Why Not Shop the Fall Wish Lists of 4 Very Chic Women?
H/T to the Bottega Andiamo, finding yourself, and a very good pump
We’re past New York Fashion Week (which I’ll get to in the next letter) and well into London, which means in fashion world speak—and regardless of what the calendar says or how many 80 degree days we have left—summer is over. But I’ve been wanting to talk about this Georgia O’Keefe quote I saw posted SO many times by SO many people all summer long.
And it simply begs the question, why does no one feel like themselves? What is everyone waiting for? Where are we getting lost? What’s the disconnect? Is it all of these eclipses? Another one is here with this new full moon in Pisces! Is it all of the often-prosaic and redundant social media imagery we are collectively imbibing? How have we misplaced our identities? Or have we finally realized we are not the sum total of the things we identify with? This is an interesting or perhaps ironic way of introducing a fall shopping guide. But I’d argue quite the opposite (that’s my Aries moon showing).
You see, the very things that we’re drawn to, truly drawn to, not out of a desire to show rank and status, but out of a deep love for aesthetics and creativity (which I’m certain we share if you’re here), help point us to who we truly are. Recognizing beauty is a soul-level endeavor. Whatever that means to you. And I wanted to see what it meant to four women whose style I find captivating even when it differs from mine (or perhaps especially when). Let’s see the world, and fall fashion in particular, through their eyes. And maybe get a hint as to who we are in the process. Why not!?
Caitlin Burke, Stylist and Creative
I crossed over briefly with Caitlin while I was at Harper’s BAZAAR and she worked at BAZAAR International but I’ve really gotten to know her style through Instagram, of course, where she leaves you wanting more—probably because she is busy off doing other things working full time as a stylist putting her gorgeous spin on flawless lookbooks for the likes of Altuzarra. She wears a playful Jil Sander bubble skirt as effortlessly as a printed Loewe trench and I love to see what she’ll choose next.
What is your fall aura going to be? I have a one-way ticket to Europe booked at the end of September, so I'll say wanderlust!
One rtw piece and why you love it. Beaufille has been killing it lately, and I've had my eye on their Hari dress. The silk slip is the piece of the season thanks to Prada, and I love how this version can be styled alone or over pants, tied or untied. I could see wearing and styling with the white version constantly.
One Bag and One Shoe:
I just got these Toteme pumps in two colors, and am already contemplating the silver. The most perfect shape and heel height, and I love that the white is not a stark white, which is much easier to wear in the fall.
With all the travel I have coming up, I've been on the hunt for the luxury version of an Ikea bag, "capaciously large" if you will. Currently Phoebe Philo's XL Cabas bag and Loewe's XL Puzzle tote are the top contenders.
One Extra Link to a Fall Must:
A good trench is essential for Fall, and this Loewe one at half off is one of the coolest I've seen. I'm also into chain belts and belly chains at the moment, and Presley Oldham makes some great options.
Loïcka Grâce, Stylist
Perhaps we’re sensing a stylist theme. What can I say, they’re good at what they do. When Parisian based Loïcka Grâce isn’t styling editorials for L’Officiel she is often photographing her looks that embody my personal ideal style which is “minimalist with interest.” She sticks to a steady stream of neutrals, black, gray, and white, but all of it feels like a case study you feel compelled to figure out—a layered scarf here, a dress over pants there, a belt just so…
What is your fall aura going to be?
My aura will be very demure, very mindful of course!
One rtw piece and why you love it.
The item of the season is the organza skirt , which has already made an appearance on many runways, worn many different ways (like this one from Carven). It’s a must to elevate your basics and give them a twist, styled with long coat or an oversize top—for just a couple of examples.
One Bag and One Shoe:
The Anfiamo bag from Bottega Veneta can be a perfect match with the skirt as well
For the shoes the double ballerina from Jacquemus are high on my list.
One Extra Link to a Fall Must:
This is the necklace from Casa Ayllon
Kristen Nichols, Associate Director, Who What Wear
I first met Kristen many years ago when she was working at a little brand called Rodarte out of L.A. Soon after she made the leap into editorial, influencing the purchase decisions of chic girls from her desk at the Who What Wear offices in Cali, and now NYC, as the site’s Associate Director. She’s just one of those people that I love to see what she’s wearing because her taste is impeccable. And as someone who has worked in digital fashion media for most of my adult life, I know her discerning eye has access to literally everything to choose from.
What is your fall aura going to be?
My mindset this fall, and approach to shopping in general, is to focus on building a wardrobe with beautiful, timeless pieces that I will wear long beyond one season. I aim to have a closet with items that are versatile and polished, and look to brands like Bottega Veneta and Cartier that focus on craftsmanship and execute this in classic yet modern ways.
One rtw piece and why you love it.
Suede suddenly feels essential for fall. I especially love the suede jackets, trousers, and pencil skirts in shades of brown and taupe that were showcased on the fall/winter 2024 runways, and are hitting the street style scene at fashion month right now—like this Massimo Dutti skirt.
One Bag and One Shoe:
Bottega Veneta's Andiamo bag was released a few years ago and has been sitting on my shopping list ever since, but I'm not waiting any longer to add it to my closet.
Leopard was everywhere on the fall/winter 2024 runways at brands such as Alaïa and Michael Kors in fresh ways that tap into the classic style codes of icons such as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy. I'm looking forward to experimenting with the print this season and while I may work my way up to a bold printed leopard coat, I will be starting out with a great shoe like Saint Laurent’s Cherish slingback.
One Extra Link to a Fall Must:
There are plenty of just-dropped accessories I'm eyeing this season but the one sitting at the top of my wish list is a 107-year-old timepiece that was first created in 1917—the Cartier Tank watch.
Diana Sun - Aspiring Fashion Aficionado
Diana is a full social media discovery for me. She goes by 1djun on the app. Although based in Cali and Seattle, she’s often posting from some very chic locales in Seoul, Korea. Her flawless, stainless-steel tinged interiors speak to my design sensibilities and she’s consistently posting ‘fits—shot beautifully—that lead me down a rabbit hole to figure out just what it is she’s wearing.
What is your fall aura going to be?
This fall, I'm all about pairing sleek leather jackets with bold animal prints—think leopard, python-embossed, pony, and zebra patterns. I'm channeling a bit of that "mob wife" vibe, blending effortless cool with practical style. It’s all about making a statement while staying true to a laid-back, yet polished aesthetic.
One rtw piece and why you love it.
I'm in love with this Khaite: Lolo Coat in Black. The design is so clean and striking, with a touch of understated luxury that speaks volumes. I adore the rich, tactile quality of leather, and this piece delivers that with a minimalist twist.
One Bag and One Shoe:
My go-to bag this season is the Pierre Weekender in Natural Python-Embossed Leather. I’m all about oversized bags that are both functional and effortlessly cool. This python-embossed beauty has that edge—it's like something a movie assassin would carry to a secret deal. Stylishly practical with a touch of intrigue!
These Gommino Macro Printed Calf Hair Loafers from Tod's have caught my eye. The bold print and luxurious calf hair texture add just the right amount of flair while keeping things comfortable, creating a powerful, effortlessly chic look that ensures you stand out in any crowd.
One Extra Link to a Fall Must:
It’s tough to choose, but if I had to pick one must-have accessory, it’s definitely a pair of gloves, like The Row’s Simon Gloves in Brown. Whether in black, white, brown, or red, they add that vintage touch to the whole fit, making everything feel just a bit more timeless and chic.