Long Weekend, Loud Opinions: What I’m Wearing, Swapping, and Stashing For Fall

I woke up to that first cool snap and immediately reached for my troublemaker. Today it’s Serge Lutens Chergui - hay, tobacco, amber, and just enough sweetness to make strangers lean in. If you’re still clinging to sheer beach mists, that’s cute, but this weekend belongs to smoke, spice, and a little decadence.

Travel bag is packed for a quick out-of-town jaunt. I tossed in a mini of Diptyque Philosykos for daytime fig-wood calm, then Byredo Bal d’Afrique for sunset drinks. If it chills down, I’ll graduate to Chanel Coromandel - white chocolate patchouli with a clean collar and a wicked smile.

Hot take alert: Guerlain Mitsouko is still the sexiest fall perfume. Not loud, not obvious, just peach-chypre perfection that eats many modern launches for breakfast. Fight me, then try it on skin.

What I’m swapping this weekend:

• Decants of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 - I adore it in cold air, but I own too much. Looking for smokier trades.
• A nearly full YSL Libre Intense - big vanilla lavender, just not me anymore.
• Samples of Parfums de Marly Delina - I prefer my roses darker, so I’ll barter for Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady or Amouage Jubilation 25.

If you need fall ideas that smell like good decisions, start here:

• Tom Ford Black Orchid - glossy truffle, orchid, and drama. Wear it with lipstick, even if you’re in sweats.
• Le Labo Santal 33 - yes it’s everywhere, but in crisp air it turns to suede and salt. Still addictive.
• Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt - soft mineral breeze, perfect for hangover brunch.
• Diptyque Philosykos - green fig and sap if you want cozy without syrup.
• Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady - rose, patchouli, incense, the room listens when you arrive.

Tell me your scent of the day, your next trip, and what bottle you’re finally brave enough to swap. And if you bought something reckless this month, confess it. Donatella loves a tally and so do I.