LET’S CATCH UP 10.24.22

I can’t believe we’re closing in on the end of October! Overall it’s been a busy, but good month and I’m hoping to try to savor the last week of it while mentally preparing myself for the couple of months ahead. Below – what’s been on my mind, on my bookshelf and in my shopping cart.

ON MY MIND:

  • Taylor Swift’s Midnights album. That’s all. Okay, okay, not really but you all know I’m a Swiftie so this past weekend’s new album release was a real October highlight and it’s been on repeat ever since. Not surprisingly, I bought the vinyl.
  • We’re hopinggg to book a trip between Christmas and New Years. I’ve never traveled during this stretch and while I know it will likely be a little hectic travel-wise, I’m excited at the thought of getting away for a few days after what is always a whirlwind couple of months for us both at work.
  • On a more serious note, November elections are so soon – make sure you’ve checked your states cutoff dates to register (if you’re not already) and that you have a plan to get out and case your vote.
  • Are you dressing up for Halloween? I’ll have to be pulling together something last minute at this point, but those are always the best anyway. I was Ruth Bader Ginsberg a couple of years ago and Midge Maisel (with Adam as Susie) from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel the year before.

ON MY BOOKSHELF:

  • I hate to admit that I’ve been in a little bit of a book rut lately. I keep picking things up, reading 10 pages and then just not feeling hooked. Alas, the last thing that I flew through was The Kiss Curse by Erin Sterling (the follow-up to last year’s The Ex Hex) – a very cute romcom of a book that’s like Practical Magic meets Gilmore Girls with a little extra heat thrown in.
  • My book club is meeting this week to discuss Sirens & Muses by Antonia Angress, which I read earlier this month (pre-book rut) and really liked. A little bit art/academia, a little bit coming of age in New York City.
  • I’m hoping to break the book rut curse with one of the following – all of which have been sitting in my TBR (to be read) pile for ages: Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates, Matrix by Lauren Groff or Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen.

IN MY CART:

  • I’m unapologetically starting to feel excited about the promise of holiday dressing right around the corner – it’s just the most fun! I love how versatile (and comfortable) this velvet jumpsuit would be.
  • I can’t stop thinking about this poodle sweater. It feels just kitschy enough, you know what I mean? I’d wear it with a kicky little mini skirt and tights for a mod look or jeans and mary jane heels.
  • I’ll let you in on a little secret – these $15 tights last long and hold up better than any other pair I’ve ever worn. They’re semi-sheer with a great shaping (but not suffocating top). I’m stocking up as the weather turns cooler.
  • I bought this 60’s inspired faux fur jacket before our Fall road trip the other week and while it’s only really been cool enough to wear it once – I’m still swooning over it. I just noticed that it’s 25% off right now too.
  • I love the look and shape of these high waisted, wide leg corduroys. All of the colors are good but I think I’d get loads of wear out of the black and would be a nice alternative to jeans at the office.
  • Just for fun this holiday season: These sheer opera gloves, this oversized rose party dress and these crystal strap heels. Not all together. Although.. maybe?

SHOP THE POST:

CASUAL FALL OUTFITS WITH TALBOTS + A HOLIDAY PREVIEW

I’ve been all over lately – uptown exploring the Upper West Side, downtown for work and out of town this past weekend. With that in mind, I’ve been mixing and matching more separates lately (great jackets, easy to throw on jeans and leggings and cute tops), so I thought it would be fun to share my take on Uptown, Downtown and Out of Town style with a few new favorites from Talbots. See the full outfit videos on my Instagram here and shop below:

UPTOWN:

I love an oversized button down with nice thick leggings this time of year for a comfortable but still chic look. The cape and plaid satchel elevate the whole thing.

DOWNTOWN:

I’ve been wearing this striped tee and faux leather quilted jacket when I need to look put together but not too overly dressy. Throw on a pair of jeans and loafers and you’re done!

OUT OF TOWN:

Love this field coat with a removable shearling collar and cashmere floral sweater and these wide leg jeans are comfortable but still put together.

Also – Talbots justttt released a sneak peek of their Holiday collection and it’s SO good! Lots of my favorite styles are back again this year (like these lace trousers, this velvet tank, these lug sole boots and this metallic vest) + plenty of fun new additions (these sparkly heels, this faux fur scarf and this tweed puffer). I highly suggest getting these now – while they’re 30% off! – because things always sell out quickly this time of year. My favorites here:

CASUAL HOLIDAY STYLES:

DRESSY HOLIDAY STYLES:

WHAT I’M PACKING: FALL ROAD TRIP

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.

CLOTHES:

SHOES:

COATS + JACKETS:

ACCESSORIES:

FALL CAPSULE WARDROBE: 20 PIECES, 20 WAYS

SHOP THE STORY:

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.

ON LIFE: Q4 FEELINGS

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.

SHOP THE STORY:

(French Connection Dress, gifted; Talbots Bag – old; Franco Sarto Platform Loafers)