The September Edit With Caroline
Last month, I kicked off a new "Edit" series highlighting my favorite goodies in fashion, beauty, home and wellness. With September just around the corner, I can feel that ever-so-subtle seasonal shift happening... evenings are getting cooler, I'm reaching for that extra layer, and I'm cooking more than ever with the abundant vegetables arriving at the local farm stand. I know how busy life is for so many of you and, while I live and breathe the hunt to find the best of the best for my stores, it can be a lot for you to take in. So, as we prepare to close out summer and welcome in fall, I've put together an edit filled with a curated collection of this month's favorites – from what I'm bringing into my wardrobe, to how I've been setting my dinner table; from my latest sustainability must-haves, to the goodies that help with my WFH (Work From Home) life.
When it comes to transitioning my wardrobe from one season to the next, I like to create as much variation as possible. I'm starting to pull out sweaters and a jacket or two, but I'm still keeping lightweight blouses and cotton pants within reach. This allows me to mix, match and layer depending on the time of day and weather. I can pair the cotton pant with a lightweight printed blouse to wear now or with a turtleneck sweater when temperatures begin to drop. The plaid statement jacket is essential for fall layering and is super versatile – wear it with denim, a skirt, over a dress, shorts on an evening beach walk – the options are endless. I love a good sweatshirt for running around in and post workout, and this tie dye is a new favorite. To dress it up, I'll pair with the pant, sneakers and gold studs – my go-to accessory for elevating any casual look. My new favorite everyday bag is this drawstring style. It's great for holding everyday essentials and can be worn with all colors. And, for all the warm tones that I like to wear, these Oliver Peoples vintage-inspired sunnies go with everything.
Work life looks a little different these days, but I'm doing my best to keep a creative, productive and comfortable environment. While I don't always set up my computer for the day at a desk, I find that I'm much more organized if I do. It allows me to keep some of my favorite WFH (Work From Home) essentials close by. The notepads, notebook and pencils are great for keeping my thoughts in one place. I use the notepads for the endless to-do lists and the notebook for more creative ideas, which I like to look back on often. Owning three stores and a website during a pandemic is stressful, but the ritual of lighting incense helps take the edge off, plus I love the scent of palo santo. As fall approaches, the blanket and coffee mug (that I put tea in) are great for keeping cozy when I'm working early mornings or late nights. And, it's no coincidence that this paperweight was in my first "Edit" series – its beauty and functionality are timeless and keeps my mind on the value of those two elements. Plus, anytime I can bring nature indoors, I will.
Jeffrey and I have been cooking now more than ever, which has been a fun way to connect after a long day. We're grilling a lot outdoors using fresh, local produce from the nearby farm stand, but as the evenings start to cool off, we've been switching up between eating outside and indoors. One constant is our dinnerware. We started collecting it when we first bought the house and now have full sets of everything that we use on the daily. I've found that the handmade quality and the matte sheen of the gunmetal can really swing between a casual lunch setting or a dressy dinner. To compliment, I like collecting vintage glasses and try to mix up the designs as much as possible. I started making organic cotton napkins for the store with the similar idea of mix 'n' matching prints to suit your mood. The linen placemats will always come out for dinner gatherings or to lay bread on at lunchtime. The color is easy to work with, has great texture and hides any marks. And a dinner wouldn't be complete without candles burning... and this twisted rope design is my favorite. And I love anything brass, from candlesticks to this pepper mill with elegant carving details.
For the past few years, I've been adding more and more sustainable brands and products to my stores. Last year I launched the Sustainability Shop online to house my ever growing curated collection all in one place. While I'm always on the hunt for the next best thing, here is my edit with what I'm loving and using right now. I use the Meliora cleaning products wherever I go. They're made with clean ingredients, come in refillable glass bottles and the company is women owned. When we hit the farmstand we use these multi size canvas and mesh produce bags. If I need to take my tea on the go, the double wall tumbler is a must. And one of my newest finds is the organic bamboo straws for smoothies and cocktails. I try and keep one in my bag for use when I'm out and about.
Thank you as always for following and for your kind messages. It keeps inspiring me to share more. And, I love sharing the things I love. It was fun to curate a September Edit and embrace the beginnings of a new season and start anew. What do you love about the changing seasons? I'd love to hear.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.