SEPTEMBER R.E.P.O.R.T.

What I bought and used and coveted and loved throughout the month of September:

R.

Reading: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

Two story lines dance around each other, the modern search for information about the quietly famous but mysterious bookshop owner and antiquarian Opaline and Opaline’s own harrowing life story at the turn of the 19th century when women were expected to do as they were told for family and country (very “seen and not heard”). A story of independant women rising above their circumstances to live life on their own terms woven throughout with just a thread of magical realism. The ideal novel as we transition into the cozier ‘ber months when all you want to do is hunker down with tea and a good book (about books).

E.

Eating: Nicoise Salad

It might technically be fall (hello and goodbye autumn equinox) but in Texas it’s still in the 90s. As much as I want it to be soup weather, this isn’t the time to be simmering things on the stove for hours. So whats in a nicoise? Oh, only all my favorite things: brightly blanched green beans, perfectly boiled baby potatoes, cherry tomatoes, black olives, hard boiled eggs, very good canned tuna in oil, all over a bed of crispy romaine with a light vinaigrette. It’s all I want to eat.

P.

Playing: I QUIT by HAIM (the whole album!)

I lucked into last minute tickets to see Haim at the end of September. I’ll be honest, I knew next to nothing, but seeing them live was an experience I won’t be missing ever again. They are so energetic, talented, and entertaining. Best llive show I’ve seen so far in 2025. Rock out with me on Spotify.

O.

Obsessed with: DENIM ON DENIM ALL FALL

Ask any of the ladies in my office, there is a 94.7% change I will be wearing denim on any given day and I cannot wait to be in a full Canadian tuxedo all of fall. Some of my favorite pieces for now and then: The MAYE Montana Shirt Dress, The AYR Chambray Deep End Button Down, Madewell Darted Barrel Jeans, the Old Navy Oversized Boyfriend Jean Shirt

R.

Recommending: COURSES WITH CREATE ACADEMY

I’ve been a member of Create Academy for two years now and I have loved ever single course I’ve taken. Think of it like Masterminds for Creatives with the most beautiful imagery. A few of my favorite courses so far have been: A Guide to Pigments, Paints and Palettes by Edward Bulmer, And Introduction to Decorative Painting with Tess Newall, and Small Garden Design with Butter Wakefield. You can join with an annual subscription and get access to all the courses or you can sign up for courses individually that interest you! Highly Recommend.

T.

Treated Myself: CHOCOLATE CHIPS

Specifically these 68% Cacao Single Origin Dark Chocolate Chips from Naked Chocolate. My brought me back a jar the last time they were on the east coast and now I’m not sure I can live without a jar on my desk in my office.

Want to see other R.E.P.O.R.T.s? Try June or August

AUGUST R.E.P.O.R.T.

What I bought and used and coveted and loved throughout the month of August:

R.

Reading: ONE ITALIAN SUMMER BY ReBECCA Serle

This was the perfect end of summer read and magical realism at it’s best. After the sudden passing of her mother Katy escapes to the Amalfi Coast to take the long awaited trip they had planned together to relive the sun-filled summer her mother had there 30 years ago. Once she arrives, deep in her grief, she runs into her mother - at thirty years old, living her best life in Italy. Keep the tissues nearby, the story is as beautiful as it is heart-wrenching and will make you want to call up your mom.

E.

Eating: BRUNCH AT THE MARIGOLD CLUB

Designed to recall the dinner clubs in Mayfield, London this playful, colorful restaurant is an experience visually and culinarily. Feel free to dress to the nines, no one will bat an eye. Better yet sign up for their high tea with all your girlfriends. The main dining room’s walls are almost fully upholstered in rich green velvet with lively murals handpainted on the walls (and the lampshades). I love their brunch Croque Madam or King Crab Torte and the mimosa service is divine (get the green juice - sounds weird but it’s amazing).

P.

Playing: THE PRACTICAL MAGIC SOUNDTRACK

What can I say I’m a fall girly at heart. My birthday is in the fall, my wedding was in the fall. All the best things happen in the fall. The second summer starts to fade I’m thinking about cozy sweaters, rewatching the Gilmore Girls, nights around the fire pit, and some magical Midnight Margaritas with the girls. Get in the autumnal mood with me and lets listen together on Spotify.

O.

Obsessed with: Lamp Time

What is lamp time? Lamp time is that moment in the evening when all the big lights turn off and all the lamps turn on. Lamp time erases all the harsh or less-than-finished corners of your home and makes you fall in love with it all over again. Next week I’ll do a round up of all my favorite lamps and suggestions for where to add some cozy glow into your home.

R.

Recommending: OLD NAVY’s vintage white tee

A great white t-shirt is hard to find, but also an absolute wardrobe staple. This Old Navy Tee has been my favorite lately. I’ve been wearing it alone with white jeans while the summer heat rages on, but it will be perfect layered under your favorite sweaters when we finally get some relief. The material is thick, the length is a little cropped and just right, and I love the wide hem at the bottom.

T.

Treated Myself: DOEN JANE BLOUSE

A pricier blouse thats been on my wishlist for a while. My dear friend (and fashion icon) Kendall wore it recently in one of her outfits of the day and that sealed the deal for me. I’ve been wanting a black button up for a while but I’m trying to branch out a little bit from my uniform (I own at least 10 versions of AYR’s deep end button down - which is still the best of the best). I can’t wait to wear this more romantic top all throughout the fall season!

Want to see other R.E.P.O.R.T.s? Click here for the most recent.

SUMMER-WEEN

While we’re all about embracing the season and staying present we also know that if you want the best (and least cheesy) holiday decor these days you need to start early. Does it horrify me a little that it’s July? Brands are already dropping their fall and halloween collections and believe me, its a LOT to dig through, especially when you’re still thinking about weekend cookouts and pool days. Let me do the hard work for you. The LLD rules for halloween decor: simple, decidedly not gruesome, can mostly double as autumnal decor, and a touch of whimsy. (Think Practical Magic not Betelguese.)

The background fabric in the image above is Nickey Kehoe for House of Hackney - Quercus Linen in Aubergine

Working clockwise from the top left:

Colored champagne flutes from Estelle for only the classiest of covens

A stoneware skull vase that wouldn’t look out of place along side my vintage crocks

A dark maple leaf wreath that is sure to welcome the trick-or-treaters

A cauldron candle in a fireside scent adds some subtle witchery to any coffee table

This stoneware pitcher is the only way to serve your midnight margaritas

A ruffled buffalo check table cloth hits just right in the whimsy category and can carry you into Thanksgiving and beyond

Pottery Barn really missed an opportunity when they didn’t call these Stack-O-Lanterns - at almost 30” high I can’t wait to add these to my porch (and they’re battery powered!)

Spooky, spindly broomsticks are the perfect way to fill an empty corner

Nothing makes you feel like an impeccable hostess quite as much as cocktail coasters…easy to store and fun to present to guests

Candle charms are just the coolest idea - impactful but easy to put away at the end of the season these little metal moths can be added to any taper or pillar candle (they have bats too!)

My final addition to this lineup are these little faux-crows you see scattered around. I set some up on my porch railing and I had a neighbor call concerned about the “flock of birds” on my porch - from just a little distance they look completely real! Thats about as whimsical as I get! You can get 6, 12, or 24 and have a real Hitchcock moment!