Curated by Mel
Pine, Pumpkin, and Orchard Picnics—Hello, Autumn!
The color of the landscape is changing, and with it my seasonal preferences. I’m ready for cinnamon, coziness, and crisp autumn outings. I’m planning my annual apple-picking—a full weekend affair, mind you. Every nook of the house will smell of warm apple sauce as I “put some up” for the winter—just like my grandmother and mother. Whatever your autumn rituals may be, take your time and savor those traditions. In between, enjoy this little collection of autumnal joy—from the latest candle releases to goodies from Peru, Ireland, and beyond.
LAFCO NEW YORK’S FALL CANDLE RELEASE
Have we gone too far with pumpkin spice everything? I adore fall, but the aroma of cloyingly sweet—and oh-so artificial—pumpkin scent is my least favorite part of the season. So, I was delighted to with LAFCO New York’s fall candle releases, Pumpkinseed & Sandalwood and Pistachio Oud. These are the “it” candles for swoony autumn ambiance.
Info: www.lafco.com
SPEAKING OF COZY
As soon as the air crisps up a bit, I’m 100% ready for slipper season. People are abuzz lot about treat culture, and swapping slippers with my mood is, admittedly, a little splurge I adore. These ultra-fluffy, over-the-top Bearpaw Silkie Slippers are earmarked for fireside cozy time—long Sunday afternoons of reading and sipping loose leaf tea.
Info: bearpaw.com
CLASSIC + RECOVERY
If your slipper styles leans more toward a classic moccasin style, KURU’s New LOFT 2 slipper is a classic. There’s more to it than meets the eye, though. It scores high on the comfort scale, plus its built-in technology is designed to help relieve foot pain. It’s a great gift for anyone, especially those who WFH, fitness folks, and grandparents.
Info: www.kurufootwear.com
TRAVEL COMPRESSION
My travel wishes have been answered, thanks to Comrad’s new compression leggings. Gone are the days of trying to finagle knee-high compression socks within the confines of an airplane’s limited legroom. These leggings are designed with gradual compression to help promote circulation (and all-day energy!). Leggings backed by peer-reviewed studies? Yes, please.
Info: www.comradsocks.com
CALLA HOOPS
Every now and again, you find a pair of hoops that somehow, magically pair with everything—from day to night. The delicate calla lily detail gives these Astor & Orion hoops an eye-catching yet gentle dazzle. Plus, they’re sturdy without feeling too heavy boasting 18k gold plate over recycled jeweler’s brass, with an anti-tarnish coating. Looking for goddess-inspired baubles? Check out the Hecate’s Knot collection.
Info: astorandorion.com
RETRO INSPO
Looking for the perfect autumn outing? Find an orchard that offers picnics tables. Pick some apples and then linger a while with wine and a simple charcuterie board. The new-this-fall Engel Reserve Wine Cooler offers a chic retro design, but don’t let its snazzy looks fool you. Its advanced insulation technology will keep three bottles of wine chilled. Plus, it comes with a cutting board and snack trays.
Info: engelcoolers.com
SWEATPANT JEANS
You’d think that sweatpant jeans would have been invented during the pandemic—during all that banana bread baking and reorganizing of our closets. Nevertheless, they’ve arrived on the scene, and they’re pretty phenomenal. As with anything, some are better than others. So, I’ll spare you the guesswork. Get the Halara Flex™ Mid Rise Washed Baggy Wide Leg Casual Jeans. 10/10; absolutely no flaws.
Info: www.halara.com
FALL AT THE BEACH
Having established my quiet rage for overly sweet pumpkin scents already, I’m here with another dose of aromatherapy worthy of splurging on this fall. Sunshine + Saltwater’s Autumn Shores scent is absolutely lovely. I never thought I’d say these next few words but notes of warm tonka get me everything time. It’s a well-balanced homage to both fall and the beach.
Info: sunshineandsaltwater.com
FARM TO BOTTLE
Nothing I write about this product could do it justice, especially when you hear the backstory. Not only is Five Farms a farmto-bottle sip, but it’s also made with Irish whiskey and fresh cream gathered from five family farms in County Cork, Ireland. Irish cream is the official holiday sip of my family. So, I can say definitively: skip the more famous Irish cream; Five Farms is sublime.
Info: fivefarmsirishcream.com
THE WARMTH OF WOOD
I had these bowls sitting out when a friend happened to stop by, and the compliments were immediate. Woodenhouse is a brand that does one thing and does it well. You could fill an online cart with their goods—spend less than $200—and create a truly gorgeous gift basket for a wedding shower, housewarming, or holiday gift. The products present beautifully and are sturdy, workhouse-type kitchen basics that’ll provide years of use.
Info: www.woodenhouselq.com
PINING FOR LATTES
A few years ago, Starbucks offered a juniper latte. Apparently, I was the only person who loved it (obsessed), because they canceled it. Well, folks are finally catching on to woodlandinspired flavors, and Torani has launched a forest pine syrup! Its hint of ginger and sage pair beautifully with dairy, but also with spirits like whiskey. I opted for the Puremade line, which has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and is GMO-free.
Info: www.torani.com
PERUVIAN ALPACA THROWS
LaReve partners with Peruvian weavers to offer customers these special baby alpaca throws. This partnership supports traditional methods and helps preserve culture. The fiber sourced from the highlands with great care, and the blankets are far from mass-produced. Each blanket is a labor of love, hand-woven, and offers exceptional warmth. Choose from six hues, including an impressive herringbone.
Info: larevecollections.com