I’ve been full of questions for you this week — how can we plan for a smooth back-to-school transition? And what are your favorite memories of your childhood home? I have many others, including: if you’re a romance girlie, what is your favorite trope and which books are its best representatives? And, where do we buy good matcha powder? (Budding matcha enthusiast over here.) Also, are you listening to the new Laufey album, released today? (And if not, what are we listening to right now?)
Please answer any and all of those in the comments if they ring a bell for you, but also please share, as we barrel towards the dawn of September:
What are you most look forward to in the season ahead?
Is it a treasured autumnal ritual? Is it a particular tree that turns marigold to pumpkin to cranberry (as does the steadfast oak in the center of my cul de sac), serving as mercury for my measurement of the seasons? Is it an end to oppressive heat? The resumption of routine?
Please share. I love when we circle up around the good that’s waiting for us, a la the plum you’re going to eat next summer. What are this fall’s equivalents? Is it the thyme-studded roast chicken that will be waiting for you on the wood cutting board? Is it the first fire eager to be lit in your hearth? Is it the Poe poem that’s anticipating your bemused re-reading this Halloween?

IMAGES VIA ONE / TWO / THREE / FOUR

IMAGES VIA ONE / TWO / THREE / FOUR
I’ve shared my favorite specific parts of fall before (see here, excerpted below), but I am especially looking forward to intentional drives through the fall foliage on damp, foggy mornings this year. I was just talking with Landon about taking a little weekend getaway in mid-to-late fall to the Eastern Shore for this purpose, and we’ll also be driving down to Charlottesville again at the very end of September, though I’m not sure whether the leaves will have turned yet. What about you?

Post-Scripts.
+I took the above photo while at the most special lunch at the Stone Barns at Blue Hill in Tarrytown, NY a few years ago. Absolute magic.
+Alt-titles for September, some of them supplied by you!
+Are you a book repeater?
+A playlist for a dinner party.
Shopping Break.

+I was so inspired by the look on the top left, I put together a collection of ways to get the look: Barbour coat, wicker Birkin-style bag, Hunter boots, ethereal white dress (also love this one), cashmere sweater, P&P, flannel tote.
+This post inspired me to order this jogger and sweatshirt set. I’m also pulling out my Rothy’s clogs! If you haven’t tried these Rothy’s clogs…you are missing out. They are my favorite home shoe in the cooler months. I’m obsessed with them. They have this arch support that feels like a massage. They’re the perfect weight. They somehow feel like a slipper in terms of coziness but can be worn to take the trash bins out or carry the mail in.
+Still a few of these on-trend tie-waist barrel leg jeans on mysterious sale here. They’re full priced everywhere else?!
+OMG. This dress for fall. Yes. I can’t decide between navy or ivory. I’m thinking navy — the trim on the button plaquet!
+Don’t hate me, but these rattan pumpkins WILL sell out by the time you decide you’re ready to order them.
+A couple of XXS and XS were restocked in this popular Anthro dress I wore the week before last! All my favorite transition-to-fall Anthro dresses here.
+These Toteme sneakers you’ve been loving are on sale in the tan colorway for 30% off. I’m very tempted. They’re in my cart!
+Such a chic bag — $120!
+Ordered a few more Bombas running socks — now trying their half-calf length.
+Fun heart charm with the on-trend rope cord detail.
+Chic and unexpected work dress ($109!).
+Add storage to your pantry with this.
+Love Anthro’s Dog Edit! This throw blanket has a charming vintage vibe, and I think I’m going to order these sheets for my son’s bed.
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