An's List - The October Edit
a mini Hudson Valley guide, Monkey Bar, the perfect men's T-shirt, current fashion & home things I'm loving
My partner’s birthday was this week, so it’s been a fun, eventful couple of days, just between us. We went upstate on Saturday and got sushi to eat at the park in Brooklyn on Sunday. I baked him a cake, and we celebrated his birthday at Monkey Bar.
The October Edit
Hudson Valley - a mini guide + what to do in a day
In case you haven’t heard, New England’s 2025 fall foliage hit peak EARLY. Due to the drought, trees in classic New England spots in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine showed colors earlier than usual and faded faster, meaning the leaves would all fall before they changed colors.
I wanted to check out The Berkshires in Massachusetts last weekend, at least spending one night, but we had no luck with any good bookings. Instead, we decided to stay within the Hudson Valley, doing just the day trip.
Lots of people like to call everything north of the NYC metropolitan area Upstate New York; however, the exact definition is subjective. Please see my Google Maps above with marked locations (most I haven’t been to and want to check out!) if you’re curious to know places and areas that I’m currently interested in going.
This past weekend, we went to Fishkill Farms for some apple cider, and apple cider donuts, and apples (just from the farm store, not U-pick since they only do huge bags for big groups).
A weekend stay at Wildflower Farms has been one of my biggest bucket list items. We stopped by for a midday drink, mainly to check out the space for the vibe. I loved it and would recommend the bar or restaurant at this hotel to your upstate itinerary.
Then we checked out Minnewaska State Park Preserve (the visitor center and the lake behind it), but didn’t hike because we didn’t have a lot of time. If you want to hike, Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road Loop is a flat 1.9-mile loop. It’s a gorgeous area, great for families, especially in the fall with the foliage!
For dinner, I wanted to check out Chleo in Kingston, so that's where we headed after our brief park visit. Food at Chleo felt like a friend making it at home, and everything was delicious. Don’t forget to get a glass of wine if you’re here. We stopped by Harana Market in Accord, hoping to try some Filipino food, but they were closed for a private event. Callisto in High Falls was another spot on my list that I had wanted to check out for a long time. They have a following on IG from doing private and brand events, collaborating with famous creators and chefs. I’d love to attend one of their events one day. So cool to see the farm on the way to Kingston that day!
If you’re feeling a bit fancier (to celebrate someone or want something a bit more special), you have to reserve a table at one of my favorite restaurants in New York, Stissing House in Pine Plains. It’s a historic, candle-lit, and very charming spot, serving classic American dishes.
Meanwhile, check out other upstate guides I’ve shared on An’s List.
Monkey Bar
Earlier on Wednesday, I got in line at 3:07 PM at 4 Charles Prime Rib in the West Village and was the 10th+ person. Note that this is a walk-in line for a chance to dine at their outdoor/patio tables or a table inside if there’s a cancellation. I would recommend coming at around 2:45 on a rainy weekday if you really want to make sure you can get a table. Yes, dining at any NYC classic institutions requires some planning ahead and luck. I won’t ever pay someone for this, but I’ve heard and seen people either sliding cash to the host or paying someone for a reservation. At 7:10 PM, when I was already uptown, I got a text with a patio table.
As said at the beginning, we did get a bar table at Monkey Bar after about an hour wait. There are stool seatings at the bar and three tall round tables with 4 chairs each, and a few booth seatings on the other side. While the bar area was crowded, the dining area inside looked half-empty most of the time I was there. I knew we would be seated somewhat earlier because they’re serving American bar food, so we decided to hang around the bar. We checked in with the host twice, then she came through with a bar table right after I mentioned ‘birthday.’ Right after we sat down, we had two people asking to join us on the other side of the table, and the staff did make sure that we were ok with it. Someone did say no to us when we asked if we could leave our drink on their table earlier, but we wouldn’t honestly mind.
The salad, cheeseburger, and French dip were good (up to standard American bar food); we both loved the experience more. My gin martini was strong and crisp, and I loved the lemon meringue pie as well. In case you don’t know, I love this type of bar where there’s a history and a real classy, jazzy vibe to it. The murals in the private dining area were painted by the renowned illustrator and caricaturist, Ed Sorel. The crowd consisted of slightly older working professionals, and the interior made me feel like I was in an old classic NYC movie. Of course, I had to pick up their matches and poster before heading out.
Merz b. Schwanen 215 Loopwheeled T-shirt
I stopped by Merz b. Schwanen store on Canal Street in SoHo this week to ask for the ‘Carmy’ or The Bear T-shirt. It’s worn by Jeremy Allen White or Carmy in the show, The Bear! Yes, it costs $115 (+tax!), but I think it’s worth it to get it as a gift for someone like my partner, who also appreciates these kinds of things!
This T-shirt, called the 215 T-shirt, does kinda have a cult following, and I’m sure you can find a ton of reviews if you search for it online. It’s made in Germany from mid-weight organic cotton, knitted by one of those old school loopwheeling machines. The machines are slow, so these T-shirts take a longer time to produce and are more expensive. I’m a fan of the material because it looks vintagey and feels dense but breathable and springy. I’m sure it will wash and wear beautifully with time. I love the round neckline that’s not too tight, the slightly slim classic fit that would suit so many different body types, and the triangular inserts underneath the armpits that add comfort. Sizing-wise, it runs small, so order at least one size up. Another thing to note is that this T-shirt will shrink about 1 inch vertically or in length after washing, hence it is slightly longer in length. Carmy did have his T-shirt altered in length, so it fits him more cropped.
My partner is a medium, and it is super tight on him around the chest. I did go back the next day to exchange it for a large one, but I think he could also easily do an XL as well! Personally, I think this ‘215’ T-shirt is better worn slightly fitted with a pair of dark selvedged denim, a belt, a leather jacket, and boots for fall. Merz b. Schwanen also makes a few different T-shirt styles and fabric weights, some with side seams to accommodate different, larger-chested people. You have to stop by the store if you’re in SoHo!
I also browsed a few other men’s clothing stores while I was in SoHo. Besides Merz b. Schwanen, I’d highly recommend Noah, Stoffa, Blue in Green, Vince, RRL, Jcrew Men’s, Banana Republic, Buck Mason, KITH, Theory, and Acne Studios.
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Favorites and screenshots this week
left: Extreme Cashmere bandana in Rosa; right: COS cashmere scarf
Here’s the COS knit skirt in dark brown that I got with the knit pants shared above, both with the 25% friends and family discount!
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I styled it with an old slightly sheer brown sleeveless top from Paloma Wool. I had on a brown Skims bralette underneath and opted for a sweater draped over the shoulder look instead of a jacket (because it was not cold enough!). The suede belted tote is new-ish from Madewell, and I shared about it in last week’s vlog!!! You can shop the outfit, HERE.
left: CAWLEY buttoned sweater; right: James Street Co Peri cardigan
Last fashion items I’m very excited about are the three pieces I’ll be getting in the mail early next week, from Erin Wasson x Buck Mason collection. Pinch me since I’ve been such a big fan of the brand. Buck Mason draws inspiration from American heritage, California-modern vibe, and I love Erin’s take on creative styling the new campaign — Western, chic, and familiar! This barn jacket is my #1 pick, but it’s currently back-ordered.
Other favorites…
This week, I saw posts from Courtney Grow’s house party with PORTA and this Tiktok of her in her new closet, and I fell in love. I love the wallpapers, the flowers and florals, the ceramics, and the whimsical drawings on the ceiling. The drawing is done by a local artist, Alley Bell, that also does the ceiling for the PORTA’s store.
Silver, chrome, and stainless steel homeware is having the biggest moment! If you don’t know what to gift me this holiday season, below is an example of what I like (*jk, but really!).
Or anything home and jewelry from Georg Jensen!
I want my home to look like Lucy Williams Home! She’s my forever muse in terms of fashion, travel, and interior style-wise!
Exciting exhibitions in NYC:
If you love textile art, I also recommend checking out An Ecology of Quilts: The Natural History of American Textiles from September 26, 2025 to March 1, 2026 at the American Folk Art Museum in the UWS. Admission is free!
Man Ray: When Objects Dream is now on view at the Met until February 1, 2026, and I will for sure be stopping by!
Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend! Take care and don’t forget to tune in for vlog 98 this Sunday!
An :x