New Arrivals at Carriage House: Caliban Silks, MeimeiJ Layers and Party-Ready Tanya Taylor
There's a moment every November when I walk into the back room, see the boxes stacked to the ceiling and feel like a kid on Christmas morning. The holiday calendar is filling up, the mornings finally have a little bite to them, and our racks are full of things I want to wear tomorrow.
This week, I pulled my favorite new arrivals and grouped them the way I'd style them for you in the dressing room. A few brands you know and love, and a couple you might be meeting for the very first time. Every one of these pieces is something I'd call a smart investment: easy to throw on and go, and good for many seasons to come.
Let's take a look.
Caliban Silk Tops: Prints With Polish
If you've never met Caliban, let me introduce you. These are the tops I hand to the woman who says, "I want to look put together, but I don't want to look boring." They have just enough print to feel special and just enough tailoring to wear to the office.
The Caliban High Neck Silk Pullover Top in Aubergine Plaid is 100% silk, with a high neckline and an oversized cuff. That deep plum is gorgeous on almost every skin tone, and it's so pretty under a camel coat.
For something a little dressier, the Caliban French Cuff Silk Top in a Dark Cyan and Cream Print has a point collar, a concealed button front and, you guessed it, French cuffs. Add a pair of gold earrings and you're ready for dinner. And if you love a classic stripe, the Caliban Funnel Neck Top in blue and white is a fresh take on the button-up, with a high funnel neckline instead of a collar.
Le Sarte Pettegole: Italian Shirts With a Wink
Some shirts are serious. These are not, and I love them for it. Le Sarte Pettegole makes the kind of button-up that gets you compliments in the grocery line.
The Le Sarte Pettegole Giraffe Print Top in Burgundy and Ivory is made in Italy in a stretch cotton, with a point collar and concealed button front. Burgundy and ivory is such a rich fall combination, and it looks fantastic with dark denim or a chocolate trouser. For a softer look, the Tie Neck Top in Cherry Blossom is 100% cotton with a self-tie neckline. Tie it in a bow, let it hang loose or knot it to the side. Three looks, one shirt.
MeimeiJ: Made-in-Italy Layers for Our In-Between Weather
Alabama in November can't make up its mind, and neither can I. That's why I love a great layer. MeimeiJ brings Italian layers that are relaxed, a little architectural and so easy to wear.
Start with the MeimeiJ Padded Scarf Jacket in Stainless Steel. It has a padded self-tie scarf at the neck, so your jacket and your scarf are one and the same. Zip it up on a cold morning at the farmers market, and you're done.
Then build an outfit you'll wear all winter: the MeimeiJ Crossover Vest in Olive, a wool blend with a lapel collar and a self-tie belt, over the Metal Zip Wool Sweater in Pearl, a 100% virgin wool V-neck with a zip detail. Finish with the Wide Leg Drawstring Pant in Bison. It has an elastic drawstring waist and side seam pockets, which means it looks like a trouser and feels like your favorite lounge pant. That's what I call savvy.
Tanya Taylor and Xírena: Ready for the Holiday Calendar
The invitations are coming, ladies. Let's be ready.
The Tanya Taylor Amelia Dress in Black is the dress I'd want hanging in my closet from now until New Year's. It's a fit-and-flare silhouette in double georgette, with ruffles cascading down the V-neckline and an attached neck tie. Tanya Taylor suggests styling it with a tall boot or a simple heel, and I couldn't agree more.
Want something cozier? The Camilla Embellished Knit Top in Blackberry is a merino wool polo with embroidered florals. It's back by popular demand, and I can see why. Pair it with the Xírena Garland Suede Skirt in Lotus, a pull-on midi in soft goat suede with an elastic drawstring waist and side seam pockets. Suede you can pull on like a sweatpant? Yes, please.
How I'd Shop This Week's New Arrivals
Pick one print. A Caliban silk or a Le Sarte Pettegole shirt, then keep everything else solid.
Layer for the forecast. A vest or scarf jacket over a fine sweater handles a cold morning and a warm afternoon.
Buy the party dress now. Small boutiques get small quantities, and the best pieces go first.
Think in outfits. Ask yourself what you'll wear it with three different ways before it leaves the dressing room.
Your Questions, Answered
Where can I find new designer arrivals near Huntsville?
At Carriage House in historic downtown Decatur, about a half-hour drive from Huntsville and Madison. New pieces arrive every week. See all the brands we carry in our North Alabama designer brand guide.
Are there many pieces of each style?
We buy in small quantities, so sizes go quickly. If you see something you love, call us at 256.355.4349 and we'll check your size.
Can someone help me put outfits together?
Absolutely. Book a complimentary styling appointment, in store or virtually. Here's what working with one of our stylists is like.
Treat Yourself to Something New
You don't need a whole new wardrobe. You need a few pieces you love that make everything else in your closet work harder. A silk top that makes your jeans feel like an outfit. A vest that turns a sweater into a look. A black dress that's ready the minute the invitation arrives.
As the legendary costume designer Edith Head said, "You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it." Come see us in Decatur, or let us send you a ShopBox, and let's get you dressed for everything this season has in store.
