The October Edit With Caroline

Fall has a festive feel without the stress of holiday season. With the leaves turning and the chill in the air, cashmere sweaters, chic blazers and Chelsea boots are in full rotation, and I couldn’t be happier - layering is my favorite kind of dressing. And with the drier, cooler weather, my skin needs a change and this new line by Irene Forte is the answer to all my glowy skin dreams. Lastly, to get you ready for gifting season, I’ve put together my current favorites that will check every box on your list. So for October’s edition of The Edit, I’m sharing my curated collection of favorites for your fall wardrobe, skincare routine and early gifting inspiration.

’Tis the season for layering, and I’m here for it. Starting with a perennial favorite that you can dress up or down – the Kaia Blazer from Anine Bing, a menswear-inspired tailored jacket made from a textured wool blend with a camel check print. It’s cut for an oversized fit, making it perfect for layering. I’m styling it over this vintage-inspired Kiss Tee from Madeworn, for a fun, dressed down yet elevated look. A nod to the 70’s, this cotton band tee is handmade in Los Angeles, and perfect for when I’m feeling the rock ’n’ roll vibes.

A cashmere sweater adds instant timeless elegance and lightweight warmth to any look. I’m loving the Heather Jumper from Madeleine Thompson. Made from a fine-gauge cashmere, this sweater has a slim-fitting body and billowy sleeves. I’m styling it with the Ian Pants from Anine Bing and the Alberone Chelsea Boots for a chic work-to-weekend look. To accessorize, add the lightweight, yet cozy Chalet Scarf from Jane Carr. Made from 100% cashmere, this fall essential can be worn draped around your shoulders or wrapped around your neck.

Even before the fall season starts, I’m on the hunt for unique sweater styles that will keep me warm as the cooler weather kicks in. I instantly fell in love with the Dane Sweater from LouLou. It’s made with extra fine merino wool, so it’s not too heavy, but very cozy. And my favorite feature is the high neckline with crossed, ribbed detailing. It can be styled with jeans, pants or a skirt – the options are endless.

Nights and mornings are cool and crisp, so throwing on a cozy jacket for the work commute or a walk with the pup is essential. I’m obsessed with the Ryder Jacket from Anine Bing (I have a different color from last season and excited to update with this new hue). This bestseller has a soft, teddy-inspired texture with black vegan-leather trim and patch pocket. It has a straight, oversized fit that’s loose and relaxed for easy layering. A customer favorite that won’t last long…

The Jerry Banane from Jérôme Dreyfuss is a fall bag made for anytime you want to head out with just your essentials. The belt bag style can be worn as a crossbody or at the waist – think chic fanny pack, or as we say in the UK, "bum bag". It also has a snap closure at the top and chic removable fringe. Wear it with the Kaia Blazer, the Dane Sweater, a dress or a blouse – this bag is super versatile.

With the drier air and cooler temperatures, my skin is in serious need of a reboot. So I was excited when I discovered Irene Forte Skincare, when I was traveling in England this summer. The line uses organic, all natural ingredients guided by science to create products that are both effective and kind on your skin. Founder, Irene Forte partners with Dr. Ferri of EffegiLab in Trento to use their 35 years of skincare research and development to create one-of-a-kind formulations. In the same way that the Mediterranean diet promotes health from the inside out, these products are deeply beneficial when applied from the outside in.

My evening routine starts with the award-winning Pistachio Face Mask, which is clinically proven to hydrate the skin over 12 hours. Crafted with pistachio, pumpkin seed and avocado oils to replenish the skin’s natural moisture barrier, I notice immediate plumping upon application. Then I follow it up with the Hibiscus Night Cream, which visibly reduces wrinkles using Myoxinol, extracted from hibiscus seeds, along with green pea to boost collagen, hyaluronic acid, olive oil and a Tetra-Ceramide complex to nourish and protect the skin.

In the morning I like to apply the Rose Face Oil. It’s lightweight and fast-absorbing to improve skin clarity and minimize signs of aging. It contains a powerful blend of avocado oil, sweet almond, sunflower, olive and jojoba oils to hydrate and brighten the skin, while wild rose conditions and protects. The smell is incredible too! I love many hand creams and find that they're never quite where I want them so I'm learning to leave one on my desk, one in my handbag, one on my nightstand and one in the bathroom cabinet. This Pomegranate Hand Cream is currently on my nightstand and checks every box. It replenishes and protects dry hands using jojoba oil and a multi oil omega complex, along with hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, vitamin B5 and vitamin E. And again, smells divine.

Aside from facial products, there are a handful of body care products that have become longtime favorites. The Coffee + Mint Body Scrub is top notch at reviving and firming dry skin. And I like to follow it up with the Susanne Kaufmann Body Butter, which locks in moisture and absorbs quickly, leaving skin silky soft. Alternatively, I use the Susanne Kaufmann Body Oil right out of the bath for instant skin hydration. To increase circulation and for overall wellness, the Body Ionic Massage Brush is a weekly ritual that I have come to love. New to my bath time routine, this Bath Bomb fills your tub with skin nourishing goodness, like organic coconut oil and soothing mineral salts. You can feel your skin get softer within minutes of soaking.

Gifting season is upon us and now is a great time to start shopping for friends and family before the holiday rush. I recently added a puzzle collection to DIANI Living and I'm particularly excited that it's a screen-free pastime to enjoy on lazy wintery evenings. I personally love the 1000 Piece Arboretum Puzzle featuring vintage tree images.

For the libation enthusiast, Cocktail Codex (my husband’s favorite, see here) is an educational resource and guide in creating all things cocktail. It claims that there are six kinds of cocktails from which all other cocktails have evolved, and then breaks them down into their “root recipes.” And to complete the gift, add in my favorite spooky Skull Shot Glasses.

As we prepare for holiday feasts ahead, I have hostess gifts on my radar. Add some color and festive spirit to her kitchen with this Apples & Pears Tea Towel. Crafted from 100% cotton, this beautiful tea towel is both soft and absorbent. Fill her home with the scent of nutmeg, amber and vetiver with the Gather Candle. A seasonal favorite, this candle is handcrafted in the USA and is 100% recyclable. These Teak Measuring Cups are one of my favorite kitchen tools and a great gift for the baker, cook or hostess.

Set the holiday table with my favorite Rope Candles in a moody black hue. Hand poured using 100% North American beeswax, this candle burns clean and looks lovely in a pair of these antique brass candlesticks. For the sommelier in your life, the Mini Collector Sommelier Gift Box is handmade in France and includes a chromed metal Garçon, Cork Opener, Model 54 and printed folio.

And as we approach travel season, this Olverum Bath Oil Travel Set is perfect for the jet setter. A luxurious aromatic blend of essential oils will ease stress and relax both the body and mind. Made with natural plant extracts and free from artificial preservatives, fragrances, phthalates and parabens.

The fall season is one of my favorites for all the beautiful colors during the leaf changing. It's really a lesson in enjoying the moment, the change in season is fully evident and fleeting. Wherever this finds you, I hope you're enjoying your scenery and that my collection of fall favorites inspires you to find those perfect cozy layers, keep your skin hydrated and get a jump start on the gifting season.