Pick No. 1: Alexis Mabille.
Completely head over heels for new-to-me label Alexis Mabille and his sumptuous, menswear-detailed, dramatic silhouettes. Do you DIE over this photo shoot (shown above and below)?! I would love to own this satin twill top or (SWOON) this gown. (P.S. You can get the look for a little less by hunting down some of the sale styles from chic designer Leal Daccaratt, who has a similar vibe — something like this statement blouse nails the look! Or get the look in a small way with these chic, affordable satin slides!)
Pick No. 2: The Ancient Greek Sandal.
All summer long, I have been wearing an inexpensive pair of gold sandals with two straps (one across the toes, one across the top of the foot) that I bought at J. Crew a few seasons back. They go with everything, and I’ve worn them into the ground. I have been thinking that I need a replacement pair and then I stumbled upon the snap below on Insta and thought: aha, I need those in the white. Turns out they are Ancient Greek’s Clio sandal and they have a cult following. Will definitely be ordering for next summer — and wearing with everything.
Pick No. 3: The Bold Upholstery.
I mentioned this recently, but I am contemplating changing up my living room vibe by snagging some new pillows and/or drapes. For context, we have a Stark Antelope Rug and this Jayson Home couch in a heathered linen brown color along with blue barrel chairs that look like this (can’t find the exact style anymore, but we did get them from One King’s Lane two years ago) and a blue velvet upholstered ottoman we use as a coffee table somewhat similar to this. We currently have JP&J Baker’s hydrangea print pillow covers mixed in with some orange-red textured throw pillows, but everything feels tired to me right now. I want to lighten up the mood with some brighter, more whimsical prints and colors. I was inspired by the bold colors and prints in this California home. They also use the Stark antelope carpet but pair with a lot of bright, splashy patterns. I’m thinking of maybe introducing a bolder blue print drape like Thibaut’s Jacobean pattern or Schumacher’s Huntington Gardens. I love Brunschwig & Fils’ Les Touches but worry it might be too much against an animal print rug with a similar pattern. Alternately, could leave the drapes simple in a linen weave in a neutral color and amp up the drama with pillows in Shumacher’s chinoserie or Kate Spade’s fiery kravet or Peter Dunham’s fig leaf, which I’ve long loved. Or maybe Caitlin Wilson’s chinoserie? Love the navy!
Pick No. 4: The Clare Vivier x Le Catch Tote.
How fresh and chic is the new Clare Vivier by Le Catch monogrammable tote?! I love the colors and the rope detailing on the side and of course the monogram!
Pick No. 5: The Kitten Heel Boot.
I’ve been debating over kitten heel booties for the past few weeks as my fall boot: will I go for the Aquazzura Quant (shown below) or the Alexandre Birman Kittie? But I walked by the Alexandre Birman shop on Madison Ave last Saturday and it settled the matter: I am now determined to own these sparklers. They might look a little loud for everyday wear, but if you see them in person, you’ll note that they’re a gunmetal color and are not ridiculously sparkly. I think they’ll look EPIC with skinny denim and a black sweater or simple white blouse or, really, anything at all. I’m in love.
Pick No. 6: The Puff Sleeve.
No style feels more fresh and on-trend than a puff sleeve right now. I love following the blogger/designer Arielle Charnas of Something Navy and she has been wearing a ton of this style — I am so on board! (She’s wearing this Amanda Uprichard blouse at the top and one of her soon-to-be released styles from her Something Navy brand at the bottom — get the look with this.)
I want to get the look with this moody floral from Rebecca Taylor (on super sale!), this sweet Amanda Uprichard, this simple La Vie RT, or (SPLURGE!) this Cecilie Bahnsen.
Pick No. 7: The Laundress EVERYTHING.
I am in love with The Laundress’s Crease Release (available in larger size here). When I don’t have time to iron or steam, I use this and it works like a charm — and makes your clothes smell incredible. I also have gotten into the habit of a self-performed “turn down service” — it’s a small step but it makes bedtime feel so luxurious! Before I wash my face, I take off all the throw pillows and lay our sleeping pillows flat at the head of the bed and then pull the duvet up from the foot of the bed and fold it back midway. I will often spritz some crease release onto the pillows or the duvet and tuck the sheets in extra tight. I’m reading this back and thinking — “you are a weirdo!” — but it makes bedtime so, so inviting. Try it! I also currently have their detergent in my cart along with their stain brush and fabric fresh spray (namely for our upholstered furniture, which is constantly under siege by mini and our dog!). I already have a bunch of other Laundress products — I love their wool shampoo and their delicates wash for bras.
Pick No. 8: The Jackie O. Set.
I have nowhere to wear this, but I love this little suit set from Sandro (on sale): jacket and skirt. Incidentally, it, too, would look PERFECT with those sequinned Alexandre Birman booties…
Pick No. 9: The Back-to-School Bag.
I shared some reflections on school recently and it had me longing for that back-to-school energy. I have raved for a long time about the quality and style of Cuyana’s totes for travel, and they’ve now released a perfect back-to-school bag — a structured tote. The main issue with their classic totes is that they do not stand up on their own. This one comes with a laptop sleeve and will stand on its own! Perfect for students. (Alison!!! Here’s your answer!)
Pick No. 10: The Back-to-School Mule.
Speaking of BTS, my top pick for a fall shoe for school (and I’m sorry for the number of shoes featured in this roundup!) is the Aquazzura Mondaine flat (different colorway here). These are sophisticated and trendy without being too loud, and can be worn just as easily with a skirt/dress as they can with jeans.
P.S. The sense of an ending.
P.P.S. The best $20 I’ve spent recently.
P.P.P.S. Do you dress your age? (Or is the entire construct hogwash?!)