Fall Reads

I didn’t read as much as I’d hoped this summer and plan on catching up in the fall. Top of my list are Charlotte Perriand: The Modern Life, Sally Rooney’s third novel Beautiful World, Where Are You out Tuesday, and Modern Manners by The Gentlewoman available in the U.S. October 6.

September!

Thankfully, during these transition weeks into fall there are a lot of fun things to do that take the sting out of summer ending. Tennis! The US Open is underway and there have already been some super matches. I won’t get to Paris to see the Damien Hirst exhibition Cathedrals Built on Sand at Gagosian that closes September 22, but I am determined to see Cherry Blossoms at the Fondation Cartier before it comes down January 2. Fingers crossed. This Hermès look epitomizes the sumptuousness of a rich, deep brown — the best fall color.  And I’m continuing to build a jewelry wardrobe — love these Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole earrings worn together. We picked peaches in Vermont week before last and made scrumptious galettes. Apple crisp is up next. Welcome to September!

In The WSJ: End-Of-Summer Tomato Recipes

Nothing beats end-of-summer tomatoes and the WSJ has recipes that capture the flavors and help preserve the bounty. yum!

Polar Temps Predicted

When I checked the Farmers’ Almanac’s winter forecast, the word ‘polar’ popped up again and again. At the same time, my inbox was stuffed with product emails full of cold-weather wear. It’s only August, but if I want a new puffer I need to start looking now — by December they will be long gone. I like this grey one by Joseph, it’s longer than anything I own, and the wool-cashmere blend certainly takes it up a notch. It would look great cinched with a leather belt and paired with a lug sole boot.

Joseph coat, Loewe belt, Diemme hiking boot.

Bits & Bobs

On my fall inspiration board: a nipped-in waist like the Sportmax FW21 campaign image, a bandana scarf bag à la Givenchy’s, and the Dary’s arm bracelet, in a story from September Vogue Paris, is exactly what I’ve been looking for.

September Vogue Paris image photographed by Michael Jansson & styled by Emmanuelle Alt

An ‘Aha’ Moment Thanks To September Harper’s Bazaar

The September issue of Harper’s Bazaar is out and the FOB (front of book) is particularly good — lots to buy and how-to-wear tips. Recently, I was erroneously sent a men’s small cream crewneck sweater when I’d ordered a women’s small. I’ve been sitting on it because to return it to the middle-of-nowhere England via Royal Mail is a pain in the neck. When I spied this picture of Lauren Santo Domingo, with her fabulous Hermès Haut à Courroies bag (the Bazaar story is about the bag, naturally), I was struck by her oversized cream crewneck sweater. It looks great, and since I already have one, problem solved.

Photograph by Allie Holloway

Awaiting Henri

Flashlights? ✔️ Candles? ✔️ Wine? ✔️ We’ll batten down the hatches and then wait. When Sandy hit, we lived at the water’s edge, literally, and are here to tell the tale. With some unexpected idle time, I want to finish The Paper Palace, watch the second season of Modern Love, fine-tune plans to convert the dining room into an art studio, handwash some sweaters, and try a Sisley hair mask sample. Not a bad way to ride out this storm.

Bunny Williams’ art studio in her Connecticut house is my inspiration

The Miu Miu Bonnet

I bought this Miu Miu bonnet/cap/balaclava in grey and I’m on the lookout for tan. I like this one because it’s trim to the head, can be worn under the hood of my parka, and it doesn’t look infantile. While searching for it, up popped a Miu Miu crocheted vest I’d whiffed on years ago — woo hoo!

I 🖤 Fall Fashion

Many September issues are out and I’ve been pulling images for an inspiration board. A quirky knit like the Miu Miu bonnet, camel coats, a snippet from Tiffany’s new ad campaign, and the dreamiest Chanel knee-length skirt are all getting me excited for a change of seasons.

Image top left September Vogue Germany, top right from Vogue‘s first global fashion story.

Fendi Boots

Banging the beige boot drum, here. These by Fendi, in a September Vogue Japan story, are a pinky nude and look really good.

Photography by Camilla Akrans  Styling by Sissy Vian