☕️ A Soft Launch Into Fall
oversized, weathered jugs, spiced lattes, and rich mocha hues
Well, here we are—September
It's the month when everything starts to feel cozy but somehow speeds up at the same time. A contradiction I'll never truly understand. I so badly want to slow down, to savor this season, but everything around me seems to have quite the opposite agenda. It's that "in-between" stage.
So, as we stumble (gracefully or not) into fall, I'm bringing you a few of my favorite September tips. But first, can we talk about the Ralph Lauren show? Of course we can. And the fact that Doug Bihlmaier gave his first-ever interview? Honestly, I'm still recovering.
For the visual among you, here is a rundown - click here
NEW NEWS
Ralph Lauren's Hamptons soirée was exactly what you'd expect—classic, understated elegance. First Lady Jill Biden and Kacey Musgraves were among the guests, enjoying the dimly lit spaces and leather chairs that set the tone for quiet, intimate conversations. It was Ralph Lauren at its best—timeless and effortlessly refined.
Take a moment and view it here.
But what really has me on edge is Doug Bihlmaier finally giving his first interview. I'm waiting for "Seaweed Doug" to drop on The Collector's Gene, and when it does, you'll be the first to know.
The Overlooked:
These are the gems hiding in plain sight—the things you might not think to look for but make all the difference.
The Hidden Art of Scent Layering
Hotels and high-end homes (and now you!) layer scents to create an inviting atmosphere, but you can achieve the same effect with a few clever tricks. Start with a reed diffuser in your entryway, then light a candle in a complementary scent in the living room, and finish with a linen spray in the bedroom.
Pro tip: Go for natural blends like Mad et Len's Black Fig Candle or Craft & Kin Fireside for depth and richness, paired with Diptyque's Baies Room Spray for a floral contrast. The layering creates a scent journey through your home that feels cohesive yet complex.
Museum-Style Hanging for Art
Most people hang their art too high. From a lot of trial and error, I have found that the sweet spot for art is at eye level—about 57-60 inches from the floor to the center of the piece. Take it up a notch by mixing sizes and styles in a gallery wall format.
Pro tip: Use Framebridge's Custom Framing Service to elevate any print into a museum-worthy piece. Their secret tool? Non-glare glass and archival matting make even the simplest artwork shine.
Turn Your Linen Closet into a Luxury Hotel Experience
You can easily upgrade your linen closet to feel like a five-star hotel with one simple switch: bamboo sheets are like slipping into a cloud—soft, breathable, and somehow even better with every wash. They're the kind of thing you don't think about until you've experienced them, and then you wonder how you ever went without.
Secret code: if you're in the mood to treat yourself, you can use my code THECABINISTA for 40% off your first purchase at Cozy Earth.
Insider Finds and Forgotten Classics:
Here are a few niche sources and under-the-radar products that deserve a place in your home and wardrobe.
Rich Textures, Heritage Patterns
The collection leans into deep, rich textures—plaid wool skirts, herringbone blazers, and tactile cashmere sweaters. These are the pieces that feel like they could have come straight out of a Ralph Lauren lookbook but with a J.Crew price tag that makes it all attainable.
Vintage Stoneware Jugs from Elsie Green
There's a quiet, understated luxury in well-worn, handcrafted stoneware, especially when it feels like it's lived in your home for decades. Elsie Green curates beautifully aged stoneware jugs sourced from European farmhouses, each with its own unique patina and story. These pieces are perfect as vases, pitchers, or simply as sculptural elements that bring an old-world charm to any room.
Cabinista Tip: Opt for oversized, weathered jugs to place on your kitchen island or dining table. They're stunning, filled with olive branches or wildflowers, adding that effortless, organic elegance that makes your space feel both curated and lived-in.
The Good Stuff:
Morning Coffee: A Little Café in Your Kitchen
You know that first sip of coffee from a little boutique café that just makes everything feel right? Trade Coffee's Good Vibes blend from Brazil. It's smooth and bright, with a hint of something a little unexpected, like it was roasted just for you. Every cup feels like a small indulgence, perfect for those cozy mornings when you're not in a rush but still need a little something to wake you up.
Pro Tip: Pair it with Minor Figures Oat Milk & Blueberry Syrup for the creamiest, smoothest latte at home.
Antique Thrifted Finds: The Undervalued Gem Hunt
Thrift stores are gold mines for those with a good eye (and patience!). The secret to finding the best pieces? Visit at off-hours (midweek mornings), and always ask about new arrivals.
Pro tip: One overlooked category? Silverware. Look for mismatched vintage silver pieces and use them for casual dinners—they add instant charm and feel like they belong in a Nancy Meyers movie.
The Laundry Scent Hack
We all love the fresh linen smell, but who has time for constant loads of laundry? Here's a secret: The Laundress laundry detergent makes even your basics feel luxurious. A single wash fills your entire closet with the signature scent.
Pro tip: Use a laundry steamer like the Steamery Cirrus No. 2 to refresh clothes between washes and extend that scent even further.
Faux Florals That Had Me Fooled
I'll admit it—I've never been one for faux florals. There's something about the real thing that feels… well, real. But then I found myself standing in front of Kirkland's faux florals, and honestly, I was shocked. I've been mixing them into my existing arrangements, and no one can tell. Toss them in a vintage vase (see the above image) and effortlessly style them for fall.
A September Playlist 🎶
It's soothing and a little nostalgic, perfect for driving with the windows down or playing softly in the background while you settle in.
Recipe of the Week: Brown Butter Sage Pasta 🍂
You know me: I'm all about keeping it simple but never basic. Let's make something that tastes like fall but takes under 30 minutes to pull together.
Here's my go-to for a busy weeknight:
The kind of meal that feels fancy but requires zero effort. Serve it with a chilled glass of white wine or a crisp cider—your choice.
Ingredients:
Fresh sage (a handful)
Salted butter (unsalted works too, but let's live a little)
Parmesan, freshly grated (because nothing else will do)
Your favorite pasta (I like to use pappardelle for the wide ribbons)
Method:
Melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to brown—don't rush this; let the nuttiness develop.
Add the sage leaves, frying them gently until crispy. Your kitchen should smell like magic by now.
Toss in your cooked pasta, stirring to coat everything in that brown-butter-sage goodness.
Finish with a heavy sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper. Voilà—restaurant-worthy in under 30 minutes.
Love ya, mean it, bye!
Peyton.
Pasta ingredients added to the grocery list immediately - so excited to try it! xx
I love this edition. I just deep-dived Doug, and it's crazy how influential he's been hiding in plain sight! Between all the coffee and the music (top playlist), we'll "stumble" through Fall alright.