Carly is back with the third installment of Carly’s Cut. If you missed it, you can read the first one here and the second one here. And if you are like, “Who is Carly!?,” she’s The Stripe’s Creative Projects Manager—she’s worked with me for over two years now.
Carly has a killer eye and amazing taste. Aside from her monthly vintage finds column, her role has been mostly behind the scenes. I wanted to change that as she has such great recommendations, and I like bringing in her more youthful perspective. Here, she shares what she’s shopping for, watching and reading, saving to Pinterest, and eating. The most important things!
Fall always feels like my personal reset button. Maybe it’s the Scorpio in me (how original, I know), or maybe it’s those stubborn New England roots, but there’s something about October that makes me feel like I’m finally in season. The air gets that just-right crispness, the beanies emerge from the depths of my closet, and The Great Pumpkin Waltz becomes the official soundtrack of our living room. We started the month in Madrid and Marrakech, and now I’m back home feeling refueled, inspired, and ready to romanticize every last leaf that hits the pavement. . . if that ever happens here in Charleston.
Carly’s Cut, Vol. 3
Shopped //
If shopping for outerwear were an Olympic sport, I’d be taking home the gold. I’ve been deep in the trenches lately, scrolling, saving, and scheming over coats that make braving the cold actually feel exciting. This Massimo Dutti wool blend coat feels like the kind of piece that could make even a grocery run look intentional. It strikes just the right balance, just like this belted jacket in a more relaxed cut. This Rixo leopard coat and J.Crew pony hair lady jacket are slight detours from my usual neutrals, but something about them feels right for the season. They’re playful, a little dramatic, and still somehow practical.
On the softer side, this Toteme satin dinner jacket fits squarely into my minimalist sweet spot. This COS collarless blazer and suede long coat echo that same energy, while this Soeur wool hoodie is that rare mix of cozy and cool that makes getting dressed in cold weather actually fun.
And finally, my current obsession: suede. I keep stumbling across suede pieces that feel too good to ignore, like this Madewell suede jacket and La Ligne suede pants. There’s something about the texture that instantly makes any outfit feel elevated and intentional. It gives off a quiet confidence with no bells and no whistles. . . just really, really good suede.
Watched //
After the Hunt was one of those movies I knew nothing about, yet found myself anticipating with bated breath. With Luca Guadagnino behind the camera, after Call Me By Your Name, Bones and All, and Challengers, he’s officially cemented himself as one of my favorite directors. He always assembles an all-star cast, delivers unforgettable costume design, and creates films that never feel like repeats of one another.
I went to see After the Hunt with two girlfriends, and it was the kind of film that demanded a full debrief over cocktails and a half chicken at Bar George right after. Vogue called it a “chaotic #MeToo thriller,” and honestly… they nailed the description. Between being mesmerized by Julia Roberts and Ayo Edebiri’s wardrobes and thrown off by the fact that the story takes place in my hometown of New Haven, I found myself lost by the characters, the tension, and Guadagnino’s signature use of slightly overbearing mood music.
The reviews are all over the map, and truthfully, I’m right there in the middle with everyone else. But if you watch for one thing, let it be Michael Stuhlbarg’s kitchen scene. It’s uncomfortably comedic and reason enough to give the movie a go.
Saw //
Cal and I spent the first week of October fully immersed in the beauty and chaos of Madrid and Marrakesh. Between that trip and a few work ones, I lost all chance to sit still with a book, but honestly? I didn’t miss it. This month’s version of downtime looked more like wandering through museums, staring up at jaw-dropping architecture, getting lost in lush gardens, and walking what felt like a thousand miles a day.
When we started mapping out our Madrid itinerary, everyone told us the Museo Nacional del Prado was a must-see. And while I agree, I’ve always been partial to something a bit more modern. The next day, we spent a few hours at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, and I was completely in my element. Cal’s favorite artist is Picasso and mine is Joan Miró (original, I know), so we had the best time drifting through the halls, spotting familiar works and discovering new ones. The Miró piece above had me absolutely spellbound—it felt so calm and understated compared to his more playful work.
There’s nothing I love more than wandering a museum with someone you know inside and out. You’re together, but you still get to exist in your own little world, pausing wherever something pulls you in. Art is so personal, and it’s always fascinating to see what resonates with someone else.
Saved //
I’ll die on this hill: furniture is art. Sure, it needs to function, but I’m a firm believer that even the most practical pieces should have a little personality. I’ve been on the hunt for cabinetry that feels fresh, something with soul, not something that looks like it was pulled straight from an IKEA catalog. There’s a time and place for simple storage, but not in my home.
The pieces featured above are from NYC’s first edition of the Brussels-based contemporary design fair, Collectible. Designed by Clay Brown and Studio POA, they’re a true testament to craftsmanship and creativity in the design world. You can find the cabinets here and here, and while poking around 1stDibs I stumbled on a few other investment pieces that are anything but ordinary: a sculptural wooden nightstand, a mirrored pine cabinet, an oak console table, an alpine floor lamp, and a pyramid chest of drawers that feels like art in its own right.
Ate //
Bury me at Los 33 (pronounced Los Treinta y Tres), please. A hidden culinary gem a friend tipped us off to in Madrid, this spot delivered not just unreal food and cocktails but a vibe that could knock you sideways. The whole place buzzed like everyone there knew they were in on the city’s best-kept secret. Thankfully, Cal’s Spanish skills carried us through, adding just the right touch of local flair.
We kept our order simple: two cocktails and one perfectly cooked steak that I’m still thinking about. For a Monday night, the place was packed, and we somehow ended up seated at what looked like the hostess stand. Normally that would’ve been a dealbreaker, but here it felt charming, like we’d scored the best seat in the house. I’ll be dreaming about that meal until our next trip back to Spain… that steak might just haunt my dreams.
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