“The Perfect Autumn:” Curating the ideal fall season
Photo taken by Carlos Perez.
Bring on the pumpkin spice and Halloween parties! October is here and it’s not being subtle. The weather is getting colder and the leaves are turning warm shades of auburn and copper. After an awfully hot and rainy Midwest summer, a large majority of Hoosiers have been craving an iconic Indiana fall.
But, there is no question that the earlier the sun sets and the more the temperature falls, many midwesterners experience what we have coined ‘the winter blues.’ To prepare for the inevitable, let’s make this season count— let’s make it “The Perfect Autumn.” (Titled by my new Bath & Body Works candle that is elegantly scenting my living room.)
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve adored romanticizing each season. It must have started with the summer bucket list from Judy Moody and the Not-So-Bummer Summer.
By calling attention to the changing of the seasons, we have the chance to create new goals, find new hobbies, and truly enjoy the time passing by. So, here are the categories for my go-to autumnal seasonal curation.
The Vision
The Aroma
The Scene
The Wardrobe
The Vision
Like any true art, romanticizing/curating starts with a vision. Personally, I take inspiration from my Pinterest feeds. Most seasons I create some kind of Pinterest board that showcases my intentions and energies. For this fall, I created a board that showcases the energy I want to bring to this season.
I’m looking for leaves, fun crafts, pumpkins, fall-related outings, and a truly cozy fall vibe. I want to lean into intentional activities that bring me into the spirit of the season.
A glimpse of my Pinterest board for the season.
But it doesn’t have to be a Pinterest board! It can be a physical mood board, a TV show/movie, or even a physical space like a park/pumpkin patch.
Whatever you choose to base your vision off of, the most important part is that it inspires you to find what you truly want out of your next season of life.
The Aroma
I believe to truly be immersed in the spirit of the season, one must activate all the senses. Quite importantly, smell. Scents are a deeply pivotal part of the memory process. You know the feeling when you smell something, and it takes you back to a specific moment in time? Those are the connections we are trying to build here.
I recently took a trip to Bath & Body Works and was engulfed by the scent of pumpkins, apples, and all things fall. My boyfriend picked up “The Perfect Autumn” candle and was taken all the way back to elementary school. He says the candle smells just like his teacher’s classroom from third grade!
So, to him, our living room smells just like elementary school! And coming home and lighting it each evening has brought a spirit of peace and autumnal welcome into our apartment.
If you want to go to on an adventure, Warm Glow, a candle store in Richmond, IN. is worth the trip! I have been a couple of times and spent hours scouring the shelves for my next candle. And they have scents for all year round.
But candles and fragrances are not the only way to make this aroma occur. Something I am hopeful to try this year is a stovetop potpourri, also known as a simmer pot! You put a bunch of things together that all have distinct fragrances and bring them to a simmer in a large pot on your stove. If done right, your house can smell of anything you want. Here are some recipes I have been thinking about trying!
These recipes can be so simple, and you might have all the ingredients on hand. If you want to be truly authentic, fall baked-goods will also brin the aroma of fall directly into your kitchen. So, it might be time to make that pumpkin pie!
The Scene
Another way to easily get into the spirit of the season is to make the season into a visible masterpiece. I have fall decorations I put out every year: a cute ghost throw pillow, a fall-themed door mat, and a couple blankets that I spray with pumpkin perfume.
But beyond decorating, part of setting the scene can be watching fall-themed movies and TV shows. Some classics that make my heart happy are Sex and the City, Gilmore Girls, Coraline, and Hocus Pocus. However, if you are interested in a spookier season, I suggest the classic slasher movies, Scream, Halloween, and Friday the 13th.
Something about the 80s and 90s film grain and crackling audio doubles down on the fall energy.
The Wardrobe
Now, we all know the seasons are changing, and we need to cycle in heavier pieces: sweaters, coats, pants, the whole nine yards. So, have some fun with it!
Dressing with fall in mind brings a little joy to my mornings. I tend to fall for neutral and deep colors. Many earth tones that match the leaves outside. Plaid is an obvious grab and a scarf accent can completely make an outfit! However, a true challenge comes from not buying a whole new wardrobe. I don’t know about you, but I know my bank account would not be happy with that. With consumerism and clothing waste at an all-time high, I don’t necessarily want to add to those stats. So, being creative with what I already have is a fun challenge that keeps me on my toes.
One way you can really embrace the slow rebirth of fall is with slow fashion. Be intentional with your wardrobe and find pieces second-hand that you are in need of. Not just because they would be a good one-time piece, but because they can add new dimensions to many outfits.
Or if you are feeling truly creative, you can make those pieces on your own! In true Stitchworks fashion, October and November are great times to join a class and learn how to sew or make a specific pattern.
You can see what classes are available here, and can make your own fall wardrobe with a little help from our team. I suggest enrolling in the Basic Construction: The Sweatshirt classes this season. The first one is this Saturday, Oct. 3.
This could be you!
Whatever you do this fall, know that this season is what you make of it. Personally, I’ll be romanticizing it completely. Happy fall, y’all!
