As a fashion writer Sarah Macken enjoys the turning of a new season. The contributing fashion editor at THE GLOSS and former editor of Irish Tatler, has her sights set on baroque pearls, nostalgic handbags and decadent Mary Janes. Plus, a viewing of a good murder mystery …

There are a few pieces on my wish-list for autumn …

A striking poplin blouse with ruffled sleeves by Isabel Marant Étoile, great wide-leg trousers that puddle around my shoe (usually I’m terrified of longer lengths) and a pair of square-toed leopard print Mary Janes by Le Monde Beryl, a brand that makes shoes inspired by the footwear worn by Venetian gondoliers.

Some pieces you want season upon season …

I say this every year but I would love to invest in a crossbody bag by Gucci, the kind with horsebit detailing and leather-trimmed canvas. It feels like an accessory Meryl Streep would have carried in her Kramer Vs Kramer era – it’s very 1970s. Speaking of, Streep’s wardrobe in that film feels apt for now – it’s all camel tones, muted colours and luxurious coats with softly sculpted shoulders (hello, quiet luxury!). These days however, I get my Streep fix by watching the latest season of Only Murders In The Building. If you haven’t watched it yet – do!

The best jewellery pieces are everyday luxuries…

I am never without my earring collection which is a mix of a gold and pearl-embellished huggies, the teeniest gold hoops and a miniature gold stud earring shaped like a flower. My Luna Coin Necklace by the designer Laura Lee is a cherished piece – it has a crescent moon on one side and the reverse is a pentacle. Incidentally, I love jewellery with a talismanic quality. I’m still undecided as to whether I’m trying to ward off any bad juju or if I’m in it purely for the aesthetics … likely both!

 My engagement ring is my most prized piece of jewellery …

It was a bespoke piece made by Natasha Sherling. My parents kindly gifted me a Victorian five-stone ring belonging to my paternal grandmother. Sadly, it didn’t fit, but Natasha was able to incorporate one of the sapphires into my engagement ring. We based my ring on a traditional evil eye motif: I’d like to say that idea was one that had been with me forever but, in truth, it was quite a spontaneous one, decided on gut instinct. The way in which Natasha designed the ring makes it both exciting and classic. We speak so flippantly about material possessions ‘sparking joy’ these days, but in this case I don’t think I’ll ever own anything else that is so special. Each time I look down at it I feel a surge of love – for my husband, my parents and my grandmother who passed away when I was very young.

The jewellery piece you can’t go wrong with is …

… pearls! They really are the most modern style signifier. They can be as classic as Gabrielle Chanel’s string of pearls with interlocking Cs or as subversive as a male starlet wearing a pearl drop earring and pussybow blouse on the red carpet. I’ve never met a more versatile – or decadent – embellishment. On a personal note, I’m never not dazzled by a pair of baroque pearl earrings.

The best part about this time of year is …

… leaves crunching underfoot, watching Practical Magic, taking down my ‘winter clothes’, the sudden urge I have to wear patent, 1960s-inspired fabrics and Quant-esque miniskirts. Dark denim, lush jumpers, Dr Martens, mild autumn days that only require a beautiful lightweight knit. Oh, and decorating your table with oodles of dahlias.