Seven Days of Fall | Day 1

Considering October's right around the corner and the weather is just starting to change, fall seems to finally be here (even in oft-humid D.C.). Time to break out the tweeds and cableknits! With that in mind, here are the seven things I can't live without this fall.

The Cashmere Flannel

Once-stodgy New Haven shirtmaker Gant has been revitalizing itself over the past few years, reviving classics from their archives and hawking their Americana in upscale stores like Barneys. This year, they're celebrating 60 years with six shirts representing the six decades they've been in business. They're all pretty great, but this cashmere/cotton blend flannel stands out in my book. Pair it with a navy blue puffer vest and you won't even need a jacket.
Gant Cashmere Flannel, $235, available soon at gant.com

Steven Alan S/S '10

5 Medicine Cabinet Essentials

Deodorant, check. Toothbrush, check. Perhaps even a bar of Dove soap. But beyond that, I feel somewhat limited by the product array at my local CVS. Yes, it's cheap and easy, but when it comes to your beautiful face, I think a little more effort goes a long way. Here are my five favorite personal care products that I think warrant the extra buck.
Medicine cabinet, Restoration Hardware


La Roche Posay Effaclar AI
While I'm no longer a four-eyed, retainer wearing teenager, I still get the errant pimple from time to time. Regardless of what anyone says, I think adult acne is most often caused by stress, which then results in even more stress over the breakout, which leads to more pimples...it's a vicious cycle. I've tried almost every spot treatment out there, and I think this one is by far the best. It's effective without causing much skin irritation. I bought the first one in France a few years ago, and while the line is now available in the US (at CVS, of all places), no one seems to carry this particular product. Fortunately, I found it online at Dermstore. $29, at dermstore.com



Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser
Dr. Brandt is a somewhat kooky New York/Miami dermatologist whom I've had the pleasure of meeting on several occasions. He's quite good with what he does in the office, particularly with his pioneering use of Botox. (Not that I've had any. Yet.) He's perhaps better known for his extensive line of skincare products. This one's pretty great - not too drying with a nice fresh scent. $35, at Sephora


Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom
I absolutely abhor styling products that make your hair look too crunchy and Staten Island-y, and yet on the flipside, I don't want to cultivate that greasy, unshowered look. (Some do, it's just not for me.) This product, a longtime Kiehl's favorite, strikes that careful balance. And because it's Kiehl's, it's actually good for your hair. Nice. $17.50, at Kiehl's

The Art of Shaving After-Shave Mask
Found this terrific mask thanks to the good people at Valet. I'm a big fan of the The Art of Shaving's mens shaving products, and yet I think they could have a crossover hit on their hands here. (Girls! pay attention.) This mask is quick and easy, and it makes my skin oh-so-soft. Just 3 minutes of the rose clay and redness is reduced, pores shrunk, skin tightened... yeah, it's that good. And it comes in those cute little vials (n.b., each one is good for at least 2 uses). $50 for 8 vials, at The Art of Shaving

DML Moisturizing Lotion
Okay, so DML doesn't look fancy, or smell fancy, (or thankfully, cost very much), but for me, this moisturizer is as close as you can come to ideal. It's light and oil free, absorbs quickly, and is unscented - great for sensitive skin. Works for your face as well as your body, especially if you're prone to breakouts on your back, etc. (Hey, it happens.) $16.29, at Drugstore.com

Cooking with Coconut

Well, hello there.

It's been a while. I hope you've enjoyed August as much as I did. Alas, fall is just around the corner, bringing with it new opportunities for entertaining... though in this case, of the indoor sort. I attended a dinner party recently, and as always, the question of what to bring the host crossed my mind. A fabulous bottle of wine is always great, if not somewhat expected. (While we're on the topic of expectations, if you do bring wine, don't expect it to be served that night...the host probably has a wine pairing in mind already, or will want to save your special gift for another time.) Flowers, while thoughtful, actually require a fair amount of work - trimming the stems, finding the right vase - things the host doesn't really have time for while he or she is trying to throw together dinner. (Sending flowers the day after or the day before is a better bet.) It's always nice to bring something homemade. This dessert of chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons is dangerously easy to make and a sure crowd pleaser. I adapted it from the now-defunct Domino magazine. Recipe as follows:

Serves 12

• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups finely shredded coconut (unsweetened works best)
  
• 2 1/2 oz. bittersweet dark chocolate

Preheat oven to 350 deg. F. To a medium bowl, add egg whites and a pinch salt; beat with an electric mixer until stiff. Fold in sugar and vanilla (gently, please), then stir in coconut. Using a small ice cream scoop or a spoon, form cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden, then let cool for 30 minutes. For the chocolate topping: Using a metal or glass bowl, set up a double boiler. (Meaning, fill a small saucepan halfway with water, let it start to boil, and place the heatproof bowl directly on the saucepan. The boiling water shouldn't be touching the bowl, though. It allows the steam to heat the bowl and keeps the chocolate from burning.) Melt the chocolate in the double boiler. Now the choice is yours - either dip the macaroons into the chocolate, making a sort of coconut black-and-white cookie, or simply drizzle the chocolate over the macaroons on the sheet pan in an artful way. Either way, it will taste delicious.