Caroline Mckay with Ollie

We haven't had a Wynne's World interview in quite awhile, so this week I decided to make it count by interviewing my dear friend Caroline Mckay. I admire Caroline for far too many reasons to list, among them are her warmth, sharp wit, intelligence, and sense of style. Caroline's new home in Livingston Manor reflects her chic aesthetic, and I was blown away by how quickly she made her new house a home.

Heidi: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Caroline: My name is Caroline Mckay (Caro, for short), I am the founder of the boutique creative studio, Caro. and the owner of Night Fox A-Frame, my upstate A-Frame cabin. Most of my work focuses on strategy, comms, PR, and content for hospitality, architecture, design and start-ups with an interesting story to tell. 

I live between SoHo and Livingston Manor, NY in the western Catskills with my tiny, scruffy rescue dog, Ollie. I love travel, exploring the world and finding new destinations, particularly boutique hotel concepts. 

Caroline's home in Livingston Manor, Night Fox A-Frame

Heidi: How do you start your day? 

Caroline: I am consistently awoken by my dog, Ollie, at around 7 a.m. each morning. I actually don’t mind it, especially in the fall because it is so nice to start the day with a walk in the crisp air. After returning home, I settle down with a cup of tea and slowly start going through emails. Anyone on my team can tell you but I am a morning person and find I get my best work done before anyone is online! It’s always nice to start early, and end the workday early. 

 Caroline & Ollie

Heidi: What are your fall wardrobe essentials?

Caroline: I love my black Isabelle Cashmere wrap from Heidi Wynne, when the weather starts to cool down it feels so nice to start bundling up and it is truly the perfect scarf.

This season I have rediscovered my love for a vintage Burberry waxed jacket I bought at a consignment shop years ago. I had put it away for a while, pulled it out early this fall and cannot stop wearing it. It is so easy to throw on, layer in and feels like it fits in so perfectly at my house upstate. 

Last year I purchased the perfect pair of high Chelsea boots from Sam Edelman and was pleasantly surprised with both the quality and how well they pair with so many things I already own. Such a great fall staple! They don’t seem to have them in stock anymore but these new knit ones are on my radar…

I have never been much of a hat person but discovered this amazing brand from Australia, Will + Bear, that just launched in the USA. They are a purpose-led business that prioritizes sustainability and the environment which is so important to me when I think about making a purchase. I have been obsessed with wearing their Calloway Hat in tan. 

In case you can’t tell, I love a vintage or consignment find. I found an amazing oversized striped shirtdress from Ganni at the beginning of fall at a vintage shop in Manhattan. It has been a staple in my wardrobe since, and as it’s gotten colder, I have paired it with Helmut Lang black leather leggings (that I scored on consignment the same day!) that keep the look going throughout the season. In case you are interested in a visual, I found the same dress here on Modesens. 

Caroline's fall style: Will + Bear Calloway Tan Hat, Heidi Wynne Isabelle Black Cashmere Wrap, Vintage Burberry Jacket, Helmut Lang Leather Leggings and Sam Edelman Knit Boots 

Heidi: What are your favorite beauty products?

I am very minimal when it comes to beauty products and skincare. 

I recently was introduced to Jenni Kayne’s new line, Oak Essentials, and tried their routine. I love how natural all the products are. They make your skin glow with no need for any make-up or additional moisturizers/ serums. 

 Oak Essentials

Another product I can’t live without is the UNEARTH Overnight Treatment from Elder Flower. They have a focus on natural, organic skincare and use mushrooms and ancient plants to formulate all of their products. Although, they have not officially launched, they will be live in a few weeks so be sure to check them out.

Heidi: What are you reading and/or watching this fall? 

Caroline: I started the Andre Agassi autobiography, Open, which has been such an interesting read. 

As for shows, I have been watching the new Hulu series, Tell Me Lies, which has been a crazy ride thus far. 

Heidi:  What are your favorite fall restaurants 

I love discovering new spots, I recently went to Lord’s, a newly opened English Bistro in Greenwich Village and I have to say, it was hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in NYC in a while.

I also frequent some of my favorite cozy spots including Raoul’s, Fiaschetteria Pistoia, Balthazar and Bar Pitti. I have a lot of respect and reverence for a NYC institution. 

In Livingston Manor, I love The DeBruce, The Kaatskeller and Northern Farmhouse Pasta.

 The Kaatskeller

Heidi: You always take the most incredible trips. Where have you gone recently, and what are your travel plans?

Caroline: At the beginning of the fall I spent two weeks in Greece on the islands, Naxos and Milos. Truthfully, I could spend so much time in Greece and never feel like I have even scratched the surface when it comes to the islands, but it was incredible to be able to spend an extended period of time in each place. 

In two weeks I head to San Miguel de Allende for Day of the Dead and my close friend's wedding that following weekend. Then I am back in NYC for a while before heading Art Basel in Miami and then to Costa Rica for the month of January (I always need to escape the winter!). 

Heidi: What is your favorite fall activity?

Caroline: I love a long hike in the crisp fall air. It is one of my favorite things to do when I am at my house upstate. Although, I have SO many more hikes to explore! 

 Hiking in Livingston Manor

Heidi: How do you end your day? How do you unwind? 

Caroline: I usually end it how I start it, a final nighttime walk with Ollie, then relaxing in bed reading or a hot cup of herbal tea. 

Heidi: Thank you, Caroline! You can follow Caroline on Instagram: @caroline.mckay, @bycaro.co and @shop_rayu. Follow Night Fox A-Frame here: @nightfox_aframe

To rent Night Fox A-Frame in Livingston Manor, visit here

Please enjoy more images of Caroline's beautiful home!