Field Notes / Vol. 15

Art books, balloon pants, a cozy new hotel, and much more!

Danielle Mckinney: Beyond the Brushstroke

If, like me, you adore Danielle McKinney’s artwork, you’ll want to treat yourself to her new book. Just published last week, it pairs fifty of her beautiful paintings with journal prompts by her mother, Barbara. I love my copy—it would make for a gorgeous gift!

Striped Lauren Bag by Laia Alen

I’m eyeing this striped bag by Barcelona-based brand Laia Alen. The glossy, textured fabric and twisted handle give it such a playful yet polished feel. It would elevate even the simplest outfit and works as easily for daytime errands as it does for an evening out.

Sienna Necklace

This gorgeous new necklace design looks more expensive than it is (always a welcome surprise!). I love the heavy brass link chain and semi-precious stone cabochons. If you’re not a lapis girl, it’s also available in other gemstones and freshwater pearls.

The Douglas

I haven’t been to Savannah in over a decade, and lately I’ve been itching to return. Photos of The Douglas, a new hotel nestled within the city’s historic district, keep finding their way to me—the rooms look wonderfully stylish and cozy. Perhaps it’s time for a little southern escape…?

Felt Star Tree Topper

I swear I didn’t mean for tree toppers to become a weekly trend, but clearly I have little self-control when it comes to Christmas. The gumdrops and rickrack trim on this sweet star takes me right back to my 1980’s childhood. Wouldn’t it look grand atop your tree? They also have a gingerbread man and angel!

Silk Taffeta Balloon Pants

I’m very excited about the return of harem pants and this voluminous new silk taffeta pair is an absolute dream. Dress them down with a white tee or up with the coordinating balloon top. Did I mention they have a version in cherry red velour, too?

Personalized Holiday Gift Tags

This Etsy shop sells clever custom gift tags in great color pairings. Perfect for the holiday season and beyond.

Liberty Paper Honeycomb Trees

If you love retro decor like honeycomb and classic Liberty London floral prints, this Christmas collab is a match made in heaven. I love that the trees have little magnets to keep them open and can be reused year after year. Explore the entire collection of Liberty x Meri Meri Thanksgiving and Christmas decor here.

Big Bow Slippers

I’m a big proponent of slippers that can be worn both indoors and out. This blush shearling pair looks every bit as comfortable as it does smart—and of course, I’m all for an oversized satin bow.

Mushroom Identification Flashcards

For plant lovers, this colorful deck from the New York Botanical Garden is as charming as it is practical. With 103 laminated flashcards featuring vintage illustrations and text from the Audubon guide, it’s perfect for learning to tell a Morel from a Puffball or a Lion’s Mane from an Inky Cap (I mean, the names are SO good). It amusingly also comes with the disclaimer: “This deck is not a resource for identifying mushrooms to eat.”

Striped Farfalle Pasta

If I lived by a World Market I’d be stocking up on this colorful striped farfalle for holiday gifts (sadly it can’t be shipped). In the meantime I may settle for their Italian monuments pasta which would surely delight my six-year-old. More of a Francophile? This eiffel tower pasta also recently made its way into my cart.

And some honorable mentions:

• A souvenir from one of my favorite shops in Paris.

• These fab flats from a new Maria de la Orden collab.

• Can’t wait to check out this exhibition.

• Of course I would be obsessed with a collab between Craftspring x Mr. Boddington.

• Currently 40% off: these sweet socks, these jeans that I have and love (they fit true to size), this easy turtleneck, this 100% cotton sweater (also have—so cozy!), and this best-selling button-up.

• My six-year-old would be delighted to have this on his bedroom wall.

• Still my favorite ankle boots.

• A quirky brooch that would make people smile.

• Excited to crack open this tonight.

• My favorite exfoliator is 35% off. A must-have in the wintertime.

• Did you catch the NY Marathon today? Gabe and I cheered on my older brother—so inspiring!

• Dreaming about this fun take on the desert boot.

• Would make a very sweet little gift.

• Wishing these came in my size (clearly I have the fashion sense of an eight-year-old).

Thanks for being here.