What I Bought in November 2025

November always feels like the unofficial kickoff to cozy season, which means my shopping cart ended up with a little bit of everything this month. From top drawer wardrobe refreshers and beauty finds to a few pet-parent essentials I couldn’t resist, this is a fun mix of practical and fun purchases. In this post, I’m breaking down all the things I bought in November, so let’s get into it!

Clothing

For the last few years, I’ve been working with a personal trainer, and I needed a few new workout staples. I picked up a Lululemon long sleeve Sculpt tee and tank in the palm deco color (no longer available in the tank), an Align racerback tank in black plum, and a forever staple in any woman’s workout wardrobe, a pair of black leggings.

While I was in the States at the beginning of the month, I was able to refresh my favorite top drawer essentials at Nordstrom. I love this Natori underwire bra and their comfort evolution memory foam convertible bra. I also stocked up on my favorite cotton French cut briefs. For my last top drawer refresh, I bought a new cozy pair of pajamas from Eberjey.

Over the last few months, I’ve fallen in love with the brand Jenni Kayne. I added the demi pant in olio and their Flynn cashmere sweater in ivory to my wardrobe. For those days when I want an easy yet chic matching set, I’ve been reaching for this combo from Kilte. This would make for a great travel outfit! While not a purchase in November, this coat from Sézane has been in heavy rotation the past few weeks. It’s the winter version of their ever-popular Clyde trench coat.

And let’s not forget about Andrew, as he made a few new purchases this month! He’s loving this new flannel shirt in off-white, a perfect layering shirt for fall and winter, and this steel blue sweater. He’s been getting a lot of wear out of these sneakers from Soludos. All of these would make excellent gifts for the men in your life!

Beauty

My makeup needed a restock, so I ordered a few of my favorite clean beauty picks. I love this Merit Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm (in bounce) and the Ilia Multi-Stick (in lady bird). This highlighter and blush combination is perfect for adding color, but also provides a dewy finish that’s great in the winter months, as my skin gets drier. I also re-stocked my Ilia Necessary Eyeshadow Palette in warm nude.

Home

I attended an event hosted by Martin Brudnizki at the V&A Museum and had to pick up his book My Life in Colors. The book dives into how Martin layers colors to create a story in each of his interior designs and encourages you to live in full color. It’s the perfect coffee table book and would make a great gift for the design lovers in your life.

The biggest addition this month was our golden retriever, Einstein! He is utter chaos wrapped in unbearable sweetness. We are loving every second with him! I’ve picked up a few essentials for him from Daylesford Farm. For his first bath, I picked up this dog shampoo and this daily scent spray that neutralizes odors. Of course, he’s a scarf lover like his mother, so I had to get him this tweed bandana. He’ll be the most fashionable dog in the neighborhood!

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My Favorite Travel Souvenirs

Ceramics are hands down my favorite souvenir to shop for when I travel. There’s something truly special about bringing home a piece that’s been shaped by hand, steeped in centuries of tradition, and entirely unique to its place of origin. Whether it’s Delftware from Amsterdam, pottery from Puglia, delicate porcelain in Vietnam, or aptware from Provence, every piece holds a little slice of the journey. They become not just souvenirs, but stories, little reminders of the people, places, and moments that made each trip unforgettable.

Unlike the typical trinkets that often collect dust, these finds are functional (and occasionally not-so-functional) works of art: timeless, beautiful, and deeply personal. They’re part of my home now. Little stories on my shelves and tabletops that remind me of where I’ve been.

And yes, figuring out how to get them home safely? That’s an adventure in itself (shoutout to my carry-on packing skills and an unhealthy amount of bubble wrap). Alas, it’s worth it every time! Here are some of my favorite pieces I’ve collected over the years to spark some inspiration for your next adventure.

In the top left of the photo above is a royal Delft piece that I got in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a great place to get blue and white porcelain, also known as Delftware. I picked up this vase on our Atlas Adventures trip there last winter.

While technically not a ceramic, on the bottom row is an antique Alabaster sphinx from Egypt that I got on a trip there with Andrew. The sphinx represents health and protection, so it felt like a good omen to keep in our home.

From one of my favorite antique shops in Florence, I picked up a miniature bust. A bust is a nice, old-world, and poetic kind of souvenir. It’s such a delightful touch to keep in your home. I also have a miniature statuette from the same shop on these bookshelves (not pictured).

The painted vase in the above photo is hands down one of my favorite pieces. I purchased this hand-painted vase at an antique market in Lisbon on a scouting trip. The colors are so beautiful! Out in the garden, I have a lovely ruffled trim blue and white vase that I picked up at the same antique market in Lisbon where I found my vase.

In the kitchen, I keep a footed bowl that I got at my favorite antique shop in Amsterdam, another Delftware piece that was only thirteen euros! It’s a perfect place to store produce on the kitchen counter.

During a trip to Vietnam, I picked up two small antique bowls from the Ming Dynasty, and they have so much character! A true antique, they have a few chips, but that makes them even more charming as these have been well-loved. They’re full of life and history. I also picked up a vase on that same trip. You can see the wide selection of vases, cups, bowls, and platters from the shop below.

In the small town of Apt in Provence, I picked up a beautiful blue and white marbled plate. If the plate were cracked, you’d see the marbling all the way through. It’s handmade, and each piece is completely unique. On the same trip, I picked up a beautiful set of matching cups and saucers. The flowering detail is all done by hand. I was able to meet the woman who makes them, and every time I have my matcha or flat white in the morning, I’m transported back to that special memory.

Ceramics are some of the most unique ways that you can bring your travels home with you, and I love the way it’s brought so much personality, life, character, memories, and stories to our home. Interested in a grand tour of my favorite ceramic and antique shops? Our team can customize your next trip with stops at these shops and more. Reach out today to schedule a consultation call.

What to Pack for Fall in Scotland

We’re so excited to be headed back to Scotland for one of our last Atlas Adventures trips for the year. Let’s be honest, Scotland will be beautiful, but it’s going to be cold! So what should you pack for fall in Scotland? There is no predicting the weather, so waterproofs, good footwear, and layering is key to successful packing! Our trip is split between exploring city life in Edinburgh, before venturing north to the countryside. Multi-purpose clothing will help to keep you from overpacking. Our number one packing recommendation is to always check the forecast beforehand and adjust accordingly.

If you’ll be spending time in the great outdoors (which you absolutely should in Scotland!), you may want comfortable walking/hiking boots. This is crucial on the more rugged terrain, like on the Isle of Skye. You’ll want to be able to access those hidden trails and breathtaking viewpoints off the beaten track. Be sure to break these in before your trip!

As out trip is on the cusp of the winter season, Scotland’s days will be much shorter, with the sun setting in the late afternoon. While this creates a cozy atmosphere, it also means there will be longer evenings indoors. We suggested our attendees bring along a few things to keep themselves entertained during this time, perhaps a good book, a deck of cards, a journal, or anything else you enjoy. Perfect for curling up in front of the fire!

What to Pack for Fall in Scotland

Outerwear

We recommend a waterproof jacket with a hood in case of rain, especially for hikes. Depending on the temperature forecast, you may be able to get by with a trench coat during the day, but you’ll likely want a coat that’s a bit warmer. A puffer like this or this are great options. Don’t forget about the accessories! You’ll need a warm scarf like this or this one (which is also great for the airplane), fleece-lined or leather gloves, and a hat like this or this.

Hiking Gear

For hiking days, we recommend a small backpack (ideally waterproof). A dry bag will keep your electronics and any additional layers dry in case of rain. A reusable water bottle is always a must, and a thermos is great if you want a hot beverage during your hikes. A travel umbrella that can easily be added to your bag, along with walking poles if you use them, are useful. Don’t forget the sunscreen to protect your skin!

Warm Layers

You’ll want to pack a few different layers as you transition from the cold outdoors to warm and cozy indoors. We recommend a pair of these or these thermal leggings and/or hiking pants like these, these, or these. Thermal tops are another great layering piece; you’ll want to look for materials that are quick-drying (not cotton). You might want to top them with a warm fleece under your jacket. These thermal tops and leggings aren’t just for hiking days, they’re the perfect layer under your jeans and sweaters without adding bulk. Don’t forget a mix of merino wool hiking socks and warm everyday socks to round out your layers.

Day to Evening

For days in the city, you’ll likely want a pair or two of jeans like these or these. You can pair those with sweaters like this cashmere one, an oversized crewneck, a cable knit, or a turtleneck. For evenings, you might want to swap your jeans for a pair of polished trousers or satin wide-leg pants with a button-up, blouse, or cardigan. That said, make sure everything you pack is something you’ll feel comfortable wearing during chilly fall days.

Comfortable Shoes

While walking the cobbled streets and stairs in Edinburgh, you’ll want a pair of comfortable sneakers. You might also consider packing a pair of low boots and a pair of loafers for the evenings. If you are hiking, you’ll want a waterproof hiking boot that is sturdy and already broken in. This pair from Hoka came highly recommended!

Follow along with us on our trip to Scotland on Instagram! If you’re ready to plan your own trip to Scotland, learn more about our travel planning services and schedule a consultation call with our team!

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