A Vibe Shift

Hi friend,

The term “millennial beige” (otherwise known as “sad beige”) was coined to describe an interior design trend. It is minimal and heavy on neutrals: white walls, gray or beige furnishings. Theories for its rise are myriad. Is it because many millennials are renters? Is it a reaction to the busy, dark interiors of our youth? Is it because layering shades of white and cream is easier than picking out colors and patterns; more beginner friendly? Or maybe it’s aspirational; after all, it’s hard to keep an all-white house looking spotless. 

This "aggressively neutral” look is so popular, yet so bland. It’s also the subject of a new lawsuit that could shift the influencer community. As The Verge documents, an influencer who posts about Amazon shopping finds from her neutral-toned home is suing another such influencer, claiming that she copied her aesthetic.

“I have no malice toward the Sad Beige Home, but I, personally, am thrilled I do not live here,” writes Verge reporter Mia Sato from one interchangeable influencer domicile. “Despite the light pouring in from the oversize windows and the electric fireplace glowing in the living room, it feels cold, austere, not suited for life.”

Maybe it’s because we are a few films deep into the Nancy Meyers catalog, but this kind of minimalism just isn’t what we yearn for. A completely neutral-toned interior, as exemplified by Kim Kardashian’s Axel Vervoordt-designed mansion, is simply too sterile.

Maximalism, with its layered prints, colors, and textures, feels warmer and more full of life. Consider the return of what The Washington Post is calling “tacky Christmas” decor, which is really just letting your kids put as many ornaments on your tree as they want, and “embracing a more lived-in, blended bounty.”

Print overload also can read old money, as Goop exec Noora Raj Brown illustrates in a newsletter titled “In Defense of Maximalism.” In it, she describes a setting that is a world away from the beige interior of an influencer selling Amazon products. “Over the summer, I went to a dear friend’s wedding in Venice where a moody, lush print — an iteration of an 18th century verdure tapestry — made a potent case for maximalism,” she details. Go on, please. “From the tablecloths lined with thick piping to the scalloped curtains draping the walls, a stunning, visceral universe emerged…There’s a magic to world building, of enveloping your guests within a layered, ethereal thought; a Houdini trick in textiles.”

For maximalism you can wear, keep scrolling. Our shopping selects are below, plus a few more recommendations for your week.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

We have a wardrobe filled with sensible basics. It’s solid and reliable. But on occasion, you want a statement piece or two. We found 14, from coats to shoes to dresses and blouses. Wintery florals, plaids, paisleys and more, this way.

• Love the teeny-tiny dots on this blouse. Caron Callahan Daisy Shirt, $276 (with code THANKS2024). Size XS to XL.

• A fuzzy, cozy cardigan. Massimo Dutti Checked Wool-Alpaca Cardigan, $229. Size XS to L.

• So pretty. Dôen Frederica Top, $109. Size XXS to XXL.

• A very chic leopard ballet flat, now on sale. Reformation Prudence Ballet Flat, $201.

• Absurd, amazing pants. Alix of Bohemia Farah Wool-Cotton Jacquard Flared Pants, $312. Size XS to XL.

• This is selling out fast. Zara x Kate Moss Printed Silk Dress, $229. Size XS to L.

• A great option for the holidays. Maria de la Orden Bastille Shirt, $84. Size S, M, L.

• This stellar coat offers a more subtle pattern. Banana Republic Oversized Merino Jacquard Coat, $168. Size XS to XXL.

• The kind of shirt we’d wear a ton. Trovata Bailey Blouse, $115. Size XS to L.

• Such a cool coat. Mango Wool-Blend Houndstooth Coat, $219. Size S, M, L.

• Wide-leg paisley pants are not for everyone, but they do make a statement. Ulla Johnson Valencia Pant, $270. Size 00 to 16.

• An easy, comfy dress. Boden Ivy Smoked Midi Dress, $132. Size 0 to 22.

• The sleeves and longer length mean this dress is wearable in multiple seasons. Apiece Apart Marias Dress, $371.25 (with code HOLIDAY). Size XS to XL.

• A standout sweater. Barbour Paulette Crewneck Jumper, $150. Size 6, 8.

Shop the Story

Good sleep, in present form? This holiday sleep bundle includes a gentle-wake alarm clock (complete with white noise settings, as well as meditations, sound baths, and more soothing playlists); night lights; a sleep mask; and more sleep-aiding tools. Cool! Shop the Loftie BFCM sale now here, with up to 50 percent off on all bundles. #partner

TO STREAM Apparently, we all have a bottomless desire for spy shows. How else to explain the rash of new offerings, including Netflix’s Black Doves? Out Thursday, it stars Keira Knightley as an undercover agent of a secretive spy syndicate and it looks very watchable.

TO STOCK UP ON This toothpaste features an ingredient called nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha), a form of calcium found in tooth enamel and dentin that helps rebuild and protect our teeth sans fluoride. We like this three-pack, which has multiple flavors. Get it here, and use code BOKAGLORIA15 for 15 percent off. #partner  

TO LISTEN If you are hosting boomers in your home this year for the holidays, consider this a PSA: there is a new Carpenters Christmas album, Christmas Once More, which features 16 of easy-listening classics – all remixed and remastered.

TO COOK This easy, fluffy gingerbread cake, with its warm spices, offers dual benefits. It’s a delicious dessert, and it makes your house smell amazing.

TO TRY This Women's Hormone Health Superpowder by Beam is an incredible women's health shortcut. Glow features 18 active ingredients designed to support common fluctuations in metabolism, immune function, energy levels, collagen production, and more. Their Cyber Monday Sale is now live, so you can give Glow a try and get up to 50 percent off using our link. #partner

“America’s hidden racial divide: A mysterious gap in psychosis rates.” • This explanation for the decline in Honeycrisp apple quality is more complicated than we’d expect. • More woman are working later into life, both out of necessity and personal preference. • Unsure of how we feel about this Bridget Jones sequel.

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