Apparently, there was an earthquake earlier in NYC and true to form, I am totally oblivious of anything to do with geology or nature.
At any rate, I’m currently in one of my favorite cafés on the Upper West Side drinking iced coffee. Let me tell you – I should have gone with a hot one. It’s FREEZING in here! It seems that no one is clued in to the fact that fall is on its way and the AC is staying cranked everywhere I go. But you know what?
I am beyond ready for fall. Summer is not my jam – I hate mosquitoes, I don’t like hot weather, and New York in summer is particularly disgusting. Besides those reasons, though, I have a top ten for you.
10. My birthday
This is actually a silly reason. I’m not so much into birthdays anymore since I’ve been out of school – especially grade school. I don’t really want that attention. (Remember bringing cupcakes for the whole class? And how you were the hero that day?) But last year, I had a really nice birthday – I spent most of it alone. Maybe this is strange, but I truly value my alone time, and I really enjoyed just walking around and window shopping. The next day I went to my college reunion and spent the weekend singing with old friends from choir. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday weekend. I still appreciate a good Funfetti cake, though.
9. Woodsmoke
I don’t really have access to this smell that often, but it seems to come out the most in fall. (People illegally burning leaves?) It’s one of my favorite scents and I wish I could find an accurate bottled version. Some Demeters come close, but doesn’t quite hit the mark – I’ll have to check out CB I Hate Perfume‘s version.
8. Halloween and Thanksgiving
I’m pretty sure that these two holidays are my favorites out of the whole year. Who doesn’t love Halloween? It gives everyone the opportunity to let their inner crazy out, wear over-the-top makeup and costumes, and get too much free candy. On Thanksgiving, if you’re lucky, you get to see all the family members you haven’t in months and binge eat/drink. (If you don’t like stuffing or mashed potatoes, I don’t know if we can be friends.)
7. Pumpkin Spice lattes
I’m a Starbucks Gold member, which I am both ashamed and proud to admit. My favorite drink, when I can get it, is a latte with Pumpkin Spice syrup. I love pumpkin anything and it happens to be a great combo with coffee. (And when you’re a Gold member, you get a free drink on your birthday!)
6. Fall footwear
There is definitely something to be said about the ease of sandals and how fun it is to flaunt a pretty pedi while wearing them. But my favorite shoes are fall shoes – little flats and oxfords, booties, and pumps in heavier materials. I’m really excited that velvet slippers are trendy this season because I have the perfect pair! Speaking of…
5. Fall fabrics
I love you, velvet blazer. J.Crew Velvet Schoolboy Blazer, picture from polyvore.com
I can’t wait to bust out the tweed and velvet! There’s something so luxurious about fabrics with a heavier weight, and they look so simply refined. (Plus, less ironing.) I got a plum velvet blazer from J.Crew last year and I’m so excited until it’s cool out enough to wear it! And cashmere, brocade, satin…bring it on!
4. Stockings
I jumped on this bandwagon pretty recently (senior year of college), but better late than never! From black opaque to my personal favorite, the elusive backseam stocking, tights can really give your outfit a pick-me-up.
3. Different shades of lipstick
Of course, there are some shades that I wear all year round – MAC Snob and Angel, in particular – but there are certain reds and purples that I wait until fall to add to my rotation. I have no doubt that MAC Dubonnet, a lipstick I bought after seeing it in Black Swan, will make its debut in a few weeks.
Soon enough...OPI Ski Teal We Drop
2. Darker and metallic nail polishes
I know it’s perfectly okay to wear these all year round, but it seems like they just mesh better with the fabrics of fall. Sumptuous fabrics call for fancy nails! My fantastic Orly foils, Chanel Paradoxal, and my beloved OPI Ski Teal We Drop are just begging to be used – and I can’t wait!
1. Outerwear
I freaking LOVE coats, jackets, blazers, and, most recently, capes. I am constantly judged and teased for wearing a cape, but I really don’t care. Not only do they look ridiculously fabulous, you can tuck your arms underneath when you’re particularly cold. You can also hide your purse beneath your cape! I actually have three – all different weights, lengths and colors – but my camel-colored one is on my favorite. I can’t wait to wear them with some high heels and stockings.
Okay, I can’t feel my fingers anymore because that’s how cold it is in this café. I should have brought a cape or at least some gloves. But that’s my top ten list of fall favorites – what’s yours? School supplies? Trees changing? Picking apples? Let me know in the comments!
makeup maestra 