It’s mid-August, and I’m feeling a bit flat. Call it the sultry stomp of Summer or a bit of malaise, but it’s there, and I’m ok with it for some reason.
The news is as disturbing as ever. Devastation in Maui and an ex-Prez under seemingly endless indictments (91 at last count) are top of mind. As I ponder the world churning, I’m becoming my best (or worst) flaneur self. Endless episodes of the UK edition of “Love Island.” Air drying my hair and threatening to read endless books I never quite get to due to the aforementioned TV habit. Trying to unsee Aidan’s tightie whities in “And Just Like That” while wondering how, courtesy of one of the NY Housewives, TriBeCa is an “up-and-coming” neighborhood. For real?
But besides my telly habit, I’ve been enjoying the city with events as far-flung as the Jewish Comedy Festival at the Coney Island Amphitheater or what I like to call straight out the Borscht Belt and right to the Boardwalk. Was a fun night, only to be followed by a special show featuring none other than the Wu-Tang Clan, who regaled the crowd with all their hits, but I was still so relieved when half of the couple we went with was ready to bounce after 45 minutes. Sleep moves everything around me, particularly when a show starts at 11 pm. I can’t.
I’m not at all unhappy, mind you. Just a bit of lethargic (lack of) energy as we prep for Fall. And it can’t come soon enough.
I lurvvvv Fall. It’s my absolute favorite time of year, and love the promise of a new season, particularly one with lower humidity. I can’t wait to throw on a sweater over a summer dress. It’s my favorite thing. The transition, I mean. This Fall, my inspo is fairly classic and minimal. Since I’ve gone blonde, I’m favoring a neutral palette and simplified silhouette. So let’s head into Fall feet first.
First, these boots from Copenhagen-based brand Anonymous are killing me in a good way. I love them in black, grey (grey having a big moment), ivory and all the sueded versions. So rock and roll sexy and so good. J.Crew doing a nice version of these as well, and I like the crinkled leather version.
Next, who doesn’t love the look of a classic 501 from the 90s? Warning- they are not for everyone, and by everyone, I mean anyone with hips of any kind. Size up (I’d say two sizes) for a slouchy look.
I’m also digging button-downs of all sorts, but a good striped button-down worn way low is always a good idea, particularly when you’ve got a bit of tan left. This one is a winner.
I’m OBSESSED with and purchased this sweater blazer hybrid from the Crew. I am certain. I will wear it as often as possible over just about everything. SO GOOD.
I also spotted this dress on COS, and because I love a knit dress, this one gives me cool Proenza vibes for a better price. I also love the Didion dress from Suzie Kondi. The name is irresistible, but so is the velour camel sweatshirt vibe. Perfection for all the Fall feels.
I know what I said about minimal, but this faux fur coat will pair beautifully over basic black. It’s way too spendy but would like so cool with those ankle boots.
On the beauty front, the new Glossier lip stain is good stuff. It’s a perfect pop of color, and I’m partial to Curve, a neutral peach that is currently sold out but gorgeous.
I’ve also gone back to Diptyque and have rediscovered the incensy sandalwood joy of Tam Dao. I know little about churches, but this smells like what I would want church to smell like, though I always thought Jude Law’s sexy pope in “The Young Pope” smelled of Acqua di Parma.
On the body wash front, if you’re a Hinoki kid, this one’s for you. I dig an oil-based body wash to get it all done with some extra moisturizing.
As for nails, I’m in love with this sheer lavender gel. Scratches that minimal itch just right.
Lastly, that September Vogue cover with the OG supers. Some love it, some hate the retouching. For me, I’m not sure how I feel but know they are still so beautiful and, yes, older. I think as a woman of a certain age, looking. at covers like this is a sort of mirror. Not because we look like Christy, but because it makes us look at our o. n feelings about aging. Isn’t it time to accept aging the way we accept adolescence as a part of life and not something to fear? Why are we wanting to reverse something so natural? I know the answer, of course, and as someone who writes for beauty brands, a multi-billion dollar industry relies upon suspending time. I, for one, am tired of the endless need to be anything other than we are. I’m not anti-Botox or well-done work, but trying to look “younger” is ridiculous. How about just healthier? I got served an ad from a brand promising you’d look 15-20 years younger from a neck cream. Ridiculous.
So as I sit here post-pilates enjoying my latte, I bid you adieu and say see you in September. Hopefully, the promise of a new season will provide a spark. XO