Some places stay with us long after we leave them.
They remain in the way we cook, entertain, dress, and create a home. For me, that place is Argentina.
I was raised largely in Argentina, and although I have lived in the United States for many years, its influence has never faded. You can hear it in my accent, see it in the way I cook a ojo—by eye rather than by measurement—and feel it in the way I decorate.
Looking at these photographs, you might assume I am standing inside an old Argentine estancia.
I am not.
I am standing in my home in Dallas.
A Home Inspired by Argentina
This room was never intentionally designed to resemble an Argentine ranch house. It simply evolved that way, one object and one memory at a time.
The silver, candlesticks, leather pieces, old knives, and family heirlooms were not chosen to follow a decorating trend. Many were passed down through generations. Others were collected because they reminded me of a person, a place, or a chapter of my life.
That is the beauty of a collected home.
It does not come together all at once. It grows slowly, shaped by experience, travel, family, and instinct.
The result feels personal because it is personal.
The Quiet Elegance of Argentine Estancia Style
When people think of an Argentine estancia, they often picture horses, gauchos, and open countryside stretching across the pampas.
That is certainly part of the story, but the estancias I remember also had a quiet, understated elegance.
Polished silver sat beside worn leather. Formal dining tables shared space with practical ranch pieces. Beautiful linens softened rooms that still felt relaxed, welcoming, and lived in.
Nothing felt overly decorated.
The beauty came from contrast: refined and rustic, precious and practical, European influence and unmistakable Argentine character.
That balance continues to inspire the way I approach both interiors and personal style.
I love placing something polished beside something weathered. I am drawn to a tailored jacket with an old belt, an evening piece worn casually, or a family brooch placed somewhere unexpected.
Perfection has never interested me as much as personality.
Decorating With Heirlooms and Antiques
As we grow older, our homes often become records of our lives.
The things we keep begin to matter for reasons that have little to do with monetary value. An old gaucho knife is more than an accessory. A silver cigarette case is more than decoration. A candlestick becomes meaningful when you remember whose table it once sat upon.
These pieces carry history.
Their scratches, patina, and imperfections are not flaws. They are evidence of a life already lived.
That is why I believe decorating with heirlooms and antiques brings warmth to a home in a way that something brand-new often cannot.
A meaningful object does not have to be expensive or rare. It may be a bowl from your grandmother’s kitchen, a textile found while traveling, an old photograph, or a piece of jewelry displayed where you can enjoy it.
The object matters because of the memory attached to it.
That is what gives a room soul.
The Most Beautiful Homes Are Collected, Not Decorated
A truly personal home does not need to follow one particular style.
It can include antiques and modern furniture, formal pieces and relaxed ones, inherited objects and things discovered unexpectedly. The common thread is not color, period, or price.
It is the story.
The most memorable rooms often feel as though they have developed over time. They reveal something about the person who lives there.
That is the difference between a home that is simply attractive and one that feels alive.
When decorating, I always encourage people to begin with what they already love. Look at the objects you have kept through moves, changing tastes, and different stages of life.
Those pieces are often telling you something.
They may point toward a color palette, a texture, a period, or simply a feeling you want your home to have.
Let those objects lead the way.
Bringing the Spirit of Travel Home
Travel has always shaped the way I see the world, but its influence does not have to end when the trip is over.
A home can hold the spirit of the places we love.
It may be found in the way a table is set, the music playing during dinner, the textiles draped over a chair, or the stories behind the objects displayed on a shelf.
For me, Argentina lives in all of those details.
It is present in the silver, leather, family pieces, and familiar sense of welcome. It is in the belief that there is always room for one more person at the table.
These photographs allowed me to see my home through fresh eyes. What began as a collection of personal objects had quietly become a reflection of the country that helped shape me.
Argentina may be thousands of miles from Dallas, but it is never far away.
For more inspiration from the country that continues to hold such an important place in my heart, visit my Buenos Aires, Argentina Travel Guide, where I share more about its neighborhoods, architecture, food, culture, and timeless style.
Before you go, take another look around your own home.
What have you kept?
What memories are sitting quietly on your shelves?
The things we choose to live with often say more about us than we realize. The most meaningful homes are not created by following trends.
Every season brings a fresh wave of fashion trends, but building a stylish wardrobe isn’t about buying everything that’s new. The best closets evolve thoughtfully, adding a few current pieces that complement the clothes you already love.
At Style Beyond Age, we believe great style has nothing to do with age—and everything to do with confidence. If you’re looking for wearable fashion trends for women over 50, these are a few of my favorite updates this season.
Layer a Lightweight Topper Over a Relaxed Dress
One of the easiest—and most flattering—ways to refresh your wardrobe this season is by adding a lightweight third piece over a simple dress.
Think:
Linen jackets
Gauzy cotton cardigans
Open-weave sweaters
Soft dusters
Lightweight kimonos
Not only do these layers create beautiful movement, but they also provide just enough coverage for air-conditioned restaurants, travel days, or cooler summer evenings.
What I love most about this trend is that it works with dresses many of us already own. A simple linen or cotton dress instantly feels more polished with the addition of a lightweight topper.
Style Tip: Look for natural fabrics like linen and cotton that breathe well while adding texture to your outfit.
I love this one that I found on Amazon, I’ve been wearing it with everything since I got it!
The Return of the Maxi Skirt
The maxi skirt trend is making a welcome return, and this year’s versions feel relaxed, elegant, and incredibly wearable.
Instead of stiff silhouettes, we’re seeing flowing fabrics that move beautifully with every step. Pair one with:
A fitted white tee
A simple tank
A lightweight knit sweater
A tucked-in button-down shirt
Adding a statement belt helps define the waist and gives the outfit a polished finish without looking overly styled.
Maxi skirts are especially wonderful because they offer comfort without sacrificing sophistication—a combination many of us appreciate as our personal style evolves.
Soft Romance and Toile-Inspired Prints
One of the prettiest summer fashion trends this year is the return of soft romantic prints.
We’re seeing:
Toile
Delicate florals
Botanical prints
Vintage-inspired patterns
Soft watercolor designs
Rather than wearing these prints from head to toe, I love introducing them through one statement piece—a blouse, skirt, scarf, or lightweight dress—and pairing them with classic accessories.
The contrast keeps the look timeless instead of trendy.
Trends Are Optional. Style Is Personal.
Remember: Trends Are Meant to Inspire, Not Define You
Fashion trends come and go.
Personal style lasts.
The goal isn’t to reinvent yourself every season. It’s simply to borrow inspiration that feels authentic to you. Maybe that’s a flowing maxi skirt, a linen topper, or a romantic floral print.
When your wardrobe reflects who you are—not just what’s trending—you’ll always feel more confident getting dressed.
Because the most stylish women aren’t the ones chasing every trend.
Why Buenos Aires Feels Like Europe (Without the Jet Lag)
There are certain cities that feel familiar the moment you arrive—and Buenos Aires is one of them.
My first image of the city is a quiet, elegant street anchored by the iconic Alvear Palace Hotel—arguably the most recognized hotel in the city, and the starting point for many luxury journeys, including those with Seabourn. It’s the kind of place that immediately sets the tone: refined, historic, unmistakably European.
And yet, just a few blocks away, I chose something far more intimate.
Where to Stay in Buenos Aires: A Boutique Hotel in Recoleta
Tucked into one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city, Algodon Mansion feels less like a hotel and more like a private residence.
With only nine suites, it offers a level of quiet luxury that’s increasingly rare.
Everything about the experience was thoughtful and understated—from the scale of the property to the personalized service. It was, quite simply, exceptional.
Recoleta: The Most European Neighborhood in Buenos Aires
The Recoleta neighborhood is where Buenos Aires reveals its most European self.
Wide, walkable streets
Elegant architecture
A rhythm that feels more Paris or Madrid than South America
If you’ve ever wanted a European escape without the transatlantic flight—or the jet lag—this is it.
The bakeries, cafés, and carefully curated storefronts carry a sense of history that hasn’t been polished away—only preserved.
Hidden Gems in Buenos Aires: Antique Shops & Local History
At one point, I wandered into a small alley lined with shops—each one filled with silver, fine china, and heirloom pieces.
Many, I was told, came from families who had lost everything during more difficult periods in the country’s past.
There was something deeply moving about that—history not in a museum, but quietly woven into everyday life.
A Personal Connection to Buenos Aires
This trip carried a deeper meaning for me.
I brought my husband so he could begin to understand my background—to see a place that shaped me in ways that are difficult to put into words.
Walking through parks where I once played as a child, sharing those spaces with him, gave the experience a sense of continuity—past meeting present in the most natural way.
Why Hiring a Private Guide in Buenos Aires Changes Everything
A great guide can completely shape your understanding of a place.
I was incredibly fortunate to spend time with Marcos Pasini of Magical Experiences—knowledgeable, thoughtful, and deeply intuitive.
He brought the city to life in a way that felt both personal and expansive.
Is Buenos Aires Safe? Travel Tips from the U.S.
Travel from the U.S. is simpler than you might expect.
Flying nonstop from Dallas makes the journey feel surprisingly accessible—and perhaps most unexpectedly, there’s very little jet lag to contend with.
Even more reassuring: everywhere I went felt safe, comfortable, and welcoming.
Buenos Aires doesn’t feel like a place you have to “figure out.” It feels like a place you can simply enjoy.
Argentina Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go
Argentina is vast—far larger and more geographically diverse than many expect.
From cosmopolitan cities to glaciers, vineyards, and subtropical waterfalls, the range of landscapes is extraordinary.
While getting there is relatively easy, traveling within the country requires a bit more planning.
Distances are significant, and flying between regions is often the most practical way to experience it fully.
Travel Resources for Buenos Aires & Argentina
Where to Stay
Algodon Mansion — An intimate, nine-suite boutique hotel in Recoleta
Alvear Palace Hotel — A historic luxury landmark in Buenos Aires
Private Guide
Marcos Pasini — Magical Experiences
Getting There
Nonstop flights from Dallas to Buenos Aires
Domestic Travel Tip
Argentina is vast, and flying between regions is essential.
Airlines like JetSMART operate on a low-cost model—full flights, limited seating comfort, and minimal amenities.
It takes a bit of strategy, but it’s what makes exploring the country possible.
Getting dressed for an afternoon like this felt like stepping into a moment.
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a beautiful garden party hosted by Milly at the breathtaking Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas—truly one of the most inspiring spaces the city has to offer.
An Afternoon of Effortless Elegance
From the moment I arrived, everything felt thoughtfully curated. The setting alone—where art, nature, and architecture meet—created the most serene and elevated backdrop.
There’s something about the Nasher that invites you to slow down and take it all in.
A Style Moment I Won’t Forget
One of my favorite moments of the afternoon was being photographed alongside the models—all of us wearing the same Milly print.
It was such a fun and unexpected experience, and a beautiful reminder that style has no age—it’s about how you wear it and how it makes you feel.
I felt completely myself in this dress—elegant, confident, and comfortable.
Milly and the Fashion Institute of Dallas created an experience that felt both elevated and welcoming.
From the beautiful touches by Colleen Rothschild Beauty to the refreshing cocktails and the most generous goodie bag, every detail added to the magic of the day.
A Must-Visit in Dallas
If you ever find yourself in Dallas, the Nasher Sculpture Center is absolutely worth experiencing.
It’s one of those rare places where art, nature, and style come together so seamlessly.
A perfect setting for a truly memorable afternoon.
When it comes to skincare that feels like a ritual and delivers visible results, La Mer is in a league of its own…
With origins as storied as the sea it draws from, this brand was born from the vision of aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber. After suffering burns in a lab accident, he spent 12 years and over 6,000 experiments developing what would become La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth™—a bio-fermented elixir infused with sea kelp and other nutrient-rich ingredients. Today, that same broth powers every product in the line.
But let’s talk about the real question: Is it worth the price? In my experience—absolutely.
As someone who is meticulous about skincare and deeply values quality over quantity, I’ve put La Mer’s line to the test in my real, everyday routine. And what I’ve come to realize is this:
Cost Per Use = Value Per Drop
Yes, the jars are an investment, but when used properly, they last longer than you’d expect—because a little truly goes a long way. Here’s what I’ve found worth every penny:
The Miracle Broth™ – The Heart of the Brand
This powerhouse isn’t just an ingredient—it’s an experience. The soothing, regenerative effect of the Miracle Broth is present in every cream, and it shows. Think resilience, radiance, and repair.
The Moisturizing Soft Cream (Day Cream)
Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, this cream gives me a beautiful glow under makeup and keeps my skin supple throughout the day. I use just a pearl-sized amount each morning, which means a single jar easily lasts me 4–5 months.
The Crème de la Mer (Night Cream)
This is my holy grail. Rich, decadent, and transformative, I warm it between my fingers and press it gently into my skin at night. It melts in like a treatment mask, and by morning, my skin looks plumped, calm, and visibly restored. Again, a little goes a long way—making the cost per use incredibly reasonable for the results it delivers.
The Neck and Décolleté Concentrate
The often-neglected area of the neck and chest deserves better. This luxurious cream firms and smooths the delicate skin below the chin, and over time I’ve noticed a visible difference in tone and texture. If you’re over 50 like I am, this step is a must—not a maybe.
My Verdict
La Mer doesn’t just feel indulgent—it’s effective, especially for mature skin that needs moisture, elasticity, and radiance. And when you consider how far each product goes, the cost per use becomes not just justifiable—but smart. I treat it like fine cashmere for my face: something I reach for every day because I know it will never let me down.
If you’re investing in yourself and your skin, La Mer is the kind of quiet luxury that shows up in all the right ways—day after day, night after night.
