Happy Friday!
This week unfurled in its own particular brand of seasonal overwhelm—an elegant chaos of overlapping holiday party invitations, logistics stacked like gift boxes, and a relentless cascade of brand messages and events. Somewhere between the RSVPs and the reminders, I realized I was moving through my days with my shoulders nearly glued into my ears and my teeth clenched like porcelain.
So I stopped.
And I returned to the essence of the season.
I changed my phone background to a quilt, because it felt simple and reminded me of my Grandma.
I put on pajamas, lit a candle, and turned a meditation on Hoda Kotb’s Joy 101 app. Deep inhale; another small inhale; exhale. Two more times.
I delegated the to-do list and, where I couldn’t delegate, I removed from the list altogether.
The truth is: I won’t make it to every event. I won’t see everyone. Some ideas will stay in my Notes app. The wishlist won’t be perfectly checked off. And for the first time in a long time, that feels not like a failure—but like true joy. I am choosing the elegant no. The intentional absence. The space to breathe.
There’s no Lauren Letter next week as I step back for Thanksgiving, and as I use the time to honor the quiet and give myself permission to be fully present, I really hope you do to. Don’t worry though, I won’t be too far away! This Sunday I’ll be providing you an edit of the Black Friday deals I think are actually worth it.
I hope you have a beautiful, warm, and slow Thanksgiving!
Wearing | LAKE Relax Jogger Set
I know, I know—I practically live in LAKE at this point. But this lounge set they sent me as PR a few weeks ago is a different tier of softness altogether. Even Carter, who is unfazed by 99% of my fabric enthusiasm, commented on how buttery it felt and immediately requested the men’s version. And while I normally rotate a fresh set every night, I wore this one three evenings in a row.
Eating | Portillo’s
My Midwestern heart fluttered when the 100th Portillo’s opened in Kennesaw, and yes—I made the pilgrimage for a VIP Opening Night Party. Chicago Dogs and Italian Beef are non-negotiable classics, but my personal order? A charbroiled hamburger (sans bun if you’re gf!), crinkle fries, and a diet coke. Also, do not miss out on the chocolate cake.
Reading | BookBub
I am famously frugal with my book purchases—why spend $17.99 when the public library exists? Especially at my reading pace, that could bankrupt a small nation. But sometimes the hold list stretches into eternity, or I find a title I want permanently in my future library. Enter BookBub: a daily digest of curated book deals that keeps my Kindle stocked without the financial sting.
Watching | Homeworthy’s An English Countryside Cottage Decorated for the Holidays
A home plucked straight out of The Holiday—all dreamy, twinkly charm set against the English countryside. Rebecca Lovatt brings a luminous warmth to every frame, the kind that makes you want to curl up with a wool blanket, a cup of tea, and pretend you, too, live in a thatched cottage with twinkling lights.
Listening | Autumn in the English Countryside
A perfectly curated playlist by Lydia Millen—soft, atmospheric, and ideal for gentle puttering, tidying, baking, or simply existing. It’s the sonic equivalent of mist rolling over a meadow.
Trying | Boden at Avalon
I’m attending the launch party for Boden’s first-ever U.S. store the night before this letter goes out! Consider me ready to explore every pattern, knit, and British heritage detail they’ve brought stateside.
Champagne | Gucci Women’s Mule with Horsebit
I spotted these on a client at Pure Barre, and they stopped me mid–conversation. They’re the epitome of understated luxury—the kind of shoe that whispers rather than shouts. The classic horsebit, the sculpted silhouette, the elegant glide of a mule, with a final touch of cozy merino wool lining.
Frites | Davos Lounge Mule
An elegant alternative with all the sophistication of a horsebit mule. The Davos Lounge Mule has that same refined, equestrian-inspired silhouette and a warm shearling lining, but without the Gucci price tag.
The Lauren Letter Holiday Gift Guide 2025
Curating this guide is one of my favorite rituals of the season. Each selection is chosen with intention—pieces that hold a sense of luxury, a note of warmth, a hint of wonder. Items that feel considered. That feel like someone thought of you specifically
STORIES
Our Home for the Holidays. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
Thanksgiving at My House, Part 1. By Ina Garten for Barefoot Contessa
When We Choose Peace over Perfection, We Make Room for Wonder. By The Peaceful Press
Why We Need Friends Like Air. By Jenna Bush Hager for Voices at the Table
23 Designer Handbags That Will Stand the Test of Time. By Joy Montgomery, Julia Storm, and Lilah Ramzi for Vogue
Where to Shop Meghan Markle’s Favorite Coats. By Lauren Hubbard for Town & Country
YOUR APPOINTMENTS
Your November Appointments. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
Your Thanksgiving Week Appointments. By Lauren Tilashalski (that’s moi!)
CLOSET
Latest Finds | November 2025
Tuckernuck New Arrivals | November 2025
East of Central Park
This online friend of mine is the personification of a Ralph Lauren Christmas—wood-paneled warmth, tartan ribbons, and a Manhattan twinkle. Add in a touch of Frank Sinatra’s golden-era charm and the unhurried pleasure of slow, comforting living, and you have her signature mood. Think candlelit windows, jazz in the background, classic New York nostalgia, and a softness that feels both timeless and deeply grounding. A must-follow for anyone craving cozy, cinematic holiday magic.
