Remember The September Issues?

To this day, August brings back memories of the excitement for the arrival of a handful of leading fashion magazine’s big September issue. When I was a teenager, I’d take those massive publications to the beach and spend the day studying and reading every single page, dog-earing all the things I liked or wanted to go back to.

Times have certainly changed. It was many, many years ago that the satisfaction from magazines diminished and eventually became non-existent. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy browsing them, digitally on my Texture app these days, but I don’t feel the anticipation as I did in the past.

I’m finding I enjoy a very small handful of retail catalogs that have in some ways replaced the excitement from the September issues for me. It’s always been specifically about the fashion for me and what will be in stores, and the catalogs, when done well, cut to the chase and showcase that. With today’s fast flow of information, I already know what to expect from the collections, but it is interesting to me to see what the buyers have selected for their stores.

The first arrivals this week were from Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. I’ve done some page tearing and dog-earing to share the things I like.

BERGDORF GOODMAN

I absolutely LOVE this Ralph Lauren dress. Pleats, plaid, belted – three things that are high on my fall list.

The Chloe Perry pump caught my eye on the runway and are just so cool. They also come in gray and nude.

Helmut Lang has a new creative director and unfortunately the direction so far doesn’t suit me. Too bad. I liked what Katayone Adeli was doing, although her tenure was temporary, and stocked up on many of the pieces while she was designing. That being said and moving forward, I think this shearling-leather jacket is pretty amazing.

Suits are big this fall and I am ready for them. It’s been a long time. I will select carefully, because I definitely don’t need more than one and will most often wear them as separates. Gabriela Hearst  has beautiful tailoring and I like the plaid with red trim of this blazer very much. The wide leg trousers are cool too.  I’m still trying to wrap my head around white boots with a suit (I like them in a more casual, Chelsea style with jeans). Interestingly, as I struggle with them, I was in Neiman Marcus the other day, the sales associate told me these are incredibly popular and they can’t keep these in stock.

Marni – I’ve always been attracted to the collection as pieces, more like little works of art. I imagine this 3D Floral top and pant would be worthy additions. I rarely go a season without a new pair of Marni shoes. They fit me well and are always statement pieces. I have my eye on a few from Fall…these black flat mules, or in yellow satin, or this heeled version in green  is pretty spectacular.

NEIMAN MARCUS

Almost all of the pages I saved in the Neiman Marcus catalog were because of the shoes. I love these DIOR booties, not available online, but you can get a closer look here. They are elegant and simple and just beautiful.

On the other end of the spectrum, I’m also crazy for The Row’s Fara combat boot. Probably a more realistic shoe for my lifestyle. These are really good – the ankle shaft is a good height and the contrast stitching lightens them up a bit. They’re also available in white or velvet.

The last of the shoe tear sheets. Proenza Schouler’s lambskin ankle wraps are so chic and would be fabulous with anything. In California, sandals are a year round staple, as long as the weight and overall feel doesn’t look too summery. These are seasonless.

Speaking of California and weather, this would get no wear time by me, but it is a gorgeous jacket and I have lots of friends who travel or have mountain homes, so please be tempted with this Brunello Cucinelli reversible beauty.

I’m a bit obsessed with Brock Collection. They really nail the sophisticated casual look that often personifies the California lifestyle. That being said, I only have ordered the jeans (on their way), as most of their gorgeously tailored pieces are out of my price range. Does anyone remember that yellow embellished blazer from last season? I will never forget it. What a stunner. I like this tie-sleeve navy blazer too.

This is Round One…I’m still expecting Barneys and Saks catalogs soon.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave