Well, we survived. Two kids, two classrooms, two sets of labeled everything—and somehow we made it through the first week with only one lost water bottle. I'm calling that a win.
And now it's September. The mornings are a little cooler, the calendar is suddenly full again, and I'm back to getting three people out the door before 8 a.m. Fall is still my favorite season (I stand by that), but the first few weeks are chaos. Beautiful chaos, but chaos.
Here's what I've learned after a summer of pool bags and sunscreen: September is when I go back to my "uniform." Not just clothes—jewelry, too. I don't have time to think about what I'm putting on in the morning, so I keep a small edit of pieces that go with everything, hold up to everything (car seats, playground, the occasional toddler tug), and still make me feel put together when I catch myself in the school pickup line looking like I haven't slept.
So this is the September version of my back-to-school list. Not for the kids this time. For you.
The Everyday Uniform
These are the pieces I put on and honestly forget about—in the best way.
- Gold Bar Studs: My "I got dressed today" earring. Tiny, clean, and they go with a sweatshirt just as well as a blazer. If you only buy one thing from this list, make it these.
- Mini Gold Huggies: The ones I sleep in. I know, I know. But they've never come off, and that's the point.
- Delicate Cable Chain Necklace: The base layer. Wear it alone, or stack it under something with a little more personality (see below).
- Thin Twisted Rope Stacker Ring: Slim enough to wear with my wedding band, pretty enough on its own. I wear two.
The "Little Piece of Them" Pieces
I've written before about my daughter's bracelet for those first-day nerves—something to hold onto that reminds her of home. It turns out I needed the same thing. Dropping them off is a lot harder than I expected, and I've found myself reaching for the pieces that carry a little bit of them.
- Mini Bezel-Set Round Birthstone Bracelet: One bezel for each kid. I get asked about this constantly. It's delicate, but it's real gold, so it's been through everything and still looks brand new.
- Heart Birthstone Bezel-Set Bracelet: The same idea with a heart-shaped stone. This one is for the moms who want it just a touch sweeter.
- Engravable Horizontal Pendant Necklace: Initials, a date, their names—whatever you'd want close. Mine says the thing only I need to know.
- Gold Initial Earrings: A tiny nod to each of them, one on each ear. Also very fun mismatched.
The Fall Layers
Once the sweaters come out, I like a little more weight around my neck and wrist. Nothing fussy—just pieces that catch the light against a chunky knit.
- Herringbone Chain Necklace: Liquid gold. It lies flat, it shines, and it makes a plain crewneck look intentional.
- Herringbone Chain Bracelet: The matching wrist piece. Wear it alone or next to the birthstone bracelet above.
- Small Paper Clip Chain Necklace: My layering necklace of the season. Longer, a little more open, and perfect over a turtleneck.
- Gold Polished Square Huggies: When I want a hoop but the day calls for something a little more grown-up. These are it.
The Treat
Because moms are the glue holding it all together, and glue deserves nice things.
- Classic Diamond Studs: The forever earring. If you've been waiting for a reason, the fact that you made it through the first week of school is the reason.
- Signature Classic Diamond Tennis Bracelet: This is the one I'd tell your partner about before the holidays sneak up. Just saying.
- Gold Puffy Heart Necklace: Somewhere between everyday and special. It's the piece I wear when I want to feel a little bit lighter.
A Few Reminders for the Month Ahead
Wipe your gold down with a soft cloth every so often (sunscreen and hand sanitizer build up faster than you'd think). Store the delicate chains separately so they don't tangle in your bag. And take the pieces off before the pool—yes, some of us are still squeezing in one last swim.
Most of all, wear the good stuff. Not just for the date nights, but for the drop-offs and the grocery runs and the Tuesday afternoons when nobody is looking. That's kind of the whole idea.
Bookmark this one. Send it to the mom in your group chat who's been "meaning to treat herself" since May. And if there's something you'd love to see us make, reply and tell me—the best pieces we've ever done started as a message from one of you.
Here's to September.
XO Olivia
