What You’re Shopping For, September 2022 Edition: Vol I.

*Image via High Sport — it made me stop in my tracks. People are losing their minds over this brand’s pants — there are wait lists in some boutiques.

Q: High-vamp flats or mules like Aeyde?

A: You can still find the gorgeous kitten heeled Aeydes here in most sizes — I think those would be total workhorses, as you could pair with jeans (comme ci), work trousers, or dresses. Anine Bing has a similar style on sale for a little less here. For flats, The Row popularized the high vamp moment, and for an investment, these are a big statement. Courtney Grow just launched a fabulous “inspired-by” pair that nail the vibe for much less. The velvet is so fab for fall! A bit more approachable: I love Mansur Gavriel’s dream ballerinas (which you can have painted with your initials!) and Everlane’s similar (much less expensive) day ballet flats. These Manolos are also timeless and worth consideration — not quite as dramatic on the high vamp front but still fit (and also transcend) the trend. And on the edgier side: consider French brand Marsell, Spanish brand Abra, or more of Aeyde’s options.

Q: How do you recommend styling blazers? I have several I love but can’t figure out how to make my look more current. When I put on a classic blazer, I think it looks dated.

A: I hear you! Check out some of the inspo here. Note that the vibe is slightly boxier/more oversized at the moment. But if you have great blazers already waiting in your closet that are more tailored, do not worry — those will never go out of style. I would update by pairing with a plain white tee (people love this inexpensive Uniqlo — currently on sale!; my favorites are J. Crew; and Rag and Bone has a great upgrade pick), updated denim, some layered gold jewelry (think something like this), and fresh footwear — a slightly dramatic loafer like this or this, any of the high-vamp options above, these slingback kitten heels in the black suede (upgrade pick), or splashy flats like these (more affordable variation here). A boxy crossbody bag like this would complete the look. Also do not be afraid of rolling up the sleeves of the blazer to forearm or even elbow — this really helps me “break up” a moment that feels too buttoned-up or boxy.

Q: Birthday dress for my daughter to wear on her first birthday! (in October).

A: Happy birthday, baby girl! I love something traditional like this smocked Julia Amory (mini owns this exact dress), this petal-collared romper, this diaper set or this one, or this embroidered style — if chilly, pair with a cardigan and cableknit tights or knee socks (Condor makes my favorites with the little poms, but you can get the vibe for less with these)! If you’re looking for something more casual, I love these little play dresses in the softest pima cotton (mini owns in several patterns, but it does come in a darling birthday print) — pair with white leggings and cute sneakers. Don’t forget the birthday hat!

Q: Everyday handbag, small.

A: I assume you mean shoulder bag? I shared a few great options here, but my immediate answer is the APC Grace bag or the DeMellier Vancouver. I also think this Noeus is fabulous and looks about 3x as expensive as it is. Polene also has some interesting, fashion-forward shapes.

Q: An elevated cocktail dress to wear to work functions.

A: Depending on nature of your profession (how conservative), I love this Reformation, this Ulla (or in solid black), this Zara, this Sandro, this Zara, this La Ligne, this L’Academie, this SEA, this Alemais, this Ulla, this Mille, this Cara Cara. Don’t be afraid of patterns and colors unless you are going to have to wear it night after night, in which case I’d go for the navy Ref or black Ulla because you can change out shoes and jewelry and layer with scarves for different effects.

Q: Functional but stylish closed-toe wedged for fall, ideally brown or neutral.

A: Ferragamo has a fab timeless pair — get the look for less with these, though! Personally, I love the look of lace-up Castaners as late into fall as possible. I’ve been seeing a lot of Parisiennes wearing them with jeans and blazers to great effect. No. 6 also has a pair of clog wedges that get in on the clog trend but wear like, well, a wedge that are interesting, too.

Q: Tall/riding boots.

A: These are coming back in after years of sidelining! I just took a pic of a pair in a magazine last night. I am obsessed with these Jimmy Choos and these Ann DeMeulemeesters. I also thought these Ullas were interesting and different. The big trend in tall boots ATM is Western — Khaite is the ringleader here, but you can get the look for less with these.

Q: Checked/tweedy blazers hopefully under $300.

A: I had a lot of requests for this! If you’re going for the oversized/boxy blazer trend, I’d go with this ASTR or this J. Crew and pair with light wash denim. If you’re looking for the cropped style, I would either splurge on this Ba&sh or get the look for less with Mango, which always has great options, like this solid black one or this houndstooth, or Zara, with something like this. More blazers here!

Q: NYC evening bridal shower at the Colony Club and black tie wedding in November.

A: Fun! For the shower, I would wear this SEA, this Tove, this Self-Portrait, or this Ulla. For the wedding, I would wear this Veronica Beard, this Staud (imagine with a necklace like this and an updo), this Kay Unger (Audrey vibes!), this Black Halo, this Loeffler Randall, or this Cartolina Nantucket (with big jewelry).

Q: Chic options for light/medium weight fall jackets.

A: There are so many great quilted options out there this season that fit this exact description. My favorite is Ganni’s, but this belted style from J. Crew is fabulous, too. But my favorite statement coat I recently have come across is this gingham LR! So cute! A tweedy oversized blazer will also be a fantastic layering piece this season — over sweaters when chilly, or over tees while still transitional. For something louder, I love the patchwork trend and snagged this SEA. It’s a big statement (runs really big, FYI), but you can get the look with a bit more temperance with this The Great or this cropped SEA. Or consider this Maje, which is quilted on one side and patchwork on the other! Brilliant. Also love…

THIS SPORTY OLD NAVY!

THIS SHERPA ALEX MILL

THIS RAG AND BONE

THIS FUN VERONICA BEARD

Q: Dress for fall wedding in Asheville (guest).

A: I’m guessing artsy rustic boho chic is the vibe? I like this fun Farm Rio, this Derek Lam, this Cinq a Sept (with funky earrings), this Jonathan Simkhai, or this Ulla J.

Q: A dress for my 40th birthday party on Saturday. Theme: poolside chic!

A: Happy birthday! I think these Juliet Dunn dresses are perfect for the occasion — beachy but celebratory, especially in the flamingo pink! Also great: anything CeliaB, like this or this, and this Farm Rio. A Mi Golondrina would also be perfect!

Q: Timeless white belted coat.

A: This Anine Bing is beyond. Swoon. Also love this Tagliatore, this Michael Kors, and this Zimmermann. Not belted, but this Zara is a great buy!

Q: Cropped sweater coat.

A: Sandro does great ones, like this, as do Maje, St. John, and ba&sh. My girlfriend just bought this (more of a coat than a jacket but adjacent) and SWOON! You can get a similar look with this Tuckernuck!