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).

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!

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