2024 SMT Year in Review
What a year it was.
December was a whirlwind in our home, a mad dash between Thanksgiving and Christmas that left me with a full heart — and a need for a nap, if I’m being honest. Time seems to be speeding up these days and I feel myself looking for ways to slow it down, especially as the new year rapidly approaches. It’s a tall order, I will sheepishly admit, as someone who too often leans into the frenzy of this stage of life. There is always more I want to tackle, be it in parenting or professional pursuits. It takes concerted effort to ignore my to-do list and read a few pages of a novel, for example (I just started All Fours by Miranda July, it’s as good as everyone says). For several days, I’ve been eyeing the sunflower cross stitch kit Oliver picked out for me for Christmas, eager to begin.
The reflection this time of year encourages helps, too. Taking stock is a useful exercise for me, remembering what happened and appreciating where I spent my time, efforts, and energy. It also nudges me to reconsider, and adjust, as we head into the new year.
Social media posts can feel a bit fleeting, while writing here on Substack comes with a welcome stickiness. The most popular SMT posts were about the British Royal Family’s turbulent year; I am proud of how we collectively handled the conspiracy theories and cancer diagnoses with care. My personal royal highlights include traveling with the Sussexes (twice!), chatting with the queen’s son and seeing Diana’s clothing up close before it went to auction. More below, including some inspiring political and press tour fashion.
What are your thoughts on the year that was, royal or otherwise? Any requests for SMT in 2025? Click below to share in the comments.
So many thanks for joining me here and being a part of this community. This corner of the internet is my favorite. Wishing you all the best as we head into the new year. ✨
2024 So Many Thoughts Year in Review
ROYALS IN CRISIS: The Windsors had an unprecedented year with a shocking pair of cancer diagnoses, first for King Charles III in February and then Catherine, the Princess of Wales in March. I took a long look at internet spiral around Kate’s absence, the self-inflicted photo-editing debacle and why “Kate-spiracy” took hold. Two guest essays — one from Brit Vicky Smith and another from American Kate Coyne — weighed in on the broader implications for the royal family. Following the princess’s return to the spotlight at Trooping the Colour, cancer patients generously shared their thoughts on what it means to “look sick” and Miranda Featherstone reflected on the loss of her “fancy self.”
TRAVELING WITH THE SUSSEXES: Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were on the move this year — and I had the chance to join them twice (!). In February, I ventured to Vancouver for Invictus Games training camp and in September I got a glimpse into their life in Montecito through the opening of Godmothers bookstore. The couple visited Nigeria in May, which felt a bit like a royal tour; in September, they traveled to Colombia, prompting more questions about why they take these trips. Guest essays from Adebola Olayinka and Anneke Ball added to the conversations around both. (Hoping 2025 brings more from Meghan’s new venture, American Riviera Orchard.)
FASHION ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: The presidential election meant an influx of political style, from Nikki Haley’s skirts to Kamala Harris’s suits. The Democratic National Convention was its own style moment, with attendees rising to the occasion (and you all, too!). The costumes in fictional political portrayals offered their own clues, including Girls on the Bus and Veep. My conversation about civic engagement with Sami Sage and Emily Amick feels more applicable than ever and I am holding tight to the spirit of the White House holiday decorations.
STYLE THAT SPEAKS: Thoughtful dressing continued to impress this year, including Taylor Swift’s game day style and the a host of athletes at the Olympics. Press tour fashion reached new heights, particularly Zendaya acing the Challengers red carpets and the phenomenon that is Wicked on screen and off. I loved sitting down with Lily Collins of Emily in Paris for an InStyle cover story all about the outsize role of fashion in the show and chatting with Emily Calandrelli, aka the Space Gal, about “professional cupcake” style on her science book tour.
BUCKET LIST MOMENTS: Several times this year I thought: “Is this really happening?!” Meeting Harry and Meghan tops that list (full Town & Country piece here) as well as this Oprah encounter. More highlights include the chance to put on a pair of white gloves and examine Diana’s fashion before it went to auction as well as my delightful interview Tom Parker Bowles. My trip to London with Atlas Adventures was a dream, a group travel experience filled with the most amazing people and unforgettable experiences.
A FEW MORE FAVES: Your suggestions in for our Dress of the Summer spreadsheet were so fun, as was rounding up festive fashion options and learning more about the history of Barbour jackets. And finally, writing about the 20th anniversary of my mother’s death was difficult — but your generous responses meant so much.
But mostly: THANK YOU. Truly. Your support makes this work possible and I am immensely grateful. Take care and happy new year.
Love this reminder of all the things we shared as a community. Happy new year!
Happy New Year to you and your family!