Fall Outfits, Travel Anticipation & More: What I Love This Week
September always feels fresh and exciting. Even though our summer weather is hanging on (tooth & nail), I can’t help thinking about fall outfits and travel. Here are a few things I’m loving this week.
Looking ahead
I’ll be on my way to London and Paris soon, and will be sharing my travel wardrobe next week. This time of year, the weather can be all over the place, so I’m paying close attention to the forecasts. To me, the anticipation of travel is almost half the pleasure.
More texture play
For those of you with cool palettes, here’s a Dressed Up Casual look using a fun mix of textures. Those flat are available in a bunch of colors and finishes, too. Lipstick color is “Envy.”
New at J.Crew
OMG, the new fall collection at J.Crew has me almost salivating 😂. If I had to describe it in just a few words, I’d probably go with Elegant Modern Preppy.
Barn and worker jackets are on-trend this fall. But I also think they’re a great outerwear option for those with more casual lifestyles, when a trench or tailored coat just feels too “done.” I love the longer cut, and this style has a removable vest liner to accommodate fluctuating temperatures. Solid colors available too.
AND (I’m so excited about this!) it’s offered in Petite sizes (XX-Small to Large) as well as Classic (XXS-3X) sizes.
This is a gorgeous piece in a slightly brushed gold finish. Wear longer as a single strand, or doubled and shorter as shown here. Timeless!
Pinstripe classic blazer in Chocolate
I love a good pinstripe, and when rendered in a classic blazer like this one, it’s a wardrobe perennial. Offered in Classic, Petite and Tall sizes. (You bet when I saw “Petite,” this one went right into my cart!)
There’s also a matching trouser, if you want to make a suit of it.
(Brown not your thing? Here are classic pinstripe blazers in Navy/Cream and Ivory/Navy
I really loved the look of the original Giselle sweater blazer that J.Crew introduced last year, but found the length a bit awkward for me. Keeping in mind that the model here is probably about 5’10”, I’m hoping this one will land closer to knee length (similar to the Juliette style).
In four neutrals, sizes XX-Small to 3X.
I had a pair of low ankle boots very similar to these back in the 90’s that I wore until they fell apart. They just went with EVERYTHING.
I bought the regular ankle boot version of these last year, and find them very comfortable. If I didn’t already have too many shoes 😂 I’d be all over the tan snake print option.
A true style icon
A couple of years ago, I was finishing up some errands at a West Los Angeles mall, and spotted a woman sitting in a shoe store wearing a gigantic black hat. My first thought was “that looks like something Diane Keaton would wear.” Sure enough it was her, with another woman, trying on shoes. She was dressed exactly as you’d expect to see her show up for a photo call, in tailored but slightly oversized pieces, and chunky black boots.
I’ve always admired her quirky, individual style, and how she’s so consistent and confident in it. So when I saw that she’d written a book on fashion and style, I pre-ordered. I just received it and can’t wait to dive in!
They’re baaaaack….
Those loveable (?) MI5 rejects are back for another season! The first episode premiered this week on AppleTV+, new episodes will come weekly. My favorite scenes are the verbal fencing between Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) and Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott-Thomas) and I hope we get lots more of those this season.
If you’re in the western US, hope you aren’t suffering too much in the heat. Of course, my a/c decided to go kaput on the first really hot day, but I have a portable fan going and the HVAC guy is supposed to be here today. 🤞
Bon weekend!
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Love the idea of modern- preppy with that touch of plaid ( or more).
Really goodlooking and if I were still working ( other than in my Herb garden) or had really great places to go ( alas…not this year or next I feel) then Id be wearing these pieces! Thank you for sharing! Enjoy Paris my most favorite city with Prague a close second.
Thanks, Paulette!
Great September posts, Susan!
And your hair is looking so pretty. Can you please share the shampoo and other products you’re using?
Thank you very much,
Elle
Thanks, Elle! I’ll do a hair update soon.
Too many shoes? Is that possible?
Great finds; thanks!!
Thanks, Melissa!
Really like the Giselle cardigan. Could you tell me please, is the length of it – longer than leg break? I’m not sure I understand where leg break is .
“Leg break” is the line where the legs and torso meet. The length is listed as 32″, but where it will hit depends on your height and proportions.
Does this mean, if one is looking at my backside, then the jacket needs to cover my bum? Or the jacket is above my bum? Is leg break where the hips begin or where the bum ends? Sorry so many questions.
Hi m, the optimum length of jackets is an individual choice. The length that will work best with your proportions depends on those proportions and “architecture,” your Style Personality, and personal preference. “Leg break” is usually determined by looking at the front of the body.
Your remark about seeing Diane Keaton reminded me of when I’ve seen her – usually at vintage markets. Her look is really unmistakable, and she really owns it! I’m envious of you going to Europe this fall, I’m dealing with home repairs this year and I’d much rather be traveling!
I love slip skirts but, since I rarely wear a skirt, decided to pass……until today. The one you show will be a great way for me to try it out without a big investment. Thx!
If there is a colors 101, then I flunked. The lipstick you linked skews warm to my eye (remember I flunked colors ) so…..do you have any tips for determining warm from cool online, particularly with lipsticks!!
Hi Linda, thanks! The lipstick is sort of a cool version of nude. I do think the best way to find the right lipstick color is to do an in-person swatch, and as part of my Personal Color Analysis service, I’ll recommend 2-3 lipstick shades for your season. (And you really don’t need more than that.)
We’re leaving for Paris as well on the 16th for a river cruise on the Seine. I’ve been watching the weather daily and I think the word for this trip will be “layering”. I can’t wait to see your travel wardrobe next week and see if it dovetails with mine!
New to your blog and I love it! I wish I had found you sooner. Leaving for France wine trip next week and was wondering if it’s appropriate to pack along my delave linen shirt. I’ll be in Champagne, Burgundy, and Provence so I’m just trying to get a feel for the weather.
Hi Mary, and welcome! It will probably still be pretty warm in the south, so yes, a linen shirt is a good choice.
What I have seen so far in fashion magazines like the French Vogue are outfits which I hate. 242 pages long. J. Crew seems like a heaven. So sorry we haven’t got them in Europe.
Greetje
They usually have a J.Crew section at le Bon Marché in Paris…just saying… 😉
They will post to Europe. Well, UK anyway!
I am so envious that you are going to Paris — have a wonderful time. Your post-trip photos are always great, so I’m looking forward to them. (No pressure, lol.)
I love the longer J Crew trench coat but want to note that the model is MUCH taller than average, so if the measurements are accurate, the coats sleeves will be down past the wrist (fine on a raincoat) and the length is much closer to the ankle than shown on the model. For ref. I am 5’2″, and I would have this coat hemmed to flatter my height more.