Thinking About: 001

A new weekly series (or whenever I feel like it?) perhaps

January 20, 2026

Introducing a new version of my Thinking About series I shared back in 2024 to cover off on a few things on my mind, in my cart, on my screen, reading, etc.

I also want to say, Mad For It is nearly at 1k subscribers—thank you to all who continue to read and subscribe. I love this corner of the internet and the world we are cultivating here.

Pardon the hiatus! I started a new job at the beginning of the year and have been pretty heads down taking it all in. I’m the new Director of Social & Content at RŌZ Hair which is really feeling like a perfect fit for me. I love their products and approach to beauty through such a natural and artistic lens. I knew I was in the right place when I arrived to our office and this photo of Mick Jagger by Terry O’Neill was in the entryway. It’s one of my all time favorite photographs.

Music:

Last Wednesday my husband and I were lucky enough to get tickets to see Lady Gaga perform for one night only at the Wiltern for an Apple Music taping. She did a special show called “Mayhem: Requiem” in the most beautiful stage setup—it looked like a crumbling cathedral, medieval castle, and opera house all rolled into one. We saw her at her Mayhem Ball in summer, and we are going again next month. I was never really a little monster, but Mayhem really converted me. It’s the artist as her truest self, something to be hold.

For Requiem, she played a more industrial rock version of the album, and somehow turned “Die With a Smile” into a remix with Kavinsky’s “Nightcall.” I’ll never forget it. Hoping it comes out as a live album soon in tandem with the Apple Music recording…bc I need those tracks now.

Also been listening to a lot of Roxy Music again. Perhaps feeling nostalgic for “More Than This,” which was our first dance at our wedding nearly two years ago (how???) “Angel Eyes” is my favorite favorite.

In My Cart:

Admittedly, feeling ~MEH~ about recent new arrivals. One piece I have been wearing regularly is Still Here’s Madison shirt, and loving this striped sweater from Lisa Says Gah. I’ve been buying some new beauty products as my skin has been DRY. Dieux’s new Skin Mercy has been a big help, and I’m testing Monastery’s XX Glycolic Gel to help with congestion. Nothing crazy to report there so far in terms of results, but I have a feeling it’s a long game product.

My girl Sofia got me thinking BIG about YSL Arty rings this week…so you know I’m on the hunt. I had one in HS in gold with a pink stone. Where is she now!!! Generally in the mood for some sort of new ring with a stone moment. I love this Wolf Circus guy giving me Arty Vibes. Also eyeing a pair of The Row x Oliver Peoples sunnies that Blaire Marple wrote about last week that might make me feel like Lee Radziwill.

I’m also on the hunt for a good work tote, but can’t pull the trigger on anything. What’s your go-to work tote? I’ve been considering the Alex Mill one, or the LL Bean Boat & Tote with a longer strap and my initial embroidered. Or a leather moment?? I cannot decide, truly.

In My Saved Folder:

Olivia Rodrigo for Miu Miu of COURSE! Mrs. P absolutely redeeming herself from the F/W 25 shoot—of which I loved most of, but you know my feelings on it as I wrote about here. Sorry, Kylie. Olivia feels like the ideal fit for the new Miu Miu woman. I’m excited to see the additional creative that comes out of this campaign. So far, the light, airy setting feels like the perfect backdrop for a collection that is so detailed and ornate, and really a return to Miu Miu’s roots in many ways. Oof, I’ll never stop thinking about the jeweled smocks. Dream piece.

Jonathan Anderson is doing it again with the officially launched Christian Dior Book Cover Totes that debuted in the summer. I would truly do anything for one, likely the Dracula one or perhaps Ulysses by James Joyce. Dior rolled out some really lovely vignettes featuring artists, writers, and other creatives this week featuring the totes, shot along the Seine. Transport me there!

Also on my mind: Prada Menswear F/W ‘26. And just flagging…I would die for these flats from F/W 25 womenswear….

More to come in next week’s roundup on men’s fashion month. But how good was the set? Wrote a smidge about there here:

And soon…onward to couture debuts from Jonathan at Dior and Matthieu for Chanel!

Louise Trotter’s first campaign for Bottega Veneta by Juergen Teller is really special. There’s some wonderful visual repetition in the images and color blocking that’s speaking to me. Her unique approach to the house’s signature textures is notable in these images. It feels true to the Venetian heritage of Bottega while incorporating Juergen’s signature photographic style.

On My Screen:

I have been Traitors-maxxing, between the US and UK versions. This has become an obsession in my house. Also on the list: we just finished Palm Royale, which really was an enjoyable ride. The costumes and locations were even more fabulous than season one, IMO!

Reading:

I’m reading They All Came to Barneys (finally) and The Silver Book by Olivia Laing. Highly recommend both of them so far. The former is perfect if you genuinely miss Barneys and the now truly bygone era of department stores…I mean did you see the news about Saks Global?

I had several formative experiences in department stores, namely Nordstrom, of which I was on the ‘Fashion Board’ in high school, and the times I went to Barneys and bought shoes I definitely couldn’t afford in college, which my dad promptly made me return, and then when maybe I could afford them once I started working. Two of my most beloved pairs of Chanel shoes were bought at the Beverly Hills store. I’m genuinely curious to see how long department stores will last, because the Saks bankruptcy news definitely does not bode well.

My Libby loan for The Silver Book was finally available a few days ago and I have been WAITING for this one. In 2024, I read The Garden Against Time by the same author, and I love her writing style. I was very excited when she announced her first novel last year, loosely based on the events leading up to the murder of Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini. I’m only 60 pages in, but it’s quite good. Fast-paced, with stunning depictions of Italy in the 70s. Definitely recommend.

And finally, some recent pin boards for your mental massage…

Have a lovely week! x

Maddie