My 2025-2026 Fall & Winter Wishlist
Oh hello dearest reader,
I have always been a fall and winter kind of girly. Yet here I am, writing this in mid-November while California clings to its 70 and 80 degree days. Still, I’ve always had an imaginative mind. I’m smiling as I think of the movie The Duchess—the beautiful Keira Knightley, the incomparable Ralph Fiennes, and I can practically hear Fiennes also known as the Duke remarking, “I do not doubt it; he is a dreamer like yourself. You both dream of another world that does not exist, and never will.” That line feels especially relevant when you’re living in a sun soaked state, yearning for crisp air and changing leaves.
My husband and I dream of a fall and winter that simply don’t exist here in a way that is often stereotypically advertised; like snow. Though California’s weather rarely aligns with the season (unless that season is spring or summer), I still romanticize it all. I try earnestly to create a dreamy fall/winter atmosphere in our home, even if the temperatures insist otherwise.
This year, however, feels a bit different. As I get older, I find myself wanting fewer things. I’ve been on a journey of conscious consumerism, becoming far more intentional with what I bring into my life. I’ve grown picky, deliberate about materials, whether for clothing or for home décor. I haven’t purchased fast fashion in years. Honestly, I’ve never been a big box home décor shopper either. I have always been a thrift, consignment, and antique girl through and through. About 92% of our home is antique or thrifted. The few items I do own from places like HomeGoods, At Home, or TJ Maxx were selected with great care; always prioritizing wood or metal over plastic and quality over quantity. With that said, I’ve curated a small but meaningful fall/winter wish list, pieces I hope to welcome into our home and wardrobe by the time winter ends in March 2026, when spring starts to bloom again.
1. McKenzie Childs English Garden Tea Kettle (Two Quart)
I’ve gone back and forth on this kettle for months. I so wish McKenzie Childs offered it with a whistling mechanism, but unfortunately that feature only exists in the Check and White Flower Market patterns, which simply don’t suit our décor, and while I doubt a whistling English Garden version is coming anytime soon (if ever); I’m still completely in love with the one that does exist. The muted floral beige motif, the toile-inspired feel, the hand applied design, every detail captures my heart. Pair that with the bronze accents, the acacia wood handle, and the darling glass topped lid, and I feel completely ready for this kettle to join our home.
Wide-Calf Boots: In Chocolate Leather
2. Wide-Calf Boots — Dolce Vita “Auggie” in Chocolate Leather
These boots would be such a wardrobe staple for me. They’re timeless: pointed toe, knee-high, low heel, and extraordinarily versatile. I love genuine leather for its longevity, and I’m always chasing quality pieces I can wear for years. I can already picture these boots with wide-leg jeans, cozy sweaters, pleated skirts, tights, or paired with my dresses. Truly a dream addition.
3. CoachEmpire Carryall 34 in Suede–Brass–Warm Brown
This is the larger investment piece on my list. I met this bag in person recently, and my goodness it’s stunning. The suede feel alone made me so happy. I passed on it that day because I was in the middle of another important purchase, but this beauty has stayed on my mind ever since. If you know me, you know I live in a baroque, vintage, ornate aesthetic with a focus on the Parisian touch. This bag fits perfectly into that world: vintage inspired, petite, and designed for essentials only. I switched to small bags about five years ago, and I’ve never looked back, they keep my life uncluttered in such a lovely way.
Coach Empire Carryall 34
4. Baroque or Ornate Frames
I’m always searching for these. Wood is my preference, but I welcome any material with craftsmanship and detail. I’m primarily looking for small frames, though medium, and large are always helpful too. My husband and I have a long hallway in Lumière’s Château (our home’s name) that serves as a growing gallery wall. We’re still adding to it, so antique stores, thrift shops, Etsy, and eBay remain in constant rotation for my searches.
5. Embroidered “Belle’s Book Club” Sweatshirt
Belle’s Book Club Emroidered sweatshirt
As a lifelong Beauty and the Beast lover, this sweater is pure comfort to me. I adore Belle, the Beast, the story, the friendships, acceptance, love, and of course the castle and its enchanting interiors. I’m slowly returning to reading again after stepping away because of trauma. Now, in my thirties, I crave a slower life, and more peace in a chaotic world. I can see myself curled up in bed with this sweater on, feeling cozy and connected to something I love.
6. A Murphy Bed
This is the biggest investment on the list and may or may not happen by March, but it’s a priority for our new home. Our previous house, sweetly named Marie Antoinette’s Closet, was adorable but small at 1,211 square feet. With three rooms fully dedicated as a master, an office, and a gym, we rarely had proper space to host overnight guests. Our new home is larger, and we gained an additional room. A Murphy bed would be ideal, living in my office as storage day to day, and transforming into a comfortable sleeping space whenever guests need it. It’s a practical, elegant solution we’d love to incorporate. The Murphy Bed pictured below is an example of one similar to the one we want, although this is not the exact one, you can find this one HERE if you are interested.
Farewell
This completes my fall/winter wishlist, it is small, thoughtful, and deeply meaningful to me. If you’ve read this far, thank you. I truly appreciate the time you’ve shared with me. I would love to hear from you: What’s on your fall/winter wish list this year? Wishing you all gentleness, warmth, and beautiful seasonal dreaming. I look forward to connecting with you again soon.