When September arrives, I always look forward to stepping out of my summer wardrobe and into something new—regardless of the weather. I’m in and out of New York City often and travel to Europe sporadically, so I like to have versatile pieces on hand. While I love wearing prints (as you can probably tell), fall feels like the right moment to shift into solids and experiment with layering for the changing temperatures.

This season, I’ve been having fun with my solids collection, mixing colors together in unexpected combinations. Right now, I’m especially enjoying the Khaki and Navy Rhea Jackets, Caterina Tank Tops, and Gabriele Pants. Sometimes I go monochrome, other times I mix the two shades. To add variety, I layer in different Ala and Annie Blouses, depending on the fabric weight I need.

I’ve also been living in the Althea Denim Jacket and Sydney Denim Skirt. These pieces can withstand the demands of travel and pack beautifully, while still creating a polished, sophisticated look. Together, they make a chic daytime outfit, and when paired with the Ala Silk Blouse in Teal Bird Bouquet, they transition seamlessly to evening. For dinner in the city, the Althea Jacket and Sydney Skirt make me feel like I’m wearing something truly special.

I recently returned from a wedding in Rome, hosted by dear friends. In late September, the city is still hot—upper 80s during the day, cooling slightly at night. The weather reminded me of Charleston or Miami, so my summer styles were still a perfect fit.

I wore my Lucille Cotton Tunic in Red Ranunculus and rotated through solid white and khaki staples—the Rhea Jackets, Gabriele Pants, Caterina Tank Tops, and Keaton Blouses—which all worked beautifully in the Roman heat. The Annie Blouse in White Bird Bouquet was especially fun, pairing well with both colorways I brought.

For the wedding itself, which included a white-tie component, I was a bit nervous about dressing up in the heat. I reached for my Sienna Silk Organza Duster in Rose Rouge layered over the matching Lucia Silk Slip Dress. The look was effortless, elegant, and comfortable—exactly what I needed. I finished it with playful costume jewelry that made me feel completely at ease.

Between the wedding festivities, I carved out time to visit the Valentino Exhibition, which featured an extraordinary selection of archival gowns alongside a breathtaking art exhibition with works by Picasso, Rothko, Frankenthaler, Hirsch, and Basquiat. It was true eye candy and such a source of inspiration. Of course, in Rome there is always more to see—you just have to stay organized and plan ahead for tickets!

Shopping in the city was equally inspiring. Even just window shopping along the avenues made the days fly by. I noticed a lot of leopard and blue in the windows at Armani, Chanel, and Etro—which made my own pieces feel right at home. It reminded me that you can never go wrong with leopard. In fact, our Holiday Snow Leopard Collection just launched this week, and it feels perfectly in step with the season’s chicest looks.