Friday, August 27, 2010

Falling into Fall

The only thing worse than standing in your bathroom with a roller brush in one hand and a blow-dryer in the other, wondering what the f*** have I done (see last post), is the realization that summer is over. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, more depressing than the reminder that in a week you are going to have to kiss patio drinking, 12 PM wakeups, and lazy beach days goodbye, and instead welcome 9 months of rain, late night study sessions, and gortex. 

Even though transitioning from summer to fall means means hauling out the sweaters, and packing up the string bikinis, there's something about the somewhat-sunny days, the crisp smell of leaves in the air, and the short-lived back-to-school excitement, that makes September my favourite month of the calendar year. 

For those of you who misappropriate Fall with turtlenecks, Hunter rain boots, and stolen umbrellas, let me stop you in your tracks-- there is no reason you can't incorporate your summer wardrobe. In fall. In this city. Throw on tights with that sundress. Finish off your t-shirt and jeans combo with a big scarf. Pair that mini with a blazer.  Rock your gladiator sandals with skinnys and a leather jacket. Wear boots with anything and everything. And for pete's sake, forget what your mother told you, and wear white after labour day

 But whatever you do, make sure there is relative balance to your outfit. Promise me that unless it is for a costume party, you will under no circumstances, try to look like a "snow-bunny/hula dancer caught in the 80's", ka-peesh? I saw a girl downtown last week in broad daylight wearing- and this pains me to repeat- a long sleeved sweater, a brown fur vest, a blue tropical print mini skirt, black knit leg warmers, and gold flip flops. I feel I don't need to say any more than that is a prime example of "What Not to Wear". Stacey and Clinton would be horrified.

So, so long as doing it doesn't land you on a TLC show, milk your florals for as long as you can, and don't retire you flip-flops just yet September is the time to slowly ween these things out of your closet; there is no need to take the parka out of storage just yet. Now read on for some transitional tips as we say goodbye to sangria, 12 hours sleep, and sun-kissed skin. It's been a fun run. 


A Girl's Guide to Making the Transition

Summery dress-check
Tights-check, boots-check,
cardi-check, non-fat latte-check
1. Layer. Layer. Layer. Wear a cami underneath a t-shirt, underneath a cardi, underneath a jacket. Don't layer like you are hitting the slopes, you don't want to look bulky like the Michelin man. Keep the layers light, and don't be afraid to show a little pop 'a colour. 

2. Whether they are thigh high, motorcycle, heeled, or ankle, realize boots anchor any outfit. Stock up on a couple different styles, and you'll be shocked at the wardrobe possibilities they open up. And, for future reference, summer is a great time to buy boots at low prices, think ahead to Fall and hit the sales racks before the beach. 

3. Complete your outfit with a blazer, leather jacket, or chunky sweater. Save that Mountain Equipment Co-op for the dreariest of days.  

4. I've already plugged leggings once, but I see no reason not to do it again. Leggings and tights (also known as 'inconvenient socks'), are perfect for the chilly days where you can't bring yourself to wear pants. Buy them either opaque, cable knit, or printed, and hopefully, assuming you aren't as klutzy as me, you won't snag them the first day you wear them. 

5. Remind yourself on the chilliest of days, that you are only two hundred- and something odd days away from lying poolside, and fake that summer tan if you must. 

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