Welcome to the Fall edition of The AB List, where we explore the art of embracing autumn with intention and style.
This morning, after my 6 am pilates class, I was hit by a crisp gust of wind as I walked back to my car, surrounded by leaves crunching underfoot and the full moon still out on the horizon. That’s when it really sank in—fall has officially arrived in LA. And although I am much more of a Spring person myself, today I feel slightly nostalgic about the change in the weather and want to share some of the things inspiring me lately.
The transition of seasons offers us a moment to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. This Fall edition of The AB List isn't just about pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters (though we certainly appreciate both). It's a curated journey through the subtle art of seasonal living—a guide to infusing your life and work with the rich, transformative energy of autumn. Let’s get into it!
Streaming Situations
As the sun sets earlier and the weather gets colder, finding the right evening show to cuddle up with on the couch at the end of the day is one of the things I look forward to. There are so many things to stream and watch it can be overwhelming. Here are a few that I have seen or are on my list:
Death Becomes Her & The Witches of Eastwick - classics that I will be watching this season
Hubie Halloween - it’s dumb, but as a tradition, we put this on in the background while we cook Halloween dinner and pass out candy
Last month a new chapter of Chef’s Table was released, Noodles, and EP1 features Evan Funke, the chef behind some of my favorite restaurants in LA
I love this idea of “pizza night” for a movie tradition, watching new ones as a family and rating them all in a book together every Friday with a nostalgic meal.
The Penguin on HBOMax. One of my favorite shows all year. The story picks up after the most recent ‘The Batman’ movie with Robert Pattinson. Collin Farrell as the main character has an indistinguishable costume on and the storyline is a mix of Gotham darkness meets the Italian mob in a Sopranos-type of way. Sofia Falcone is a shockingly good character. Nick’s been walking around the house talking in an accent to me like a mob boss (that’s what we should have dressed up as for Halloween!).
Fall Snacking Culture
As Q4 rolls in, an abundance of recipes featuring spices and cozy fall herbs emerges, making it easy to feel overwhelmed by all the delicious options and the temptation to overindulge. Here are a few I’ve been eyeing and trying lately:
OG Sweet Pistachio Spread by Pistakio (how the Italians pronounce pistachio), which is already genius but I love all their alternative recipes like this affogato that’s on another level
Stanley Tucci’s, What I Ate in One Year just came out this week where he recounts memorable meals across the globe with friends from the past 12 months.
Beaming was a smoothie store in Santa Monica that has since closed but they made a raw pumpkin pie smoothie that I craved every fall and was pretty clean. I’ve been on the lookout for a similar one and this one by Rachelgoodeats is as close as I have found, it’s so good. I wish Erewhon would do a fall smoothie.
As we test out some new focaccia recipes at our home for fall festivities with friends, Nick and I have our eye on this French Onion Focaccia recipe. Is it weird? Maybe, but we will find out!
Lastly, this Autumnal Equinox Cornucopia
Fall Style Classics
I recently picked up a vintage version of Ralph Lauren’s classic lambskin leather jacket (men’s size L - my partner and I sometimes share items because I love an oversized fit), they have been selling this silhouette for at least 15 years. I heard that sometime in the recent decade, they switched out the zipper manufacturer and the more modern versions don’t last as long. Another reason why I love thrifting.
Love these Massimo Dutti leather brown slingbacks, the mini rectangle heel and slanted square toe are a subtle and unique twist on a classic closet 90s piece. I just wish they weren’t sold out in my size! But I got these ballet flats, will see if I end up liking the gathered detail.
Been working on building up staple items for my partner’s wardrobe to get an elevated menswear look and ordered this A&F Mens Crew last week. It arrived and now I want one for myself too. Really nice boxy fit and super soft. Simple basic.
Just finished this episode feat. Lily Adel, the founder of Clyque, an elevated basics label. It was a good reminder to stick to classics (rather than seasonal trends) when it comes to shopping as a good base to help build a solid wardrobe. I have a the Tiana Crop Longsleeve from her and it’s high-quality has been through many washes and still lays nicely.
Fall Season Brands
I just discovered Olympia Gayot on IG, the Creative Director behind J. Crew Women and I love watching her work behind the scenes on all her J. Crew campaigns. I’ve never been into the brand’s preppy look for myself, but her creative approach is inspiring and I do like their staples.
The Chicago Marathon happened last weekend and to follow up, Nike released their campaign, “Winning isn’t comfortable” with this video that has taken the internet by storm. Which reminds me of this GQ article I commented on back in 2021 about why running a marathon should be one of your bucket list items in life. My sister and I did the Nike Womens in SF and it’s true what they say.
Snoop just gave a surprise speech at Martha Stewart’s 100th book release saying how much he loves her while he walked around holding her hand. The clash of their brands still fit together in such a unique way that it makes me like them both more. Looking forward to her biopic at the end of this month.
Fall Seasonal Self-Care and Wellness
I was gifted this ALO Magnesium Reset Spray and have been using it post pilates and weights when my muscles get sore or I’ve had a long day at my desk - really works.
Summer Fridays just dropped their minis lip set, perfect because I have been wanting to try more colors than the one I carry everywhere.
Nobody needs a ~$5k candle, but I still think this one is really elegant and unique. For me, Fall is chaptered by our home signature scent, the Topanga Candle by Jenni Kayne.
In the spirit of Halloween, I’m loving these unique reusable bottled products from Kindred Black, a NY-based slow beauty company. They look like potions from a homemade apothecary. Their approach to beauty is unlike any brand out there I have seen and it’s refreshing.
Here’s your reminder to start Dry Brushing as we head into drier weather if you don’t already.
Fall Travel for Creative Inspiration
Fall destination I want to go to: Vermont for its stunning foliage, winding back roads, New England-style nod to Thanksgiving, and all the Maple syrup!
Fall destination I will be doing: Wine Country, north of Los Angeles. We’re heading up to a local cottage for a harvest weekend and varietal tastings at the end of the month. Very excited to revisit some of my favorite spots and check out this Airbnb The Ballard Cottage that I have been eyeing for a year now.
Your Winter Arc
The seasonal change is here and the true essence of artful living lies not in perfection, but in the thoughtful curation of experiences that resonate with your personal brand and vision. As the leaves change, allow yourself the space to shed what no longer serves you, to explore new palettes of possibility, and to root yourself deeply in the rich soil of your aspirations. Here's to a season of inspired creation, meaningful reflection, and the artful embrace of change.
Add “To Die For” 1995 with Nicole Kidman to the watch list!