Cheers to those of us who made it through to the other side of back to school! I think it gets just a bit more complicated every year. Or maybe I’m becoming instructions-resilient. This go-round felt particularly intense in its “remember to print out and sign the form that we sent out as a PDF link (now expired) at the bottom of an email from May OR ELSE.”
For anyone with young kids, please do not make the mistake of thinking that high school is more low maintenance than elementary school. High school is aptly named. It’s high maintenance.
What is my fall vibe? Do I have a fall vibe? Do I need a fall vibe? I didn’t think I did until I realized it’s: moody. I don’t want to BE moody. I want to be like Ina Garten or Glenn Powell: happy and wry and gracious and centered. But in terms of ‘aesthetics’ as the kids on the Internet say, I’m drawn to elements with a bit more gravitas than my usual light, crisp and airy tendencies.
I am nodding appreciatively at: texture, layers, smokiness, the unexpected, deep tones mixed with interesting tones, sculptural elements and intrigue.
….but not: pumpkin, farmhouse, gray, rustic, softness, harvest-y or Halloween-inspired (except for traces of witchy-ness).
In a nutshell: spicy, but not pumpkin spice.
Below you’ll find:
An ode to the upcoming season of moodiness
The quintessential fall British mystery novel
The ONLY Aug-Nov home scent (IMO)
Whatnot gems including JFK Jr. / CBK wedding rings, 23 healthy breakfast ideas and an under-$20 skin habit that’s made my skin look better than most $$$$ creams
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THANK YOU, really.
These sculptural earrings from Sezane are subtle, interesting and perfect. Plus as advises, “you need a Zoom earring.”
I have a Pinterest board full of wavy, slightly messy hair that’s about 3-4 shades darker than my current hair color. Will I do it? Big TBD, but I think about it before I fall asleep at night.
also infiltrates my dreams with this slouchy, moody, yet still somewhat dazzling elegance thanks to the gold ballet flats. Suddenly turtlenecks look like a look I’ve never seen before. Also, please notify me FIRST when this is back in stock.
This camel leather bomber jacket wants to swoop in and make every last thing in my closet look 10x cooler.
Brigati….this new-to-me brand of Italian footwear, accessories and eyewear is STUNNING. I have a pair of these slippers in this gorgeous chartreuse color, and I’m eyeing this deep ruby red pair as well. Their sunglasses look like something you’d wear on the set of a foreign film.
I’m screenshotting aubergine, deep purples and wine-toned florals to mix with creamy whites and airier greens. It helps SO much to arrive at Trader Joe’s flower booth with a vision (and photo) in mind. They won’t always have what you’re after, but sometimes you can get surprisingly close.
These silky J.Crew pants are where I’ve arrived after longing for the Donni track pants for many weeks. I love both, but suspect I’ll get more wear (and more bang for my buck) out of the J.Crew version. Wear with: a tone-on-tone sweater, a tee + blazer, an oversized button down, a slouchy graphic tee and an insouciant attitude.
Fire-scented candles are THE late-summer-to-early fall candle. I’ll allow no others. My teenagers want to buy pumpkin-caramel-toasted-cheesecake with flannel fall leaves scents, and they are welcome to burn them when I’m out of the house. Maybe while watching Practical Magic. Otherwise it’s Feu de Bois.
A Kate Morton mystery every fall is a personal tradition. Joanne Froggatt (Anna/ Downton Abbey) narrates the audio version of The Clockmaker’s Daughter. Yes, I sometimes indulge in reading on Kindle AND Audible because of the time I spend in school carlines. It’s about a modern-day archivist who discovers a 19th-century satchel filled with old drawings that stir childhood memories—plus a mysterious, faded photograph. It’s Victorian, atmospheric, twisty (but not dark). I’m pretty sure one character is a ghost. IT’S SO GOOD.
Malaga Wine, Rouge Noir, Rouge H maybeeeee Lincoln Park After Dark. Short. Lots of sunscreen on tops of hands. This is the move until further notice.
A DÔEN dress that is a little witchy and a little flirty. With bitchy low heels or maybe these suede wedges for early-aughts Sienna Miller vibes.
Wishlisted: Gucci softbit to wear in the crook of my arm until I’m 90. For more wish listed items of some of the coolest women on Substack (pinch me because I’m included) see post.
Ok that’s it! What’s caught your eye as you dream of cooler temperatures, but keep punching the poor thermostat down? Tell me.
An incomplete list of things Jane Austen disliked. (via Kottke.org)
Part cookbook, part pep talk, and part action plan. I pre-ordered this cookbook, which is available in November.
Is everyone walking with a weighted vest without me? …strapped into a contraption that made her look like they were headed to a battlefield rather than getting their steps in.
Ina Garten’s two ingredient cocktail.
“Backhand Complement” as a tennis edit title. Love-love, Air Mail.
If fiber is the new protein (and I do believe it is) here are some very enticing breakfast ideas.
My facialist told me the number one thing I need to do differently was start using a toner. She didn’t try to sell me one, but told me to get something inexpensive with no alcohol. I’ve been using it along with these pads and she was right, my skin is softer, plumper and glowier.
Is anyone else marveling at what a freaking delight Brianne Howey is as a charming murderess in Ginny & Georgia? I loved this piece on her grandmother’s bracelet. (NY Times Gift Link)
In Season 3, Kate lives the particular nightmare that is getting what you want. October is shaping up to be an excellent month, entertainment-wise.
Madonna’s most iconic fashion moments. Think what you will of me, but Ray of Light is my favorite.
JFK Jr. and CBK’s wedding bands might surprise you.
The week of August 11th, 2025, features some of the best astrology of the year. Has this been true for you?
This actually makes me excited for fall. Moody and witchy > pumpkin spice anything.
❤️❤️