I’m baaaccckkk. I did not have emergency gallbladder removal surgery on my Fall 2024 Bingo card but I’ve been home for a week and I’m feeling much better now. Just in time to start wearing my fall wardrobe. Here’s a look at everything I bought and how I plan to wear everything with a few alternatives included to replace items no longer available.
It’s still rather warm in NYC so I’ve worn this navy oversized twill shirt and matching utility maxi skirt to a doctor’s appointment in early September and to my surgery check up today. It’s the perfect transitional outfit.
I’ve worn it with Celine sandals that are no longer available but these burgundy Birkenstocks are a chic alternative for warmer fall weather. I’ve already switched to Hermès Rouge H nail polish for my pedicure since it’s the perfect fall shade. I carried my burgundy Khaite Osa Tote but this Khaite Lotus Tote is very similar.
I’ve been wearing pearl earrings I bought at Gherardi Gioielli in Florence nine years ago but these Ana Mara Ortega Pearl Earrings are a great alternative. I also wear a chunky mariner necklace I bought last fall but this Chunky Mariner Necklace is very similar. I bought the gold-plated bracelet for myself for my birthday in April and it’s gotten a lot of wear this summer.
I’ve worn these pale Celine Sunglasses for years and I’m still not tired of them. I love to change my phone case to match or contrast with my outfit and this pale green Woven Phone Case is my favorite color.
I’m looking forward to getting the new copy of Frederic Magazine for fall too.
I’ve already been to Le Veau d’Or in August but I have plans to go again with my friend Andrew Brown when he’s in NYC later this month.
I absolutely loved last fall’s knit cardigan and skirt sets from Cos so as I soon as I saw this Bordeaux Waisted Wool Cardigan and matching Flared Wool Skirt, I immediately placed an order. The skirt fits much better than last year’s version so I can’t wait to wear it out to dinner.
If it’s cooler or rainy, I’d thrown on my Toteme Trench Coat that just came back from a cleaning at Jeeves.
One of my get well presents to myself included these Python Kitten Heels from The Row that are beyond chic. Mark Cross is back this fall with chic bags like this Romy Clutch which is perfect for a dinner date.
For a night out, I’d pair the Chunky Mariner Necklace with Chunky Gold Hoops. For evening, I’d switch out my phone case to the black Woven Leather Case.
For fall, I’ve switched out my Regime des Fleurs perfume to Al Duhkan too.
I’ve wanted a navy suit for a long time and I finally found the perfect one at Brooks Brothers. I paired the navy Essentials Wool Double-Breasted Peak Lapel Jacket with the matching navy Essentials Wool Wide-Leg Trousers. I also tried the navy Essential Stretch Wool Trousers but they didn’t have side pockets which I didn’t like.
I’d pair the suit with a knit or the Striped Silk Shirt I bought in the Hamptons this summer and the new burgundy Gucci Leather Horsebit Flats. I don’t usually like logos but I love this Gucci Logo Tote Bag with red interior.
I’d also wear the Ana Mara Ortega Pearl Earrings with the Chunky Mariner Necklace.
I actually collaborated with Ninety Degree Design to create a burgundy Woven iPhone Case for fall when I saw that the color all over the Milan runways last winter. Their phone cases are not only chic but very strong. I’ve dropped my phone many times and it’s never broken.
I love Regime des Fleurs perfumes and I’m thinking of adding Toor Toor to my collection for autumn.
The book I’m most looking forward to this fall is Building Material: The Memoir of a Park Avenue Doorman by real like Park Avenue doorman Stephen Bruno. I just know it’s going to be full of fabulous stories.
The October floral arrangements at The Metropolitan Museum of Art are always the most spectacular. For a trip to see them and the art this year, I plan to wear my new Altuzarra Medrano Faux Leather Piping Jacket in lieu of a coat.
Under the sweater jacket, I’d wear my new ivory Silk Crepe De Chine Blouse from Ann Mashburn and my dark J.Crew Curvy Cropped Kickout Jeans. I bought one pair to crop shorter to wear with loafers and one to keep long to wear with these Aeyde Suede Point-toe Ankle Boots. I own these in brown and black suede from last year too and they are the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned.
I don’t really need a new brown bag for fall but if I did, I’d order this brown Bally Large Leather Tote.
I’d finish this outfit off with the Ana Mara Ortega Pearl Earrings, off-white Woven iPhone Case, and Regime des Fleurs Falling Trees which is the most perfect fall scent.
To be honest, I’m not sure I’m allowed to eat at JG Melon yet but when I am I’ll most definitely wear a charcoal grey Cashmere Sweater and charcoal Cropped Wool Trousers. I always wear a white T-shirt under my cashmere sweaters so I don’t need to wash them as often.
I’d pair this outfit with my new Saint Laurent Sneakers and vintage green Hermès Kelly Bag. This green Tote Bag is a good alternative.
I am still on the fence if I need this Toteme Leather-trimmed Cotton Jacket but I might stop by the new Madison Avenue store to see if I can try it on first.
I’d also wear the same Ana Mara Ortega Pearl Earrings and I think Regime des Fleurs Leather Petals would be another great fall scent. I’d also use the burgundy Woven iPhone Case.
I subscribe to the FT Weekend newspaper which includes HTSI magazine and I love reading the paper the old fashioned way on Saturday mornings. But I can also read the articles online too.
I can’t wait until the weather cools off in NYC and the leaves start to change. There is nothing more magical than taking a walk in Central Park in autumn.
I already own a camel Max Mara coat but if I didn’t, I would definitely get this dark camel ‘S Max Mara Hooded Coat.
I also just ordered this Oversized Pointelle Cashmere Sweater. As with all their sweaters, I sized down a few sizes. I’d also pair it with the white T-shirt and the dark J.Crew Curvy Cropped Kickout Jeans.
I’m still loving my Bally Leather Loafers and even though my burgundy color is sold out, you can still find brown in stock. They are so comfortable.
I already own a tan bag but if you need a new one for fall, I recommend this caramel suede Mark Cross Romy Bag. I’ll tuck my new Hermès Faubourg Corner Pouch which was another little fall treat to myself.
I’d also wear the Ana Mara Ortega Pearl Earrings and carry the Chanel inspired Caviar Leather iPhone Case. Regime des Fleurs Là Bas would be perfect for a walk in the park too.
You can’t go wrong with rereading Here is New York by E.B. White as you stroll around NYC this fall.
I’m lucky to have visited the Mayflower Inn in the autumn and it’s the perfect place for a weekend away to enjoy the fall foliage.
I posted all the Quilted Jackets, Field Coats, and Barn Jackets you need for fall on my OG Habitually Chic blog. I found a great vintage 90s Hermès Paddock Jacket from Margiela years that I can’t wait to wear this autumn. That’s the exact one above. The closest version available now is the Toteme oversized quilted jacket which is on sale now. It runs big so you may be able to size down one to two sizes.
I’m glad I didn’t snooze on the Cos Chunky Cashmere Sweaters since they are mostly sold out now. Bookmark the page and check back in case they are restocked or someone returns your size. They are the best quality cashmere sweaters I’ve ever owned but run large so size down a few sizes.
I’d also pair it with the white T-shirt and the dark J.Crew Curvy Cropped Kickout Jeans. I use Fray Check to keep them from fraying too much and looking messy.
I bought the Bally leather loafers from Net-a-Porter but the burgundy and brown are already almost all sold out. They do have black in a full size run though. You can find more brown leather here in stock and brown suede here. I found they run true to size.
I’m still waiting for the Bally bag I saw on the fall 2024 runway to become available so in the meantimes, I’d suggest this burgundy leather shoulder bag or this larger burgundy shoulder bag.
I’d also wear the Ana Mara Ortega Pearl Earrings and spritz myself with Regime des Fleurs Rock River Melody perfume. The grass green Grid iPhone Case is a fun color for fall too.
I’ll be wearing my Linda Farrow x Cos Aviators this fall which are sadly sold out so I’d suggest these brown aviator sunglasses instead. Or these aviator sunglasses.
The Rue de Verneuil Hunting Tweed Bordeaux Tool XL Tote is the perfect weekend bag for a trip to the country. The best part is that you can save 20% off during the Tuckernuck Friends and Family Sale with the code FRIENDS.
I’d tuck the new book Lady Pamela: My Mother's Extraordinary Years as Daughter to the Viceroy of India, Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen, and Wife of David Hicks from India Hicks into my bag too.
“It's autumn in New York. It's good to live it again.”
Thank you again for all the kind messages and well wishes regarding my surgery. I’m so happy to be on the mend so I can enjoy Autumn in New York.
XOXO,
HC
I want to live in this world, but I'd settle for just the shoes :-)
Welcome back, and so glad you're feeling better! I love to enjoy NYC, where I grew up and lived until I was 30, and fall fashions vicariously through you.