week 41 books and looks

everything I read and wore these past few weeks

books

I’m back to getting most of my books from the library, which means that what I’m reading is dictated by the holds’ system of the Pasadena libraries. If it’s available, and I’m up, then I’m reading it!

Recently got Long Island Compromise (Taffy Brodesser-Akner) and Martyr! (Kaveh Akbar). A few days later, I checked out the new Mariana Enriquez book, A Sunny Place for Shady People.

Enriquez is one of my all-time favorite authors — her book Our Share of Night was a haunting introduction to Latin American horror, and I can’t wait to dive into her latest work!

library pickup // Dolce Vita flats (true size, 7), Dragon Diffusion bag via TRR

looks

Hi from Connecticut! I’m back east for the week visiting my family, and doing wedding things with my sister as we count down the weeks until her celebration.

Zara cardigan (sized up to a large) // LOULOU Studios tank top (true size small) // Khaite jeans (sized up to a 27) // Chanel ballet flats

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to see Connecticut in all its fall splendor. As my Dad pointed out, this is the best week to visit because the trees still have leaves (and in all the colors, from green to red), the weather is pleasant, and everyone is decorating and excited for Halloween. I love it here.

airport scenes // really loving this book on the women who shaped the MOMA

Next week’s books and looks will definitely have colder weather outfits, but for now, a recap of the past few weeks in outfits. As I was putting this together, I realized I’ve been reaching for the same few pieces on repeat, so here are four outfits (or items) that I’ve been wearing often. Sometimes you just find your go-tos, you know?

Alex Mill V Neck Sweater

Last month, I finally ordered a couple new sweaters for the season. First on my list was one from Alex Mill. I can’t tell you how excited AM pieces make me — they’re well-made, expertly cut/made, and fit easily into my wardrobe.

Alex Mill vneck sweater (true size small) // perfectwhitetee tshirt(true size small) // vintage Levi’s 501s // Chanel ballet flats // old Céline tote bag (check out this week’s vintage(ish) finds for options like this one)

The sweater is cozy and warm, perfect for airplanes. My airport uniform is jeans and a sweater (don’t worry, I’ll pack sweatpants and change into them for longer haul flights), and this has earned the top spot in my rotation.

what’s in my bag, flight edition: water (always), book, notebook, a pouch filled with chargers, reading glasses, post its, gum, earphones, and apple sauce pouches.

Love a black and white look, too. Wearing here on another flight.

Alex Mill sweater // FRAME jeans (true size 26 and on sale for $187)// Chanel ballet flats // Parker Thatch Charlie bag and charms*

But, it’s not just a travel sweater — I wear it at home, too!

Alex Mill sweater // FRAME jeans (true size 26) // The Row flats

DÔEN Henri Top

You saw me wear this top in black and white all summer long. And since it’s still 80+ degrees in LA, I’m still reaching for it.

DÔEN Henri top (sized down to XS) // Levi’s 501 cropped straight jean (true size 26) // Khaite belt

I’ve put the white one away because it feels too summery, but love how the black looks with dark wash denim.

Jeans and a tshirt

My summer uniform lives on.

Buck Mason tshirt (true size small) // Levi’s 501 cropped jeans (true size 26) // Chanel ballet flats // old Céline bag

It’s an outfit formula that works in any city and for any activity. Wore it to my nephew’s soccer game in Houston.

I got this suede pouch from Zara Home and brought it around with me as a purse.

Here’s a better pic:

it holds a lot of stuff

Jeans and a tshirt works with white jeans too. Especially if you add in brown/black accessories.

LESET tshirt (true size small) // Khaite belt // FRAME jeans (true size 26) // Chanel ballet flats

Mornings and evenings have been pretty cold lately, so I’ve been adding a sweatshirt for garden time or quick neighborhood walks. DONNI makes one of my favorites — it's lightweight and perfect for layering when you just need something cozy without being too heavy.

DONNI sweatshirt (true size small)

Speaking of DONNI, I repeated their red cotton cardigan a bunch these past few weeks.

It’s great for dog walks.

DONNI cardigan (true size small, but should have gone for an XS) // vintage Levi’s // Chanel ballet flats

And dog walks that lead to the library.

DONNI cardigan // LESET tshirt // FRAME jeans // The Row flats

And daytime errands, coffee runs, and doctor’s appointments.

the best part of going to the doctor is going for a sweet treat and a coffee afterward

&bonus

I’ve had my eye on the Toteme T Lock bag, and in the past few weeks, I saw a few stylish women wearing them. My friend Arielle wore it when we met for lunch in West Hollywood a couple of weeks ago, and it looked so chic on her! She totally sold me.

By the way, Arielle has an amazing Substack called Café Café — highly suggest and encourage you to subscribe. It’s one of my favorites.

When I logged onto Net a Porter a few days later, I saw the clutch in a black textured leather and ordered it.

The bag is stunning in person and crafted with exceptional quality—the lining is suede, and the stitching is impeccable. Buuuttt, the size felt off for me. I exchanged it for the smaller one, but that didn’t work either. Now, I’m undecided. I’ll be in New York this week and plan to visit the Toteme store to try on a variety of sizes. Hopefully, this helps me decide if it’ll be my big purchase for the year.

One more thing — I’m a laundry freak, and the TikTok algorithm knows it. I recently came across a great video that taught me a new technique for deep cleaning and sanitizing items like white T-shirts, kitchen linens, and workout clothes. It’s seriously effective, so I wanted to pass it along.