One year ago, as I recovered from the virus, I blogged with my sassy, grouchy mood firmly in place. Today, I’m feeling a whole lot better, but I know how many folks are exactly where I was. I also know it helps to feel joined and to read honest, prickly, moody, authentic stream of consciousness. So I’m sharing last year’s sentiments alongside updated links and resources. Fall Outfits, Florals, and Comfort Recipes are served alongside random banter and whimsical quotes to PIN.
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Fall Outfits, Florals, Comfort Recipes + Me Grouchy & Unfiltered
(Written a year ago) Outside my window, the lawn looks messy-beautiful with its confetti party carpet of fallen leaves. Dang, I would like to have a mood to match it this morning. My throat burns, I’m coughing incessantly, and I’ll require nothing less than holy ghost power to turn it all around. While I’m sure I’m improving and healing from the virus, it refuses to run its course without a fight.
Does it even know who it is dealing with?
It’s unfortunate, but I’m also carb loading to gain weight. That makes for a dandy cocktail of sluggish whine spritzer, with a twist of ‘EverythingIsAwful’ and also ‘HowCanAHumanBeThisBloated.’
Which brings me to outfits. Wait, what?
It is not one of those autumns where you worry about what to wear. But even with less fall events to attend, a few lovely finds may lift the spirits since we have to get dressed. Don’t we?
In any case, dressing for fall means COZY.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Fall Outfits, Eyewear, Florals & Comfort Food Recipes
Is this cozy, timeless, wearable forever, ribbed cashmere scarf the most important lovely find in the post?
Hmmmmm – tempted to say ‘all the yeps.’
Also, you should know I live in these inside my home:
Rolled so the fleece is showing. Just seeing the fluffy stuff improves my attitude. And that is pretty priceless at this juncture. Nothing is more comfy on my feet, and since I don’t wear them outside…always clean.
Talk about an attitude changer…look at this pumpkin sweet muffinpoo in her hoodie!
Not endorsing torturing your pet with a wardrobe, btw. Just for a cute photo for a few minutes unless it’s about warmth needed in extreme temps.
For me, healthier looking skin with light makeup is another attitude adjuster (maybe for you it’s skipping it!). Just ordered this based on the rave reviews and fact it is especially for mature skin:
I love that you can’t mess up ordering the right color for this kit (above) since it is a mix of colors that won’t ever make you look Oompa Loompa.
Rambling About Eye Exam Phobia
Before we get to outfits, let’s chat about eyeglasses for a sec.
As you read this, it is possible I am entering full panic mode since it’s almost time for my annual eye checkup. The panic has nothing to do with pandemicanxiety.
Why why why am I forever a basketcase at these vision appointments???
It is not as if I am a stranger to painful procedures; I delivered babies like a trooper.
But that puff of air to the eyeball!
Oh, and the three thousand questions…forehead smashed into the hard thing, lions, tigers, bears…and I just may be talking myself out of another appointment. (Also eye drops…boo!)
The poor technicians and eye pros must be exasperated inwardly and muse ‘lawd, what an odd, eye phobic delicate ol’ woman.’ Let’s hope they aren’t filming.
No one wants to become neurotic #MadamePanic, punkd star of a secretly filmed optical department youTube…hahahahaha.
Warby Parker Fall 2021
Thankfully, once the prescription is in hand, finding pretty eyeglasses is easy thanks to Warby Parker. I still love my WB Wilkie frames, but I decided to try a bolder style: Aubrey in this delicious color: Marzipan Tortoise…
They fit so well, and they are indeed chic and bold. Here’s the thing. There is a lot of contrast with my blonde hair, and you know I’m a low contrast sorta gal. I am convinced that if you have brown hair or dark blonde hair, they would look far more amazing.
Remember, with Warby, you choose frames to try at home, and they ship them for free! Decide on a pair to order or skip the order and return them for free as well.
Fall Outfit Ideas
1. Pewter Skirt + Black Sweater + Henley + Hoops
You could wear this anywhere, and any number of shoes or boots would work with it. Should we tint our hair this glorious pumpkin spice color for fall as well?
or make it a double wrap with this super soft faux wrap…
2. Stripey Top + Grey Sweater Blazer + Cuffed Denim
I love how powerful this sweater blazer feels, and I know not everyone loves to cuff their denim, but I’m a cuffer!
3. High Waisted Black Denim + Crisp White Shirt + Moto Jacket
I can’t live without my moto jackets, and they are just the right weight for fall. Black Converse to dress down the ensemble; heels to glam it up.
4. Burnt Orange Stripe Tee + Denim Jacket + Jeans or Leopard Print Skirt
Perfect fleamarket outfit if you opt for the jeans and add a cap! Opt for the skirt, beret, and a funky necklace to head out for a girlfriend lunch.
I wear a J. Crew statement necklace with rhinestones like the one below over a simple tee, and it cheers me right up – had it for many years and never tire of it.
5. Overalls + Sweatshirt + Sherpa Loafers
Especially for loungin’ homebodies, artists, creative types, and casual queens who miss the ’90s and/or their childhood. Omg, you guys, I love my thrifted baggy overall shorts for summer in the garden and they work like a time machine. I’m no fashionista, but to be a genius mad scientist time traveler is some consolation.
Are these Overalls a Homebody’s Ultimate Fall Uniform?
These look amazingly cute when cuffed, but you can uncuff ’em. And they aren’t just any overalls…say HELLO, LOVELY to premium 1969 Kaihara Japanese rigid denim made on vintage shuttle looms. (Don’t you adore vintage shuttle looms????)
When Gap was established back in ’69 on Ocean Avenue in San Francisco, the store sold two things: denim and records.
Their 1969 Premium Collection celebrates that heritage with iconic pieces from the archives like these.
4 Comfort Food Recipes for Fall
1. Ina Garten’s Meatloaf
2. Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
3. Ina’s Shrimp Scampi
4. Ultimate Grilled Cheese
I’m trying to get my sense of humor back and not beat myself up for being such a mess these days.
Maybe you can relate.
Fall Floral Inspiration & Ideas
If random banter and casual outfits aren’t yer jam, maybe these beauties and rich colors from nature will awaken your heart. From the talented wedding florist who creates works of natural art, Sarah Winward’s work takes my breath away.
Thank you for hanging out with me and taking me as I am, irritable and more than bit one-off on a day like today.
I’m thinking of you as you work hard to stay safe, praying you will not have to fight as I must now fight.
And I’m feeling tender about you as I consider the blessing of how we can connect and heal each other from a distance. Beaming my love directly at you this moment.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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I’m excited to know that I have most of the essential parts to many of these fall wardrobe ideas 🙂 Thanks for letting us know what’s “in” for the season.
About the floral arrangements….Oh my! Words cannot express the utter gloriousness of their beauty!
Author
I agree about those arrangements, and I foresee spending way too much time over on that florist’s website, soaking in the splendor. She is an artist in every way, and the photographers capturing those weddings are geniuses! Can I get married to my husband again??? Hahahaha.
God is so faithful ! Just this morning I received an email from my sister in law updating me on the health issues of a mutual friend. She reminded me that today is her first day of chemo and wanted me to send her an encouraging message .I immediately remembered the Anne Frank quite you posted today. I sent it to her along with a personal note .
Michele -God is using you in ways you’ll probably never know so today I wanted to thank you for helping me find the perfect words for a friend. I know this is your heart behind the blog and know that your “labor” is not in vain.
Author
What a dear, encouraging friend you are. Thank you for uplifting me and reminding me of the ripples. I pray I can be used more and more and become a vessel in imperfect yet beautiful ways. Peace to you, and I hope your friend draws extra reserves of strength from the Source who will carry her through these treatments.
Oh! You are the second person that I know that reacts that way at the eye doctor. My teen does that, and it takes multiple visits to get the prescription correct. We returned to our other doctor, because of that despite insurance. Because two pairs of glasses were wrong. But it all starts at that machine! And then it becomes worse, and the eye chart can’t be read and so on… At least our original doctor gets it. I hope it all goes well for you! We also have ordered glasses online and it worked great. There is an app to measure the distance.
Author
Thank you for making me feel joined – I know it probably sounds silly to people since I am not a baby about any other procedures. I saw a new doctor today, and I was honest about my issues, and everyone helped me feel more comfortable. I was also able to opt for an alternative to the drops – a test where they were able to get much more info and it took much less time. Thank goodness, it’s over! I appreciate all of your great advice. 🙂
We must have the same taste in clothing, as I would wear all of the above outfits. Well, maybe not the overalls.
The flower arrangements are gorgeous! A gentle reminder that I haven’t bought myself any flowers since returning from my extended boat trip. Off to the store, I go! 😀
Oh, and I still can’t pin from your site. Is it my iPad? Does anyone else have this problem?
Author
Hahahaha – those overalls are childish or child-like and just right for homebody renovators like moi. I’m the same way when I’m reading a blog and feel inspired…sometimes I can’t wait to rush to the antique mall or paint store! We have to figure out that pin thing since I rely on pinners! I wonder if you try opening my blog in a different browser? Are you using Chrome?
Hi Michele, I’m using Safari on an iPad. I was able to pin later in the day. Go figure! I love your quotes and often share them with family or friends.
Author
Yay! Thank you so much. 🙂
Love this article! There is great outfit ideas for fall in this article. I can take ideas here. Thanks and keep sharing.
Author
Thanks for reading, Lisa – have a lovely weekend. 🙂
I have pinned so many of those florals but did not know the artist! Thanks for sharing Michelle!
Author
Yay! Thanks for reading, Cindy – BTW, I love seeing you curate and model so many gorgeous fashion pieces – I want them all!
Your sense of humor is definitely alive and well! 🤗You really do make me LOL! And you’re such a vessel of livelihood (a means of support…to all of us who read here) & loveliness (having a beauty that appeals to heart, mind, & eye; delightful) as well…in all the beautiful you share…from your experiential wisdom to quotes inspiring & humorous to style of every type…home, floral, fashion! You’re a bright spot in my day; reading your post is like treating myself! Sending up continued prayers for you & yours.
Author
Your comments have the same effervescent carbonated holiness for me, Amy. Thanks for blessing me time and time again with friendship and gorgeous energy. Hope you are all well. I am looking forward to a week of sunshine here in the heartland as the leaves change and delight. 🙂
Loved today’s post with all the outfits and fall flowers. Keep up the good fight, you’ve got this in spades.
Author
Oh, thank you for your encouragement and uplifting words of sunshine. I want to believe it’s so!
Also my caughing doesn’t go better since February . No doctor have an answer . Obviously I must live with it.
But today you make me smile with lots of funny quotes. Only the quote from anne Frank was a huge mistake
(if it is the same Anne I mean…you know?). Autumns brings such a big color palette though we can use more
subtle colors in our clothes. Personally I always reach for black, grey, brown, ocre and to color the hair in pumpkin
why not? Once I did it in copper and it looked stunning but I was centuries younger
Author
I need to try copper – haven’t worn that hue for a long time! It is troubling to hear your cough is still persistent, but the virus is still so new so we just don’t know about the long term damage. Folks that have symptoms months after being infected are called ‘long haulers,’ and I haven’t done too much research because I don’t want to become too distressed. From what I understand the cough remains as a result of what may be thought of as a ‘sprained windpipe.’ Perhaps this opinion too will change as scientists learn more about the post-viral condition.
I noticed the Warby Parker glasses. I just got my tortoise shell WP glasses this week. Love them. Process was easy. Saved 2/3 of what my last pair cost me locally. Would definitely buy from them again.
Author
Wonderful to hear from you! Yes – I love tortoise for eyeglasses too. Warby Parker creates such classic styles, and I love their humanitarian efforts. I am about ready to ditch my clear crystal frames for something colorful because these clear things are invisible when set down. Have you ever tried searching for invisible glasses when you’re blind without em!?! Hahahahaha. Hugs to you and Ascot!
Love your collection! Cool and stylish designs. I wish to add some of these in my ollection. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Thanks for reading. 🙂
Amazing collection! Love all these fall outfit ideas. I will definitely be going to update my wardrobe with these. Thanks for sharing and please keep sharing.
Author
Thanks for reading. 🙂
Loved reading this, I missed it last year. The quotes are great, I’m passing them on.
When another person is honest and open it makes me feel better about myself. We
don’t always realize how common our bad feelings are and knowing others feel it too
makes us accepting of ourselves.
Author
Thank you so much for reading, for joining me, and for understanding with such sensitivity and compassion. My moods have been something else these last few years, and I agree that to only share when you’re flying high is not as helpful or realistic. xox