Micropost: Hill House Holiday Launch.

During the pandemic, in search of ways to organize my life and elevate the everyday, I built “an end-of-work buffer” into my daily routine. I extended my nanny’s work day by 15 minutes (clock out shifted from 5 to 5:15 PM) and, at 5 PM sharp, I would shut down my computer, return my notebooks and pens to their homes, tidy up my workspace, and change clothing. I had found I was struggling with the amorphousness of working from home and caring for my children. Toggling between writing and parenting had become challenging, especially at the end of the day, when my mind was still wrapped around words, but my body was hurtling abruptly into the intricate pattern of tasks that had to get done before bedtime. I discovered that defining a “buffer zone” at the end of the work day — even just 15 minutes! — to decompress, switch from one mode to the other, and physically change my outfit, helped dramatically with marking the end of my workday and the beginning of my evening. I found myself much better equipped as a parent with this small change.

I do not always keep up with this ritual now that we have more space and my children are at school, but I know I will do it now that tartan nap dress season is on the horizon. I straight up love their plaid nap dresses; they are the perfect “transitional” outfit to wear at home in winter. When it is cold, I almost always wear jeans/corduroys/pants during the day, so I love the sensation of slipping into a dress that makes me feel pulled together and feminine, and also incredibly comfortable.

Anyhow, today at noon, Hill House is launching its holiday collection.

If you buy one thing from this collection, I would personally recommend their tartan Caroline dress for peak “Clara” vibes. I pair with my green velvet Vibis and a glitzy headband if I want to really feel festive. You will feel so chic and cozy at home with this while sipping champagne out of a coupe — trust me.

I also still love layering the Ellies over turtlenecks and beneath fun cardigans like this. And if you’re looking for an adorable Christmas day / eve dress, the Louisa is adorable!

I love the look of their plaid Cher dress but I did order this last year and had to return — I found the fit did not work on me; the skirt really flared out and looked almost costume-y on me, and the bodice was too long. I was bummed because I had grand visions of pairing with opaque tights (<<Spanx are still my longtime favorite pair) and a white button down. It might work on you if you’re taller? This year, I’m contemplating the skirt version.

I’m also totally dead over their plaid platforms. These would be so epic with velvet trousers or a velvet mini. Happy shopping!

P.S. I just launched my holiday shop and will be continuously adding great new holiday scores there. Some must-haves for the season included in this post.

P.P.S. Holiday baking.

P.P.P.S. My holiday intentions for the season ahead.