As they say here in the South, “Happy Fall, Y’all.”
I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but this year is flying.
And though every other blogger you follow has probably shared their Fall wish lists and style roundups already, I don’t feel like I’m lagging behind because the forecast predicts highs of 93°F tomorrow. It’s basically still summer here, and will be for the foreseeable future.
Still, a gal can dream of cooler weather and changing leaves. In fact, the forecast for our trip to Europe in two weeks looks absolutely delightful. I’m ready for a break from the heat!
And after a summer spent in bright and colorful clothing (well, relatively speaking – this is still me we’re talking about!), I feel the need to recede a bit into my comfort-zone of neutrals such as black, cream, and tan. I’m calling this season’s inspiration “classics-made-modern.” As I head into an upcoming period of change and transformation, I need my wardrobe to work hard to support me – both at home and when I’m away. I need to be able to rely on sturdy, well-made pieces that stand the test of time yet still feel fresh – and I think these may be just the things to do it:
| Top Row || Slim Silk Shirt | Leather Backpack | Leather Belt | Leather Heel || Middle Row || Pima Cami | Clear Crossbody | Dainty Ring | Sweatshirt || Bottom Row || Ballet Flat | Mock Neck Dress | Mac Coat | Tiny Diamond Necklace |
1. Slim Silk Shirt. According to every “Minimal Wardrobe” Pinterest pin ever made this is an absolute staple. And while I don’t necessarily subscribe to those closet formulas or must-have lists, I do notice the absence of a simple button-down in my wardrobe. I’ve tried a few styles over the years, but have never been successful in finding one that fit my body just right. This season I’d like to try to find my match, and hopefully in silk – it’s out there, somewhere!
2. Leather Backpack. While I have a large leather tote and a packable nylon backpack, I feel like there’s a happy medium somewhere on the spectrum of casual-to-refined. This one is made by artisans in Ethiopia and comes with a lifetime guarantee (so basically, it’s like the JanSport you carried in high school, but cooler).
3. Leather Belt. I had a similar brown belt listed on my Summer Wish List, but for some reason I never quite ordered it. I’ve long-admired Sézane products but have never made a purchase. Perhaps now will be the time!
4. Leather Heel. I’ve tried countless black pumps in an effort to find a pair that are well-made and fit comfortably. Inez promises to do both, with the fall-back of free return shipping if things don’t work out.
5. Pima Cami. When I travel for short periods of time (say, up to three or four nights), I bring one set of pajamas. But when I travel for longer stretches, I like to pack four different pajama pieces: a tank or short-sleeve top, sleep shorts, long soft pants, and a long-sleeve shirt. This way, I can mix-and-match based on what parts of my body are feeling particularly hot or cold that night. Along with this cami, I’d love to purchase the matching shorts, pants, and top.
6. Clear Crossbody. No, I haven’t lost my fear of getting pick-pocketed. With Fall also arrives the start of football season here in the U.S., and many stadiums have moved to a clear-bag policy. The bags from Truffle are about as stylish as a plastic-bag can get!
7. Dainty Ring. If you caught my Stories on Instagram during our time in Raleigh, you know that I fell hard for this ring from Wwake. I love the unique setting of the stones, and trust me, in person it’s somehow even more gorgeous.
8. Sweatshirt. I never knew that I was a sweatshirt kind of girl until the last couple of years, when I added two to my wardrobe. I think this one, with its pretty, billowy sleeves, would complete my set.
9. Ballet Flat. Okay, but I have been a ballet-flat lover for a long time. So much so that I’ve worn through all of the ones I’ve owned over the years. This looker of a flat has a removable ribbon (yay, options!) and though it’s a can’t-miss red, I think it can somehow almost pass as a neutral. At any rate, it would pair well with whites and blacks and make killer holiday-party shoes – without the ache.
10. Mock Neck Dress. I love dresses that blur the line of work and play. Is this one appropriate for work? Absolutely. Is it ready for date-night? You bet.
11. Mac Coat. Even though I already own a Mac, I absolutely swooned when I saw this color on the Everlane site. The warm, rich brown should play well with other items in my wardrobe, and there are just enough details on the jacket to keep things visually interesting without becoming a distraction.
12. Tiny Diamond Necklace. Here’s another item that stopped me right in my tracks. The off-center diamond is so small it’s hard to notice at first, but once you see it, it’s tough to look away. I don’t regularly buy myself nice jewelry (hello – this necklace costs more than our last domestic round-trip flight), but to me this feels worth splurging on.
Do you get to experience a true “Autumn” season where you live? Or do you jump straight from Summer to Winter?
