As I write this, the rain pours down outside while I’m tucked away in the back corner of a cafe in Chelsea. I’m here visiting New York as we witness fall in full transition. Grey skies and umbrellas, girls in leather boots and wide legged jeans. Tis the season of trench coats and blush flushed cheeks. I seem to only want to listen to classical music these days, perhaps an accompanying peace and coziness for my ears. A slowing down, a softening, an opening up to life’s sensations: The pitter-patter of the rain hitting the asphalt. Mornings spent in the sheets. Scalding showers. A mug of earl grey tea with milk. Reading about art criticism, wandering into book stores, going to the ballet solo. The Pride & Prejudice score on repeat. Perhaps it is ‘lit girl fall’, after all. Or perhaps this is the beauty of being in New York during this time of year — when all things frivolous fall away like the leaves that shed and sweep through the streets — free and wispy.
I’m still in denial that the holidays are just around the corner. On that note — just in time — here’s some fall ‘pollen’ of what’s swirling up in my world these days. They’re less about what’s timely or trending and more about what endures — my way of lingering in the warmth before the cold rushes in. Winter is coming, but it’s not quite here yet…especially for those of us who are lucky enough to live in Los Angeles :)
I came across this book while stumbling upon an independent bookstore during my last New York City visit. Well-written, insightful, witty — this is the first art criticism book that feels approachable and enjoyable to read. I especially love her essay on Agnes Martin — one of my favorite painters of all time — exploring her solitary life which reminded me of Juliette de Bairacli Levy, a famous herbalist who also sought out solitude and a humble life despite her wealth.
I admit this book took me months to read, both its length but also my avoidant tendencies not wanting to see what other disaster comes along for the protagonist, Demon. Written from the perspective of a foster boy growing up in a broken system in the South, this book opened up my eyes to the struggles of growing up with a big heart, but without hope for a better life.
Some books beckon to be re-read, especially those that feel like the ‘bible’ of creative living — a reminder that life itself can be creative. And you don’t need to identify yourself as an ‘artist’ in order to do so. Hint: this book makes a great gift!
One of the unexpected joys of getting a puppy has been going on morning walks. No phone, no headphones. Just the two of us padding through the neighborhood, greeting other dog parents, and easing into the day together. The early sunlight helps reset my circadian rhythm, the movement wakes my body up, and before I even open my laptop I’ve already breathed, stretched, and connected with the outside world. It’s become a daily ritual of presence: noticing the trees, the cloudy skies, and checking in with how I’m feeling that day.
What I’m most grateful for about moving to Los Angeles is my incredible community of friends, most especially my girlfriends. From serving tea for friends in the early morning on a random Thursday, to evenings spent with bookclub, to friend pilates dates, to beach afternoons on a Tuesday, to spontaneous sunset walks along the bluffs, midday chats at a garden cafe — these cherished interactions with my closest friends are what make up the sweetness of life. Recently, my friend started a women’s tantric circle. We spent the night discussing what it means to be a divine feminine. I left feeling nourished, supported, inspired. Isn’t that what friendship is all about? Calling in more of all of this, please!
My sights are set on the new year and all the places I’d love to go. Top of my list: Alaska, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Japan, Paris, Dolomites, Yosemite. A balance of returning to some of my favorite places while also exploring new ones, with a mix of city and nature. What’s on your list?
This is my new go-to pump-up playlist for starting some deep work or going on a run. Have a listen when you want to feel energized!
This podcast I listen to religiously every week — as a fellow ‘life optimizer’, I appreciate the spectrum of topics on how to live a healthy life of physical and mental wellbeing. As a journalist, Liz is well spoken and really does her research while also making episodes relatable and honest.
When the leaves change color and my days begin to feel cozier, I often turn towards classical music. It’s like my companion to hot cocoa. Recently, I’ve been writing to Pride & Prejudice and it makes me feel like I’m Keira Knightley walking through the English countryside on a crisp fall morning.
This book has fundamentally changed the way I think about business strategy. Distilling lessons from Dan Sullivan’s Strategic Coach program for entrepreneurs, this book helped me think more critically about how to leverage our time and energy better for 10x impact and results. I also recommend listening to their other books, Who Not How and The Gap & The Gain if you want to dive in deeper.
On floral studio days, I just want to be comfortable and optimized for mobility. Here’s my daily drivers:
These Free People pants. Soo many people ask me about these pants! They’re my go-to now: perfect for yoga, long event production days, and everything in between. All credit goes to Tracy Georgiou of Long Weekend who introduced me to them. Black is my staple, but I’m curious about this new pewter color too…
Beyond Yoga Onesie. Talk about comfort. I love pairing with an oversized shirt, or a sweatshirt at the waist. On my xmas list: the full length version.
This Spence shirt. If you haven’t heard about Spence yet, consider this your sign. This new tennis-lifestyle brand can be seamlessly worn from court to coffee shop.
These sneakers. My sister-in-law introduced me to Coolway. I love all their color combinations (I’ve been eyeing these burgundy ones lately). They’re perfectly slim and add some fun to my typical neutrals-only outfits.
My go-to Dad hat. Find me anywhere donning our Fleurvoyant Late Bloomer hat. I love the light denim wash that pairs with everything!
If you know me, you know I love a head-to-toe Sézane moment. Classy, timeless, chic, and a chance for me to pretend I live in Paris. Here’s my go-to fall outfit for when I’m out on the town:
The only trench you’ll ever wear again. I’m obsessed with this lightweight coat that is the perfect fall outerwear for days when the weather seems to oscillate from high to low, with plenty of room to layer.
This cardigan. Wear it front or backwards, it always works. I have this in red and black, and I also gifted the adult version & kids version to my bestie so that they can be twins! So adorable.
This cozy scarf. I love a scarf that doubles as a shall for a wedding and a blanket on the plane. It pairs with everything and is soo soft. Can I have every color?
These wide-leg jeans. Truth be told, I have these jeans in four colors! I love the way they fit my petite frame — accentuating all the right places and cropping right above the ankle.
These loafers. Elevated enough yet extremely practical. Win/win.
This purse. Same as above. Enough space to hold everything, enough structure to look put together. It has remnants of that classic Coach purse but with more texture.
This 2007 film I discovered during one of those endless Netflix scrolls with the question, “What should I watch?”. I love how this film is a series of disconnected vignettes, unlike other multi-story movies where the tales intertwine. Refreshing. In this way, you see a vast array of portraits of Parisians living their lives and encountering love in all its forms. I especially love the last vignette of an American visiting Paris alone… it made me cry. The perfect watch for a rainy day.
I, likely just like you, was hesitant to watch this movie… k pop? demons? Sounds stupid. Though I was curious why it’s Netflix’s top watched movie of all time. Then, on a lazy Saturday afternoon before attending a wedding that evening (aren’t those the most awkward kinds of days?), I watched it. And then the next day on the plane, I watched it again. And then the next day in my hotel room, I watched it again. A little obsessive, I know. But it’s so catchy! It’s so cute!
This was another random find on Amazon Prime, a movie made in 2022 that I found endearing and heartwarming — a coming-of-age story of a girl who also is her disabled parents’ caregiver. Fun fact: I grew up with the actress who plays the mom! What a surprise to see her on the silver screen, I couldn’t believe it.
Until next time! Happy fall.
xx, Em
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