This is always a quiet time for shopping as I anxiously await fall fashions to arrive in stores and online. The things I’m eyeing, buying, and trying right now need to be able to transition to September and October when it can still be quite hot. It’s now that I start choosing pieces that are light but more neutral and less summery feeling.

I’m still amazed at the quality of clothing from Banana Republic Factory considering the low prices. I ordered this striped Silky Shirtdress with an eye on transitioning to fall and it’s perfect. The fabric is silky but not shiny which is important to note. It is a maxi length so I’ll be taking it to my tailor to hem it a little shorter but it is also available in petite and long sizes. Next, I need to figure out if I have a belt that will work with it or if I need to buy one.

I liked the crewneck Forever Sweater so much that I ordered the black V-neck Forever Sweater for my flight to London.

I usually just wear dresses since they are so easy to just throw on and go but I’m trying to add some skirts to my wardrobe. I absolutely love this Linen Blend Midi Skirt. It’s so chic and incredibly inexpensive although I’ll probably have my tailor sew up the front slit. You can pair it with the matching Cropped Linen Blend Covered Button Tank in hot weather. I picture this being perfect for Italy. When the weather cools down, add a blazer or swap out the tank for a sweater. Each piece is available in black, off white, and pale yellow.

I really need a black shoe for fall shoe for fall and I’m eyeing this pair from The Row. I saw the satin pair in Selfridges in London and they looked very narrow so I may have to go try them on in person soon.

As you know, I don’t spend a lot on clothing. Instead, I prefer to splurge on coats, shoes, and bags. I’m always scouring the internet for reasonably priced dresses and took a chance on this Cutout Midi Dress. It arrived just before I left for London and it’s an easy basic dress that is elevated by the subtle cut outs on the sides.

Speaking of splurges, I am so happy with my black Hermès Box Kelly Bag purchase. I took it to London and the shoulder strap makes it easy to carry. I would pack a thin canvas tote bag inside in case I went shopping while out. In case you can’t splurge, I am really liking this Toteme Small Leather Crossbody Bag. It’s already sold out in a lot of places but you can pre-order it for August now.

I needed a new blue shirt so I ordered The Deep End oxford and then decided to get the white one too. I usually just wear them with jeans. They are also great to wear under a sweater when you travel to a warm weather location.

I know I’ve posted these Wide Leg Italian Ponte Pants before but the number one question I’m always asked is what I wear on overnight flights. The answer is these pants. I wore them with the black Forever Sweater for my flight to London and with a light cashmere sweater for my last flight to Paris. I did like the matching sets I have worn in the past but these are just as comfortable and I feel a little more pulled together in them. I’m also posting them again because they had been on back order until August but they are back in stock in regular, petite, and tall sizes right now.

I love my City Sneakers from The Row so much. They honestly feel like butter and are so comfortable to wear while traveling which is why I ordered these Bonnie Sneakers. They are not as comfortable but I think I need to walk around in them one more time to make sure before I decide to return them.

I ordered White Baroque Pearl Statement Necklace in the 20″ length after measuring another necklace to figure out where I wanted it to lay. I also posted this before but it was one of the most ordered items so I thought it deserved another view.

I realized that my pearl drop earrings would be too much with the White Baroque Pearl Statement Necklace and even though I already have gold hoop earrings, I thought the Alighieri Mini Link of Wanderlust Gold-Plated Earrings would work better with the gold pearl on the necklace. Unfortunately, that size is sold out but the larger size are still available. I also like the Inkwell Gold-plated Hoop Earrings that have black on one side of each earring.

You can also make an appointment for the Alighieri Showroom in London. I was going to make one but all the pieces I wanted were sold out but they said they are getting restocked in August.

One of the first places I wanted to go in London was Smythson. Unfortunately for me, their sale items left stores right before I arrived but the dark teal color I wanted was still available online. I often order things online when I’m traveling and have them delivered to my hotel. But luckily for all of us, the dark teal is also still available on the US website. I ordered the Soho Notebook, Trinket Case, and A5 Envelope Writing Folder.

I usually just buy the Apple iPhone Case but I decided I wanted an upgrade so I bought the Crocodile Print Leather iPhone Case in black, navy, and dark green for my iPhone 14 Pro. I like to change the color depending on what I’m wearing. They come in many other colors and iPhone sizes too. I will say they did have a strong smell when they arrived but I just let them air out and now they don’t smell at all.

They have tons of other products for iPads and Laptops too. I just saw this Bottega Veneta looking Fresh Light Green Flesh Weave Leather iPhone Case that I also just ordered because I like options.

I decided last minute to get my hair blown out in London on the morning I was attending Wimbledon with Ralph Lauren. Luckily, my colorist in NYC, Cherise Wilson, suggested the Daniel Galvin salon which was close to where I was staying in Marylebone. Jakob did such a great job on my hair that I went back two more times to have my hair blown out. The one product he used was this L’Oréal Tecni Art Fix Anti-Frizz Fixing Spray. It wasn’t heavy and didn’t weigh down my hair so it stayed smooth and frizz-free the entire day.

I’m so happy I bought this black One Inch Wide Leather Like Headband since it feels like we will never have non-humid weather any time soon in NYC. You can wear it with your hair down like Jennifer Lawrence or with your hair pulled back in a ponytail or low bun for a more pulled together look.

I’ve been using the new Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded All-Over Illuminator Drops with Vitamin C in rose since it was released. I really like it since it reminds me of the original Laura Mercier Illuminating Primer before the formula was ruined. I think this would be great for those of you who don’t wear makeup to wear alone for a glow but it can also be used under or over makeup too.

Happy Summer!

XOXO,

HC