Current favorites

I didn’t do much shopping during my blog hiatus this fall, as I’ve been trying to cut back in general and also wait for the holidays. A recent purchase I love is my LL Bean canvas lunch tote. Because I put my Boat & Tote in the closet to carry a leather handbag during the fall, I needed a separate lunch bag, plus I wanted something insulated. The office break room seems to be under constant renovation, and the fridge is imprisoned by contractors half the time. As the reviews note, the zip top is a bit small, but I don’t have any issue fitting my glass leftover containers into the bag, plus a large chill pack.

Other things I’m using on repeat right now:

Brooks Brothers Tattersall Umbrella - Our drought is over with plenty of rain and snow now in the mix. This umbrella has lasted several years so far with no signs of wear (the one linked is similar to mine, but the exact one isn't on their site right now). A big upgrade from cheap umbrellas that break or get lost.

J. Peterman plaid trench - From 2008 (here are the coats they currently offer). I considered replacing it last year, but it’s too good. It’s better to coordinate all my outfits with it instead. Before the cold snap, I was wearing my LL Bean barn coat for school pickup and weekend wear. It’s a bit similar to a Barbour Bedale but lighter weight (and not waterproof). It’s a quality jacket and was under $100.

J. Crew Daphne Topcoat - I had been looking for quite some time for a new wool winter coat. For whatever reason, all the camel-colored coats I could find were polyester-wool blends or were way past my price range. Nothing seemed to exist in the vast middle ground between Hollister and Max Mara. I found this via previous Style Profile guest, Caley Bradley, and it’s perfect! And 100% wool! It’s unlined, which gave me pause, but it’s extremely warm and great for layering under sweaters.

Yeti 30 oz tumbler - I thought these were ubiquitous, but I get a lot of questions about mine when I'm out and about. This is the perfect size for daily work coffee.

Hunter tall rain boots and boot socks - The boots are hardly a revelation; everyone has and loves them. But do you have the fleece socks? The socks are magical.

Kiel James Patrick sweater socks - I started collecting these during lockdown. They’re really warm and never itchy. As long as you follow the care instructions and line dry them, they will last.

LL Bean Daybreak Scuffs - I bought my mom a pair a few Christmases ago and immediately grabbed a pair for myself in the after-Christmas sale. Mine are showing some slight cosmetic wear after two years of heavy use, but are far from falling apart or stretching out.