Everything I Loved: Summer into Fall
Are we in Fall? Really?
Summer always seems to fly by, and when the cooler autumn air sets in, I usually start unpacking my cashmeres. But honestly, this year I didn’t even bother packing anything away! I usually use vacuum bags for my delicate stuff, but I’ve been loving the more stylish options Anna Newton suggested from The White Company. Truth is, I didn’t pack a single sweater because I’ve just been cold all year in the UK.
So with the unpredictable weather, while I do enjoy the ritual of transitioning between seasons, I’m starting to appreciate even more the pieces that stay in my closet and on my shelves year-round. Here are a few of my favourites!
Studio Nicholson T shirts
The classic 100% cotton T-shirt. These feel like second skin and I find the Marine T-Shirt cuts really flattering on a petite frame. They are perfect for layering in fall/winter for easy breezy wear in summer. I have them in a few basic colours: cobalt blue, grey, navy, off white and bonus points are on sale if you want. I see myself layering these easily in winter under chunky cashmere cardi’s and sweaters! Psst you can find them on sale here.
Knitwear
Reds, Olive Greens, Burgundy and Browns are leading us into into autumn winter this year. I have invested in 2 new knitwear buys this season colours that work great for fall and all year round too. They both happen to be cashmere (wool makes me incredibly itchy). My absolute favourite one is the red version of their Cashmere Oversize Knit Sweater.
Colour 1: Bright Green
This is a nice change from the dark tonal kahki and olive greens, a perfect bright green to lift fall and winter spirits. Toteme has a lovely sweater here but I wanted a more versatile cardigan in this colour versus a sweater. For example Pink and Green make a perfect timeless pairing for seasons to come and I plan on eventually layering the cardigan with a pink T shirt. Let’s say an inverse of Prada and a little inspired by Sandy Liang (to speak honestly with you, this correlation was made post purchase to justify the expense).
Colour 2: Poppy Red
Another universal colour which is having a moment in AW2024 but is a colour that transcends time. I have never bought a sweater or Cashmere from Massimo Dutti so this will be a first. The colour is gorgeous!
Pearl Necklaces
Pearl by Alona I have worn this awkwardly shaped pearl gold and stone necklace all summer and I tend to keep wearing it all year. I love the awkward boldness femininity of. It can playfully lift a basic sweater look on any day.
Hoy Hotel
Really enjoyed staying at the Hoy Hotel in Paris this summer. My next goal is to sign up for their yoga and meditation classes if I go next.
Rouge Palette
Grabbed this from “Oh My Cream” and it didn’t disappoint! I have long been a fan of the Duty Free Givenchy Palettes but over the years my interest in them has weaned as the colours and textures became outdated- Light bright pinks also don’t work so well on my melanin rich skin. This palette is a lovely pick me up palette if you don’t have room for a full makeup kit.
Pro Resilience Serum (PRS)
I haven't chosen in-clinic or Botox treatments this summer, not because I'm against them, but because I'm maximising the benefits of topical skincare for now. That's why the Pro Resilience Serum paired with the Ursolic Acid & Retinal is essential for me. Plus, PRS isn't just my peptide concentrate; it's also my year-round SOS serum with a 10.5% Bioflavonoid Complex that helps prevent skin flare-ups, dehydration, redness, and congestion. Another to great all year round buys Aromatic Organic Aloe Vera and Briotech topical skin spray.
Fragrance
I love travel friendly scent options and I see these scents transitioning beautifully into fall -from citrusy and fresh to musky as we move from morning to night. Here are some of my favourites this summer that I ’ll be taking into fall.
These are the scents I took with me on my Paris trip, scents carrying me from day to night while also giving me a new appreciation for purse-friendly perfume options. My main scents on rotation were: English Pear and Sweet Pea by @jomalonelondon: A fresh twist on the classic English Pear & Freesia. It’s fruity, floral, and powdery with a hint of white musk. When layered with Phlur’s Tangerine Boy, it feels like waking up in an English orchard. French Leather by @memo.paris : This scent captures the essence of Parisian sophistication - the smell of a dark, leathery, smoky, and sweet room. with a hint of rose and pink pepper. Perfect for layering in the evening.
SPF50+
Wearing SPF year-round is hands down the best seasonal investment you can make. I probably don’t need to remind you, but here I am testing a new SPF 50 for hyperpigmentation. Just driving in summer heat is enough to trigger my melasma, and after a weekend in Spain with temperatures soaring over 40°C, my upper lip melasma came back in full force. Even though I’m diligent with SPF, heat itself is a major trigger for melasma sufferers. And as much as we try to stay cool and indoors, avoiding the peak summer heat—especially with kids—isn't always possible. So, it's back to my year-round routine for preventing and managing hyperpigmentation. While my regimen is pretty consistent in using the Triphala Pigmentation Corrector all year round, I still love trying out new sunscreens. After being spoiled with amazing Asian sunscreen textures for 15 years, this new one is showing promise, and I plan to keep using it this fall and beyond.
Have you tried of any these summer favourites? What are you taking into fall?