Wow, it’s October and Libra season, and I can’t help but love this desire to get the balance right. For me, September was all about revisiting some things that helped me become the woman I am today, without a hint of nostalgia but more of a sense of deference and reverence. I feel fortunate to have a visual and generally sensorial memory bank of shaping moments in life. So as a new season takes old, let’s look back at some things that surprised me at the end of September. Revelations, all.
First, I was cleaning out my closet as one does and found a Gucci shoebox full of items I kept when I cleaned out my mom’s apartment with my family (she is still alive, PS, just in assisted living) and haven’t looked at it in a minute.
In the box were some epic photos, and I’ll share a few here.
This is my mother’s mother. A true glamazon with violet eyes and style out the wazoo. She started a clothing store out of her basement and then opened a storefront in Northeast Philadelphia and was a step beyond. Over the top. Often hysterical. Most of all, hugely influential in ways I didn’t realize until much later. Her brand of style mesmerized me as a child. I would rub my face on her fur coat while we sat in the back seat of my dad’s car together and inhale her Joy perfume. I will never forget her very beige apartment with the Norman Mailer Marilyn coffee table book and the many animal print tops, Kent cigarettes, and giant cameo pins paired with designer dresses from Issey Miyake.
This ad from her store is shockingly fabulous. Womanliness with a certain bounce. Couldn’t you just???
Next, my mother. First, a bit of mod with my sister and father. Then, disco dreams and feathers forever. I had to get it from somewhere, I suppose.
Also, my sister in the purple set is so cool, with my aunt in the turq and my grandmother in the zebra.
And here I am in a few favorite frocks. I have always loved fashion and hairdos, and here’s proof. PS- THE WIG. PSS- THOSE COLLARBONES.
And, of course, after I left Philadelphia and moved to New York, I worshipped at the altar of Evangelista, or Linda, as she’s more affectionately known. I got to see her be interviewed by a very unfuzzy Fern Mallis. Between the docuseries on Netflix about the supers and Linda coming out of hiding, it’s hard not to look back and remember all of those amazing photos and runway walks with my forever icon, particularly regarding hair and Garren, her forever hair stylist, was sitting right behind me (royalty). I loved her thoughts on youth and the notion that “youth is fleeting, but beauty isn’t”. What a treat to see everyone give her a standing ovation and get her to sign her new book of photos, all taken by her friend, Steven Meisel, one of the greatest fashion photographers of all time.
And speaking of Steven (whose photos always take me back to one of my favorite times of fashion past), his new collab with Zara is fuego. I caved and bought the wool cape, and it is EPIC. Not only is the piece itself amazing, but the box it came in was sleek and black, and featured a black and white Steven photo on its interior that did make me miss that old-school attention to detail and dialed-in glamour that I will never forget as a trademark of an exacting fashion flock who flew on the Concorde, rode everywhere in Town Cars, and nary a social media platform or screen in sight as they called the shots and created the trends.
Next, my dear friend Sharon and I had dinner at an old favorite haunt, Blue Ribbon, the OG, before all the others, and in the original Sullivan Street location. At the 7 p.m. seating, the joint was jumping with interesting and fabulous downtown types, and I felt transported back to a New York I thought was gone for good, albeit many hours earlier, because Blue Ribbon was always a late-night go-to for amazing food. You would see a lot of chefs eating there after work, and it was always a VIBE. Over perfect martinis and Greek salads with sides of gorgeous grilled calamari, we had the best time and then walked over to the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy, something I love every year. Between the zeppole and carnival games and endless characters, my New York cup was full that night. And lately, although the city has so many challenges, I’ve rediscovered much to love about Manhattan.
For me, returning to the past is powerful. Not staying there but revisiting those things that lit me up and continue to send sparks through my system when I need them most.
And when it comes to the past, Jenny Walton’s style is all about a forgotten type of glamour that is all her own. I just watched this video on her substack about personal style, and I could not agree with her more on what makes style personal in the first place. To her, the best personal style comes from knowing yourself. And the older you get, the more you know yourself, and the more you can really dial that up. If you are looking to nail your personal style, hit me up. I’m working with a few clients now, and my plan is to take on more, so let’s talk about it. Let’s get fearless together and help you figure out what you most likely already know but may need some help unearthing.
And without further adieu, here are some items to crave, covet, and collect right now.
I already mentioned my Steven cape, and here it is. You will see me in this every day in the winter, so get ready.
Also, I have always loved Rachel Comey Chelsea boots because I find them so comfortable yet cool. I sprung for this pair, and I’m obsessed. Try them with the tights below and a short skirt, and it’s got that cute French rock and roll vibe I will always adore.
Now listen up. These tights. THESE TIGHTS. I’m feeling a sheer tight is the new opaque tight, and I feel black stockings are way back and feel very right now. These tights are so hot and don’t rip. Must have for the Fall and winter, so perfect.
This dress from Pure Cashmere x Leandra Medine is the perfect chocolate, and I love how she’s styled it with jeans. it’s such a cool look.
This pant from Donni is a home run for working from home and then some. Snatch them at once. I love both the pink and the green in equal measures.
On the beauty front, let’s start with two new shadows. This one from RMS in Eclipse is divine on green and hazel eyes, and so creamy and pigmented, and dabs on with your finger for a bit of not-so-perfect perfection, and the new shadow sticks from Victoria Beckham are such a nice formula and apply beautifully.
I’m also a big fan of Goop’s shampoo and conditioner, which make your hair shiny and bright and super soft.
I’m legit obsessed with latte nails or coffee-colored claws for Fall. This shade suits my mood, as does this. And this is in my cart because I’m a gel girl.
Um, can we discuss both Shalom Harlow’s and Amber Valletta’s hair? I’m dead. It makes me rethink my Succession-inspired vibe for something more bombshell.
Next, I love this vanity case from Beauty Pie which makes me think of luxe train travel like a sojourn on the Orient Express. Lush green velvet. Check, please.
And it’s not too early to start thinking of gifts, or better yet, giving yourself one. That Linda book is absolutely beautiful and gives a fantastic look back at some of the best images of all fashion time. A must-have for any dedicated follower you know.
Also, this. A bit of humor chic is a great gift, non?
Oh, and as you can see, drama is in my DNA. So this Cartier watch is obscene in the best of ways. I would wear this with pjs and heels out on the town. My grandmother would absolutely approve, particularly if accompanied by an ice-cold Stoli and tonic.
October is a special month with my husband, sister, and dear friend celebrating birthdays, and Halloween in my Brooklyn neighborhood is always an absolute delight. Gidget is readying her costume in anticipation, so stay tuned as the leaves fall. Much love to you all, and please reach out if you’d like a personal style sesh with yours truly. XO
What brand are the jeans in the pic with the brown chasmere dress? I just fall shopped and returned much of it and not much great pieces in the stores so far. Combined with my loathing shopping., Thankfully I have a shopping maven girlfriend an just follow her around. I hope however you are not mistaken for a nun in the black cape....althought that might be fun!