Hardwired for Fall

My body’s internal calendar has been on the school schedule since I was five, so when August rolls around there’s only one thing on my mind: back to school shopping.  Growing up, my Grandmother would take us on the annual trip to the Towson Town Center to pick out sweaters and khakis and jean jackets to wear to fall football games. Ever since, I’ve been slightly obsessed with back to school shopping.  And, fall clothes are definitely my favorite.  Spring clothes are no fun because who wants to wear less and feel gross and pale in March? But, when autumn come around, it means you get to add more layers and feel warm and cozy.

In my old age, I’ve learned it’s actually best to resist the back to school shopping trip in August because everything goes on sale in October when the winter clothes arrive.  However, I still like to take a little stroll down Newbury St. to get a peek at what’s out there.  I also pre-shop, as I like to call it, because I have very limited funds these days and I want to make good decisions rather than impulse purchases.  This year, I snuck a few photos of items I’m eyeing so I could share them with you. (Wow, I’m noticing now that everything I want is plaid…oops.)

A school girl-ish skirt.  I am going back to school this fall, but this time I’ll be a member of the staff, not a student:(  However, this means I get to dress it up a little bit, so I’m in need of a few basic skirts

Schools tend to be cold (and so does Boston), so I’m definitely going to need a few go-to cardigans.  LOVE the pattern on this one I found at J-Crew.

Jean leggings are taking over the world. I actually already have a pair of these, but I bought the el cheapo version last year and haven’t really been happy with them.  My thighs are a bit hefty so they actually ride down my leg and get bunched up in the crotch area (embarrassing, I know, but gotta love the body you’ve got!).  So, I’d love to find a pair that fit correctly and comfortably.

I’m a big blazer person.  Living in Boston, I like my blazers on the thicker side, so this wool one in a cute plaid caught my attention…

Gotta love accessories.  Something about wearing jewelry with your initial on it is just fun!

I think it also reminds me of this bracelet my Aunt gave me years ago.  It’s made from old typewriter keys!

I’m strangely infatuated with men’s clothing.  I mean, they just don’t make women’s button-ups like they make men’s. But, I guess someone got that memo because the ‘boyfriend’ movement seems to be taking over stores.  I also love that this shirt feels JUST like my Lands End flannel sheets.  If only they made this in white, I’d probably wear it every day.

Continuing with the men’s theme, Matt was in love with the J-Crew McAllister boots for a year before he finally broke down and bought them (from ebay).  I was so excited to see that they combined an awesome shoe with another awesome thing: wedges.  Is it me or do shoes just keep getting better and better?

(sorry for the picture quality, I saw these in the catalogue)

And lastly, because I’m a grown up now and need to do grown up things like carry important documents and a laptop to my job everyday, I simply must have a ‘work’ bag.  I’ve been flirting with this one in the window of Franklin Covey for weeks.  It has amazing interior pockets for organization..

This post could go on and on, as I haven’t set foot in Anthropologie yet (I banned it for the summer)…but you guys get the point.

Plaid + layering + accessories = Fall Excitement!

What are you dreaming of for your wardrobe this fall?