Somehow, trying to relax is often the hardest part of relaxing, which means achieving a restful vacation takes some preparation. Even as hectic work schedules subside, travel and the demands of the holidays can make it more challenging to fall into the rituals and rejuvenation cycles we would lean on at any other time of year.
An office survey shows that R&R looks different for every editor. One snowbird takes a trip to a tropical destination where you can relax on the beach, with her trusty sunscreen and UV protective gear in tow. Another leans towards running and puts on his District Vision sneakers for a jog along a scenic route. Others fall back on tried-and-true self-care, like curling up in our favorite pajamas, putting on a face mask, and reading a new book. Here, 10 Fashion editors share how they plan to get some much-needed rest before the new year – and with a busy fashion month ahead.
Our top picks
Talia Abbas, senior shopping editor
Running is my kind of relaxation, so I’ll be doing a lot of that during the break. I just got some new running shoes and gear from On that are keeping me nice and warm in the cold. I also want to be more aware of my caffeine intake; matcha is the next best thing since I can’t enjoy an afternoon latte. Blue Bottle’s is a favorite. And finally, a friend gave me a gift voucher for The Well for my birthday, which I would like to use for a small treatment or a sound bath meditation.
Kiana Murden, beauty shop writer
Mental and physical well-being are a top priority for me this holiday season and herald my focus for 2024. Taking careful care of your body and mind cannot be underestimated. Maybe I’ll just keep my phone on Do Not Disturb while I spend my days practicing yoga and pilates, drinking my AG1 vegetable powder, journaling, and lighting an aromatic candle.
Madeline Fass, senior retail editor
Now that I have more time to relax during the holidays, I’m looking forward to focusing more on daily self-care. Indulging in masks and body treatments that I often tell myself I don’t have enough time for is a good start!
Alexis Bennett Parker, senior shopping writer
In preparation for 2024, I am using the holiday break to meditate a lot and do some self-reflection. Meditation cards and a great journal always help me sort out all the ideas floating around in my head. Plus, I’m going to reread some of my favorite books to help me relax and recharge.
Clarissa Schmidt, retail producer
As we enter the second half of the year – and the holidays – it’s more important than ever to find time to stay grounded and present. Some of my favorite ways to do this are by running fast, practicing yoga, journaling, and applying a good face mask. Rest assured, you won’t find me without my Manduka mat and Kiehl’s clay mask in the coming days!
Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor
My fiance is taking me on a surprise New Year’s vacation. Everything I know? We’re going to a warm place. So I’ll pack a little bit of everything to cover my bases. First: the sunscreens for him and her. (He exclusively wears Supergoop! Glow Screen and calls it his “Robert Pattison moisturizer” because it has a bit of a glow; I always carry Neutrogena Dry Touch SPF 70 because it works on both face and body.) Other Warm Essentials weather include a new rash protector (Cynthia Rowley makes fantastic UPF clothes that are similar to sunscreen and great for snorkeling), my favorite Krewe sunglasses, and the new Hunger Games book. I love a mindless beach read, sue me!
Irene Kim, production and editorial coordinator
Once the Vogue Runway team returns in January, we’ll jump right into fashion month mode and work every day until Paris ready-to-wear ends on March 5. That’s why I plan to rest during this winter break and do absolutely nothing to prepare my body for the busy working days ahead. For me, a good night’s sleep requires comfortable pajamas, a woody room spray, and a cozy blanket to snuggle up in.
Corey Seymour, editor-in-chief
I’ve recently resumed an old running habit with great zeal, and I can’t wait to really get into it over the holidays, both at home in Prospect Park just outside my apartment in Brooklyn and on a few secret trails I know about in Washington, D.C. I’ve also become a cult fan of District Vision, a great company that started with sports-oriented eyewear and expanded into apparel and, most recently, some fantastic collaborations – one with New Balance on a new super-stacked trail running shoe and another with the in Tokyo-based Suicoke for these types of après-run hangout shoes. So the routine is as follows: half a can of Off-Field’s great sports performance drink (with just a hint of THC), a nice long trail run, drink the rest of the Off-Field to boost my recovery, zip in my Normatec to boot up for some compression therapy and then turn on the DV/Suicokes for whatever softness comes. It’s heaven.
Kylee McGuigan, associate shopping producer
I finally jumped on the magnesium supplement bandwagon and I really don’t think I can go back. I take Calm every night before I go to bed, and I have noticed a real difference in the way I can sleep, as well as greater relief from the chronic tension I hold in my neck and shoulders. To further help me feel stress-free and relaxed over the holidays, I may need to invest in a magnesium spray (apparently does spraying it on the bottoms of your feet help?) to start the new year off right – no pun intended.
Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, fashion editor
As we near the finish line in what felt like a year-long triathlon, mental and physical resets are certainly in order. And while my bed is a tempting destination to spend the mixing days between Christmas and New Year, sauna sessions will be at the top of my R&R to-do list! I like to use a dry brush on my body prior to the session to really benefit from the detox, followed by a deep cleanse immediately afterwards.
