This season's inspiration started with a feeling: togetherness. Designer Guin and team took that feeling and ran with it – mixing nostalgia, comfort, and a whole lot of personality. Think heirloom-inspired layers, vintage drape prints (yep), and pieces that make it easy to show up just as you are. Let's get into it. 

Toad: Let's start at the beginning... what sparked this Fall's collection when you started planning it? 

Guin: This season is all about the joy of togetherness – something we can all really lean on right now. Whether it's a laid-back house party or a weekend escape with friends, it's all about community, gathering (nothing fancy) and making time for the people who matter most. And most importantly... showing up exactly as you are. 

Toad: Love that concept, and agree – community is so important right now. How does the 'showing up as you are' play into the overall style of the season?

Guin: We've always focused on making pieces that celebrate the timeless over the trendy, the personal over the passing – longtime closet staples that you can make your own with fun accessories, an unexpected shoe choice, or by mixing and matching treasured pieces in unexpected ways. Just come as you are – quirks and all.

Toad: We hear you, trends are moving so fast these days, it's easy to let your unique style get lost. How do you describe your personal style, and what are your favorite items from the Fall collection?

Guin: My personal style is grounded in a balance of masculine and feminine elements. I often take cues from classic menswear – think preppy tailoring or sporty collegiate references – and pair them with softer, more personal touches, like a pearl necklace my mom hand-knotted for me or a silk floral scarf tied in my hair. I love playing with texture and layering, and I’m drawn to pieces that tell a story. One of my go-tos is a threadbare vintage crewneck sweatshirt in a bold color, or one of my dad’s old graphic tees styled with a modern silhouette. It’s a mix of nostalgia and intention – heritage pieces grounded by contemporary updates.

Tying into my style, some of my favorite pieces from this season really reflect that blend of nostalgia, texture, and a playful mix of masculine and feminine. The Manzana Quilted Jacket stands out – it has that charming "found-in-the-back-of-the-closet" feel with its mash-up of prints and patterns. It reminds me of a quilted jacket my grandma wore in the '90s – she is a real babe, and it’s fun to channel a bit of her style.

Guin with sweet Grams Dolores (Inspiration for the Manzana Jacket) and her sibs 

The Airscape Long Sleeve Shirt is another favorite. It’s designed oversized in just the right way, nodding to classic men’s shirting but with a softer, more wearable cut.

The Printed Bianca Pattern Sweater brings a twist to a traditional shaker knit with a floral overprint – it’s classic with a wink, which I’m always drawn to.

And the Wasatch Sweater Vest is just chef’s kiss – versatile, layerable, and easy to style in a way that feels distinctly your own.

Toad: How about on the men's side? What did you have the most fun designing?

Guin: This season, we’re especially drawn to pieces that carry a real heirloom quality –things that feel like they could’ve been passed down, but still fit seamlessly into today’s wardrobe. The Pinevale Shirt Jacket is a standout. It has a classic flannel exterior in a smart, easy-to-wear plaid, and the inside features a vintage-inspired quilted taffeta lining that gives it that extra nostalgic charm.

Another favorite is the Rockland Shirt. It’s made from a richly textured jacquard that’s been brushed for softness but still has a great weight to it. It’s the kind of piece that only gets better with time – built to wash and wear beautifully for years.

And the Men’s Alpineglo Sweater is packed with thoughtful detail. It uses a mix of merino wool on the outside and organic cotton plating on the inside for next-to-skin comfort. The subtle roll collar nods to the ‘90s, but the fit and feel make it incredibly easy to wear now.

Toad: Speaking of Alpineglo, we're digging that new fabric. Any other new fabric introductions you're especially excited about?

Guin: Love Alpineglo! The look of a wool sweater with soft cotton against your skin – truly the best of both worlds. 

In general I can't stress enough why sweaters with cotton are so amazing... easy care, great value, and just an overall un-fussiness that make them your favorite go-tos. Our Bianca and Twigtree styles easily become favorites for throwing on and going season after season. 

And our new Wasatch Sweaters are an amazing blend of a non-mulesed wool, cotton, and recycled nylon. The result is a super soft yarn that’s lightweight, lofty, and perfectly packable – and it takes color beautifully. Just effortless all around!

Toad: Speaking of color... can you tell us about any favorite prints or patterns – and where the inspiration came from?

Guin: My favorite print this season? No contest – it’s the artichoke pinecone situation on the Campo Fleece Jacket. This one was pulled from a pair of absolutely unhinged vintage drapes we found – straight out of a mid-century cabin in the woods, the kind of place with shag carpet and a wood-burning stove. They lived in our design room for months and honestly became the unofficial mascot of the season. I’d wear this print head to toe without hesitation. Wallpaper, jumpsuit, you name it – fully committed.

A close second is the Ink sunflower intarsia (a fancy word for a technique that involves knitting with blocks of color) in our Wasatch Crew Sweater. She’s got serious ‘90s sitcom energy – like she could be lounging at Central Perk, sipping tea, listening to Smelly Cat, and gossiping with all her Friends. The vibe is effortlessly cool, slightly offbeat, and totally lovable, just like the sweater.

Toad: How about any key trend moments you're loving? 

Guin: I’m loving our approach to solid pops of color – from the bold hues in our Nomader Jacket to our Alpineglo Sweater. These color pops are the perfect balance of keeping things fresh and timeless, and the key to a curated, simplified closet.

Toad: Thanks for taking us along for the ride! On a personal note, what are you most excited for in your own life this fall season?

Guin: Oh, so many things! Fall in the Midwest – where I'm based – is truly the best time of year. I’m hoping to squeeze in a camping trip up to the North Shore to catch the fall colors, meet some friends in Door County, and head down to Iowa City for a family reunion. And of course, I’ll be diving into the new season with my team, out scouting and gathering inspiration for what’s next. :)