Welcome to the Walk & Talk
Happy New Year!
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What You Loved from 2025
MEGAN : 2025 brought some great finds to Style Among Friends. The look for less is a personal favorite and based on the analytics you guys love them too! If you don’t have these (faux) Gucci loafer mules, I can’t recommend them enough. I’ve had mine since February 2021 and they are still going strong. My favorite part of any “best of list” is the fact that these items are tried and true favorites. There’s a reason so many people bought these products. Shop the best of 2025 from Megan’s link’s here.
CHRISTA : In 2025, you all loved a great look for less, especially one that could be worn multiple seasons. This Anthro-inspired blouse, Farm Rio-inspired skirt and SPANX-inspired dress were huge hits with so many of you! Best part…all three pieces are high quality AND budget friendly. Shop my best of 2025 here.
What We’re Watching
MEGAN : I rewatched an oldie but a goodie and it’s brand new sequel over the endless days between Christmas and New Years. Jog back to 1995, remember The Brothers McMullen? The Ed Burns written and directed movie (that arguably kicked off Ed Burns and Connie Britton’s careers) is about three brothers struggling with romance and life – has a sequel. We catch up with The Family McMullen 30 years later (same cast!) and learn what they’ve been doing (still struggling with their love lives). If you are looking for a double feature check these movies out. HBO Max
CHRISTA : I don’t like to cook, but apparently watching other people cook is quite entertaining to me! If you like cooking or cooking shows, try Next Level Chef or Crime Scene Kitchen for a fun twist on the genre. Next Level Chef has contestants cooking in wildly different kitchens, from bare-bones to fully professional, all under intense time pressure. Crime Scene Kitchen flips the script by having bakers deduce what was made based on clues left behind. Both are surprisingly addictive and perfect for a cold winter weekend binge.
What We’re Wearing: Outfit Ideas for Women Over 50
CHRISTA : For those cozy days between Christmas and New Year’s, I basically lived in my perfectwhitetee loungewear. The “claud” pants are soft, relaxed, and just polished enough to feel pulled together, while the “ziggy” sweatshirt is the kind you want to wear on repeat. This is actually my second ziggy (first posted it here) because I loved the first one so much. Comfortable, easy, and perfect for slow mornings, errands and lounging without ever changing clothes.
Fit tip: On the website’s model, the pants look very cropped. I’m 5’4″ and for me, they’re the perfect length with sneakers.
MEGAN : If I’ve run into you anytime in the last week I was probably wearing some version of this outfit. The white tunic sweatshirt is a look for less from Quince and it is awesome. I will wear it year round – it’s french terry and under $40. Runs true to size and comes in three colors.
What We’re Loving: Everyday Favorites Worth Sharing
MEGAN : If you’re like me, the start of a new year means kicking up my workouts. My favorite workout shoes (for years now) are the Brooks Glycerin. They come in multiple widths (I wear a wide) and are perfect for walking, HIIT classes, jogging, pretty much anything you want to do. Once you slip these babies on your feet you’ll never go back.
CHRISTA : If you’re starting the new year with a little extra motivation to move more and focus on your fitness goals, you might be ready for a new pair of sneakers. The On Cloudmonster are my current recommendations and favorites. They’re great for daily walks, and I’ve also logged 20,000+ steps in them on Disney trips, too. (All while keeping my feet comfortable and pain free.) p.s. Don’t forget some new socks.
What to Wear to…a New Workout Class
Each week, we’ll be sharing an outfit inspired by a real-life destination, giving you fresh outfit ideas and a little nudge to get out and try something new. These effortless, comfortable looks will help you feel put together and ready to explore, whether you’re heading somewhere familiar or discovering a new favorite close to home. And remember, you don’t need a whole new outfit to make it work. Use these looks as inspiration, shop your closet, and then add one or two new pieces if you want to freshen things up.
CHRISTA : If you’re looking for a new workout program, I’m sharing mine below, and here’s are all my favorites that I’m wearing. I love these Zella Breath Active T-shirts (I must love ’em because I have them in five colors). They’re the perfect weight, perfect length (not too short and not revealing when I lift my arms), moisture wicking with a little bit of stretch. The Bombas ankle running socks are BY FAR my favorite brand, and fit just right with my sneakers. Plus, they offer a little extra cushioning, and never slip down causing shoes to rub.
Style Tip: My bargain $28 leggings from Amazon have been a favorite for years, but shoes are the one place I’ll always spend more. When you’re starting your new workout, make sure your shoes are up to the challenge…because there is nothing worse then starting a new routine only to stop because of an injury. Consider getting fitted for a new pair at your local running store.
MEGAN : The hardest part of a new workout class is showing up. Nothing else really matters. Yes you need sneakers and clothes you can move in but the reality is showing up is the most important thing. Whether I’m walking and talking with Christa or going to my workout class you will always find me in Athleta Interval Stash leggings. They come in capri or 7/8 length AND tall, regular and petite. Literally something for everyone. They also come in fleece lined — game changer for your outdoor workouts or walks.
Style tip: Athleta leggings fit true to size and the fact that they have so many options make them perfect.
Just for Fun: Smart Finds & Random Little Joys
MEGAN : The last book I read in 2025 was my favorite. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. When Ann Patchett says a book is “…a cause for celebration,” you can bet I’m in the car on my way to Barnes and Noble. The book is about connection and people and how meaningful written correspondence can be. The Correspondent is a gift, a welcome telling of a life story through letters.
CHRISTA : We’ve all heard how important strength training is as we age, and if it’s on your 2026 list, I can’t recommend The Perfect Workout enough. I started in August and have been going twice a week consistently, and it’s an easy 10/10 for me. The workouts are just 20 minutes, fully supervised by a trainer, customized to your needs, and target all the major muscle groups. They’re low stress but still seriously effective. After four months, I’ve seen real results, including dropping a full clothing size without changing the scale. If building strength and feeling better this year is a goal, this could be a great option for you. Check them out online and sign up for a free trial class.
If you have a workout you love, drop it in the comments to help inspire anyone looking for something new to kick off the New Year. Thanks!
Christa’s Walk and Talk Link List
- Shop my best of 2025 here.
- If you like cooking or cooking shows, try Next Level Chef or Crime Scene Kitchen for a fun twist on the genre.
- For those cozy days between Christmas and New Year’s, I basically lived in my perfectwhitetee loungewear.
- If you’re starting the new year with a little extra motivation to move more and focus on your fitness goals, you might be ready for a new pair of sneakers (and some new socks).
- These are the favorites I wear to every workout session.
- I started strength training back in August with The Perfect Workout, and 4 months later, I give it a 10/10 recommendation!
Megan’s Walk and Talk Link List
- The data is in! Your top 6 products from Megan’s links in 2025.
- Perfect double feature movie night, The Brothers McMullen and The Family McMullen.
- Casual OOTD for running errands when it’s cold out.
- Megan’s favorite walking shoe, the Brooks Glycerin.
- What to Wear: to a new workout class.
- My favorite read of 2025, The Correspondent.
ICYMI…
This Amazon fleece is super cozy, extra warm. You’ll be wearing it ALL.THE.TIME!
The pink fair isle sweater is on sale and so is the cardigan version! Code: Newyear for 25% off.
Did you catch last week’s Walk & Talk as we wrapped up 2025? Your next favorite thing might just be waiting for you!
January is the perfect month for a fresh start, a slower pace, and a little extra care for yourself. Our list of things to do in January is full of simple ideas to help you ease into the new year feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready for what’s next. Think small joys, easy resets, and things you’ll actually want to do.
Happy New Year! We’ll be back next Friday (and every Friday!) with our favorite finds (yes, we shop THAT much!). Subscribe today because you won’t want to miss what we’ve been bookmarking!
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