1 SVILU lace-up sweater – in ivory at Garmentory (use my referral link for a $20 credit)| SVILU focuses on “sustainably sourced fabrics, integrity-rich New York production and clean, elegant lines” – and I’m looking to add interesting details to my wardrobe this fall. I have enough basic.
2 Vince black or gray velvet sneakers | I love my Vince sneakers and my gray ones are looking a little worse for wear, because I wear them ALL THE TIME. I like a little texture for fall/winter. (I tried on the oxblood sneakers today – they are STUNNING – so beautiful. Size down 1/2 size from your normal shoe size in Vince sneakers)
3 Clare V. Drawstring bag (made in the US) | I probably won’t get this, but I’m smitten with it…I love the hobo-style shape, but drawstring closure for some reason
4 Black shirt dress | I love this James Perse version which is a wool/viscose blend, and henley style (I think I like a pullover style shirt dress better than button-front, to avoid any button gaps), but I may finally just end up getting the Zady silk shirtdress instead. But then, I’m also thinking about a v-neck sweater dress this fall too…I’ve never found one I truly loved, but it’s been a while since I looked too. I am actually seriously considering this navy one!!
5 Brown bag | I LOVE this rich brown, but caramel-y color, and the style of this il bisonte “lady” bag is very intriguing. It definitely fits my requirement for multiple handles and an outside pocket!! But…I always default to black bags becuase I get too confused trying to successfully wear non-black bags. I know…
I do need a black v-neck t-shirt- can you believe I don’t have a basic one?? – and will probably end up with this James Perse version. Of course. (although I am tempted to try this one by ATM – I like the luxurious feel of the heavier weight cotton)
Otherwise, I certainly don’t need anything for fall. The only two things I had on my must-find list for fall I’ve already acquired: a cropped leather jacket, and olive pants.
I bought a surplus leather motorcycle jacket by Reformation (the Trident – sold out) a month or so ago during their sale, and of course, haven’t worn it yet, and am a little concerned that I won’t, but I do love it. A leather motorcycle jacket is SOOO out of my comfort zone, but I saw a woman earlier this year wearing a cropped moto-style leather jacket with a slim dress (not unlike my zillions of JP dresses) and Freda Salvador oxfords and became obsessed. So, we’ll see.
I also wanted an “easy” pair of olive pants for fall. Now, you might be thinking that I HAD a pair of lovely olive pants earlier this year by Elizabeth Suzann and sent them back, a decision I regretted acutely; I kept wishing I had them at times during the summer. SO…I contacted ES again and asked if I could give them another try, and just received them on Friday. Yay! I wore them all weekend, and will have an outfit/review for you again tomorrow.
Finally, I’d also thought I wanted to finally try a pair of Mars booties by Rachel Comey this year, but I really don’t think they’ll work for me. (Ankle boots are extremely difficult for me since I don’t have ankles…) I also toyed with acquiring a pair of black No6 clogs (Garmentory has a great selection), but don’t really need those either…so, I’m set for shoes for fall. After I get those Vince velvet sneakers of course!
Fall/Winter are my favorite sartorial seasons, and I actually always look forward to pulling out my old sweaters when it’s time, so I don’t actually acquire a lot new, or need to anyway…I love my old sweaters.
Your turn! What are you shopping for for fall? What do you need? What do you WANT? Do you have any sartorial goals for your fall wardrobe? Do you need to invest more in basics? or interesting pieces (like I do?)
Gretchen,
Every year I look for and fantasize about a proper winter coat. I have three(oops four) different down Northface parka’s One is for the most frigid temps, One is beat up and used for my muddy daily dog walks, one is shorter and used for warmer daily dog walks and finally the last is long and black and used when I’m not expecting to get covered in dog, mud, etc. I have a shearling that is too heavy, bulky, and expensive to be used in my everyday and then I have a nice grey cashmere coat that is only for dress up. I live in Ohio so Winter shows up as early as mid October and can stay for a while. My transitional jackets and the leather ones are really only for the few weeks between early September and Halloween.. So this is what I want. A lined wool coat that is warm and flattering to my pear shape. I want it to have ample pockets (for mom stuff) and It can’t attract lint. I have no time for that. I would like it to also be made responsibly and last a while–not fast fashion.
I haven’t bought a new coat in over four years because I can’t find the one I want. i’m so open to suggestions. I’m in my mid forties and still haven’t found that ideal coat. From all the black parkas I see, I doubt Im alone.
I can’t be alone in the looking for a good coat search.
excellent question – hopefully someone will have some suggestions for you? and i’ll look for some as well and do a follow-up post on responsibly made winter coats 🙂 i’m absolutely positive you’re not alone!!
have you looked at the Zady wool coat in the meantime? it doesn’t look particularly warm though, but if i needed a coat, i would probably try that one first.
I am obsessed with this Lizzie Fortunato necklace. I have another one I bought about a year ago that I love, and really want another. This one willgo with my black stuff and warm it up a bit, and go with olive:
http://shop.lizziefortunato.com/products/retro-flower-necklace
I also would like a boxy cropped sweater–maybe the square Everlane turtleneck or the navy crewneck or black turtleneck from Cuyana. And maybe a pair of jeans and sneakers. I’m trying to keep the list pretty short.
I think I’ve been trying to focus on upgrading my basics. I bought some wide leg cropped Eileen Fisher jeans, which I’d been wanting for a while, and two motorcycle style jackets, both on a whim. One is an olive rayon material, and the other is (nice) faux-leather. So far I love all three items, but its been so hot that I haven’t been able to wear either coat. I think the multiple coat purchases are a reaction to the never-ending summer heat. I want coat weather so badly!!! Meanwhile, I love those d’orsay loafers and the idea of them with a JP dress!
love that necklace!!! so pretty
i’m hoping the everlane turtleneck will be “the perfect” cropped boxy sweater for me. we’ll see…it looks promising though. if not, the cuyana crewneck looks pretty good too…
yes, me too! i get SO ANTSY for cooler weather right about now. thankfully we’ve had some really nice cool mornings lately. the day doesn’t stay cool, but it’s something!
i too start to over-purchase and think about fall/winter items when i’m antsy for the weather to change.
I’ve been on something of a mission to find a light-weight coat that fits boxy-style cuts without squashing the shape too much. I love my top from Jamie and the Jones –http://www.jamieandthejones.com/2016/the-pocket-box-top-in-olive — and a few other tops that are cut to be more boxy, but they can be tough to wear with a jacket. And I live in SF — which is pretty much jacket weather year-round. So I always find myself changing into something that fits better under jackets, which is silly. Kimono-style jackets look cool, but I need a closure in the front to keep out the wind that hits my neighborhood every afternoon. But maybe I’m just overlooking low-hanging fruit/obvious solutions.
Hi Grechen! Glad you’re still posting regularly and hope you had a nice and relaxing weekend! I’ve decided that for clothing, I’d like to keep my choices pretty basic while I start to expand my earring game with cool studs in mixed metals. My fall “must haves” include a couple turtlenecks in versatile colors to layer under my vests and moto style jackets, a pair of black flat heeled ankle boots, a pair of denim with the exposed hem that’s super popular right now, and a winter coat. I am leaning towards the Acne Jensen boots in the black pebbled leather, but they are such a huge investment that I keep talking myself away from them (especially since they’re not very practical for the slush and snow that Chicago winter entails). Like Andrea, the perfect coat has alluded me for years, and I just end up settling for coats that I never really loved. I love The Arrivals aesthetic, and since last year have had my eye on the modular unisex snow parka. The price, while steep, seems to be pretty in sync with other heavy duty, high quality cold weather parkas, but I am unsure how a unisex coat would fit on my hourglass frame.
I don’t really need anything for fall (I don’t think – I’ll know better in a month or so when I actually need warmer clothing, maybe, and start switching out my closet). What I want? I’m looking for a solid perfume (lots of upcoming travel!) in a fall/winter scent. I don’t wear a lot of perfume (my husband is allergic which limits what I can do) but I’ve very drawn to summer scents anyway (gardenia, honeysuckle, linden are favorites – I can wear single scent Demeter eau de toilette without bothering my husband’s sinuses 😉 I have a couple old ones – Burts Bees “Happiness” and Pacifica (Gardenia, of course) so I might run by Whole Foods on my way home and see if they have other Pacifica in stock….
In other news, it was upper 90s with a heat index in the 110-115 range all weekend. I would *love* to be able to wear cashmere. Or even short sleeves! But as long as it still feels like July here, I’ll be wearing my cotton knit sleeveless dresses & birkenstocks to work 😉 I love that Zady shirtdress – would be gorgeous on you!
I love those sneakers!!!
I tried the Elizabeth Suzann Emma kimono in linen, but I bought the wrong size. It’s a bummer to wait that long for an item, only to pack it right up to return it! I have a credit now, and I’m waiting on the cold weather collection to come out to find a kimono or duster style topper for the upcoming months.
I already purchased the Everlane black cashmere cardigan for the fall/winter. I love it! Thank you for the recommendation with Everlane cashmere. It’s so soft!
marilyn – I tried the sneakers on today in the oxblood velvet…SO AMAZING!! i am really tempted by the oxblood now…the color was so pretty, and even better in the velvet, it just made it so unique.
love everlane cashmere!! i haven’t been disappointed yet…
and i can’t wait for the elizabeth suzann cold collection – i am really intrigued by it, since it seems her styles and silhouettes lend themselves better perhaps to linen and lighter weight fabrics? but perhaps not.
love gardenia scents, i had a versace perfume about 15 years ago that was so beautiful, and smelled like gardenias. i haven’t worn perfume in about 10 years though – maybe i should?? – but if i were going to buy anything it would be le labo santal 33 (oh look, they have a solid perfume!!) which is now my favorite scent EVER.
i like the zady shirtdress also, but have problems with button gap on dresses that button all the way down. i tried on the JP dress today though, and it is EXACTLY What i want. i just have to wait for my birthday to splurge on it and not feel guilty LOL
i love the arrivals jackets/coats also, but agree on pricing. seems reasonable though if it’s something you’ll wear constantly? i like Cuyana’s cropped wool coat also, but definitely not warm enough for chicago!! and i KNOW i would be disappointed in a unisex fit – with my hips?? love their aesthetic though, and focus on practicality/longevity
i say go for the acne jensen boot!! no, not very practical for snow/slush, but so beautiful and suitable for fall/spring, right??
Ooh, I had seen that in a Huffington Post article when I was looking to see who makes solids. I wouldn’t mind spending $10 on Etsy for something I can’t smell first, but not $90….Wonder where else I could find it? I’ll have to look around.
kelly, the scent is nearly identical to fresh’s cannabis satal – which is at sephora or nordstrom. whenever i go to sephora i spray some on myself and admire it the rest of the day 😉
Hi Grechen- My fall list –
1. Trenchcoat
2. Boxy sweaters- olive, navy, grey, burgundy- love the cardi one by Organic by John Patrick – saw the Everlane ones too
3. Jeans- maybe the slim corey by citizen
4. Leather jacket- just ordered the EF stand up collar one –
5. Lighter weight peacoat -Black
looking forward to more fall posts and suggestions
thank you, gena
Both my winter coats (wool and down) need replacing, unfortunately. I have such a hard time finding coats I like so I’m really not looking forward to shopping for them. I have no choice though because neither one will make it to next year. Also boots I can wear in the snow – another purchase I dread having to make. That might be all I can budget for, sadly. I’m looking forward to seeing Elizabeth Suzann’s new collection and I have a credit, so I might justify a purchase if she has something I love.
Why don’t you think you’ll wear the moto jacket, Grechen? I have a (nice) faux leather one from Topshop that is one of my most indispensable clothing items. I’d love to get a real leather one sometime but for now, the Topshop jacket will have to do. It goes with so much and never feels over the top. Give the one you bought a chance!
I’m laughing right now because the ONE area I have thoroughly covered is COATS!!! Black wool peacoat from J Crew, Olive green winter anorak w/removable liner from Madewell, Wool camel-hair long coat from Gap, Black wool long kimono coat from Eileen Fisher, Denim jacket from Old Navy, Faux black leather jacket from Tommy Hilfiger (via ebay), and a new replacement for my shorter olive green “Barbour-style” jacket from Gap that I wore to death. Think I’ve got it covered??? 😉
Needs?:
1)Black Cotton crew neck (ordered from Everlane)
2)Black leather belt with double silver “keepers” (just like the one Emmanuelle Alt wears by YSL, but not!)
3)AG ankle jeans
4)Taupe suede “Isabel Marant-ish” suede booties
I am on a mission to find traditional length trousers of the non-wide leg variety.
What is the deal with cropped length pants this year? I wasted an entire weekend looking for a simple pair of black trousers for occasional office wear. The only regular length styles I could find were an extremely exaggerated wide leg. All I want is a pair of simple, straight leg (lined) pants that can be hemmed to almost graze the floor with a simple pump. I’m about 5’2″ and usually shop petites, so I thought that MAYBE some of the cropped styles of regular sizes would be the proper length, but no. They’re all about an inch too short for wearing with flats and 2-3″ too short for wearing with heels. Yet still too long to look like a deliberate, cropped length (not that I want to wear cropped trousers to the office in the first place). It looks silly, like a cruel tailor has pranked me.
Melissa – I’m not sure if this is too downmarket for your tastes, but have you tried the Loft for trouser-leg pants? They have a couple different fits and I think the quality is good. They always have sales too!
Here’s a nice coat: https://www.shopbop.com/kenmore-blanket-coat-madewell/vp/v=1/1567779974.htm?folderID=2534374302029428&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&os=false&colorId=10495
Looking at that collage again, I want that sweater model’s haircut.
I agree about the unisex fit on the coat coat and hips. I doubt the zipper would close over my bottom half! I really love the Jensen boots. I may just have to bite the bullet and get them even if I can’t wear them much once the snow rolls around. When I do my fall shopping I also have to think about winter since fall here is so short, hence thinking of winter coats and practical boots as part of my seasonal shopping.
No, I did not check the Loft. I tried to visit Ann Taylor, but the store close to me has either closed or moved. After striking out at department stores (Halls and Nordstrom) I tried the usual suspects like J Crew, Banana Republic… even Brooks Brothers. Brooks Brothers! Even the suiting separates at Brooks Brothers are hemmed at or above the ankle.
Thanks for the recommendation; I’ll swing by the Loft this weekend! These days I usually stick to online shopping, but pants are such a challenge to fit (even when you expect a couple of alterations)… I don’t bother with the hassle of shipping/returns when I need a new pair. I’ve got to try them on in store before I even consider bringing them home to test out with tops and shoes.
The Loft’s pants aren’t lined so they won’t be your holy grail pair, but you might be happy enough with them – at least to get you through while you keep searching for the perfect ones. Offers of 40% off have been pretty common lately.
I have my own fit issues with pants – biggest is that my short torso usually means there’s too much fabric in the rise (especially now, with everything “high-rise” – something I’m sure many women appreciate, I’ll grant you). That can’t be altered so I’m in skirts/dresses about 90% of the time. Working on my favor is that I actually like cropped lengths, though I haven’t gotten used to cropped flares yet. Most of those still look like a mistake to me.
haha! i love it…my hair wouldn’t do that because it’s much too fine and straight, but it’s a beautiful cut. and the color suits her really well too…
you must have a longer inseam than i do because ALL pants, even cropped, are always too long on me…i’m 5’3″ with a 26.5″ inseam…
so. i have no suggestions for you. sorry 🙁 except maybe theory? it’s been a while since I worked in an office, but when i did, Theory were my go-to pants…
I’m also looking at the Everlane chunky wool cardigan coat, have you tried it on? I can’t tell how “oversize” it is, and I find in general their stuff runs small, so I’m not sure what size to get. I’ll probably hold off on it until it gets colder, but I’m also seriously looking at their loafers and the new ankle boots.
Mamavalvetta- Madewell Billy in suede went on sale today, pretty Marant ish and a wee bit more comfortable to me, the trajectory of the heel is nicer. Not sustainable- sorry Gretchen. ;c)
I’ll check them out, E…thanks! Good heel trajectory is important to me.
I just saw the Emerson Fry peacoat http://emersonfry.com/emerson-peacoat-charcoal-wool
It looks lovely. I have the butterfly caftan and love it. But with the coat I wonder if it will fit over my ample backside. (we call it my big back yard ) I’m always nervous that coats like this are cut more for the long lean types rather that the curvy size 8 type.
Another option is the Everlane wool trench, but it looks to be lacking buttons.
Have you tried it?
I just saw the Emerson Fry peacoat http://emersonfry.com/emerson-peacoat-charcoal-wool
It looks lovely. I have the butterfly caftan and love it. But with the coat I wonder if it will fit over my ample backside. (we call it my big back yard ) I’m always nervous that coats like this are cut more for the long lean types rather that the curvy size 8 type.
Another option is the Everlane wool trench, but it looks to be lacking buttons.
Have you tried it?
I like that coat a lot. It looks like the everlane trench in grey