Note 15 - The Winter Edit
Coat - Arket / Jeans - By Malene Birger / Boots - Vagabond / Bag - Totême
It’s the winter solstice today, the shortest day of the year. For me, it always marks a shift into a slower rhythm. Winter is the season when I instinctively want to hibernate a little. I dress for warmth, I light candles as the days grow darker, and I spend more time at home. In that spirit, today I’m sharing a small collection of winter favourites: comforting reads, winter outfits I’ve worn recently, and a few cultural recommendations that feel especially suited to this time of year.
I wish you a very lovely Christmas, and I’ll see you back here in January as I’m taking a small break next week!
Cozy Winter Reads
These are some of my favourite winter reads. They’re books that have stayed with me long after I finished the last page, and also remind me a lot of winter. They all have a cozy, immersive atmosphere, and I’d recommend them if you’re looking for stories that encourage you to slow down, linger, and make the most of an afternoon by the fireplace.
The Safekeep, Yael Van Der Wouden
A quietly unsettling novel that surprised me in the best way. Set in the Netherlands, it’s a story of obsession, inheritance, and buried secrets, and I found its setting evokes the novel The Miniaturist. Perfect for long winter evenings. It’s the debut novel of the author, but it’s not surprising that it made the Man Booker Prize shortlist in 2024.
My favourite Ann Patchett novel. It’s a beautifully told family story centred around a house that holds decades of memory, resentment, and love. It’s the kind of book that you never want to finish. And family sagas are truly my favourites!
The End of Loneliness, Benedict Wells
A book I absolutely adored on first read and one I’m overdue to revisit. Set in Germany, it follows siblings shaped by loss and time, and explores grief, love, and the quiet ways we carry loneliness with us. I’m tempted to pick this up when I go to Munich next week because there’s nothing better than reading a book set in the location you’re visiting.
The Secret History, Donna Tartt
Probably the most famous Dark Academia novel, set at an elite East Coast college. Snowy campuses, intense friendships, and a slow-building sense of dread make this a perfect cold-weather pick. If you haven’t read it yet, make sure you do this winter!
What I Wore This Week & Everyday Delights
Dress - Doên
Sweater - Raey / Jeans - Aritzia
Coat - Arket / Bag - Cala Jade
This week, I’m combining my ‘What I Wore’ and ‘Everyday Delights’ categories because they feel closely intertwined. I went to see The Nutcracker with my mum and sister. I’ve seen the ballet a few times before, yet it never loses its magic. Hearing Tchaikovsky’s instantly recognizable pieces, seeing the costumes on stage, and watching children experience it for the first time is always such a joy. When I arrived at the theatre, I saw parents surprise their young daughters with tickets, and the girls had the most joyful reactions. I instantly teared up! I did ballet for 15 years, and while I no longer practice, I sometimes miss the feeling of it, so the evening felt especially meaningful. For the occasion, I wore my silk Doên dress with lace detailing at the collar and sleeves, layered under my Arket wool coat, and finished the look with my Cala Jade bag. I love the cognac colour of the bag against the navy wool.
Another highlight was a getaway to Manoir Hovey to close out the year. As I mentioned in last week’s post, it’s become a yearly tradition to celebrate the year's end. It was the coziest stay: snow outside, long stretches of reading by the fireplace, and delicious food. On one of the days, I wore my oversized knit from Raey, Matches Fashion’s former in-house brand. I was also delighted to learn this week that new investors have acquired the rights to both Matches and Raey and plan to relaunch them next year, something I’m very much looking forward to!
This Week’s Edit
When I think of winter, I think of candles. If I’m lighting a scented one, it’s almost definitely by Earl of East. I discovered the brand nearly seven years ago in London and have been a fan ever since. My favourites are Atlas Cedar, Strand (a Copenhagen-inspired scent), and Jardin de la Lune. If you’re ever in London, I highly recommend visiting one of their stores. They’re beautifully curated and filled with homeware from small, independent brands.
By Malene Birger Leather Gloves
I got these gloves in Göteborg, and they’ve become the chicest addition to my winter wardrobe. Timeless, elegant, and incredibly soft, I’m already anticipating many wears this season.
Engagement by Gun-Britt Sundström
I’ve just finished this Swedish classic, recently translated into English. It follows characters Martina and Gustav over several years, tracing their complicated relationship with honesty, wit, and emotional restraint. It’s a sharp exploration of love, independence, and compromises.
Seeing Silence, The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck at the MET
I first encountered Helene Schjerfbeck’s work at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 2019. Since then, her paintings have stayed vivid with me. I even have a reproduction hanging above my bed. I’m drawn to the stillness of her portraits andthe colours she uses. If you’re lucky enough to be in New York between now and April 2026, the MET is hosting an exhibition dedicated to her work. If you can’t make it, a companion coffee table book is being released, which I’ll certainly try to get my hands on!
Love, S.
