Fall Lookbook: Elizabeth’s and Annette’s Top Five
I have a method for my buying, or I like to think I do. I have said this before, but I go with a two-pronged strategy. First, I pick pieces that I know someone would wear all the time, what I like to call the “go-to” pieces in someone’s wardrobe. Then the other compunction that guides my buying is the pieces that evoke an emotional reaction in me. There are times when this line intersects. Take the silver Hunter Bell pencil skirt: I have already worn it this summer with a t-shirt and sneakers, and come fall it will be in constant rotation. Everyone else must have agreed because it sold out in a week.
Lately at appointments I’ve started to ask my sales reps a question: “What’s on your personal order?” I mean they’ve had the most time to mull the collection and know what the stars are each season before the rest of us do! When Annette and I were riding the train back from NYC this summer we thought: I bet customers would like to know what we ordered for ourselves. So here it is (okay we might have gotten a few more items than the ones listed below), but check out our Top Picks.
Elizabeth’s Top Five:
1) Azrou Dress by Ulla Johnson
I am not a huge pattern person, but every now and again, I find one I can’t pass up. Clearly is is how I felt about the Lazuli pattern. I ordered both the dress and skirt. It was a subtle botanical and the colors are perfect for all times of the year.
2) Roan in Dark Blue By Closed
I am so excited about this new denim line. More about it later, but I think this is the perfect straight leg. I also think sometimes finding a great dark simple wash is the most difficult so I couldn’t pass up this pair of our newest line at The Hive.
3) Active Knit Winslow Pant and Cropped Sweatshirt by Tibi
Okay, I pretty much get all the Tibi. I also pretty much get all the track-inspired sets we order. Perhaps I have a problem. So how could I not get this one?
4) Majeur Boudle Cardigan by Tibi
I love a big sweater and a great oversized blazer. This seems to be a merger of the two. I also tend to run out of the house in a questionable outfit to run an errand now and then, this jacket will hide those moments.
5) Bonded Crepe Curbed Jacket by Ganni
Ganni is a brand that we have to really edit when we go into the showroom. Their buckle flats are a favorite but sometimes the clothes are a little, let’s say, young, for our crowd. But there are always a few pieces that work and this jacket is one of them. I love the structure and the little bit of stretch in this jacket.
Annette’s Top Five:
1) Nevina Dress by Ulla Johnson
I’ve learned that I like things that fall into what I’ve fondly termed the “funky party hostess” category: off-beat silhouettes, poppy colors, clothes that look like you own capital-A art and have a cocktail named after you.
2) Mock neck Sweater by Allude
This is perhaps the most practical purchase I have ever made. I actually owned a past iteration of this sweater and wore it so much that you can nearly see through it; this year I re-upped. I do not travel without this sweater. It’s perfect to wrap around your shoulders, the gauge is fine enough that you can do a front-tuck and it hits at the high-hip so you aren’t cut off at the leg. If you buy one sweater all season, this should be it (and we have it in a crewneck!). I’ll also be starting a support group for those whose favorite sweater is at the dry cleaner.
3) Cade Tee by Anine Bing
A graphic tee is a great staple to have in your wardrobe. It can dress down a skirt and make a blazer seem less buttoned-up. This one already feels worn-in in the best way and the blurry graphic looks retro without trying too hard.
4) Talina Jacket by Ulla Johnson
I have never met a green jacket that I didn’t like. What makes this one special is the length; it hits just below the natural waist. It can be worn with dresses, skirts and your favorite wide leg jeans.
5) Superfine Funnelneck Sweater by Ann Mashburn
This is another sweater that is in very heavy rotation. “Superfine” is a great descriptor; this is so easily layered under a jacket or blazer without adding bulk. I have even worn mine under another sweater if I am traveling somewhere very cold.
Browse the Fall Lookbook and find your own top picks and come visit us at The Hive.
