Hello from my couch, where I am sadly down with COVID. Truthfully, it hasn’t been that bad this time — more like a bad cold with a lot of exhaustion as opposed to longing for death. It’s given me plenty of time to do some online browsing, and I’m suddenly very into Pinterest again. Just me?
It’s nearly fall, and I AM READY. I’m tired of being hot! I’m ready to be snuggly and cozy! I am counting down to the official autumn equinox and eying the forecast for chillier temperatures.
There are many things I’m excited for this fall — spending Thanksgiving in Arizona, a weekend away in Nevada City, a trip to Los Angeles specifically for the Gilmore Girls studio tour, and hosting a You’ve Got Mail viewing party — and also being cold, enjoying apple-flavored everything, and consuming way more pumpkin cream cold brew than I already have. I’m also still coming to peace with my new thinner, straighter hair (that is also vaguely wavy now?) and planning to finally ask for a Rachel Green look next week when I get my hair cut, something my curly, frizzy self couldn’t have during the 90s.
In recent years, I’ve waffled back and forth between being a seasonal decor person and refusing to acknowledge any holidays. Decorating seems silly, capitalistic, and foolish, but the reality is that I’m never beating the basic bitch allegations, and like everyone, I’m eager to find joy anywhere. Right now, that means some cute ghost candles, a ghost cup, and a BOO! garland. I have yet to unleash my fall decor fully, but I am ready.
In terms of fall fashion, I’m channeling an archetype of woman that I’ve been paying attention to for a while: the cultured, literate, busy, chic, older woman who is well-dressed without being overdone. The past few times I’ve been in museums — in San Francisco, London, and Paris — I’ve noticed a fairly simple outfit formula that I’ve decided to make my personality this fall. It’s a wide-leg pant, a simple sweater or long-sleeved shirt, a classic-but-comfortable fashion sneaker, basic gold jewelry, a scarf, and/or a ball cap, plus a rain jacket or a denim jacket as needed. It works for my day job, and for just about any other occasion, depending on how fancy or casual the elements of the outfit are. An occasional sweater dress with boots can round things out, and most importantly, I have been preparing for lounge season with all manner of cute things!
I’ll be back to share more about my You’ve Got Mail party (once I actually execute and throw it!) and trips and my ambitious baking goals, but until then, here are the items I’m most excited about!
This luxe knit sweater is the perfect foundation for any outfit, and it’s 40% off right now.
I also wore this ruched sweater tee this week, and it was the ideal weight for a chilly morning and warmer afternoon. I currently own it in navy, but I’ll be going back for the vintage taupe, too—a perfect staple as fall rolls in.
For warmer afternoons, I am wearing this shirred sleeve tee, which is the same idea, but in cotton instead of a sweater material.
I’ve always loved the academic look of a sweater over a collared shirt, and this mixed-media top is perfect.
Cannot get enough of this perfect burgundy jacket that I’m going to wear non-stop. And, Lululemon does it again with this Rain Rebel.
I love a basic item with an unexpected detail, so I’m loving this pointelle mock neck sweater and this ruffle-trim sweater. The gold buttons on this long cardigan elevate it for work, and it looks great buttoned up over jeans (I’ve been wearing these boyfriend jeans non-stop) or over a dress.
The barrel-leg silhouette pant is still going strong, and I got tons of compliments wearing these jeans and these pants this week.
We are a big Cozy House, and Nordstrom Rack currently has these Barefoot Dreams throws on sale. They are so incredibly soft, and if you’re going to spend nights on the couch, it never hurts to have a few.
I’ve got my eye on this Free People kaleidoscope scarf — classic colors in a fun pattern. Free People scarves are THE BEST. Please enjoy this footage of me bundled up in the plaid one (well, a similar plaid one) I dragged all over Paris (this is me freezing to death in front of the Eiffel Tower). They are SO WARM and cute and adaptable.
still would love to be freezing in Paris than not… This striped Quince cashmere wrap is also lovely and so soft!
I am in a big matching set era, and this wide-leg cropped pant and hoodie sweater set from Soma is so cute and comfortable. Throw it over a ribbed tank, and it’s the perfect outfit for a movie night, running to the farmer’s market, or girls night in. I am obsessed with the smoky plum/lilac color of this set (and in this nail polish — Dazzle Dry’s “Anticipation”). I want this Soma set in the black and grey, too — it’s honestly perfect.
My obsession with Lake Pajamas continues, and this Relax Lounge set is so soft and chic. I’ve been wearing their long-short sets, and washed all my wintery pjs for the first night the temps drop.
Shoes-wise, I get sooooo many compliments every time I wear these Nike Pacific Sneakers. Other Amy got them, too, and she is equally obsessed.
I also took a page from the middle schoolers I spend my days with and got some Adidas Sambas. I’m also pretty sure I need these Tory Burch Hank shoes (they’re named HANK!) in green.
I bought myself a fun fall present — the Clare V Grande Fanny in black and brown woven checker — and I regret nothing. It’s so chic, holds everything I need, and will carry me through the winter.
I’m looking forward to being outside in the fall weather, and you simply cannot beat these Vuori joggers for hiking, lounging, living…the SOFTEST. I’ve been pairing them with my ON Cloud shoes (which I wear nearly daily for Orangetheory and to work) and when you add a denim jacket, it’s such a cute look for coffee afterwards!
It’s AYR Early Mornings tee season! I’ve been wearing it with shorts, but this shirt looks good with EVERYTHING. Jeans! Black pants! It’s everything.
I’m wearing these Tower 28 Shine On Milky Lip Jellies nonstop. My favorite colors so far are Sesame and Wild.
I love a simple long-sleeve, and Gap does it again with their Modern Crewneck.
If you, like me, suffer from dark circles under your eyes, may I suggest this Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder? It adds just a little bit of lift, sets your concealer, and is so easy to apply with the perfect little brush. Paired with their legendarily perfect caviar eye shadow sticks, it’s the dreamiest eye combination.
Lastly, I haven’t let myself buy anything holiday yet (truly cannot handle the Christmas stuff being out) except for this adorable crescent moon tree topper.
Do you have a standard outfit formula? What are you looking forward to this fall? Please share!
As always, if you shop using my links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you! Many of the items I’ve referenced have been gifted, but I never share things I don’t truly love. Thanks for supporting me and my work!
You def need those sneakers
I love that you’re getting to play around with your hair! Different textures open up so many doors. And The Rachel would be perfect for fall.