by Miranda
“I am such an autumn person. Give me a quiet, cozy spot with a simple view of gorgeous trees with colorful leaves on a crisp fall day, fuzzy socks, a warm drink, a good book and I will be in all my glory.” ~ anon.
Cool days and crisp nights mean we’re transitioning into fall. While we hate to see summer go, watching the seasons change is always fun with seasonal highlights to look forward to.
You won’t see swimsuits, daisy dukes, and flip flops now for a while, unless you live in a tropical area that is. Even still, fall is officially here, and it’s time to bring out the sweaters, scarves, and booties, but it’s not just style that changes. Along with the changing colors of the leaves come those changes in décor, atmosphere, and taste. So it’s also time to brew that pumpkin spice coffee, light apple cinnamon candles, and bring out the flavorful pies.
Each season has a defining factor that makes it unique, special, and relatable to each and every one of us. The season is just not the same without them. What is summer without swimsuits, Pina colada, and ice cream? Winter without hot cocoa, Christmas music (that began on Thanksgiving), and presents? Spring without Easter, pastels, and rain? For the three months of fall, these are just a few of the things the season would not be the same without.
Warm colored palettes
This is the time for reds, golds, and orange. No discredit to the other colors, such as chocolate and olive green. Those are great too. Still, everything seems to have a golden glow that’s melting, and this glow can be translated into the change of makeup. This is the time that scarlet, merlot, brick, and mauve tones pop on lips and give eyes an enticing allure. During this time, I love having a good red lip color. I pair Innisfree’s Rose-tinted lip balm under a matte red lipstick or wear it alone when I don’t want the look to be too heavy.
Big fluffy scarves
They are everywhere! Who has not wrapped a big scarf stylishly around his or her neck? By the end of the season, there will be a chest full of more than enough scarves. It is fun to mix, match, and style these bad boys with outfits.
Booties
The right pair can up your level of chic or edge to any outfit. Now is the perfect wear time. It’s cool enough to wear them without having hot feet. By winter you’ll have to pull out the real boots to combat the harsh cold.
Spice in the air and candles everywhere
From the food cooking to colorful potpourri and plugged-in fresheners, there is a scent bound to capture your olfactory senses. For me, it’s cinnamon that I find absolutely divine this time of year. I literally walked through an entire park and smelt it everywhere. It was glorious! So, of course, at home, I stay stocked up on candles. I enjoy those made by Yankee Candles and also Lulu Candles. Lulu Candles is a particular favorite as they donate to groups that help rescue abandoned animals. Cinnamon is also perfect in shea butter, and if you’re near a Publix, snag a cinnamon broom. The scent will fill the room.
Oversized sweaters and sweatshirts
This would be my reason for having fall all year. What other time would I have an excuse to wear something not my size—and not feel bad about it? It is so comfortable to just wrap up in a huge sweater and flap the arms about. Another great thing about oversized sweaters and sweatshirts is that you can wear anything under them. Keep the pajamas on, pull on sweat pants and the sweatshirt, and roll into that 7:00 a.m. class.
Ginger snaps, pumpkin spice and sweet potato pie
The seasonal baked goods and beverages are in! Eggnog is out and pecan pie is fresh off the racks. One item I have especially fallen for is gingerbread cake. Cut a slice with a chai tea latte—heaven! Strangely, I haven’t wasn’t able to find a pumpkin spiced latte in any Starbucks I’ve visited in Shanghai, but now that I’m back home there’s no problem there.
That late-night or early morning read
There’s nothing like curling up with a good book and good cup of coffee. The seasonal creamers out, so now we can change it up every morning, an even alternate with the eggnog. I’m a night owl, so I like to get my cup, curl up with a blanket and settle in for a night read. On nice afternoons, it is also fun to move my set up to the lanai and read outside.
Fall décor
I would not forget this one. Each season, I change the décor of my home, and it’s a lot of fun because it’s like giving the interior a facelift every quarter of the year. Michael’s is my friend in this department. I rotate out frames, floral sets, tablecloths—everything. You will also never fail to find fresh flowers that reflect the current season. For fall, I really love chrysanthemum, heliopsis, sumac, and helenium.
Yours Truly, M 