I took an unintentional break from Substack this summer. As soon as the Fenimore Lane Design Summit ended, I went right into a week-long shoot in Cape Cod, and then every week seemed like there was a design deliverable: presentations for new projects we’ve recently signed, installs for long standing projects (Kelsey, we love you <3) and book deadline after book deadline. Speaking of, my book is *finally* live for preorder on Amazon, and–pinch me–it hit #1 on Amazon for bestselling new release in interiors and #2 for best seller overall in interiors in the first two weeks it went live. (It is now extremely far down on both lists a few weeks later, but still riding that high – ha!) A huge thank you to everyone in our AOI/Fenimore Lane community who preordered the book already; preorders determine a huge amount of a book’s success, and I am sending an enormous amount of gratitude to all who joined us in those early release days!
*incoming shameless plug: preorder your copy of The Happy Home HERE!*
I took the last week of August off (my first “vacation” all summer, since our actual planned vacation was canceled thanks to coxsackie – gotta love those preschool germs!) and despite the fact that I didn’t go anywhere exciting (It was a stay-cation at home), it was still such a nice break from the go-go-go energy of summer plans with kids. I took long walks, listened to podcasts, worked out, cooked some nice meals, meditated, and overall just tried to tap into a flow state. A creative job that requires a lot of structure and deadlines sometimes doesn’t feel so creative after all if the breathing room is removed. Leaving space to recharge, even with something as simple as a week with a free calendar, movement, and time outside–is not only necessary creatively, but does wonders for recharging your batteries.
To that end, I had some time to start thinking about Substack again, and I am so excited to get back into our Take Ten and Monday Musings series. Below, a few things that caught my eye during my staycation :)
I hope you’ve all found a calm center in the back to school/work storm–and found some grounding elements to help with the return to routine. Leave your favorite tips in the comments!
I spent my week off moving my body, whether on outdoor walks, playing golf with my husband (I just learned how to play and I love it!) or lifting weights. Adding heavier weights to my repertoire has been a game changer for me. I feel so much stronger and the benefits are tenfold when you look at the research on how building muscle also improves bone health (so important for women!) I am eyeing this set of pretty weights and these kettlebells for my home gym, and as a plus, I’m loving that the weights are actually aesthetically pleasing (a first!)
We’re officially three weeks into school drop off (how did that fly by so quickly?!) and Varley is my favorite brand for pulled-together-yet-comfortable sweats made for the mom-on-the-go-AM-rush. This chocolate brown quarter zip is high on my fall list.
I’m firmly on the Salomon train and am obsessed with the crisp contrast of this black and white pair.
Larroudé released their fall shoe collection, and I’m truly coveting them all. Marina has such a sharp eye, and I’m particularly obsessed with these platform sandals (giving big Chloé vibes), these black flat boots with their signature gold hardware, these absolutely delicious burnt umber leather short booties, and these chic navy suede sneakers.
A simple navy cardigan is a closet staple, and up there on my most-worn list. This Ann Mashburn version is the perfect weight, and simple enough to work with almost everything in your wardrobe. It pairs beautifully with their silk and cotton shell, which I recently got and have been utilizing as a workhorse with everything from jeans to flowy silk pants. (PS: J.Crew fall is incredible right now (it always is…)
Tuckernuck’s Rhoda tunic top is a personal favorite of mine – it’s tailored, the perfect length, and can dress up or down depending on what it’s paired with. They made it in solid colors (finally!) and the navy is really catching my eye (shocking!) I also fell hard for this green fair isle sweater – Tuckernuck’s curation is always so good.
This olive green poplin Tory set (top and skirt.) for all my work events coming up. Tory is always blowing my mind!
I also love this top and skirt for any fancy fall festivities you may have coming up. Add this Toteme clutch and this platform Chloe-esque clog–dream cocktail party outfit!
Fall fashion is looking West – and this classic Ralph Lauren belt is the perfect way to incorporate it into your wardrobe. I love the way Tuckernuck styled it with an olive skirt, white turtleneck and high waisted brown suede boots.
I’ve never owned a pair of Doc Martens, but these clogs are calling my name. How cute would they be with a colored sock and ecru barrel jeans? These Gucci boots have also been singing a siren song (or this almost identical dupe).
Well, I didn’t intend for this to be a fall fashion roundup but that may just be where my head is at (it’s 65 degrees in NY today as I write this!) I hope whatever back to school season is throwing at you, you’re meeting it with peace and grace. Wishing you an easy week!
xxxx
AO
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