Links I Love Week 40: Year 2026

It’s been a crazy, exciting week in Paris, and I am back in Chicago. The week was jam-packed, and every day was full of adventure. I have never planned so much in one trip and executed every single thing on my list down to the last jazz moment. I’ll share everything in my Paris Agenda this coming week, when I have a minute to catch my breath. Plus, something exciting is happening between Crate and Barrel and Staub that I’ll let you in on soon.

The journey back to Chicago was long, especially with so little sleep. It gave me time to reflect on the week. One thing that keeps replaying in my head is that, in the story of the tortoise and the hare, the tortoise won. Hard work pays off. It took me 16 years to get to where I am today, and I don’t take a minute for granted.
Grab your coffee and croissants, and join me for this week’s links I love.
How French girls are styling their trench coats this fall.
Warby Parker launched a 90s collection, and I love it!
A new friend from the Paris trip happens to be a Cincinnati girl. We instantly connected over the Ohio connection and turns out, our parents know each other. Grace and I quickly became friends and bonded over the, food, publishing our first books, and mutual friends. My web designer is her web designer (in Australia). It is just wild. Grace is so much fun to be around and she has a new book out! Protein-Packed Vegetarian I linked the main page so you can choose your preferred retailer to order. The book just arrived when I got home from Paris and I already bookmarked some recipes.
The sneaker taking over America was inspired by iPhones and a vacuum cleaner. Did you know this?
The color forecast for 2027 is rolling in. Every color announced for home so far.
The Paris Guide 2027 is launching this October, and it is so good! I planned to launch it while I was in Paris, but I have so many new spots I want to add after this last trip. It is just getting better! Get on the list to know when it launches. This is a PDF downloadable for your phone and tablet. The printed version is coming next!
Full disclosure, I have listened to more audiobooks this year than I have read. If you are on the same page (pun intended), here is how audiobooks are made.
I’m really into chocolate brown these days, and it was everywhere in Paris. I wore this sweater in Paris with these flats and felt very on trend. (for my Canadian readers)

In case you missed it, you can see what I packed for Paris here.
The fall jacket trend for 2026.
Sisley Paris Friends and Family 20% off is happening now. I booked a 90-minute facial here for the end of my trip as a gift to myself with no regrets. This is the first time I have done a 90-minute facial, and it was heavenly, with the mix of a facial and massage while masks sat on my face, working their magic. You can see all my favorites here. I picked up the mascara and eyeliner at duty-free.
How to build a dry skin routine
Shop this week’s best sellers, Adidas, the perfect white T-shirt, and a great pair of jeans.

Rick Steves shares eating French clichés at a Parisian bistro. This is a fun one and a great way to learn about Parisian culture and eating out.
I love a good Henley, as you may know from following me. It is one of my fall/winter staples. I just ordered this one from Theory, and it looks so good. It pairs perfectly with jeans and flats, or layers well under a blazer.
Where to shop the Mary Tyler Moore Frances Valentine Collection.
The group of women I spent the week with were nothing short of amazing and incredibly talented. I got to know Chloe Crane LeRoux a bit and we laughed until we cried cooking up a storm on our last night. She recently got married and her wedding photos casually made it into Vogue.
Chic women in Paris are wearing these fall trends according to Marie Claire.
I packed a brown belt for Paris, and it was one of the most requested links. It is an old Madewell belt that is no longer sold. This one is similar along with this one.
6 of the best new places to eat in the South of France
On the flight home from Paris, I couldn’t sleep and ended up watching the whole last season of Hacks. I laughed out loud and cried. It was a great way to spend the flight and the decompression time I needed.
These are my go-to travel pants (size M fits me best), and they have pockets. I rave about them and also think wearing a comfortable bra is key for long flights. I did not expect to highlight these boxers, but they may be the MVP for traveling. I originally packed them in my suitcase for sleep with this whipped henley, but I didn’t end up wearing them until the last day. *Gifted by the brand.
My long-haul travel uniform is here.
Could “dry conditioning” give you healthier, shinier hair
I bought this travel set earlier this year as a 10-year blog anniversary gift to myself. The color I got is no longer in stock because it is a special edition, but there are many other colors. This makes a great gift idea if you’re thinking ahead to the holidays.
These were in my welcome bag from Staub and I can’t stop eating them!
Merci x Gerard Darel. I was invited to the launch party in Paris but sadly had to miss it because I already had something on my agenda. The brand sent me this micro bag in Burgundy. SO cute!!
A 538 square food Pied a Tierre designed to be a cabinet of curiousiosities
Boll and Branch is 20% off every layer with code FALL20. We love our signature hemmed sheets, duvet set, and waffle blanket. Plus, they have a fall collection with beautiful colors for the change of season.
Is it time for belts? The NYT and Paris Fashion Week say yes. So do I!
Before Paris, I ran to get a manicure and forgot my polishes. (I usually bring my own. Dazzle Dry was what I tried to keep my nails looking fresh all week, and it backfired as my nails bubbled on day one. This weekend, it was my first stop, and I feel so much better. I am trying the LondonTown Magnolia Bakery collection in Red Velvet.
Oh and look at this, Bordeaux nails are the modern and polished way to wear burgundy this fall.
My grey travel scarf got an update for fall, and I love it!!
Etsy plans to get more personal and boost business with AI. This caught my eye because I started on Etsy in 2009 and for many years, it was my sole income. I have moved away from the platform due to fees and more.
I upgraded my old raincoat with this one from Varley, and I cannot wait. The color says brown, but it is more of a burgundy red, perfect to pair with my brown Varley pieces. Is it bad to say I am looking forward to a rainy day so I can break this out?
How to wake up early during the fall and winter. I struggle to get up when it is still dark outside.
These are your rights as an airline passenger if your flight is delayed or canceled in the US.
I love the Irene Forte night cream and just bought the eye cream to try out. This is a new-to-me brand that is now on my radar and one I won’t shut up about. My holiday wish list includes an Irene Forte facial.
Fashion suddenly feels very 2008
The cinched-waist blazer is replacing oversized styles this fall
I ordered one of these hats for the upcoming fall/winter. There are so many colors; it was hard to choose.
P.S. See more behind the scenes from Paris on Notes from a Francophile.
*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission on items purchased through my links. Merci!












Great Links again. So many great choices.Especially loved the Chloe wedding article. Magical! One other thing- Sézane is making it hard for you and others who are influencers for this brand to show your choices as the hyperlinks continue to go to the website vs the actual item you are featuring. All the other brands go directly to the item and the purchase opportunity.
I have an earlier version of the Paris Guide. Can I get updates? Tx