Everything I bought in August + 11 looks I wore this week.

It's here: that Trapper Keeper feeling.

This week I was truly in my new apartment (like, there’s almond butter in the cabinet!). And it feels SO GOOD. Just taking myself out of the more remote setting where I was, I’m walking a ton. Those endorphins, seeing people, it’s big. The space is small! A cheerful space, with this vibe of positivity and new beginnings. And somehow, being in a small space with my husband feels sort of — I don’t know? Collegiate? It’s very sleep-over-y! I feel possibility! And we go back to Miami in a couple days. But this place will be waiting when I need it. I thought that might feel wasteful. But I get it now. It doesn’t feel wasteful — it feels comforting, this beating little heart, open and ready.

This week’s outfit planning theme was “getting into fall during the last days of summer.” And next week’s is a variation — dressing like a student, dressing like a professor.

Nature says “new start” is spring. School says it’s fall. (What’s our modern Trapper Keeper? I’m sure it’s something by Smythson.) Maybe new start season can begin any day, whenever we need one. I guess in a way that’s what dressing gives you.

(Onto the looks — and then, to my August shopping takeaways, below. The first 2 looks for all and then the rest for the paid folks — these posts take time and vulnerability and I really appreciate you.)

MONDAY

What: Secondhand men’s jeans I cut into shorts. Secondhand frame light denim shirt (at waist). Ralph Lauren Collection light denim shirt (on). My Miu Miu slippers - for me, the shoe of the season. Evie Marques necklace.

Why: Double denim was something I was really thinking about as representing “fall style.” And I liked the idea of adding more denim dimension — with one more shirt around the waist giving some peplum impact and the “pool” beads underlining it too. This shoe has already been IT for me — a definer, my “how to feel of this moment” in an instant.

Outcome: Felt great - fall energy, comfy, and “exaggerated” — one of my

Allison Bornstein

words.

TUESDAY

What: Tibi Stella chinos, bought a size above my usual. Secondhand Dries shirt (the net layer is attached). My Miu Miu slippers. The Jil Sander bag I’ve been wearing incessantly. Photo by dad.

Why: Layering was another idea I knew I wanted to dip into. I don’t wear this piece enough! It’s just a cotton tee with the netting sleeves, so it’s a great way to feel “layering” when it’s hot. I liked using the texture of the bag too. For me this trad “summer” bag transcends seasons and looks cooler/more unexpected in fall! I think

Dea

first showed me that.

Outcome: This made me feel phenomenal; I think it was the mannishness of it. The swagger.