We arrived to the lake house late Thursday night for the holiday weekend and are hosting family throughout the weekend. Fall comes early here so it’s very much sweater weather already, but hoping for some last sunshine and boat rides over the next few days.
As bittersweet as summer’s end always feels, the ‘ber months are truly some of my favorite of the year and I have lots of things, both big and small, that I’m really excited for in September and October especially.
Below – what else is on my mind as we head into the long weekend. Have a good one friends!
ON MY MIND:
- Despite having graduated 15 years ago, the Tuesday after Labor Day will always feel like a ‘back to school’ fresh start – which I love. In our neighborhood (surrounded by elementary and middle schools) there’s a palpable, buzzing energy of anticipation. What will the ‘year’ ahead bring? It makes me want to start a fresh notebook and get a new pack of my favorite pens.
- I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve toyed with the idea of of re-instating my old blog newsletter over the years, and it’s just never happened. Do I dare throw my hat into the Substack ring instead? I’m really looking for a space where I can write more regularly and also more broadly. There would be my usual fashion/life but other topics as well – maybe fashion industry/career, some of my fiction writing.. a little bit of a grab bag? I’d love to just start and see where it goes.
- One of my favorite, make ahead weekday lunches is this simple mediterranean inspired salad: 1/2 cup quinoa, 1/4 cup chickpeas, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, lemon juice, cinnamon, cumin, feta and then top with baby spinach each day. So simple to make a big batch ahead and then just portion out into Tupperware for the week ahead.
- While I’m sad to see summer go – I made a pretty good dent in my summer bucket list over the past few months (6 out of 10!). I love making these as a way to really celebrate each fleeting season and also be intentional with how I spend my time and money. One of my favorite nights was last Sunday when we checked Grand Banks off the list – an oyster bar boat docked in the Hudson while you watch the sunset over downtown? A very good New York summer night.
ON MY BOOKSHELF:
- All things considered I made pretty good progress on my Summer Reading List with 9 out of 15 read – and then a handful of books ‘off list’. Similar to my Summer Bucket List – it’s just for fun, but makes me feel like I’m curating my reading each season in a fun way.. am I the only one that loves list-making this much? I’ll recap my reviews this week.
- Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors releases next Tuesday Sept. 3rd and it’s my most anticipated new release this fall. I loved her debut novel Cleopatra and Frankenstein, so despite being on a temporary book buying ban.. I’m making an exception for this one!
- Equally anticipated is Claire Lombardo’s Same As It Ever Was which I plan to start over the long weekend. Her first novel The Most Fun We Ever Had was one of my favorite reads from a couple of years ago.
IN MY CART:
- How are we feeling about western influences that are everywhere this season? I’ve been looking for cowboy-adjacent boots (that feel more Nolita than Nashville) and this affordable pair feels just right – in a nice dark chocolate suede. Also – this acorn-hued leather pair feels like it’s a nod to the Western trend without being so literal. Super chic with a flowy skirt and knitwear this fall.
- When I tell you, this dress stopped me in my scrolling tracks online the other night. The chocolate and ivory stripes, the draping.. so, so chic!
- Let’s talk light jacket weather. Here’s a great fall trench coat (I like the slightly darker tan color), from an unexpected source, at an equally great price. And they always have sales! Barn coats are everywhere this season and I’m tempted by this shorter, boxier take in either the dark plaid or that dusty blue. And don’t sleep on the evening jacket! Pair this brocade leopard number with jeans, slick heels and a chic little black ‘going out top’ and you’ve got date night sorted.
- As much as I’m a summer person – we can all admit, fall fashion is far superior. I’m loving the ‘It’ colors this season (as dictated by Marie Claire). I’m particularly drawn to dark cherry red and that cornflower blue (like this satin button down) right now.
- Last year we attended 2 fall weddings (outside of our own!) and while we don’t have any on the calendar this year – I’m always on the lookout for great event dresses. You never know when an occasion might arise, right? I love this under $150 option (burgundy with long-sleeves and a feather hem, so chic!) for a cocktail attire dress code event or this semi sheer bronze knit option.
- Call me crazy but I can’t stop thinking about this two piece matching floral trousers and vest set. Together it’s a bold punch, but imagine the pants with just a solid crewneck cashmere sweater, or the vest with jeans and a button down underneath? The options are kind of endless and all a little bit unexpected, which I love.
- When it comes to fall, leopard is a neutral. I love these classic slingback calf hair pumps – at a great price for the quality.
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