I am a sucker for a fabulous coat and especially living in Connecticut I find it so worth it to invest in an amazing coat. I got my first Nour Hammour coat two years ago and thought it was the most amazing coat of all time. It was reversible so I felt like you got two coats for the price of one. I loved the shearling and the drape of the coat. It felt like something the older ladies walking down Madison Ave would wear. Mine is a size small and it has an oversized feel to it. It is also on sale right now so the perfect time to order.

Linking my reversible coat here - Birthday coat - on sale

Something I was missing in my wardrobe was a classic black leather trench and when I saw NH was having a sale I couldn’t help myself. It is the most beautiful lambskin leather - so soft & has been getting better with wear. I can’t find it on the NH website anymore but TRR has a few for great prices. Mine is a size small but wish I got a size medium just so I could layer thicker sweaters underneath.

On TRR size M for $750 NWT

My very favorite in my collection - my Dakota leather trench with a shearling collar. I get so many compliments everytime I wear this coat it is truly so chic. I got it in a deep chocolate brown and it’s really fabulous. I buy all my coats on sale. They have sales in the summer and then for Black Friday. This time I got my coat in a size M and I am so happy I did because I can wear with thicker sweaters on colder days. This one is single breasted and much longer than my other trench. They have this in stock now and on sale in different colors. 1000/10 recommend this one if you’re looking for a statement coat to your wardrobe.

On sale in a chocolate color

Classic black

Okay so this past spring Nour Hammour was on 260 sample sale & I scored this suede beige trench for like 70% off. This one is called the Tate trench and I purchased in a size small. I thought this would be the perfect transitional trench for spring/fall. I also don’t have anything this light I typically gravitate towards darker colors so thought this would be a great addition to my closet.

On sale in select colors

Cognac color size M NWT on TRR

Gorgeous chocolate brown NWT size M on TRR

Another sale score off of SSENSE. I think I found this for 60% off in the end of winter sale. It was such a steal and I was looking for a great leather jacket for warmer spring/fall days. It is called the Clint leather jacket I can’t find on their website and TRR never really labels things by their style name so I am having a hard time finding it second hand. I got this one in a size small and I really wish I got a medium. Here are a few similar ones on TRR currently.

Brown bomber size M TRR

Black size S TRR

Lastly, for this year I ordered the most incredible leopard and pony hair trench coat. I love anything that is leopard and pony hair it really is my weakness. It should be coming in the mail in the next few days and I am so excited to style it this year and for the rest of my life.

Leopard & ponyhair trench

That is all for my Nour Hammour collection - I wanted to share since we are headed into the cooler months soon and they have a ton of coats and jackets currently on sale. I would assume they’re going to take away their sale selection once we truly hit fall so now is the perfect time to shop if you have been wanting to purchase. Also, they have sales like I said for Black Friday and around February/March. I would recommend always checking TRR and other sites like Mytheresa, FWRD & Net-a-Porter as well.

xx Riley

I loved working in fashion for a period of time but I quickly realized that being a buyer wasn’t quite as creative or fabulous as I had imagined it would be. Working as a Merchandise Assistant was especially challenging, especially on a team that owned all of its inventory. As the entry-level role, it often felt like we were responsible for so much of the tedious, detail-oriented work behind the scenes. This was years ago, so I’m sure there have been major improvements in software and processes since then, but at the time, so much of the work was manual and required an incredible amount of attention to detail.

I was living on the Upper East Side in NYC at this time which had always been a dream of mine. Because it was during COVID, I was able to get a great deal on an apartment. I was working from home the entirety of my time living in the city. It was much harder than I expected, especially in the winter. I was living alone in a tiny studio, working incredibly hard & making very little at the time - around $45,000.

I moved to Boston in February when my lease was up in the city and got a promotion shortly after to be an assistant buyer on the beauty team.

I absolutely loved working on the beauty team. We primarily operated as a dropship business which meant we didn’t own the product ourselves. Instead, we worked with vendors who would load their inventory onto our site & fulfill orders directly. Because there was less inventory risk I felt like there was far less pressure and financial weight than when I was working on the footwear team.

A little over a year after that I was promoted to associate buyer for vintage on the European Luxury team. This felt like such a huge accomplishment for me and something I was so excited about. I have been obsessed with handbags, especially vintage handbags, for as long as I can remember. When I was in high school I worked at an ice cream shop and would literally save all of my tips so I could buy Tory Burch bags, so getting to work with handbags professionally felt very full circle.

The ELF team was the highest driver of sales for Rue La La & Gilt and required a lot more attention, strategy & in depth planning. I found the transition very overwhelming and definitely struggled with growing pains as I transitioned from beauty to a much more complex and high-pressured business.

One of the biggest adjustments was working with significantly higher priced merchandise. I was no longer managing beauty products that were typically between $20 and $50 but luxury items with a much higher price point & greater expectations. It would be incredibly frustrating to go back and forth with vendors on costs and work really hard pricing & curating an order just for it to launch and see no customer response.

In March of 2024, my husband and I were both reached a point of feeling burnt out from our jobs. After a lot of discussion, we decided to move back to Connecticut. We are both from Connecticut and this is where we want to one day buy a house and raise a family so it just was the right time to move home. We both decided to work for this family’s real estate and construction company which was so convenient. Almost immediately I noticed a huge sense of relief. Life felt slower, easier and far less stressful once back in CT. Working for his family’s company wasn’t quite my end goal but it was exactly what I needed at that time and I knew I would one day want to do something more.

Around the same time, I noticed creating content on IG & TT started to grow and become more lucrative. Once I left my job in Boston, I felt like I had more energy and creativity to put towards my social media.

Over the last few years, I found myself having more and more conversations with some of my closest friends about what I wanted to do with my career. I kept coming back to the same thought about how I had wish I went to school for something more creative like interior design. Eventually I decided why not just go back to school and pursue what I always wanted to do?

I spent a lot of time researching different schools and programs. I considered getting my masters at Fairfield University and even looked into commuting to Rhode Island for a certification course from RISD. Then I came across New York School of Interior Design and felt it was the perfect fit. NYSID is on the Upper East Side not far from where I used to live and they offered the flexibility of fully remote, hybrid or in person classes. I applied last summer and was accepted maybe a month later. I was genuinely so excited that I had finally made the decision to just go for it.

I started last fall as a part-time student, taking three classes fully remote. Between working full-time, taking classes part-time, planning my wedding and trying to manage social media - I quickly realized I had taken on way too much. It was so overwhelming I would literally have mental breakdowns every Sunday & Monday when my assignments were due lol. I decided that I would take a break in the Spring, focus on finishing wedding planning and getting married, and use the summer to recharge.

In a few weeks I will be starting classes again but this time as a full-time student. After this semester, I will have two more classes to complete in the spring before finishing up my certification! I’m so excited to finally have this under my belt and see where it takes me. I’m still not completely sure what the next steps will look like. Maybe I’ll work at an interior design firm for hands-on experience or eventually I’ll start something on my own and begin by taking projects for friends and family. Either way I am so excited to see where this path takes me and I can’t wait to share more about this new chapter :)

xx Riley

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A few months ago I came across a pair of leopard pony hair Manolo’s on sale and I have never purchased something so fast. I have no self control when it comes to a leopard and pony hair combination. Literally the chicest pair of shoes ever and they were like 40% off. They are so perfect I could cry.

If you're a size 35 you're in luck - exact pair linked here from Saks on mega sale in size 35

Similar Manolos from TRR - found a very similar pair on TRR in a size 38 for $395

Similar on Mytheresa - these are similar but not on sale sadly but they do have more sizes available

Another purchase I made was the iconic Ralph Lauren fringe jacket. I have thought about this jacket for so so long. Ralph Lauren is definitely one of my favorite brands and every time I wanted to buy the jacket I was telling myself it was too trendy or not my style but tbh now that I have really sat on it I don’t think its trendy at all. I feel like RL doesn’t do trendy. It’s definitely a statement piece I will have forever. I found mine on Bloomingdales and they had a few sizes left in stock! Hopefully the RL website restocks it soon ahead of the cooler months.

A few sizes left in stock on Bloomies - I kept refreshing their site and eventually sizes kept coming back into stock! I recommend coming back and checking daily if you don’t see your size available currently.

Nour Hammour Fringe Jacket - Nour Hammour is definitely my favorite brand when it comes to outerwear. If my RL fringe one arrives and doesn’t look great on me I will definitely be purchasing this one or something similar from NH.

Onto pieces that I have my eyes on for the cooler months ahead…

The Gray jeans from Frame are truly my favorite jeans I have ever come across. I love a low rise jean mostly because I have a super short torso and I feel like this pair elongates my torso a lot since they are so low rise. They are the best length, not super stretchy but also not very rough. They are incredible. I noticed they have a black pair and like a washed grayish black pair and so I will definitely be purchasing another pair for fall. I have 2 pairs right now and they are like the only jeans I reach for. They really are that great if you have been thinking about purchasing them I highly recommend.

Best low rise jeans from Frame

I have an obsession with Morgan Stewart McGraw - she is definitely who inspired my obsession with Chanel slingbacks. I of course now have an obsession with Renggli. I have a 4 pieces from her line and the quality & fit of her pieces are amazing. I definitely am someone who prefers to invest in fewer pieces that buy a ton of different things that you only wear for one season. All of her pieces are so classic and she uses all natural fibers for the most part. I love this long sleeve polo so much. I love the color (I am trying to wear more colors in my color season). It is also 85% silk and 15% cashmere. Definitely a piece I am excited to purchase and wear all fall and winter long.

Chicest long sleeve polo

Similar from Goop - Here is a similar option from Goop. This one is 100% cashmere so a little heavier and will be warmer. It is also on sale from $725 to $290 and every size is in stock.

I love the brand Toteme and have been eyeing this gorgeous knee length black stain skirt. I think it would be so chic for dinner in Paris or just nights in the city. Definitely a piece I will wear time and time again.

Toteme skirt

Similar from Reformation - This one is only $218 but it is 100% silk and seems to be less of a pencil/tailored fit

The Leset Kyoto pants are the best alternative to sweatpants. Maybe not as cozy but for days when you want to be comfy but still look chic these are my go to. I work from home and in the fall I am taking classes full time for an interior design certification course. I wear my black and white pair all the time and just love the burgundy color. To me burgundy feels like a neutral and everything in my closet is black, white, grey or navy so I know these will match with everything I already own but will add a nice pop of color.

Leset Kyoto pant

& lastly I have a never ending wishlist made up of entirely Chanel slingbacks. There is a chocolate brown quilted pair that just came out and I absolutely need them. Maybe I will get them in the next month or so I have a $250 gift card to Saks and I feel like they are calling my name.

LMK if you want more wishlists as we get closer to fall!

Chat soon xx

Riley

A few weeks ago, I was invited to come stay at The Charlotte Inn in Edgartown and instantly fell back in love with the quintessential charm of MV. The drive from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown was so nostalgic. As soon as we arrived at The Charlotte Inn I was in love. The Inn was built in in 1864 and was originally a private residence to a whaling captain until it was converted into a hotel in the early 1930’s.

Right when I entered the front door I understood immediately what made this hotel so special. Every room and each corner was thoughtfully curated and collected. As a lover of antiques I was in awe of all the beautiful pieces of furniture in every single room. The hotel also acts as an art gallery. Nearly every wall was covered by incredible pieces of art in ornate gold frames. The attention to detail throughout the inn was incredible. From the wallpaper, carpets to light fixtures - everything felt so intentional and so charming. I immediately wanted to redo my entire home after this stay.

The best part of this entire trip I have to say was the hotel owners golden retriever Morgan who roamed the hotel each day. She was the sweetest pup ever and had the cutest pink ribbon. At breakfast, she sat right next to us with her head on my husband’s lap. Literally the sweetest. I wish every hotel would bring their dogs to work. She literally made our entire stay.

The hotel grounds were just as stunning as the interiors. The entire property was immaculate. All of the greenery was lush and perfectly maintained, perfect blue hydrangeas, and a gorgeous fountain in their garden. It honestly felt like the most romantic storybook getaway. This was literally my dream backyard and is the blueprint for all of my future house hunting adventures. One day while we were visiting it was down pouring and thundering and it honestly was even more beautiful and romantic in the rain. I sat in front on one of the couches in our room right in front of a huge window and read my book for a little bit. My dream day honestly.

On the first night at the Inn we ate at the hotel restaurant called the Terrace. The restaurant was so elegant and one of the best meals I have had all summer. My go to drink of choice is an extra dirty martini with blue cheese olives so bonus points to the Charlotte Inn for having blue cheese stuffed olives. For an appetizer we had the truffle gnocchi which was so rich and delicious. For my main, I tried the Dover Sole - which I have never had before. I used to be a picky eater and the last few years I have really started trying new things. The Dover Sole was actually incredible. It was super light and fresh. It was in a lemon sauce with capers and was seriously 10/10.

We had truly one of the best stays and I am already thinking about coming back maybe during Christmas time. I grew up in New England and have visited a lot of places in the northeast but I have to say this is probably one my favorite hotels I have been to. Everything was so elegant, chic and intentional. We met the owners while we were visiting and they could not have been kinder. Morgan the golden really was the cherry on top of this stay. 10/10 I could not recommend enough.

Chat soon xx

Riley

• The Row Margaux 12 or 15 - looking for a bag that will fit my laptop, agenda & whatever book I am reading

• Alaia mesh flats - these have been in the last few summers & the more I see them the more I love them

  

• Assouline Jean-Michel Frank - to add to my collection

  

• Ralph Lauren fringe jacket - this is a must I will do everything in my power to make it happen would be so chic with vintage levi’s and a white tshirt

  

• Khaite Callum jeans or Still Here sport jean - I am looking for a pair of low rise baggy jeans in a camel/khaki color

  

• Regime de Fleurs Green Vanille - I had this & broke it literally two days after I got it & I really miss it

  

• Diptyque bug spray - I have a Diptyque obsession so obviously very intrigued by this new release

  

• Hermes Kelly Cut - I’m going to Paris in September & will be trying to get a leather apt so I can try to acquire one

  

• Mémoire journal - this I may be ordering sooner rather than later as I am a sucker for a little luxury & this leather journal is just beyond gorgeous

• Vintage Levi’s - I ordered a few pairs from Re/Done & praying for success

• Foundrae Internal Compass charm - So beautiful & sadly so expensive but has been on my wishlist for years now

  

• Rhode Pocket Bronzer - looks so gorgeous I think Rhode blushes are incredible so I have high hopes for the bronzer

  

This list will probably grow by the time I see any movement on my TRR items but wanted to share what I have been thinking about for the month of July. I want to share monthly wishlists so tune back in for August :)

xx Riley

If I could only own one Diptyque candle it would definitely be Tuberose. I have repurchased it so many times over & I would say it is my signature scent in my home. It is a white floral but is balanced with fresh green notes which makes it very sophisticated rather than overly sweet. To me Tuberose is the definition of a romantic, warm & slightly moody floral scent.

Diptyque Ambre is one of the coziest, warmest candles of all time. It smells like crisp October mornings, crackling fireplaces, and cashmere sweaters wrapped into one. Rich, comforting, and incredibly nostalgic, it's the candle I reach for the moment fall arrives. With notes of amber, resin, warm spices, patchouli, and tonka bean, it creates the most luxurious, inviting atmosphere. This is the candle to burn while watching Practical Magic or curling up with Harry Potter on a cool autumn evening.

Diptyque Opopanax is one of Diptyque's most underrated candles. This candle smells like a an old wooden library filled with antique books. If dark academia had a signature scent it would definitely be Opopanax. It is warm, rich & one of the most sophisticated candles. The notes in this candle includes warm resin, vanilla, amber & woody accords. Truly a 10/10. I probably would burn this while I rewatched Dracula: A Love Tale. It would be the perfect vibe setter.

One of the most special candles in my collection is Café. It smells like freshly brewed coffee but it isn’t overly sweet or gourmand. Instead, it smells like rich coffee balanced with woody notes which makes it very refined & realistic. It smells like you just walked into a very cozy & chic coffee shop on the Upper East Side or making your morning latte at home in a matching pajama set. This was a limited edition candle a few years back & they just brought it back in the last few months as part of their permanent collection which makes my heart very happy. I will be repurchasing it for years to come.

Lastly, 34 Boulevard Saint Germain is such a Diptyque classic & another candle that I have repurchased time and time again. The scent was actually inspired by the original Paris boutique & one of the most iconic Diptyque scents. One of the reasons I think it is so special is because it blends fresh green notes with warm woods, florals & soft spices. It is great for year around & is always a crowd pleaser. I always receive compliments when I have this candle burning. I find it to be very fresh, cozy & elegant all at the same time. If you were unsure which Diptyque candle to start your collection - I would recommend this one because of how iconic it is, well balanced & how you can enjoy year-round.

Let me know if I should write a part two as I have tried so so many scents from Diptyque & would love to keep sharing my love for the brand!!

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The L.L. Bean Boat & Tote

Starting with an obvious favorite of mine - The L.L. Bean Boat & Tote is such a classic summer staple and so affordable. I have them in almost every size and find them to be so durable, so easy & so so chic. I wear them year around but during the summertime especially.

The mini size & the large are definitely my most worn. For everyday use, I love the mini. It is the perfect size to fit all the everyday essentials. I also love how you can personalize them. They also make incredibly chic & thoughtful engagement gifts for friends & family.

My large size boat tote is definitely my favorite. It comes on almost every trip with me. It fits soooo much & I never really worry about getting them dirty because I honestly think they look better with some wear and tear. I recently left my large one on my bachelorette in an uber and immediately ordered a new one because I just get so much wear out of it and love it so much.

Large Boat & Tote - $50

Mini Boat & Tote - $28

Simkhai Shell Clutch

On a more elevated note, I think the Simkhai shell clutches are the epitome of coastal chic. They are so cool, elevated & perfect for coastal weddings. My sister in law gifted me the silver one when she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her upcoming July wedding & it was so so thoughtful because she probably heard me talk about wanting it soooo many times. She ended up getting the gold one and we were twinning for my rehearsal dinner which I thought was literally the cutest thing ever.

Simkhai Bridget Oyster Shell Clutch - $495

Because I loved this clutch so much - I have been eyeing another Simkhai clutch to add to my collection. I have 3 more summer weddings to attend and want to add a gold one to my collection. This one is really calling me name.

Venus Shell Clutch - $695

Reformation Onyx Thong Sandals

I currently have these Reformation shell sandals sitting in my cart. I will probably end up buying them because I think they are soooo fun for any coastal summer destinations. I am headed to Newport for the 4th and then to Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket for a few days at end of July. I am already envisioning all the ways I would style these because they’re just so coastal & chic.

$198

J.Crew Portofino Clutch

I am obsessed with this slouchy J.Crew clutch. It reminds me of the summer (& much more affordable) version of the Bottega clutches. It fits so much, is so easy to style & is currently on sale.

On sale - $100

Jennifer Behr Mar Earrings

I saw these on Shopbop over the weekend and instantly fell in love. They are also sitting in my cart marinating. I think I am going to get them and wear them for my sister in law’s rehearsal dinner in Newport. So coastal and will definitely help elevate my dress which is just simple and navy. I may also splurge on a new pair of Manolo’s to spice up the outfit even more.

Under $200

ME&EM Bucket Hat

In the summertime, I basically live in sun hats. I think they are so chic while also protecting your face. I have become kind of crazy about SPF and keeping my face out of the sun. My favorite one ever is from For Now on Nantucket and I can’t find the exact hat. I ordered a super dramatic wide brim hat that I saw wearing. Anything she shares I am just obsessed with. Sadly that one is sold out but I will link another ME&EM one that I am currently eyeing.

Bucket hat - $145

You also cannot go wrong with the new Dairy Boy hat from Paige’s Shell & Sail drop - so coastal, chic & under $100.

Adorable - $65

Going to end it here because I am a shopaholic & could go on and on and on. Let me know if you want a part two!

To me New England style is very classic & effortless. The things I find the most chic are rarely brand new. I usually love something way more when it’s worn in and loved. For example, a faded in Boat & Tote, vintage Levi’s, a very well-worn navy cashmere sweater and a watch that has been worn everyday for years. I am always on hunt for the perfect pieces to add to my collection that I will have for years and years to come.

Lately, I’ve been especially drawn to the look of larger men’s watches on women. I think there’s something incredibly effortless and chic about them, particularly in silver. I also wear a lot of navy and white during the warmer months. To me, it’s the quintessential New England color palette.

I have been eyeing a new J.Crew rollneck sweater in cream and I love that they offer personalization. There is something so charming and chic about adding your initials to a piece that you plan on wearing for years.

J.Crew Rollneck - I have a navy rollneck and its one of my most worn sweaters. So classic New England & chic.

White denim, oversized striped button-down shirts, sweaters tossed over your shoulders, and faded Boat & Totes are the kinds of pieces I never get tired of. They feel classic without trying too hard and seem to get better with age. I have also completely fallen in love with the idea of a Boatkin and would love to add one to my collection this summer.

RL Striped Shirt - I bought this last year and have worn it so many times. RL makes the best shirts. It will get better with wear.

Large Boat & Tote - The best size I use this year around especially when I am traveling. I recently left mine on vacation and had to purchase a new one. I can’t wait for it to be really worn in and loved.

I feel the same even in regards to home decor. Vintage books stacked on top of one another, meaningful artwork & other little treasures collected over time that add so much more character than anything brand new ever could.

RL Flag Pillow - One of my favorites pieces of home decor. The Ralph Lauren flag is so iconic.

Ricky Lauren Hamptons Book - A great book to add to your book collection!! Ricky Lauren is the OG style icon.

Big Book of Chic - Another one of my favorites. Assouline is my go to brand when I am hunting down coffee table books for my collection. Ebay has an amazing selection and is where I get a majority of my books.

That is definitely what I love most about New England style. It isn't driven by trends but by a quiet appreciation for things that stand the test of time. There is something incredibly chic about surrounding yourself with pieces that have been loved, used, and kept for years.

Welcome to my Substack! I’ve been wanting to start this for a while as a space to share more of the things I’m most passionate about — interior design, chic fashion finds, and everything in between. I also wanted a place where all my creative outlets could meet — my mood board on IG called 97archives, my Pinterest, and my personal IG/TikTok.

I’m constantly thinking about how to make my home reflect a certain vibe or aesthetic, or how to elevate my wardrobe in simple but intentional ways. This space feels like the perfect place to bring all those ideas together and share what’s been inspiring me lately.

Some topics you can expect from me include my current fashion favorites and inspirations, home decor finds, updates from my interior design certification course, my favorite antique spots around Connecticut, and little weekend recaps.

I am definitely not the best writer but I hope you enjoy what is to come :)

Chat soon xx

- Riley