A Golden Fleece

This Fforme shearling tops my Fall 2026 wishlist. My Toteme cream shearling got so much wear during the frigid start of the year — perfect for those days when a parka just feels a bit depressing.

Bits & Bobs

Here are a few things on my radar: the February issue of Harper’s Bazaar France has a terrific accessories story, and I love the bags in the two images above. I took a page from a Disneyrollergirl post on doubling up — instead of hauling around an overstuffed tote, I’ve been carrying two bags together. Thanks, Navaz!

Lauren Groff’s new book of stories, Brawler, comes out February 24 — a belated Valentine’s Day gift to myself. One of my other favorite Valentine’s presents is paper geraniums from The Green Vase. They last forever and require no watering.

I’m on the hunt for slim, straight-leg jeans; Puck’s Lauren Sherman wrote about a few pairs I’m eager to try.

And Moses Martin is all grown up, with a band of his own. People I’ve Met has two songs out, and they’re worth a listen.

When Marc Does Wearable, We All Win

Marc Jacobs planted his flag last night with a collection of gorgeous, wearable clothes—his superpower. By opening New York Fashion Week with an off-schedule show, Jacobs didn’t just kick things off; he reestablished his intent after sale talks with Authentic Brands Group collapsed. And thank goodness they did. Marc belongs in the LVMH stable, and it’s heartening to see them rally around one of their most brilliant designers.

This collection, with its ’90s nods to Mrs. Prada, Helmut, and Marc himself, is packed with pieces we’ll wear forever.

Shoe Shoppies

It started with winter boots—more specifically, trying to find a replacement for my beloved Penelope Chilvers Incredible Boots. Some years ago, a British friend told me my boots were uncool and that I could not wear them in London. As a result, for the past four years I have been searching for an alternative. However, most of the cold-weather boots I’ve been drawn to—and tried—have a combat vibe, which is a firm no-go in my book. So, fourteen years on, I am still wearing and loving my Penelope Chilvers boots.

Frustrated by my failure to find new winter boots, I more or less stopped shopping altogether. But the cold snap snapped me out of my shopping doldrums—February and –17° will do that. Not needing winter boots turned out to be oddly freeing and allowed me to look at other shoes instead.

First, I picked up a new pair of Dries Van Noten sneakers. I’ve been wearing the tan pair for a year and felt it was time for a new color. Next, inspired by the Prada SS26 runway images, I went in search of new white pumps. I already own a few pairs and find them incredibly versatile. The Gabriela Hearst Agathe pumps in ivory are perfect—and very comfortable. A heads-up: they run very small. Finally, I wanted something fun and completely impractical. These Loewe boots are just the ticket, and they’re surprisingly comfortable too.

Bits & Bobs

We are back in New York (actually, I am in Boston for 2 days) waiting for a monster snowstorm. Snowed in Paris first week of January and it was a VERY BIG DEAL. Half an inch of snow  — and they cancelled my flight to Vienna. So, I will see the Helmut Lang exhibition early March right before it closes. Until then, here are a few random bits on my radar.

The February issue of Vogue France has a lot to love, starting with Doutzen Kroes on the cover. She was a favorite way back when — I cast her in many editorials and shows. The styling in the ‘Paris’ story is terrific. Speaking of February issues, the pictures of Kaia Gerber in Harper’s Bazaar are beautiful. Editor-in-chief Samira Nasr has done a great job. I worked with Samira at HB in the early 2000s. The magazine was mediocre from 2001 – 2020 — nice to see it chic again.

I am obsessed with Alison Loehnis‘s swing-out bathroom mirror, which allows her to apply makeup in natural light. I will DM her for details

Helen Macdonald’s memoir, H Is for Hawk had been on my bookshelf unread since it was published in 2014. Early last year, I grabbed it for a long flight. It’s a wonderful story, and I’m eager to see the  film version starring Claire Foy. Friends who recommend great books are the best friends in the world. November 2024 I went to the Charleston Literary Festival with two amazing women — both writers — who share excellent reads. Carlene Bauer’s Girls They Write Songs About was one of those recommendations. Thank you, Dorothy and Kate!

That’s a Wrap!

2025 was a pretty good year. I spent a ton of time with family and friends, read (on average) a book a week, and came to consider my adorable Pilates instructor to be a third daughter, given how often I saw her. Most of the spring we were in Paris and most of the fall in New York, which was ideal.

As I look back, here are a few of the highlights from the past year.

The Tina Barney retrospective, Family Ties, at the Jeu de Paume was by far my favorite exhibition. Turnstile’s Seein’ Stars with its Police vibe was my #1 song. There were too many great books in 2025 to pick just one, however, André Aciman’s novellas The Room on the Sea and The Gentleman From Peru deserve pride of place. I was very fortunate to meet Mr. Aciman and hear him speak about his incredible book.

Olverum bath oil was a hostess gift, and the scent is so gorgeous that I ordered other products from the line. And finally, an anorak from The Row, Dries Van Noten sneakers, and Hermès Picotins were my wardrobe heroes this year. I carry the Picotins in all three sizes — they are, hands down, my favorite 2025 purchases.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for another year of thoughtful comments, advice, and fabulous recommendations! xPreston

HG X CHANEL

The HG X CHANEL mini magazine devoted to Chanel watches and fine jewelry is a very cool collaboration. The multiple rings and earrings on Gracie Abrams are fun, not fussy. My bags are being enjoyed by my daughters — I love that the younger one carries it as a clutch. And, the slingbacks are on my Christmas list. Chanel black and gold is always chic, especially at the holidays.

I’m Hooked

While picking up my watch from being serviced, a woman looked at my handbag and said “I would never spend that much money on something that sits on the floor.” Point taken. In my lap while dining is a terrible option as well. The solution? A Carrie Atelier bag hook, it works like a charm. Sometimes Instagram knows exactly what I need (truly terrifying).

Max Mara Pre-Fall 2026

I love Pre-Fall collections — the clothes are predominantly everyday wear and I look for styling tips to use now. These Max Mara looks are good inspiration. The short jacket, midi skirt, and loafers together is very chic. Below is giving me serious Michael Kors FW10 vibes.

To Hear, Read, and Watch

It’s the final two weeks of 2025 and I am racing to finish a number of books and listen to the most recent interviews on Bella Freud’s Fashion Neurosis podcast. Ms. Freud penned a terrific piece on the meaning of clothes for FT. The documentary on the 100th anniversary issue of The New Yorker is a must-watch if you are a fellow fan of the magazine. I am putting a projector in the guest bedroom in lieu of a television. There is one in our favorite apartment in Paris and it works like a charm. My favorite gift to receive is a book, preferably one I would not have chosen myself. Seascraper by Benjamin Wood is one of those gifts — it is beautifully written and I am so happy I read it. Before 2026 I hope to finish Charlotte Wood’s Stone Yard Devotional, The Safekeep, Yael Van Der Wouden’s debut novel, and My Friends by Frederik Backman. And, this Leset top and shorts set is my current reading-by-the-fire outfit.