Autumn in the Midwest is magical. I’m always reminded à la F. Scott Fitzgerald that life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall. This year, the season arrives with a new routine: drop-off, pick-up, playdates, date nights and everything in between. I’m reaching for things that hold up during a full day — a jacket to throw over any ensemble, a perfume with a scent that lasts, a statement earring for those rare opportunities to dress up, a lip oil to jazz things up and sunnies for that bright September sunshine.
Photography provided by Karo Koru, Cara Cara New York, Typology, Noyz and KREWE
Every bead, pearl, gem and silk strand in Karo Koru’s jewelry is vintage, deadstock or repurposed. Each inventive collection is the polar opposite of fast fashion (thus the gravitational pull for me), with some runs offering as few as nine pieces. The Talisman Tassel earrings are made of Japanese silk strands from the sixties and fade from black to gold. Most importantly, the clip-on component makes them a comfortable, chic complement to a low-bun updo paired with a little black dress or jeans and a knit top.
Cara Cara New York was founded in 2019 by three powerhouse women. I typically think of its pieces for spring florals, but this fall/winter collection caught my eye — specifically the Ralph Jacket. In washed denim with suede detail on the collar and cuffs, it is cute paired with the matching Fatima Skirt or as an everyday wardrobe workhorse.
Typology keeps its formulas brief and natural and its packaging quiet and Parisian. Its lip oil is the perfect shade of dark cherry with an infusion of squalane, jojoba oil and vitamin E. It feels more comfortable than an actual lipstick, is more moisturizing than a gloss and comes in a sweet petite bottle. I like to wear it when I’m makeup-free for a certain je ne sais quoi.
Noyz Mylk De Parfum is the most innovative take on fragrance I’ve seen in years. The first-of-its-kind pour-on perfume is formulated with hyaluronic acid and is alcohol-free to melt into the skin. The result is long-lasting. Every time I wear Unmute — a sophisticated vanilla that’s not cupcake sweet but a little indulgent — I get asked about it. It’s the perfect addition to a scent collection going into the cozy season.
KREWE started at New Orleans’ Jazz Fest when founder Stirling Barrett won Best In Show for his photography and spent the prize money bootstrapping his eyewear company. Still designed in NOLA, the brand is now known for some of the most elegant specs available. I have my eye on the Sasha frames, with an acetate brown bubble cat eye and just enough drama for everyday wear. I also love the Edie in Venezia as chic vanity glasses for shielding blue light.
My very best,
Emma Cutler Velez, Publisher
