Adam and I are headed off on a last minute little Fall road trip for the next few days and I thought it would be fun to share what I’ve packed ahead of photos from the trip itself. This time of year is my absolute favorite to dress for so I’ve got a bag full of the best fall textures (like this floral cashmere sweater, this corduroy dress and this faux fur jacket) and a handful of fun accessories too (helloooo velvet headband, floral earrings and these tri-tone loafers). We’ll be ending the trip at the lake house but I won’t bore you with the oversized sweatshirt and lived in jeans I’ll be wearing there! In the meantime, I’ll be sharing the trip on Instagram as usual and bits and pieces here next week.
It’s been a long time since I did a capsule wardrobe post/video and I forgot how much fun they are! And how honestly helpful they are – just to myself (although I hope for all of you too). They inspire me to mix and match the pieces in my wardrobe in fresh new ways and always leave me feeling like I’ve got lots of great outfits to reach for in the season ahead. Below, 20 pieces and 20 ways to wear them.
I never thought I’d be one of those dismal people that refer to the most celebratory last 3 months of the year as simply.. Q4. But here we are. In the past few years as I’ve moved firmly into management territory, I’m constantly at odds with myself in October, November and December. At work they are the period where sales goals are highest, turnaround times are shortest and Ecommerce is generally in a state of stress. It’s an exciting challenge but I also can’t remember the last time I referred to the holiday in November as Thanksgiving instead of BFCM (that’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday to those of you who cook a turkey).
And yet – outside of work, I truly wish I could stop time in these months. New York puts on its sparkliest best, the weather is crisp but not yet too cold and there are endless events and occasions to attend. I revel in these 3 months.
So how do I balance this dichotomy? I’m not sure I’ve mastered it, but I do have a game plan. One – I ramp up my workout routines. This sounds contradictory but committing to health really helps to save my sanity between the early mornings and the late nights. Two – I put things on the calendar. It’s all too easy for me to be so enthralled in work that I end up missing out on some of the fun things that New York has to offer this time of year. But if I’ve put it on my calendar, I treat it just as I would a business meeting and carve out the time. In spite of however busy I might be. And oppositely if the calendar shows that work is going to be a doozy.. I know not to spread myself too thin with added events on those particular days. Three – I remind myself that no matter how fun or how fretful a season might be, none of them last. The very nature of this city, our careers and the seasons themselves, is that it all changes.
Might as well enjoy it while it lasts. Happy Q4 friends.
Opinions aside on the Royal family, I’m always fascinated by the way that fashion choices add to their legacy. From Victorian jewelry, influenced of course by Queen Victoria’s reign all the way to Princess Diana’s lasting sartorial influence and the current obsession with what Kate and Meghan wear. As the world watched Queen Elizabeth II’s memorial this past week, I’ve been loving all of the dialogue surrounding her approach to uniform dressing and how it helped to define her reign.
For a woman who often didn’t say very much directly to the public – she always made a clear statement with her choice of clothing. It’s an approach that we typically see from men, which makes sense since for 70 years she served in a position of power mostly inhabited by men. The result of her ‘uniform’ approach was a feeling of reliability and sensibility – even when it was a lime green skirt suit in her case.
And while I’m not sure that I would go so far as adapting my own full uniform, I have noticed that when it comes to workwear I have largely begun to follow a formula of sorts. This time of year that means a blazer, t-shirt and jeans or trousers. A structured shift dress layered with a collared shirt. Or, in the case of this tweed number, a matching set. I know I feel good in these pieces, so I don’t have to worry about the fussiness of an outfit distracting me from the work at hand. My employees know what to expect from me (which may sound trivial, but take if from her Majesty, it adds stability and sets a tone). And frankly, it makes the mornings a whole lot easier because I can mix and match all of these pieces easily.
I don’t suspect that anyone will be writing think pieces about King Charles wardrobe anytime soon.. and for that reason alone, I must say, I’ll miss the Queen.
In my humble opinion, there is no better shopping than Fall shoe shopping. While boots are arguably their own category entirely – I particularly love Fall flats and heels. Suede, croc, plaid… bows, pearls, feathers! All you need is a great pair of shoes + jeans and a sweater and you’ve got a fall look. While a truly can’t pick a favorite out of this line-up.. a few highlights below:
These blue croc slingbacks feel both classic and modern at the same time. Code STEELE15 gets you 15% off your order. I have another pair of heels from this brand and they’re truly comfortable.
Plaid is always a win for fall, even better in the form of loafers.
Ballet flats are back in a big way this fall (although I never think they’re out of style) – but this true “ballet” look with the elastic strap is particularly on trend. I love this velvet option.
Last year I coveted these Mary Jane heels and then missed them when they sold-out. They’re back this year and I’m scooping them up.
Chunky loafers are having a moment but if you’re looking for a pair that feels on trend but still wearable and classic – these would be my top pick, in chic black patent with tassels and horsebit hardware.
This brand is definitely an investment, but if you’re adding a staple to your wardrobe I can’t recommend the ‘perfect pumps’ enough. Impeccable quality and truly built for comfort. I have the black suede version, but this chocolate croc pair would be my next pick. Code: SARAHFLINT-BASTEELE gets you $50 off your first order.
I love this brand for really unique shoes – case in point, this croc heeled loafer pair.
Clogs are having a major moment. This classic suede pair would look great for everyday.
Feathers! I just found the most incredible pair of secondhand feather Manolo Blahniks for an absolute steal on The Real Real.. but if you want to get in on the moment but don’t want the hunt, these mules look great.
These red ballet mules deserve a trip to Paris! This New York based brand is my go to for chic flats. Code: STEELE10 gets you 10% off.
If you’ve got Fall weddings or events – these strappy pearl heels would be so chic. Wear them straight through the holidays.
