There was a light snowfall here in the Hudson Valley, and I've been enjoying a cozy start to the new year. My Cream Knit Turtleneck has kept me warm, and I spend nights by the fire, reading and wrapped up in my cashmere Isabelle Wrap. I'm about to start The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz, which I've heard is excellent. My friend Jennifer Alfano of The Flair Index, recommended The Lost Daughter on Netflix, which I plan to watch after lighting my favorite Diptyque candle, the woodsy Feu de Bois scent. A nice pick-me-up this winter has been my Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick. I recently took a much needed hiatus from social media, and its been so nice to have the extra time to catch up on reading, finish designing the spring/summer collection, connect with friends over the phone and enjoy a slower pace. I hope that you are staying cozy and warm!

Our Holiday Gift Guide: I recently hosted a small dinner party and we played Trivial Pursuit. It was such a nice break from our phones and I highly recommend giving this classic game as a thoughtful gift. Kendall Conrad is such a talented designer and her jewelry collection, including this Vida Cuff, is so chic and well made. I own several of her pieces. This Westman Atelier Le Box- The Gift Edition- is available at Knockout Beauty. A digital gift certificate to the shop is also a thoughtful holiday gift. Our Navy Cashmere Griffin Scarf is a classic, luxurious gift for the man in your life. I have the Glimpse Guides City Guides and plan to gift them to friends and family, including my niece in London who is always planning her next chic trip. They are available on Moda Operandi as well as on glimpseguides.com. Proceeds support the Give a Glimpse charity which provides travel for disadvantaged scholarship students. For the wicker lover in your life, this 1940's Grand Vichy Spa Cup Scented Candle in Woodland Garden from Gray Antiques and Interiors is such a special gift. This Rose Uniacke at Home book is on backorder, however it is worth the wait and is such a perfect gift for the home design aficionado in your life. One of my recent house guests gave me this Aesop Room Spray and it has a wonderful, woodsy scent. I am such a fan of Harney & Sons Teas, as well as their cafe in Millerton. Last year I gave my mother a gift box of their assorted teas, similar to this one. This Hermès Lip Color makes such a chic gift and the packaging is so perfect.

Jennifer: Usually in the fall I am in jeans (vintage Levi 501’s) every day, but this year I bought 3 pairs of pleated trousers from The Row (all on sale, I searched high and low for them) in black, ivory and navy which are the base of most of my looks. I have a thing for gray v-neck sweaters, so my Heidi Wynne Ryan V-Neck will be a constant. On top of it all, my HommeGirls oversized Chesterfield and a black HW cash throw.  On my feet: my Gucci loafers (if it’s not too cold), classic Stan Smiths or Toteme boots.

I’m also into a sexy, cozy vibe and will wear my Frances de Lourdes Beatrice Dress with my Heidi Wynne Grey Fisherman Knit Cardigan and my loafers or ballet flats.

Frances de Lourdes Beatrice Dress 

Heidi: Could you please share with us your fall makeup and skin care favorites?

Jennifer: I bought the Westman Atelier Le Box holiday gift box from Knockout Beauty—I love the deep lip shades. I’ve also been using my Victoria Beckham Tweed Eye Palette a lot lately too. I definitely like to wear more makeup when it’s cold. Now that I’m running outside for exercise and it’s colder, I need more hydration for my skin, so Vintner’s Daughter Botanical Serum is an always favorite. I swear by it.

Vintner's Daughter Botanical Serum, Westman Atelier Le Box, Victoria Beckham Tweed Eye Palette

Heidi: Do you have any fall travel plans or local plans? 

Jennifer: My favorite weekend activity varies. A perfect quiet day is a walk at Rockefeller State Park and an evening at home with a fire and a perfect Manhattan that my husband makes.

Rockefeller State Park

I am also looking forward to dressing up and going out for dinner and cocktails; I like old school NY places like Bemelman’s Bar and Raoul’s (though it’s so hard to get into!).

As far as travel, we are headed to Paris the week of Thanksgiving. I couldn’t be more excited, it’s been way too long.

Heidi: What are you reading and watching this fall season?

Jennifer: I’m starting to read Jonathan Franzen’s new book, Crossroads.

What I’m most excited about is I finally subscribed to The Criterion Collection and am planning on covering a lot of ground with old movies, which you are so good at recommending. I recently watched La Pointe Courte that Rolla Wazni posted on her IG; it was beautifully shot and I hadn’t seen an Agnes Varda’s film before, I’m thinking of going down director rabbit holes.

La Pointe Courte, Crossroads

Heidi: Do you have a favorite fall meal?

Jennifer: I hardly ever eat meat anymore, but one thing I have to make a couple of times when it’s cold is Bill Blass’s meatloaf. It is hands down the best.

Bill Blass Meat Loaf Recipe

Jennifer can be found on theflairindex.com and on Instagram: @theflairindex