THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

on my mind & my mood board heading into fall 2024

PART I — lots of clothes coming your way...

Last year, I shared my September Issue one on Instagram — in the form of a collage of peplum, mixed metals, sequins, structured cardigans, unique heel shapes, thick cuffs, polka dots, and subtly Western boots. Many of the elements I highlighted then persisted through the spring and are still on my pre-fall radar this time around. This consistency feels like both a pat on the back for my personal style and a nod to the fact that seasonal trends might not pack the same punch in 2024 as they have in years past.

A lot of fall ‘24 trend “predictions” I’ve come across feel painfully obvious — like wear a coat and layer obvious (no shade to Marie Claire… but come on); others are just rebrands of previous callouts, like last year’s “mob wife aesthetic” becoming this year’s “fur fever.”

I don’t have unique predictions, nor do I care to pretend to be qualified or well-researched enough to make any right now. I also don’t have any refined commentary on the lack of fresh-feeling trends for fall. What I do have is a curated list of staples and statement pieces I’m eyeing (or have already purchased), for you to browse as you consider filling some holes in your wardrobe and prepare for cooler weather. Happy Scrolling!

I love a mini bowling bag & I think this is the perfect color to transition from summer to fall. There is also what I call “the @pigmami bag” from Madewell — which comes in a rich brown and a great navy + a crossbody strap.

Marge Sherwood Soft Bowling Bag | Nike Cortez Sneaker | ROTATE Firm Knit Cardigan (on sale)

Haikure Winona Studded Rigid Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans | Hermès Swift Intense Bracelet S Rouge H (pre-loved) | Source Unknown Ennio Faux-Leather Bomber Jacket, navy or burgundy

Three tops that capture my style personalities: one that is layered and interesting and textured; one with a great structure (I ♡ a good shoulder — see the Rotate cardi from above); one that is sporty and casual. Dream lineup.

JW ANDERSON Wool and satin cardigan | THE FRANKIE SHOP Micky padded denim bomber | Gap Organic Cotton Vintage Raglan T-Shirt (already bought this)

Libertine X LeSportSac Johnny Go Lightly Large Top-Handle Bag | MKDT Studio Caro Coat | For Love & Lemons Nelly Skirt (on sale)

GANNI Pinstriped twill blazer | Tory Burch Studded Ballet Flat (not new around here, W13 debut of these flats) | Wilfred josephine bomber

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Quick pause to say thank you one more time! I was so excited to share that I passed 100 subscribers at the start of my last email and am still feeling proud of that accomplishment.

I would, however, be lying if I said I don’t compare myself to other creators on this platform. Sometimes it feels like my notes feed is an endless stream of people being shocked by their rapid ascent to 1k readers in a matter of weeks, that Substack is the only remaining site for organic growth, and how nice it is to be in an online space that prioritizes passion and self expression over profit and fame. Sometimes that feels (unintentionally) deflating.

Balancing the hours required to put this together is tough. I have a full-time job (unrelated to fashion) and other side gigs that pay me, so even though I do this because I enjoy it, the lack of direct ROI can make it hard to justify. Comparison only adds to that challenge. Still, I’m incredibly proud of Wardrobe Thirteen, my commitment to it, and the support I’ve received from many of you — like

Fits by Babz

, who kindly helped me with work (via IG DM) last week, and

Mary Korlin-Downs

, who has recommended me to her readers. If you found me through either of them, hello & welcome!  ♡

Back to browsing…

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I lost my favorite glasses, this Loewe pair may be the leveled up replacement I need. I’ve been wanting a ballerina with some sparkle, but haven’t found the right one… ‘till now. And I LOVE ruffles, this shade of brown, and am in my clutch era…

Loewe Anagram Acetate Square Glasses | 3.1 Phillip Lim Crystal-Inlaid Leather Ballerina Pumps | Michael Kors Collection Brown Leather Clutch (pre-loved)

Outland Denim Sawyer Denim Bomber Jacket | Mango stud leather bag | FRAME Ribbed merino wool half-zip sweater

I love a shrug, this is a great option. Zebra print is taking over this fall (alongside cow print).

Tna gramercy shrug | STAUD Harlow Leather Shoulder Bag | Steve Madden Kari Zebra

&Other Stories Relaxed Fit Knitted Sweater | Rails Harris Collared Sweater | Tony Bianco Zoe Espresso Suede Flats

The scale is a bit off here but this belt is nice and wide — possibly too big for belt loops but really amazing over dresses, skirts, jackets, etc.

Massimo Dutti Soft ballet flats with detachable ankle strap | Gabriela Hearst Simone leather belt | Mango Polka-dot satin mini-skirt

These are my favorite loafers (I have ‘em in black). And theres clearly a theme of brown and navy here.

GH Bass Whitney Easy Weejuns Loafers | PETER DO Dégradé high-rise wide-leg jeans | REMAIN high-waisted wide-leg trousers

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A closing note…

I’m not planning on buying everything I mentioned above (mostly because I don’t have the budget!), and I’m not suggesting you do either. This collection is simply meant to inspire you and help me notice patterns in color, silhouette, and styles — before I let the allure of newness trick me into buying things I don’t need (and probably don’t even like).

See you in PART II

- W13 💋

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