Staff’s Picks: What We Love Right Now (January 2026 Edition)
Welcome to our first curated collection of 2026! As we settle into the rhythm of a new year, the “New Year, New Me” mantra has evolved. This year, the focus isn’t on radical reinvention but on intentional refinement. Our staff has spent the last month testing, wearing, and living with a variety of products designed to make daily life a little more seamless, stylish, and soulful.
From the resurgence of “warm minimalism” in our homes to tech that actually helps us disconnect, here is the definitive list of what we are genuinely loving right now.
1. Fashion: The Return of Tactile Elegance
If 2025 was the year of loud “dopamine dressing,” 2026 is leaning into what we like to call “The Soft Power Aesthetic.” It’s about high-quality fabrics and silhouettes that feel as good as they look.
The Half-Zip Merino Pullover
The standout item in our office this month is the Boiled Merino Wool Half-Zip. It’s the ultimate bridge between professional and loungewear. Our Senior Editor, Sarah, notes: “It’s substantial enough to replace a blazer in a Zoom call but soft enough to wear while curled up with a book.” We’re seeing a shift toward “utilitarian preppy”—think deep navy, forest green, and oatmeal tones.
Simple Drop Earrings
In the world of accessories, the trend is moving away from chunky “statement” pieces toward Simple, Long Drop Earrings. Specifically, we love the 14k gold-plated versions with a single petite pearl or a minimalist geometric bar. They add a vertical line to your look that is incredibly flattering and works just as well with a white tee as it does with a slip dress.
2. Home & Interiors: Designing for Presence
The interior design forecast for 2026 is all about “Color Drenching” and “Lived-in Luxury.” Our staff’s home picks reflect a desire for spaces that feel like a warm hug.
Ribbed Faux Fur Throws
January is the peak of “hunker down” season. We’ve collectively fallen in love with Ribbed Faux Fur Throws. Unlike the flat faux furs of the past, the ribbed texture adds a sophisticated architectural element to a sofa. It’s a small investment that completely changes the “vibe” of a living room, making it feel curated rather than just cluttered.
The “Furniture-First” Kitchen Move
While we can’t all renovate our kitchens every January, many of us are adopting the “Unfitted Kitchen” trend. This means moving away from clinical, built-in islands and toward freestanding work tables or vintage sideboards used for storage. It breaks up the monotony of cabinetry and makes the heart of the home feel more like a collected, personal space.
3. Wellness: The “Rewired” Approach
Wellness in 2026 is moving away from vague “self-care” and toward Precision Health. We are looking for science-backed tools that fit into a busy schedule.
Lymphatic Drainage Wearables
One of our more “high-tech” favorites this month are Infused Lymphatic Drainage Dots. These are wearable patches infused with magnesium and ginger that you apply to specific pressure points. Our team found them particularly helpful for post-holiday bloating and improving circulation during long days at the desk.
The Return of Breathwork
It might sound “old school” in a world of AI-driven health trackers, but focused breathwork is our top mental health pick. We’ve been using apps that sync with haptic feedback on smartwatches to guide 5-minute sessions. In an “information-saturated” world, the simplest tech—one that just tells you when to inhale—is often the most valuable.
4. Tech & Gadgets: Useful Over Universal
The “gadget fatigue” of 2025 has led us to prioritize single-use excellence over multi-functional clutter.
Wireless Power Banks with “Character”
Gone are the days of ugly grey bricks. We are currently obsessed with Leather-Wrapped or Fabric-Finished Wireless Power Banks. They look like a chic notebook or a wallet on your desk. Since we’re all traveling more for “workcations” this year, having a charger that feels like a premium accessory is a small but significant joy.
High-Speed Ionic Hair Dryers
On the beauty-tech front, the team is raving about the new generation of Ultra-Lightweight Ionic Dryers. They offer salon-grade NAD+ boosting features (which sounds like science fiction but actually helps with scalp health) and dry hair in half the time. It’s a “buy it once, use it every day” investment that pays for itself in reclaimed morning time.
Why These Picks Matter
At its core, “Staff’s Picks” is about more than just consumerism. It’s about curation. In an era where algorithms often tell us what we should want based on a 15-second clip, we believe there is immense value in the human perspective.
Every item on this list was chosen because it solves a problem, enhances a mood, or simply stands the test of daily use. We are looking for:
- Sustainability: Products that don’t need to be replaced by March.
- Versatility: Items that work in multiple contexts (home, office, travel).
- Authenticity: Brands that have a clear story and ethical manufacturing processes.
Summary Table: At a Glance
| Category | Staff Pick | Why We Love It |
| Fashion | Half-Zip Merino Pullover | The perfect “work-from-anywhere” staple. |
| Home | Ribbed Faux Fur Throw | Adds instant texture and warmth to any room. |
| Wellness | Lymphatic Drainage Dots | A low-effort way to support physical recovery. |
| Tech | Fabric-Wrapped Power Banks | Turns a utility item into a style statement. |
| Accessories | Simple Gold Drop Earrings | Elegant, minimalist, and timeless. |
Final Thoughts
As we move further into 2026, we’re noticing a beautiful shift. People are tired of “disposable” trends and are craving substance. Whether it’s a sweater that lasts a decade or a 5-minute breathing ritual that saves your sanity, the best “picks” are the ones that serve your real life.
We hope this list inspires you to look at your own surroundings and identify what you love right now. Is it a vintage lamp? A specific brand of tea? A pair of boots that never let you down? Whatever it is, lean into it.
