The Cool Drop: A Softer Landing into Fall
The female-founded brands making us almost happy it’s sweater season.
Fall. It’s coming.
A phrase I have forever dreaded.
As a Chicago native, I didn’t fear going back to school—in fact, I loved it. The annual supply list, the fresh notebooks, the ritual of starting a new year of learning (I was a bit of a nerd).
What I dreaded was the cooler temperatures, the lack of blue sky, the short days, and anything to do with wool. Some people love it all. I just never have.
Now, living in Los Angeles, I’ve been able to avoid some of those harsher aspects of the season. But at the same time, I’ve come to love the autumn breeze, the winter chill, and a layered sweater more than I ever did before.
How does any of this pertain? Because fall fashion.
So here are a few of my recent female-founder favorites I’m incredibly excited to share…
Flattered — Founded by Hanna Kwiatowska Tisner and her husband, Gustav Lidén, the company began with Hanna’s vision of the perfect ballet flat. Based in Stockholm, they now make shoes and bags that literally make me drool. I treated myself earlier this year to their Alva Shoulder Bag, and it’s still one of my favorite purchases to date. But also—look at their shoes and tell me you’re not excited for fall too.
Nanushka — Founded in Budapest, Sandra Sándor continuously designs stunning, high-quality pieces inspired by travel, innovation, and heritage. The brand just celebrated 20 years and, dare I say, they’re better than ever. They recently launched their Pre-Fall collection, and if you’ve been considering building out a capsule wardrobe, I’d suggest starting with this jersey blazer and this satin bag.
The Go-To — It would be rude to talk about the end of the year without mentioning the holidays, and Victoire Tardy-Joubert is basically your best friend in gift-giving. I first discovered the brand through their beautifully curated wedding gifts and day-of trinkets. I stayed for products like their Monogrammed Vanity Case (the baby blue is perfect) and their collection of prints—including this one of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
MATE The Label — If there’s anything better than cuddling up next to a fire on a cold day, it’s doing so in head-to-toe organic materials. I don’t often think about the chemical-filled fabrics that sit against our skin all day, but when I do, I’m thankful Kayti O’Connell Carr created MATE to keep us safe as can be. I’m already living in this cozy everyday crewneck.
SheVoke — A fun discovery—Sydney-based founder Lisa Hyde was once a reality TV personality on The Bachelor in Paradise (drop any tea in the comments). Unrelated to her time being televised, she’s an incredibly talented designer and curator. Every time I wear a pair of her sunglasses, I’m complimented—so naturally, I’m eyeing these next.
Happy shopping, happy soon-to-be fall, and happy supporting these incredible female founders.
Until next time,
Kelly