3.26.26
Prequel Skincare Review
The skincare brand that has impressed me most this year is easily Prequel. This isn’t in any way sponsored (I’m using affiliate links as always). I’m picky about sponsors and would never accept a sponsorship from a brand I don’t truly love, but I wanted to make sure I said this outright because the price points are so low. And for someone whose skincare recommendations can get pricy (I am who I am, sorry!), this might jump out. I get it. But this brand is truly fantastic and very affordable. I’d happily pay double, even triple, for most of these!
Six products (seven, if you count both barrier creams!) in particular have really stood out to me; we will talk about those today.
Silky Scarves
I can’t help but think that my grandmother (and great aunts!) would be thrilled about some of this year’s trends. Of course, there’s all the nineties influence (they’d likely skip right over that and laugh at us), but brooches and silk scarves are both so big, and I know that if they were around, they’d be so happy. We discussed brooches in this post (plus loads of styling ideas in this reel!), and today I wanted to chat about scarves. Personally, I think the most chic way to wear a silk scarf is to use it as a necklace. Wear something simple as a blank canvas to let it shine. I love this Theory sweater because it has the smooth feel of a neoprene sweatshirt but the cut of a sweater, so it still feels polished.
Carly’s Picks for Home
Designing a home is a lesson in patience. It’s about finding the sweet spot between old and new and letting things come together over time. I’m a huge advocate for shopping secondhand and filling a space with pieces that carry a bit of history, but there is such a thing as one too many antiques. Without a little contrast, a home can start to feel less like a place to live and more like the world’s most charming antique shop. That’s where newer pieces come in. I tend to gravitate toward functional accents that still make a statement. Lighting, blankets, and, somewhat unexpectedly, office furniture. Those are the categories where I’m usually willing to bring something fresh into the mix.
Weekend Reading, 3.14.26
Six books that simply must be talked about. Why we’re all so tired. Who will win (and who should win) this year’s Oscars. How to prepare for Spring Break related travel delays. Social hobbies! 7 new thriller series based on books (hooray!). How to style Spring’s ten hero items. Entertaining advice from Colu Henry. Rockstuds are back (!?) The history of the Burberry trench coat. Must-see movies that were overlooked by The Oscars. How to stop overthinking . . .
Fringe Favorites
There is something really fresh right now about fringe, especially when you use it as a layering piece. I already loved a fringe top, but saw them more as a warm-weather night-out piece. . . I have this top in black (pictured above!) and love it with my High Sport pants, or over something silky like my La Ligne Colby pants. But then I read Kelly Klein’s piece on Substack, and she gave me such great inspiration to wear them under a blazer. The end result feels really fun and fresh. I wouldn’t have thought of this on my own, but I really love how it looks. I wore this Zara top in LA for a fun anniversary dinner with my boyfriend (I wore it with these same Khaite jeans) and felt flirty and fun. My latest fringe acquisition is this top from Sea. I think this is my favorite of all my fringey pieces, as I like a little upper arm coverage
Purple and Red
One color combo I love right now is red and purple. It feels very fresh and fun . . . less predictable than red and blue, and besides, purple is having such a moment right now! I borrowed this purple Chanel bag from Vivrelle and had so much fun mixing it in with other colors in my wardrobe. Yellow, aqua, and chartreuse were all winning complements, but red and purple was far and away my favorite combination. I personally love a colorblocking moment: kick flares and a cardigan, in contrasting shades. But if that feels too bold, why not try jeans, a red polo sweater, and a purple bag or shoe? Just like with any color combo or trend, you can do a lot or a little. BTW: how fab is this Zara top that combines both colors in one piece!?
