cheek Duo, Sisley Lip/Cheek Duo, The Ordinary Skin Care Set, Hourglass Brush Set, Anastasia Brow Essentials, T3 Travel Size Hair Dryer

I ruthlessly downsize makeup, skincare, and beauty tools when traveling – streamlined efficiency and reduced packing weight make the effort worthwhile. When mini versions aren’t available, I consolidate with multipurpose compacts like cheek and bronzer combos, eyeshadow palettes, or cheek and lip duos. Travel-sized heat tools prove invaluable too, from compact hair dryers to flat irons and this mini hot roller set. My non-negotiable travel essential remains a quality eye mask – useful on flights but equally crucial in hotel rooms where I need complete darkness for a good night’s sleep. The Drowsy Sleep Mask’s wide side band offers the bonus of subtle noise filtering while keeping AirPods secure during flight.

If you made it to here, thanks for reading this very long recap!