10 Things I Find Incredibly Chic
Over the years, I’ve found that style lives in the small details: the handwritten note, the scent that lingers, the effortless touch that turns the ordinary into something elevated. Here are 10 things I find incredibly chic.
Personalized stationary. There’s something undeniably special about receiving a handwritten note, whether it’s a thank you, a birthday wish, or a simple “thinking of you.” Writing it on your own personalized stationery makes it feel even more intentional and meaningful. I love the timeless options from Papier, which also happens to be where we designed our Italian-themed wedding celebration invitations. If you want to go even more custom, Etsy has countless sellers like this one who design and make super unique stationary, from embossed, monogrammed, to handprinted.
A signature scent. Scent is highly associated with memory and emotion, often triggering vivid recollections and powerful emotional responses. It has a unique way of imprinting moments into our minds, a smell can bring you back to a summer evening, a familiar presence, or a place you once loved. That’s why having a signature scent feels so personal. It becomes part of your identity, leaving a lasting impression and something people associate to you. I gravitate toward unique fragrances that are subtle yet complex and a little unexpected; something that not everyone is wearing like this fragrance from Henry Jacques.
A curated guest bathroom. When I have house guests, I want them to feel truly welcomed, like every detail was thoughtfully considered just for them. I love curating the guest bathroom with intentional touches that reflect who’s visiting, whether it’s a luxe grooming kit for my father-in-law or my best friend’s favorite hair products in travel size. It’s a small gesture that says, I thought of you, and turns a simple stay into something memorable and personal. I also always keep the essentials stocked in case they were forgotten - bamboo toothbrushes, toothpaste, natural deodorant, body wash and body lotion.
A wooden bowl with fresh citrus. If you know me, you know I cannot stop talking about my garden and citrus trees. Both practical and decorative, I find joy in picking the seasonal citrus to display (and consume) in an oversized wooden bowl like this one from Jamie Young Co. Even if you don’t have a garden, displaying fruit from the farmers market or your local grocery store is a fun way to add some color into your kitchen.
Matching pajama sets. I am not afraid to admit that I collect sleepwear. I have always loved unique, beautiful pajama sets, robes, dressing gowns and lingerie. There is something so satisfying about slipping into a matching set at the end of the day, that makes you still feel put together, even when going to sleep. I have found that the most comfortable materials are silk, jersey and modal, and it makes me so happy to put on a fresh set in the evening after my shower. Most of my pajamas are from Petite Plume, Eberjey, Lilysilk and Intisimmi.
A playlist of French Jazz or Classic Italian songs. The right music sets the vibe just as much as scent or lighting. I love playing a curated playlist of French jazz or vintage Italian classics while I’m cooking, hosting, or even just tidying up. It adds a sense of romance to everyday moments. It’s subtle, unexpected, and instantly chic.
Serving Breakfast on a Silver Tray. Even the simplest rituals feel elevated when presented with intention. I love serving breakfast on a silver tray like this one from Arthur Court Designs, especially when entertaining or for house guests. It’s an old-world touch that turns a friends or family’s visit feel like a luxe hotel stay. Whether it's just for me or for guests, it makes an everyday luxury feel ceremonial in the best way.
A go-to sheer polish combo. I find sheer, neutral nails to be the chicest. For the past two decades, I have mainly worn sheer pinks and nude manicures, as it feels and looks the cleanest, and most put together. The times I have gone out of my comfort zone and done a color, like red for the holidays, I instantly regret it and cannot wait to take it off. Having your go-to, signature polish color is so understatedly sophisticated. Mine is OPI Bubble Bath + OPI Put it in Neutral.
Single white variety roses. I’ve always found white roses arranged simply and on their own to be so elegant. A single-variety bouquet feels more intentional than mixed, and there’s something timeless about the clean, sculptural look of all-white flowers. Whether they’re in a low glass vase on a coffee table or placed bedside, they instantly elevate a space without ever trying too hard.
Subtle monogramming. There’s an art to personalizing without overdoing it, and subtle monogramming strikes that perfect balance. Whether it’s a discreet set of initials on the cuff of a white button down, the corner of a pillowcase, or the inside of a passport holder, it adds a quiet sense of sophistication. Small, understated monograms feel like the best kind of personal touch, just for you.
