stella’s favorite things – september

September is finally here, and I am absolutely pinching myself! This month marks such a monumental milestone in my life—my very first cookbook, Hungry Happens Mediterranean, has officially been published and is out in the world! It has been such a labor of love to gather these recipes and I am just so overwhelmed with gratitude to finally share them with all of you. Seeing it hit the shelves and become a New York Times bestseller is a dream I’m still trying to wrap my head around!

To celebrate this incredible whirlwind, we escaped for a quick family trip to Austin, Texas, and the energy there was just what I needed. Between the vibrant food scene (we found some incredible spots!) and that warm, southern hospitality, it was the perfect way to reset and soak in this special season. Whether you’re cooking through the new book or simply embracing the first crisp hints of fall in the air, I’ve curated some of my absolute favorite things for September to help you feel nourished, inspired, and truly at home. Let’s dive in!

ELEVATED LOOKS

As the air starts to get that first little hint of a crisp September breeze, I find myself gravitating more than ever toward the incredible textures and silhouettes from Simkhai. There is something special about the way they master knitwear, it feels like a warm embrace while looking effortlessly high-fashion. I’m especially loving the Alcott Knit Mini Dress for those days when I want a look that’s playful yet perfectly structured; it’s such a versatile piece for a transitional afternoon.

When the occasion calls for something a bit more refined, the Genna Knit Midi Dress is an absolute dream, offering a stunning, elongated silhouette that feels so elegant for a cozy dinner out. And for a chic, modern moment, the Baylor Knit Mini Dress has become my new go-to; the craftsmanship is just exquisite, and it layers so beautifully with a light jacket. These pieces truly embody that “quiet luxury” feeling I love, making me feel polished and comfortable as we transition into this beautiful new season!

SUMMER BASICS

As we navigate these beautiful “in-between” days, I’ve been reaching for pieces that balance effortless comfort with that high-end, polished edge I just adore. I am completely obsessed with the Rag & Bone Featherweight Arianna High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans—they have that wonderful, light-as-air feeling that makes them so easy to wear all day, while the wide-leg silhouette adds such a chic, modern touch to a classic denim look. They are truly the perfect base for any transitional outfit!

To keep the look feeling fresh and a bit sporty, the Louis Vuitton Sneakerina is my new absolute favorite; they add just the right amount of “cool-girl” energy while being incredibly comfortable for running errands or exploring a new neighborhood. And to pull it all together, the Prada Bonnie Small Suede Shoulder Bag is simply stunning—the rich texture of the suede feels so luxurious for the season, and it’s the perfect size for carrying all my essentials while still looking perfectly curated. Whether I’m heading out for a casual lunch or a busy day of meetings, these finds are making me feel so refreshed and ready for everything September has in store!

MAKEUP ESSENTIALS

To achieve that signature, lit-from-within glow I absolutely adore, I’ve been reaching for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette every single morning. It’s truly a miracle worker, using photoluminescent technology to filter out harsh light and leave the skin with a soft-focus, multidimensional finish that looks incredible in any setting. To make the application even more seamless, I pair it with the Ambient™ Lighting Edit Brush; its double-ended design allows me to buff and blend with ease for a truly airbrushed effect. This duo is my ultimate secret to feeling radiant and perfectly polished, whether I’m heading to a book signing or just enjoying a cozy family dinner.

my favorite september recipes

Greek Chocolate Milk Pie (Galatopia)

Cheesy Beef + Cabbage Skillet (One Pan)

Easy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Salmon

Healthy Date and Walnut Cake