A sweet new fragrance drop, an intro to alphabet jewelry to personalize your bling, and a bespoke boutique with unmatched savoir faire: introducing mood-boosting retail treats and buzzy trends to fall in love with this autumn
by Archana Aithal Rose
SAY MY NAME, SAY MY NAME
Jewelry that graces us daily always carries personal significance, but a piece that highlights an initial embodies the pinnacle of self expression. Whether it’s a dazzling diamond-encrusted design or a sleek minimalist medallion, initial necklaces are making their mark in accessories this season. Browse our selects below to find a piece that speaks to you.
Boochier Jumbo Yellow Gold Diamond Letter & Number Pendant
For those seeking a bolder look, Boochier makes a case for the jumbo initial, taking cues from ‘90s videogames to render an almost pixelated silhouette in 18K yellow gold with .04ctw of white diamonds, baguette blue sapphires, and tsavorites. $5,800, boochier.com
Mateo New York 14K Gold Diamond Initial Necklace
Meet your new everyday essential: a 14K gold initial necklace that elevates your layering game. Its minimalist design is enhanced with 0.15ctw of brilliant white diamonds, adding a subtle touch of sparkle. $650, mateonewyork.com
Foundrae 18K Yellow Gold Radiating Heart Medium Initial Medallion
For the hopeless romantics out there, Foundrae’s initial necklace in 18K yellow gold showcases an old English letter right at its center, because let’s be real: a heart symbolizes love, and when we open ours, everything else just clicks into place. $3,100, foundrae.com
in her jeans
Amanda Astor, founder of Amanda Jean Boutique, created her brand when she noticed a need for size-inclusive, high-fashion trends at accessible prices. “I wanted to fill a gap I experienced as a consumer,” Amanda explained. The concept, first born in her Brooklyn hometown, has since expanded to Red Bank, along with a robust online presence. She added, “Our Instagram has skyrocketed thanks to the support of local businesses, celebrities, and our loyal clients, who all wear our brand.” Amanda’s future goals include launching a wholesale division to enhance the retail landscape in NY and NJ, to “support local boutiques and keep customers shopping locally. I’m also stoked about our Future Leaders program; that’ll give our local youth an opportunity to intern and learn the fundamentals of running a retail and wholesale business.” amandajeannyc.com
DROP OF GLASS
Chandler Burr, curator of the Department of Olfactory Art at the Museum of Arts and Design in NYC and author of The Perfect Scent, once hailed Chanel No. 5 as the pinnacle of olfactory modernism. Echoing Burr’s sentiment, every scent critic who’s made their mark agrees: this iconic fragrance rightfully reigns supreme at the top of the perfume hierarchy. This year, the legendary N°5 L’Eau breaks new ground with a limited-edition reinvention, leaving its iconic bottle behind for the first time. The new design features a minimalist, drop-shaped, pebble-glass vessel that embodies purity and defies convention. N°5 L’eau surprises with a fresh, citrusy essence, blending sunny lemon, mandarin, and orange with aldehydes, anchored by a floral heart with a modern mix of rose, airy jasmine, and ylang-ylang. Vetiver, cedar, and white musk spark boldness. This haute new take on a cult classic aligns with creator Coco Chanel’s intention when launching the first edition: a modern take on the expression of sexuality in perfume. chanel.com