I’m bouncing between Substack and the classic blog format for publishing new posts. For those of you that have moved to Substack, thank you for subscribing (it’s free). For those long time followers that prefer the old school format, I’m doing a catch up of the more popular posts from the last month you may have missed. I’d love to hear from you on your personal preference on how you like to receive A NOTE ON STYLE posts – Substack or the classic format from the blog.. I appreciate you taking a moment to comment.

Below is what you may have missed…

SUNDAY STYLE – OCTOBER

Street style inspiration is back, Calvin Klein looks good, pencil skirts and argyle knits on my radar…plus, late to the game but loving pilot frames.

Photo credit top left: Sandra Semburg; Dries Van Noten skirt; Kallmeyer skirt; ZARA argyle sweater; Calvin Klein booties and bag; Loewe sunglasses

STREET STYLE INSPIRATION

I haven’t been inspired by street style in so long, I almost didn’t look at any images from fashion week. I follow one photographer, Sandra Semburg, who expertly captures the best looks with the energy and mood of the city included. Her photos from the last few weeks have all caught my attention.

The crazy peacocking has finally settled and been replaced by beautiful, inspirational outfits worthy of a closer look. Some have commented that the style on the street lacked creativity, but I disagree. Creativity takes many forms and subtle styling with restraint is its own art form. It’s not about attention grabbing, obvious maneuvers, but instead letting slight details—accessorizing, color pairing, proportion—whisper that something interesting is going on. It’s a spark of intrigue not immediately identifiable that warrants a screenshot to study more closely.

photos: Sandra Semburg

What I’m taking away from the looks I’ve saved…lots of brown. It’s an easy color to pair with the basics I already own. Popped with a bit of white and rounded out with black is simple and classic but fresher than ever. I’ll save this styling on my fall moodboard for ideas on how to wear two recent purchases – a Nili Lotan pant (here in corduroy) and a COS sweater – both in a rich, dark brown.

All brown…I’ll play with this COS skirt (culottes) and cardigan from my summer buys.

photos: Sandra Semburg

Leather and suede jackets caught my eye too – especially roomy blouson styles that are continuing from spring. The silhouette in any fabrication is an instant update for any look. Test drive the shape with this from Uniqlo a jacket that saw lots of wear on my last two trips. Upgrade with one from Kallmeyer, Khaite, or Calvin Klein Collection.

CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION

Speaking of Calvin Klein Collection, pieces from Veronica Leoni’s Fall 2025 debut for the house are trickling in. Mytheresa has a nice round up. I’m very into the bags and shoes with a 90’s minimalism reinvented for the present. I’m torn between a square-toed pump and a Western-influenced style with a heavier sole. Both bags above are beautiful in color, shape and functionality, and in comparison to the skyrocketing prices on current luxury bags, they’re somewhat reasonable. My only hesitation is the small gold logo. I wish it were blind embossed (like on the Tilla style – also very good looking). I’m not sure if the identity of Calvin Klein as a luxury brand will ever return from its heyday before the label was segmented, licensed, over marketed and discounted into a zillion categories. I’m hopeful with Veronica Leoni as Creative Director though and love her vision for Calvin Klein Collection. The style, craftsmanship and attention to detail is beautiful and stands on its own without the addition of a logo.

PENCIL SKIRTS

I’m making an effort to wear more skirts. I have two maxi pencil styles, in navy and black, from the glory days of Matches Fashion. They are perfect in every way and fit in with the renaissance of 90s minimalism. I’d like to introduce two new pieces—an embellished/printed design and a deep brown leather fit. I’d style them casually with a poplin shirt, silk blouse, or slouchy sweater to make them feel more everyday rather than special. Kallmeyer’s leather skirt is a top contender. And for an even more casual option, don’t forget the COS denim skirt, which is almost identical to this from Tom Ford. Embellished or special treatment goes to Dries Van Noten (always) and the floral-applique on Shushu/Tong’s brown midi skirt.

Kallmeyer; Shushu/Tong, Dries Van Noten

photo: Sandra Semburg

PILOT FRAMES/NEW SUNGLASSES

I realize I’m late to the game on oversized frames, I just haven’t been that motivated to look or shop for a pair. That changed after my recent trip to Italy, where the most stylish women stood out with this simple accessory. I’m referring to women wearing the basics I turn to daily – like jeans and a tee – but with a distinct Italian flair. Adding a pair of pilot shaped acetate frames is an instant outfit upgrade. A gradient or semi-opaque lens adds to the allure. I’m not interested in drama with an oversized statement fit, just something reasonable, new, and chic. So, off to hunt I go. Any tips on the pair worn by Claire Thomson-Jonville above? My sleuthing brings me to a pair from Saint Laurent or Brunello Cucinelli…any others?

(update: Claire Thomson-Jonville informed me her glasses are Jacques Marie Mage. Thank you.)

A BIT OF ARGYLE

I’ll end this post with argyle. The diamond motif has caught my eye this season courtesy of the latest iterations in unique colors and playful scale. The runway treatments from Celine, Miu Miu and Khaite prove the pattern’s endless versatility for reinvention. There are a number of references to use as a jumping off point with argyle’s heritage-rich roots and country club prep. A hint of nostalgia is clear.

From Arch4’s embroidered stitching to Brodie’s pared back design, argyle looks most on-point with unexpected details. I’d wear with leather (pants or skirt) or dark denim and layer with a striped shirt – collar and cuff exposed. With a nod to tradition, the most stylish finds manage to balance a retro vibe with a modern edge.

Joe’s Jeans collared argyle; Brodie cream and tan cashmere; Arch4 brushed grey cashmere cardigan

SUNDAY STYLE – DEEP, DARK & LUXURIOUS

A weekly moodboard of beautiful pieces for a fall wardrobe.

This season, I’m investing in the richest tones autumn offers: deep chocolate browns, dramatic burgundy, and tactile suede pieces that will form the foundation of my fall wardrobe. I’ll balance matte textures with a hit of shine through crinkled patent leather loafers (love these!). The combination creates visual interest without overthinking it. And I like how a stacked wood heel brings an organic element to a beautiful suede boot. I had these exact Gabriela Hearst boots in gorgeous burgundy leather years ago but sold them since they weren’t getting much wear. That’s been the case with almost all of my tall boots. Weathered finishes that feel worn add character to this palette too. A Miu Miu and Bottega Veneta bag speak nicely to this theme. They bring in an element of vintage beauty which could easily translate to jewelry. One-of-a-kind special pieces always elevate in my opinion. These details help create a palette that’s sophisticated for any setting. It’s an approach to seasonal dressing I’ve been referring to often lately, with palette taking priority over specific items for interesting combinations rather than following trends.

Gabriela Hearst boots, Loewe bag, Miu Miu bag, Vintage ring, Jil Sander loafers, Khaite belt. Photo: A NOTE ON TRAVEL – Switzerland

AUTUMN IS HERE

I had a taste and I’m not letting go.

I LOVE autumn. The shorter days, cooler temps, fall colors…everything. I was lucky enough to be traveling most of September when Southern California notoriously clings to (if not finally embraces) summer. The hot days when I’m dreaming of fall are a mood buster for me. I’m always ready for the change of seasons and a trip to Italy and Switzerland provided me with everything I crave. Cloudy days, occasional drizzle, golden leaves starting to fall…it was perfect. The mood is set and I’m fully embracing it in October despite how the weather goes at home.

A quick recap of September. Following a beautiful three day wedding in Tuscany, we returned to the Dolomites for a little over a week (never enough time for me), then on to Switzerland. I got a taste of the relaxed Italian countryside, the dramatic and active pace of the Alps, and city energy from both Florence and Zurich. I ate well, shopped selectively, and pleasantly rested in a variety of hotels. A full post on trip planning will come soon. Until then, view my Instagram story highlight ITALY 9.25.

Home now, I’m reflecting on it all with a montage of memories made even more special when shared with family. There’s nothing that makes me happier.

Fashion took a back seat and packing was a breeze as most was a repeat of what I took last year to a wedding in Lake Como and the Dolomites. I looked for new dresses for the wedding events in Tuscany, but none ignited a spark. I liked what I already had more than anything I shopped for, plus knew the looks were comfortable and easy to travel with. There was no reason to shop for the Dolomites since I have all the hiking and biking gear I need from previous excursions.

But, I always have an interest in style. It presents itself unpredictably. People on the street, local boutiques, hotels, and restaurants all contribute to an ambience that stays with me. It’s a collective of small touches that make an impression I hold on to.

Vintage finds as mementos from a fabulous trip and The Alps book I finally tracked down.

I wasn’t on a specific shopping mission on this trip. If something caught my eye in a shop window or I stumbled upon a flea market, I’d explore further. I prefer to purchase things I don’t see at home or online. I bought beautiful Italian notecards – both printed and plain – in Cortina. In Merano, I found a light cashmere wrap in a striking green print with a fuchsia stripe and a hat recreated from vintage Louis Vuitton pieces (wore it out of the store). Inspired from the collected decor at Ottmangut, I picked up a few decor objects from another vintage shop. Fresh off the Dolomites portion of the trip, a wooden box with a carved cottage in a forest scene immediately went in my bag and is now sitting on my nightstand.

paper goods from Lucerne and Cortina; cashmere scarf from Merano

In Switzerland, I bought two loosely knit cashmere sweaters from a brand called FFC Fashion that will be perfect for California. And of course, Swiss chocolates from Laderach. I obsessed over a book on The Alps not available in the US and finally tracked it down in a tiny boutique in Zurich. The owner was literally unpacking it as I walked in to ask about it. Crazy timing. These are the things I like to collect from a trip. Special little mementos that briefly export me mentally to a mood, a day, a reminder of a beautiful experience.

scenes from Italy: Alpe di Suisi; Tuscany; Cortina

If you want to dive deep into curating a fall wardrobe, I recommend the approach from the following Substacks, with my own thoughts added for context. Plus, this is my way of sharing some of the newsletters I subscribe to that spark inspiration.

Rucheka’s Substack – The Wardrobe Reset: Autumn Edition – What I would buy if I were building my autumn wardrobe from scratch…

I like this thought process for looking at my fall wardrobe. Asking myself what I would buy again allows me to zero in on what I love to wear and not get distracted with fringe purchases. I’m being much more realistic about what actually works for where I live and my lifestyle versus all the tempting cold weather goodness. If I were to build an ideal fall wardrobe from scratch, per Rucheka’s Substack post, it would have to include warm weather-friendly pieces. My essentials are a black loafer, a block heel loafer pump, a classic trouser, striped shirt, and a crew neck cashmere sweater. I’m not mentioning jeans because they’re a year round staple and shouldn’t have a seasonal shout-out.

Read RUCHEKA’S SUBSTACK here

The Love List – What To Wear for the Fall Transition – 7 Instant Outfits! A high/low edit.

Jess Graves, founder of The Love List, says to embrace the weather and mix warm and cool season textures. Wear sandals with sweaters, start layering in suede, and find ways to reference the coming season while still embracing the warm weather. Graves provides plenty of outfit mood boards with pieces you’ll want to add to your cart. My addition here ties into what I’ve been talking about most of August: collecting lightweight pieces in a traditional fall palette (here).

Read THE LOVE LIST here

Five Things You Should Buy – A Closet Clean Out That Keeps the Fun – 5 closet clean out concepts that make room to think, hold the joy and make getting dressed (and shopping) easier. Plus, the outfit this edit brought me. And 5 pair of uber-cute commuter sneakers.

A deep dive into cleaning up closet chaos including key questions to consider before making the decision to save or purge. Becky Malinsky, creator of Five Things You Should Buy, takes you step by step through the process. I relate most to “Tip No. 1: Just Wear the Best Version of the Thing.” She talks about the mental hurdle of actually wearing the best version of “the thing” you’re saving because it’s so special and avoid buying alternatives. I have been guilty of this on many occasions. I spent time and money collecting a few Chanel jackets that spoke to my personal style, yet they rarely see the light of day. I have a very specific way I like them styled (with jeans, super casual, as a nonchalant last minute addition) because I think they age me. Then there’s the “Hotel Closet Mindset” (I relate to this every time I travel) and the tips on “Recognizing the Difference Between Liking Something and Wearing Something.” All deep stuff for a closet connoisseur.

Read FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD BUY here

Le Secret Club – La Rentrée: A Chic Reset for September – Your invitation to join a September reset inspired by the French way of beginning again.

Based on the the French concept of la rentrée, Le Secret Club author Gabrielle Dubois practices this approach for a fall reset. It’s about making small changes and getting into the rhythm of the season. She plans on resetting what she considers the four pillars of a chic life: beauty, wardrobe, home, and mindset. I like this approach. It feels manageable, focused, and inspirational. I’m adding my personal take on those four pillars below:

• Beauty: My skincare routine will remain the same for now, but my hair needs an update. I’ve let mine grow and after a few weeks of humidity, I want to chop it off. I’m dreaming of shorter, polished, shiny hair as my beauty reset.
• Wardrobe: A closet edit moving all of my linens and pieces that read “summer” to the back and moving lightweight, fall palette minded pieces to the front. It’s also a chance to take inventory on anything that needs replacing.
• Home: The change in lighting with earlier sunsets will do all the work required for a fall reset at home. Maybe, I’ll purchase a new woodsy candle but not much is really needed.
• Mindset: Summer always feels a little chaotic – the sun feeds a vacation vibe, the clothes feel less serious, the food is lighter, and the overall mood is an alfreso lifestyle. Come fall, I crave a little more structure in my routine, a bit more restraint in my style, and focused more intentional days. It’s the September back-to-school mindset that drives this and never fades.

  Read LE SECRET CLUB here

Debora’s Substack – Transition Edit –A hint of Fall with a warm feel.

Stylist and Creative Director of Fashion Gone Rogue Deborah Rosa’s Substack is one of the best for visual inspiration, featuring her incredibly well-curated mood boards. They each tell a complete story and have an old-school magazine editorial aesthetic. If printed, I’d have a book full of her tear sheets.

Her Transition Edit is a farewell to “bare it all” summer style with some beautiful ideas for fall. Think an easy, long T-shirt dress made chic with the right accessories, white jeans styled in ways you don’t see every day, creative denim-on-denim looks, and so much more. It’s all good!

Read DEBORA’S SUBSTACK here

Carrie’s Substack – Autumn Wardrobe Deja Vu: Last year’s favorites I’d happily Wear Again.

What I like about this post is the approach of revisiting great outfits from the previous fall. It forces you to evaluate your closet with a discerning eye and, more importantly, determine what, if anything, would be a good addition to make it better. Using this philosophy also gives me the space to be patient before purchasing too early in the season and to appreciate what I already have. Carina Nicklas, creator of Carrie’s Substack, shares several looks from last year she’ll recreate for the upcoming season, utilizing some of her favorite pieces: trench coats, tailored trousers, blouses, blazers, and boots. Mine would be the same with two swaps – a peacoat instead of a trench and loafers in place of boots.

Read CARRIES SUBSTACK here

Those are all great reads and should provide enough thought-provoking ideas on curating a personal fall wardrobe.

MORE OF THIS, LESS OF THAT- SEPTEMBER EDITION

Plus, all the things on my radar this month.

A handful of the items, colors, styling, and images shaping my September moodboard for More Of, Less Of. The themes covered this month include zeroing in on my current style, bringing back old school classics, adding personality to an outfit, reminiscing on old Vogue, and an ongoing appreciation of collected decor. Read on for the details and more.

Thank you for reading and your continual support of A NOTE ON STYLE. I would love to hear back from you on your preferred format on receiving new posts – Substack or the classic emails I’ve been using for over ten years(!).