Notes on Being - Letter No. 15

February through wardrobe, beauty and home

Welcome to Letter No. 15 – I hope you’re all well! February has such a particular mood. It’s not quite winter’s drama anymore, but it’s not spring either. It’s the in-between.

We’ve been juggling what has felt like a never-ending flu season, and on top of that Balthazar broke his collarbone, which has meant that February has mostly been a month of staying at home. Slower days, cancelled plans and a lot of time indoors. But we’re slowly, steadily making our way back into real life again.

The past week has been filled with social moments and conversations with like-minded women, something I’ve truly cherished.

I also want to say thank you, truly, for all the support after my last letter where I shared that I’m stepping into freelancing as a creative consultant. Your messages and encouragement meant more than you know. I’m now slowly navigating this new chapter: building something of my own while being a full-time mother. It’s tender and intense and slightly chaotic. One small step at a time!

After a few letters away from the original Notes on Being theme, I felt it was time to return to the three pillars: Wardrobe, Home and Beauty. Below are my February favourites, seen through each of them.

The Wardrobe

What I’m wearing: Poplin shirt , Cartier Watch

I still mostly live in my black shearling coat, turtlenecks and boots. But after months of heavy knits and practical layers, I’m craving lightness and softer tones. Getting dressed in a slightly lighter palette shifts my mood entirely. It feels like gently stepping toward spring.

Right now I’m adding crisp poplin shirts and fresh blue denim to my wardrobe, pieces that feel clean and awake. Nothing revolutionary, just small adjustments that make everything feel new again. A few favourites below:

Links: Poplin shirt, Car coat, Sunglasses, White denim, Loafers, Black Cashmere knit, Leather jacket, Blue denim, Hair pin, Fitted T-shirt, Blazer, Bag

Beauty

After what feels like an eternity of cold weather and dry indoor air, it’s as if my entire body is crying out for moisture. I’m focusing on restoring, replenishing and protecting. Basically layering hydration the way I’ve been layering knits all winter. If winter was about surviving, February beauty is about rebuilding.

Below is my current routine for face, body and hair, all centered around comfort and nourishment:

Links: Salt & Stone hand cream, Verso soothing serum, Verso facial cleanser, Nécessaire body serum, Nécessaire body lotion, Oribe moisturizing cream, Dermaceutic hyal ceutic, Merit tinted mineral sunscreen, Goop lip mask

Something that always works: a good sheet mask, freshly blow-dried hair (I use the Dyson Airwrap), and a crisp poplin pajamas. My favorite evening ritual.

At Home

There must be something about the Year of the Horse, because I have this intense urge to clear everything out. I want order in every drawer. There’s something comforting about truly knowing what you own, and clearing out what no longer serves a purpose feels incredibly liberating.

And once I’ve cleared out what I no longer use, there’s naturally space for something that will be loved and used more intentionally. We’ve added the most beautiful Bone China tableware from Singular Society, and I can honestly say: the search for the perfect everyday tableware is over.

There’s something about a cohesive table setting that makes me feel very put together.

Links: Bone china collection, Tea pot (20% off)

Until next time

Notes on Being returns in two weeks. Until then, here’s one little thing that has been inspiring me lately:

I’ve had this image saved in my phone since last year, and now it’s finally time to recreate it. Bringing a small piece of spring indoors while it’s still winter outside. Snake’s head fritillaries in a pewter vase, so incredibly beautiful.

x Martina

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