Y’all, I’m back! For a little bit at least– the end of summer was bananas. And technically, it’s still 80 degrees every day and ruining my blowouts, but sure, it’s “faLL” now!

Anyways, as I have been known to do, I spent much of September in NYC! **Breaking news, I know** Earlier in the month, I headed to CT for a dear friend’s wedding, but just had to stop in the city for a couple nights to gad about town. And gad did I ever! One week later, I was back for work and more gadding! 

Throughout both trips, I caught some really good fashions— on the streets, in stores, perched on plastic stools in Dimes Square, and most definitely at Flushing Meadows for the US Open. In short, style was in the New York City metro area. As we look towards fall’s official start, I thought it would be fun to talk some fashion quick hits that I saw in the city or anticipate coming in.

• We are indeed dressing down, yet going out more! The chaotic over-the-top styling of 2023-2025 is really cooling down, as I have previously noted, and people are dressing more for real life. It could be that our lives are more in-person, so we are simply being forced to be more realistic (a word I actually abhor, but alas) about how we face each day. During both trips, I spotted a ton of denim paired with casual knits over the shoulders and loafers and flip-flops. There were of course some sneakers, but not as prolific as before. And not a single Golden Goose in sight. Victory! One of my personal favorite nighttime looks was a butter-soft Vince tank that I paired with giant Slvrlake jeans and a US Open hat poorly serving as a substitute for an actual umbrella.
• Speaking of the US Open, New Yorkers had their shit straight during my quarterfinals jaunt to the Open! I was delighted to see Naomi Osaka and Jannik Sinner, and even more so to see some absolutely phenomenal looks. When I found out I was indeed attending the night match, I hemmed and hawed over my outfit for 10 solid days, finally landing on my limoncello-hued sheer skirt from The Frankie Shop and my future banker husband’s blue striped woven from Armstrong’s in Edinburgh. I kept it super classic on the accessories with Shivvy Vuitton (her first major sporting event!) and my sorbet-pink Jack Rogers sandals. The look was a total nod to both Kennedy Queens— Jackie O. and CBK! I saw a lot of long dresses with knits over the shoulder, paired with Yankees or Open hats. Loads of color, oversized knits and generally just not as much playing it cool as in Manhattan, which was a breath of fresh air.  Thankfully, there was little to zero straight athleisure and just a sprinkle of tenniscore, but many, many honey deuces!
• The Youth Are (Kinda) All Right… I walked through NYU’s campus on the way to Tory Burch on Mercer, so landed smack in the World of Gen Z. Despite what everyone says, The New York Littles are not draped in Lululemon and On Cloud. Instead they are chasing the 2000’s, rocking looks that were sweetly reminiscent of my time as a college co-ed. I eyed so much great denim + pointy toe boots/flats and teeny-tiny tops. One inspired shoe choice I saw everywhere from Washington Sq. Park to Grand Central was the heeled Repetto ballet. All signs are pointing to this being the younger crowd’s response to the Reva relaunch!
• Speaking of the youth, I was in town for wildly popular Emily Sundberg’s wildly popular IRL meet-up, titled Smashion Week, because the primary focus was on smash burgers at the height of NYFW. I popped on a new Reformation mini (referenced below) and my reliable Stevie boots and kicked it like Gen Z. When my millennial friends totally ditched me, rather than scurry back to my hotel, I settled on a plastic stool and befriended the loveliest 20-somethings. We talked about our hometowns, relationships– current, past and future, the horrific stylings of the horrific ICE officers, and of course the many joys of NYC. As the hours whiled away and I found myself with two new in-the-moment besties, I reveled at our innate ability to simply connect out in the wild. The text to my friends on the way home, “Made sweet Gen Z besties– great night! Hope you enjoyed Laquan Xx”
• Shopping Shout-Outs— Tory Burch’s new shop on Mercer is a tiny jewel box of chic. She went way neutral with the decor, but the preppy infrastructure remains intact with a great curation of antiques, bold fabrics and rattan/wicker accents. I was on the hunt for the mesh flat I’ve been talking about since April, but was even more impressed by the store’s design. The new Reformation in Flatiron provided me with the most seamless digital shopping experience I have had in ages! I just swiped away on that giant iPad/tv, and scored a fabulous white lace miniskirt to add to my collection. Also, picked up this fabulous pocket brush from the snobbish Tribeca Pharmacy, following a divine lunch at The Odeon. I walked into Ode like a thirsty, starving dog and ordered a crispy shrimp sandwich that changed my life. Printemps is still on my must-do list, but it is “meeting at Goldman” far downtown. Next time!
• NYC Armory— If I regret not having enough time for one thing, it would be the Armory art show. I was invited by my sweet friend and owner of Memphis jewel Sheetcake Gallery, and spent 75 minutes bopping from booth to booth with a glass of rose, and of course yapping my head off! You would’ve thought I was a contestant on Bachelor in Paradise– Mimi T. from Memphis. I saw spectacular art in incredibly-appointed booths, but most importantly came face to face with the pleasant reality that despite the chaotic tackiness of our current social-political scene; kind, sophisticated, curious and EDUCATED people still exist. I collected so many business cards, and am now committed to making Armory an annual tradition! 

Ok, some things I am wanting/predicting for fall fashions:

1. Big pants are here to stay– let’s be honest, skinnies never even stood a chance! I was politically neutral on barrel jeans, but after tailoring a guy friend’s excellent Levi’s and Carhartt hand-me-downs, I have been barrel boot-scootin’ for the past few weeks! The proportion of the pants really work with my preferred slim knit on top, so it has become my go-to for errand running, casual dinners or just a quick coffee. 
2. The perfect accessory for my barrels is a vintage Brighton belt. Random, I know! I got the idea from a Jess Graves newsletter years ago and it just stuck with me. The classic combo of silver hardware against glossy black or tortoiseshell was such a thing in the early 2000’s. Luckily for us, eBay has sooo many offerings, prompting me to press purchase on a duo of belts from the special Brighton Museum collection. A note for ordering– 90’s Brighton runs small so go off of exact measurements rather than traditional S, M, L.
3. This sweater is going to take rugby stripes fully mainstream! The women’s is already sold out, so all we have left is pre-order for early Dec delivery. I have adored the rollneck for years– it is so versatile and warm but not hot (!)– so I am desperate to wriggle my little self in this giant sweater. Would obvi pair with leather leggings and my coca-cola red Chanels.
4. Pared back beauty is back. Emily Sundberg recently talked to the controversial American Apparel, now LA Apparel team, about their staunch position on no make-up make-up branding. The most interesting angle was that the Feed Me team connected with some of the OG AA models to get their then vs. now beauty routine. The verdict– doing the most was out then and remains out for these ladies. My new obsession that allows me to wear little-to-no makeup: this freebie with purchase from The Ordinary. It is shockingly good. More so high-key beauty, but I am obsessed with this vampy red nail.
5. Although I am the self-proclaimed Queen of the Mini, I am loving the relaxed (and comfortable) fit of a midi-to-maxi. I ordered the navy version of this dress from Les Tiens ahead of my first NYC trip and cannot get over the fabrication and fit. It was the perfect CBK/Jackie O callback paired with Chanel flats, stick-straight hair and a striped knit over the shoulders. Loving this Banana dress for a similar look!

Okkk, this is quite an extended comeback post but as always, ya girl had a lot to say! Xx 

**images— First collage l->r, one of the most fantastic booths at Armory, big Slvrs + lil top = success; Leandra Medine making me desperate for a leather maxi; some good Shopbop editorial; Mimi Gets Open; waiting for the bathroom and my Smashion burger; procured and gabbing with my Gen Z besties; my uni for the past 6 weeks; more good Armory footage. Second collage l->r, fall-forward blooms on my NYC green juice walk; I <3 a J.Crew hotttie; manifesting this scenario; a little reminder from KourtneyKB; Catch a shooting star and put it in your pocket; A$AP really needing to marry me & let me borrow that updated Celine luggage; vintage Royal India silk for dinner in Memphis; decor goodies at Tory Burch x Mercer; my Armory look– vintage slip + denim, LV mini and v. on-trend slim Havaianas.