by Grayling Holmes

It’s autumn in St. Louis. As the days of Fall 2024 dwindle down to the precious few, the leaves are finally transforming. They are unmasking. The cooler nights we are having are changing the fall foliage into vivid reds, yellows, and oranges — the signatures of the season. With temps dipping into the 40’s, even 30’s some nights in October, the leaves stop making chlorophyll, and the true color of the leaves are revealed in all their autumnal glory. Soon they will fall, hence the name of the season, and we will be crunching them underfoot. Ah, glory. Children will be kicking them up as they trick-or-treat next week. The aromas of pumpkin spice wafts through the air at every corner. Bonfires are ablaze. Hayrides. Hot apple cider. Caramel apples. Although the days are getting shorter — each sunrise is later and sunset comes sooner and sooner — drip drip drip, the year dwindles; yet the wonders of fall abound. We manage to greet the season and define it in ways as kaleidoscopic as leaves and joyful as they contrast against the cerulean, crisp blue skies, as they sun strikes through them filling our hearts with joy.

We seize the season. We wrap ourselves in it and savor each luxurious drop of it. Celebrate the season — the time of year where humid-free warm days give way to chilly nights. Wrap yourself in sophisticated splendor this year. Here are a few decadently autumnal ways in which you can.

AMAFFI Fragrances

AMAFFI invites you to capture the spirit of Fall with its bold, captivating fragrances. Forever Tango and Hot Heart bring the warmth and energy of autumn to life, perfect for those seeking a signature scent that matches the season's drama and allure. All fragrances are available at amaffi.com.

Forever Tango is the fragrance embodiment of Fall’s most vibrant colors. A passionate dance of fiery pimento and exotic cardamom ignites this rich composition, leading into a floral heart of jasmine and tuberose. The high-quality crystal bottle, exclusively designed by French jewelers for AMAFFI, features a special spray for optimal fragrance diffusion as well as silver-plated gilding and Swarovski crystals, all housed in a striking octagonal black lacquered wooden box with gold engraving and a black velvet interior. With every spritz, this scent mirrors the intensity and romance of autumn’s boldest hues, ensuring you leave an unforgettable impression wherever you go. $7,100 for 75ml at 22% concentration. 

For men, Hot Heart reflects the invigorating charm of Fall’s brisk air and fiery foliage. Its seductive blend of spicy cardamom, earthy cypress, and oak moss evokes the rugged warmth of the season, balanced by a sharp hint of grapefruit. The fragrance is encased in a striking hexagonal glass bottle with a metal-inlaid cap, housed in a black lacquered wooden box adorned with gold embossing and lined with black English velvet for a luxurious unboxing experience. Just like Fall, Hot Heart is bold, mysterious, and undeniably captivating. $4,300 for 75ml at 18% concentration. 

For your pleasure and convenience of always having your favorite fragrance with you, AMAFFI offers a 50ml companion bottle of the same scent, which is included in the price of your full-size perfume purchase. Whether you’re out in the golden light of a fall afternoon or gathering by the fire as the night cools, these scents will ensure that wherever you go, you leave a lasting, fiery impression.

Aperture Cellars

Founded by first-generation winemaker Jesse Katz in 2009, Aperture Cellars, the renowned winery in Sonoma County, champions a range of stunning wines dedicated to expressing the region’s potential and longevity for producing world-class Bordeaux varietals in California. Crafted from over 200 acres of unique, cool-climate vineyards in Sonoma’s top regions, Aperture has quickly identified itself as an elite wine label and world-class player boasting powerful, rich fruit characteristics with elegance and freshness. Aperture wines are available for sale at https://aperture-cellars.com/wines/.

With experience at iconic Pétrus and Screaming Eagle wineries, among others, Jesse Katz has emerged as one of the most exciting and accomplished winemakers globally. Wine Enthusiast named him one of its 40 Under 40 Tastemakers, and he also earned the distinction of becoming the first winemaker on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the signature wine of Aperture Cellars. The portfolio also includes a Red Bordeaux Blend, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. Aperture is the only Cabernet Sauvignon in the history of the Alexander Valley region to ever have received a perfect score. Devil Proof revolves around single vineyard dry-farmed expressions of Malbec, from Alexander Valley’s Farrow Ranch, and from Rockpile Ridge vineyard in the Rockpile AVA. Devil Proof holds the esteemed position as the highest-rated California Malbec by all of the top wine critics, and the only Malbec to receive numerous 100 point scores.

Winston Flowers Autumn Floral & Gourmet Gift Boxes

Inspired by the rustic beauty of the season, the Winston Flowers Autumn Collection channels the brilliant energy of the ever-changing landscape into every one of their arrangements. Featuring fall flowers in vibrant palettes of gold, cranberry, and bronze with organic embellishments like fresh berries, brassica, and dark midnight foliage, Winston Flowers’ arrangements come alive with fiery hues and rich textures.  This autumn, savor classic fall flavors with gourmet treats made locally in New England and New York. Winston Flowers' gourmet gift boxes showcase small-batch foods made by hand with authentic ingredients and exceptional care. Each box features thoughtfully curated favorites dressed beautifully with seasonal touches in their signature charcoal crate.  Please see below standouts from the stunning Autumn Floral & Gourmet Box Collections! All gifts are available at winstonflowers.com.

THE BIG APPLE:  Enjoy a decadent collection of goodies from some of New York’s finest small businesses. Take a tour of the state’s sweet shops with two of Raaka’s seasonal chocolate bars, Brooklyn Born chocolate pretzel poppers and peanut butter cups, along with Cacao Market by MarieBelle coffee toffee bar, and cinnamon walnut Brooklyn Brittle. Continue with Popinsanity classic caramel popcorn, Nat’s Nuts salted caramel cashews, Potters Table seeded flatbread, and crisp Macintosh apples. Wash it all down with Harney & Sons’ hot cinnamon sunset tea. Available for delivery nationwide. $225

CURATED COLLECTION NO. 1: Winston Flowers is thrilled to introduce the first edition of their brand new Designer Curated Collection. Within each seasonal collection they will showcase exclusive arrangements featuring new blooms and innovative style by some of their most seasoned designers. The inspirational nature paired with specialty stems and containers makes these floral works of art limited in availability.  This textural oasis is an enchanting ode to autumn’s layered palette. The perfect pairing of muted lavenders and purples alongside a range of burgundies and oranges are reminiscent of a picturesque fall foliage landscape. You can almost smell the crisp, fall air and the crunching sound of fallen leaves with each step. $350

GOLDEN HOUR: Enjoy one of the most extraordinary offerings of the season with an opulent arrangement of autumnal blooms. Over three dozen roses—including hues of terracotta, dusty mauve, and blushing honey, alongside muted peach spray roses. Complemented by apple red ʻbutterfly’ ranunculus and rich mauve-colored lisianthus surrounded by seasonal foliage and burgundy berries in a dark green bowl. $500.