Collected Rooms, Collected Holiday Outfits and Living Well This Season
There’s a moment every October when I start seeing everything with holiday eyes. This year it happened while I was scrolling through the work of McGrath Studio, whose rooms feel layered, warm and lived in. They look as though they were gathered over a lifetime rather than ordered all at once. That’s the essence of a collected home, and it’s the same philosophy I bring to my closet: you build slowly, with pieces you love, and each season you get to rediscover them. This week I’m sharing the McGrath Studio looks that have me dreaming of the holidays, along with the outfits I’ll be reaching for. I’m also including a few things that are keeping me feeling good, because what’s the use of a beautiful season if you’re too worn out to enjoy it?
Beautiful Work of McGrath Studio
You know I’m a sucker for a room that looks like it has a story to tell, and Studio McGrath delivers every single time. The Manhattan firm is a mother-daughter team, Suzanne and Lauren McGrath, who have been designing together since 2010 (I’m a little in awe of any family that can agree on fabric, let alone run a business together). Their work takes its cues from the English countryside and “the history of the decorative arts”, layering color, pattern, and wonderful antiques until a room feels lived in, collected and curated over years rather than installed in a weekend. Suzanne brings the technical chops from years in the design world, while Lauren, a former fashion writer, has a gift for color and pattern that keeps everything from tipping into stuffy. Here’s the detail that won me over: they often start with the rug, and they have a soft spot for Aubussons and Oushaks. A designer who builds a room from a beautiful old rug is speaking my language. This is traditional design with a heart, and I would happily move into any one of their rooms tomorrow.
Katie Couric-Want to Keep Your Brain Healthy? Here Are the Foods to Avoid
“We all know that what we eat affects our hearts, our waistlines, and our overall health. But what about our ability to think clearly, regulate our mood, and remember where we put our keys?” Here are the foods we should avoid.
Outfits of the Week-2 Sweaters Five Looks
Before we know it, the holiday festivities will be in full swing. You don’t need to run out and buy a closet full of sparkle. Shop your own closet first, then fill in with a few pieces that work hard. This season I added two sweaters and one fabulous pair of pants, and I’m showing you how to dress them up or down for every kind of holiday gathering. I own the pants in gold and I’m ordering the silver too (they really are that good). The Banana Republic cashmere sweater is honestly the softest cashmere I have ever owned. You may recognize the faux suede jacket from last week’s Zara favorites. The rest are old friends you’ve seen here many times before, and that’s intentional. I love showing you how the pieces we already own can take on a whole new life in a different setting. And the Parker Thatch bags? Yes, they’re a splurge, but they’re the perfect thing to put on your Christmas list. They never disappoint. You could substitute the cashmere for this great Quince option as well.
Two Sisters in Sardinia that May Hold the Secret to Longevity
The Guardian has an interesting article on two Sardinian sisters from Bolotana (in line to be the sixth blue zone). My friend Stan sent this to me from Italy!
Eating Well-Nine Fall Soups for Healthy Aging
All of these soups meet the parameters for healthy aging,” with at least 20% of the daily value for two or more of the following nutrients: fiber, protein, calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are often areas of concern for aging adults, but you can boost your intake with these delicious soups.” I am making the cabbage lentil this week. Our weather keeps varying from hot or cold. This week it is supposed to cool off again.
I’ve come to believe the holidays aren’t about buying more. They’re about bringing out what you already treasure, adding one or two things that you truly love, and having the energy to gather the people you love around them. That goes for the living room, the closet and, frankly, the body that carries us through all those parties. This chapter has taught me that the best things are collected over time. Friendships, antiques, a really good coat and the habits that keep us vibrant all fall into that category. Here’s to a season of all four (and maybe a glass of wine by the fire).
If you would like to catch up on my Sunday faves you can find them all here.
Now let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie for their faves!
Cindy love Studio McGrath and especially that first room! Your Olina pants are gorgeous. I need a pair for the holidays. Love all the colors. The soups are such a good idea and soup weather is here! Thank you for all these. I am saving all your beautiful outfits. xo
Thanks pal!! I can’t wait to be close enough to go shopping with you and attend your amazing events!
Hi Cindy, I always find your posts to be the most informative and inspiring. I look always look forward to readIng for inspiration. In fact I tried the chicken soup for lunch today and we loved it.
Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Hi Cheryl
Thank you so much! I feel the same about you ladies! You inspire me everyday to “keep on truckin” so to speak. I am in awe of all of you!!
Hi Cindy,
I loved this post! From the decorating ideas right through to all those amazing soup recipes you really are a true inspiration thank you for your wonderful posts keep being you beautiful lady 🫶🏻
Biggest Hugs from Australia 🇳🇿🩷
Hi Simone
I so appreciate your kind comment!!
$1,200 for a handbag ??? I’d rather buy a sofa…even then would not pay that much !
Get Real !!
I did enjoy your post about Quince last week…some of their pieces are affordable
Hi PJ
I hear you, $1200 is a lot! I should have been clearer that this is a large tote. It fits your computer and everything else you need, which makes it a fantastic carry-on for travel. Some of my readers like to invest in a few special pieces like this one in calf hair that will never go out of style, while others prefer to spend on things like that sofa (which I completely understand!). That’s why I try to feature a wide range of prices in every post. Thanks so much for reading and chiming in.
Hi Cindy,
Gorgeous Olina pants thank you!! And the soups look perfect! Happy weekend!
Thank you Francesca!
I do like the rooms for their calm, clean and uncluttered look. And I am partial to those blues as accents. I highly recommend Dr. Georgia Ede’s book, Change Your Diet Change Your Mind, in which she highlights the importance of protein to brain health, along with the avoidance of processed foods and added sugars. Thank you for another informative message!
Hi Marcie
I read that book but need to reread it! Thank you for reminding me. I adore the calm, uncluttered, collected aesthetic of the McGrath duo as well!
Cindy! McGrath Studio has me swooning and offering up lots of inspiration. Love your holiday looks and those Olina pants. I’m so tempted and I think the navy are my favorite and the BR cashmere turtleneck is fabulous. Also love their shopper tote. So many great ideas for the season ahead! xo
Thanks Juliet! I adore McGrath Studio’s aesthetic. I could move right in to any one of their rooms! The Olina pants are great. I am ordering a second pair!! I love tha BR tote too! Great minds!!
Cindy the link to the Rag and Bone jeans seems to be broken. 💙
Hi Leslie
Sorry! I love those jeans they are like wearing PJ’s. Here is the link to the longer ones which I wear with a very low heeled boot https://go.shopmy.us/p-95419324
Here is the link to the shorter version https://go.shopmy.us/p-95419455 better with sneaks and loafers
Have a great Sunday!!
Another great post Cindy, thank you!
I do get inspiration from your posts, especially fashion, always great ideas.
Hi Nancy
Thank you so much!!
Cindy – You must be running out of ideas. Why pick the McGrath rooms to show us? The rooms are flat and devoid of any personality. Even I, as a non-professional, could do better. They had better rely on tribal and Asian ruggery or their rooms would have no style at all. May I suggest Roz Byam Shaw as an antidote?
Your tone was intentionally insulting and. demeaning. One can disagree without deliberate rudeness. You must be having a bad day. Still, do better.
Glad you understood my tone as it was intended. Pathetic and boring design deserves to be called out for what it is.
I have been following Cindy’s blog for a while now and during that time she has never been rude or dismissive towards anyone. If you don’t like the decorating style in question, it is possible to critique it in a manner which isn’t quite so hostile, nor have a dig at Cindy herself . As for the decorating style, I am unfamiliar American decorators, but at least the rooms look like something people would and could live very comfortably in.
Hi Susan
What I love about McGrath Studio’s aesthetic is it is warm, timeless, and their rooms look like someone actually lives there!!
Hi Susan
Thank you for your comment. I chose the McGrath II rooms precisely because I love them. Their collected mix of interiors is probably my absolute favorite at the moment, and the rugs are part of that magic, not a crutch. We all see design differently, and I’m always happy to hear other perspectives, as long as we keep it kind.
I loved this post!
The link to the faux suede leather jacket is incorrect. It’s a pretty jacket.
Nancy Smith
Hi Nancy
I will fix it her is the link https://on.ltk.com/+dctM_3TGIm8SntxvqmpcEw
Thanks for the heads up Nancy!!
Cindy, I love those holiday looks with those Olina pants! And all those soups! Yum!