Fall is creeping up slowly, and if I had it my way it'd be here already and going strong in preparation for Winter. Fall/Autumn is great because the trees turn orange, the weather changes, the air is filled with the scent of pies- just kidding, I live in SoCal where trees are evergreen and the weather is pretty much always averaging in the 80's and the p-word in the air is pollution. (I love you SoCal, but I'm a Winter girl, and that's just not in your vocabulary.) But that's okay! A girl can dream and still enjoy "Autumn," a thing that we may only notice because clothing stores are changing up what's on their racks.
So far my only plans for Autumn is relaxing at home (kind of...). While many of my friends are on their way back to college, many on the chilly East Coast, I'll be crafting in my studio ideally with my record player on full blast and incense burning in every room of the house. I'll try to catch up on some recommended Netflix indulgences on lazy days, probably redecorate my Christmas-light lit room another hundred times, and take some more classes (ceramics, weaving, and welding are currently on my list).
I've also taken on a new internship for a Music Supervision company (with my dad, hi dad) so I can learn the ropes for when I join the big guys in other parts of the music industry. This job, although proving difficult at times, runs through my blood and I feel so motivated to be working.
While what I do may seem all fun and games, constant creating and trying to make some kind of living off of it is really hard. (Captain Obvious?) But that's okay, because I love it. I've tried so many things in my life, who knows how long this will last, but any job that brings me joy is one I'm going to work hard to keep and become great at.
New crafts are on my mind. I've taken up weaving, which has been tricky but entertaining, and jewelry making, which is costly but really creative. Sometimes I need a break from painting to do something more pre-planned and mindless, and it helps me achieve the balance of relaxation while still being productive. You can find my jewelry, and in a few weeks also weavings and artwork, here:
With new art sales I'm preparing my savings account for what winter will bring, which hopefully will be some traveling so I can put my big vintage coats to use and maybe even see some snow! Until then I'll have to stick with my knee socks and vintage kimonos in this confusing California weather.
If you're wondering where to shop, Forever21 is my go-to store. H&M has nice items depending on the season, Love Story for the occasional boho-glam item, Brandy Melville for cardigans and loose dresses (nothing else fits?), and maaaybe I'll do a quick look in American Apparel and Urban Outfitters, but not likely due to price- I'm on a budget!
In Forever21 you're paying for what you get, but they have really good designs if you are willing to dig for an hour, and pieces will last long if you just take care of it.
My favorite vintage stores are Iguana Vintage, American Vintage, and Jet Rag. Goodwill is also a go-to store if you're willing to dig for a while, but it's usually worth it, and way cheaper.
One great thing about Autumn in SoCal is that the change in the weather is a relief more than anything. I can wear that beautiful Summery dress that has been sitting in my closet all Summer because it was slightly too thick to wear in heat of this Summer. It's the perfect mid-point where the days are still warm, but the nights are just right no matter if you are bundled up or forgot your sweater at home.
It's a good time to experiment with things such as the long sleeve dress, without having to wear layers of tights underneath. Socks, shawls, cardigans, polyester fabric- this is their time to shine.
I plan on cooking. A lot. I've been collecting recipes for months (as shown in a recent blog post) and have tried my hand at a few recipes, but I think it's time to actually dive into cooking as a true hobby. If I'm ever going to fend for myself, I need to know how to not burn broccoli. Not to mention I want to be as healthy as I can be, and cooking from scratch is going to ensure that more than pre-prepared freezer meals.
Healthy treats are on my list of what to make as well. My body has been very strict in letting me know that order-in pizza and sugary baked goods are the last thing I should be eating. Plus, it's so much more enjoyable and filling to eat say, a zucchini/carrot cake topped with fruit, rather than a store bought cupcake with refined sugar in every cell of it. Many vegan recipes opt for healthier ingredients as well, making the road to health and happiness much easier.
Going back to nature in what we eat is important. Eating foods with as little unrecognizable ingredients as possible allows for a healthier and more active life. So to go hand in hand with that, I also hope to be adventurous and active in these upcoming months as well.
Maybe not so large scale, but enough to balance my homebody-ness out. Taking advantage of the somewhat cooler weather, hikes will be beautiful and pleasant, camping on the beach would be dreamy, and road trips to different cities is always a necessity for inspiration. A few picnics wouldn't hurt either.
Whatever this Fall brings, I'm going to infuse it with nature, nurture, good food and good times. Cheers to constant inspiration.
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