Why Not Love Fall with None of the Basic B Connotations?
Or just go ahead and love it with them.
Does the story about Kate Moss calling a pilot a basic bitch stick in any else’s head? No, just me? It makes me laugh every time I think about it. Sorry to that flight crew. To note, this meme also makes me laugh. I’m going to meld these two things together now.
It occurs to me that I already wrote a dissertation on Emily Gilmore on this very newsletter. I do love the G girls. And even though the show ostensibly takes place in every season, it IS so very fall. Somehow autumn got co-opted by the capitalist machine to signify all the things that on their own are sort of delightful, but all together, feel like a basic Instagram account circa 2013. So here I say, why not reclaim the season? Make it about hikes through the forest, English hunting season style, hot beverages with nuance, a foraging basket?! Why not?
Why not get on the field jacket tip?
As the world recognizes the vast importance of nature as nurture for our souls, we’re seeing the commodification of traditional outdoor gear reimagined as high fashion more and more. Take, for instance, the field jacket. First at Loewe last spring, and now at Prada last week, the LL Bean staple is getting the Jonathan Anderson, Miuccia Prada, Raf Simons treatment. I actually got mine from Toteme last month but wasn’t able to wear it until the temp dropped just enough. There’s something about the original—the muted colors, the bit of corduroy, the Balmoral connotations—that lends itself well to a redesign (which isn’t to say I don’t love the original LL Bean too). But I also love the crop from last year’s Loewe, and how mine has elbow patches and a little bit of a swingy shape at the back. Prada’s of course, is all about the interesting styling and the cool, boxy silhouette. And while three might make a trend, all of these jackets still feel classic enough to remain in rotation for many fall leaf peeping seasons to come.
Toteme jacket, loafers by Arezzo
Why not be a Muck Boots bae?
I’m coining it. I’ll be honest here, I did not know about Muck Boots but the brand offered to gift my family some pairs a few years ago. When I tell you we became obsessed I am not exaggerating. They’re made from scuba material and rubber, so the neoprene keeps your feet warm and dry but then they’re super light. I love the look of a Hunter boot but it’s very heavy if you actually want to hike. I love a Sorel in true winter but they can also get a bit heavy. They’re simple and you will be very pleased you own them. If you’re currently searching for a simple but great riding boot style for when you’re not actually hiking, may a recommend these from Larroude.
Why not wear corduroy like an adjunct professor during office hours?
I love a great pair of cords. They just look so rich. I’d wear this Dries pair with a black sheer turtleneck, an oversized tote, and loafers. Which is probably my neural pathways leading my back right here.
Dries Van Noten corduroys. This Gap pair is also nice.
Why not buy a Harvest Basket?
Sometimes it’s the things you don’t need that are the things you actually might need. Imagine using this in the summer for your lavender and in the fall for your herbs? It doesn’t get any chicer. It’s giving Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated, who has become my ultimate icon.
Why not keep it hot?
I mean this quite literally! I recently bought my first large Thermos and it’s a life-changer. When you take your grounding fall hikes, bring a tasty warm beverage to enjoy, I plan on trying this spicy hot cocoa recipe or maybe some bone broth to sip while I watch the stars.
This silver one is very chic. Thermos
Why Not Study Something Interesting?
Speaking of stargazing, my go-to astrologer Rebecca Gordon is offering her Beginner’s Astrology Course. I took it last year and it’s so incredibly informative. You learn everything from reading charts to the history of Carl Jung and astrology. Highly recommend. Here is the link to sign up. If astrology isn’t your thing, taking online classes is so great for expansion. Why Not!?