Cheers To The Threads That Bind

From Jane Fonda to Brimfield, a midlife meditation on style, history, and friendship.

Thanks for all the love on the last piece. The idea of coastal beatnik so moved me—it embodies everything I admire: casual and effortlessly cool, the sea, and a bit of boho edge for good measure. This naturally leads me to my forever favorite era when it comes to style: the 1970s. (The 90s came in a very close second.)

I was in the park with Lady Gidget yesterday and ended up in one of those spontaneous, soul-nourishing style chats with a neighbor and friend. We see each other often—she’s there with her young daughter and adorable chihuahua—and we both concluded that there’s just something about the 70s.

It was a decade of delicious contradiction and experimentation: early punk, glam rock, disco fever, Studio 54, and CBGB. California is easy-listening and louche, with laid-back suiting. There was no singular aesthetic—just a beautiful mashup of sound, culture, and, yes, a whole lot of brown. Even the hair was having a moment (good or suspect, depending on the day).

But if I had to pick one image that sums it up, it’s Jane Fonda in her Klute era. That era-defining haircut, the low-key sex appeal, the trench, the leather, and that quiet confidence—I would wear every bit of that look today. And now, I need a speedy bag. 

And this dress—it's everything I love in a piece: the subtle henley neckline, the buttoned cuffs, the A-line shape that’s always been my go-to. In my dreams, I’d own it in every color. The silhouettes of the 70s suit my body really well, and despite it being such a trend, I have always loved a flare pant. And a shag. As in haircut. Get your mind right.

This week, I also had the pleasure of attending a book launch for The Wild Why by Laura Munson, a new entry in the Brene/Glennon genre. While not always my usual jam, the vibe at the event was terrific. Held in the space above Lingua Franca in the West Village, it felt like a warm hug from the universe.

Lately, I’ve been craving and creating more female connections. Besides my dear husband, most of my energy is joyfully spent with women—friends old and new. And lately, new friendships have been blooming everywhere. The room at the book event was full of women, mostly midlife plus, and the energy was easy, generous, and grounded. Compliments flowed. The banter was natural. It felt like a cozy Sunday morning. And I’ve realized—I want more of this kind of energy. It’s healing and expansive and fun.

A few current obsessions:

Jennifer Fisher huggies – I love these and they are a big yes. In terms of earrings, I like a pair I can wear every day and these are it.

Prada lip balm is chic and has a subtle color pop and was a fun splurge during the Sephora sale, but I want to give a shout-out to my friend who walked me into CVS and introduced me to this La Roche-Posay balm, the real MVP for dry lips, as mine went through the whole winter just fine, but recently decided to crack.

Striped tuxedo shirt – always a good idea. Especially at this price.

Sorel clogs – I know, I know. They're aggressively practical and ugly, but something about heading upstate for all of May intrigues me and makes me covet these clunkers. Consider this a cry for help.

Lingua Franca for Spring- I am obsessed with these pants, which I saw in the store, and this fabulous caftan. According to their site, the writing and messaging is by Robert Lax, “a well-known poet who called Patmos his home. If you look closely, these cotton seersucker pants have stripes, which are his words. They say, "How much or what you do for others will help your consciousness evolve." Amen. Love.

Speaking of May, I’m kicking things off with a day at Brimfield, and I couldn’t be more excited. There’s nothing like wandering through vintage stalls with your girlfriends, unearthing treasures, and sharing stories. It’s history, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Vintage is more than a style; it’s a lens to connect with the past, celebrate the present, and build memories with the women I love.

And as for women I love, my pal Christene Barberich is the captain of our collecting ship, and she wrote a post yesterday on her top ten Substack that made me laugh, cry, and nod with all my might in agreement. She’s incredibly inspiring, profound, and COOL, and you should read that and subscribe if you haven’t already to her amazing Substack, A Tiny Apt., and hang out with us. Here’s the link to sign up.

And finally, here’s a fun illustration for Negroni season. I just love them so much during the warmer months, don’t you?

It would mean the world if you would come to Brimfield with me and Christene. This is my first CBF initiative, and I’m out here. ;) Sign up here.

As always, more to come. XO