This post is sponsored by Born Shoes.
I find it a bit ironic that I live in a state with such subtle seasonal shifts given the fact that I live for the change of pace each new season brings. In fact, I still catch myself looking forward to things that aren’t offered here which is why I almost threw that adorable coal eye & corn pipe snowman kit in my cart the other day before I reminded myself, “Oh yeah…Florida.” Since our climate here refuses to throw the fall lovers a bone, I take the liberty of shifting my mental seasonal climate myself, and girl, I shift it hard. If you’re a longtime reader, you know that. Which is why I thank the heavens above for companies that practice seasonal equality, making sure things like pumpkins and corn husks and cable knit sweaters get in the hands of all who deserve them and not just those who are zoned for deciduous trees. So, when a box arrives from Born on my doorstep all the way down in Southern Florida on a sunny September morning and I open it to find new boots for Fall and a lace-up heel in a rich autumn brown that says “hold my cider,” I feel validated and goshdarnnit, straight up loved. “We see you,” Born is saying, “…trying to weave palm fronds into an autumn wreath, and we want you to know you get to be part of our fall club too.”
Me? Really? Really?
I mean, they even put a peep toe on that delicious slice of fall footwear, a deliberate high five to the hot states and the perfect way to show off a Florida pedicure.
Just because our pumpkins come from makeshift church parking lot “patches” doesn’t mean we don’t deserve chocolate suede and gold buckles. The right to butterscotch hues, classic black booties and, why yes, even knee-grazing equestrian boots if we wish belongs to all, which is why “ships to Florida” is part of the fall anthem I sing every season.
This season, Born is celebrating fall by recognizing it as the season of great comforts as we all know, and they’re asking us autumn lovers to share what we’re taking comfort in. “Will you share how you take comfort this fall?” they asked me.
I thought you’d never ask, Born. Here, give me the mic (tap tap). Uh, lighting guy, could you give me some spotlight, please?
(waits for crowd to hush…clears throat…closes eyes…gets theatrical)
The Comforts of Fall.
I take comfort in our inward huddle this time of year, maybe because we’re so tired come October, but even so, I like it. I take comfort in the way we craft a little more, bake a little more, curl up on the couch a little more for watching movies or reading books to kids in jammies who are splayed over our laps like lazy cats. I take comfort in the nesting genes that arouse the last three months when I mother bird the living heck out of our place to make it as cozy as cozy can be–stringing twinkle lights, fluffing pillows, stirring chili, tucking bed sheets picked out special for this very time of year. I take comfort in planning all the festivities saved for the calendar’s grand finale–the costumes, the parties, the family dinners, the traditions that remind me what a gift this period of time in my family’s life is and to be grateful for all the hidden treasures. I take comfort in making lists that I’ll likely forget to ever look at again, but the making of the lists in itself feels satisfying. I take comfort in the sensory explosion–the scent of cinnamon and apple in the kitchen, the crackling of our first fire when that long awaited cold front finally makes its way, the box of leaves from Michigan that will arrive in a few weeks and make me cry with the good kind of homesickness. I take comfort in grounding routines and schedules that sometimes overwhelm me but remind me that the best things in life come with effort and discipline and, yes, sometimes tears. I take comfort in the adjustments that follow the tears–saying no when my cup’s too full, saying yes to self preservation. I take comfort in silly things that might not matter in the grand scheme of things but matter to me when I want to feel good–things like the perfect fall print in a skirt that swishes or chic boots that make me feel so put together, I even remember not to slouch.
I take comfort in friend dates and family movie nights and the joy of being able to call both my parents and hear them answer on the second ring. I take comfort in putting check marks on our fall bucket list and feeling like completing “Host a Soup Spectacular” and “Watch Harry Potter with Homemade Butterbeer” is as important and productive as “Write Another Book” or “Respond to Every Unanswered E-mail.” And I take comfort in knowing that at the end of the day during this busy time of year, what didn’t get done is okay, and what did get done is good enough.
You know what I’m going to be for Halloween this year? I’m going to be Fall. As in Mother Fall, the season of all seasons.
A big thank you to Born Shoes, a long time partner, for reminding us to think about those things we take comfort in, and giving us beautiful things to wear while we do. I have so many pairs of Born shoes and boots in my closet, and they are always the most comfortable things I wear. Sometimes, comfort comes at the cost of losing some cuteness, but Born is fiercely dedicated to making sure that doesn’t happen. We’re so happy they are also dedicated to supporting our mission to help people with Down syndrome achieve their dreams, so stay tuned for their return later this month in recognition and celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness.
Fellow fall lovers, what are you taking comfort in this month?
Yesss…. I’ve been WAITING for the fall Born post!! 🙂
I live in western PA, so it is so easy to hunker down and find comfort and enjoyment in the cool temps (a little late this year!). And those beautiful autumn hues that show up in full force on the trees? They are outside every window in the trees that surround my home. It makes us want to slow down, step outside and smell those beautiful small smells and admire the new glorious shadows that arrive with the change of season. This time of year is ultimate comfort to me. My favorite time of year!
And Kelle, your words…the way you have with them makes this my favorite blog to read. Thank you! Happy Fall!
Oh fall! Here in upstate New York in the mountains I take comfort take comfort from getting my kids settled snuggly in their beds at night knowing it will be chilly when they wake up in the morning.
And, of course, from reading blogs like yours, and curling up on the couch to read “Bloom”… just finished it and loved every page!
Did you say Homemade Butter Beer???!!!!!! Please,can I have the recipe!!!!
Where is your skirt from? Love it!
Yes! I second this. My daughter is from Africa and this looks African in the pattern. Would love to know where it’s from.
Anthropologie but about 3 years ago
Kelle, I live in a beach town in Southern California, but every time I walk into the grocery store and pass the cinnamon-scented pinecones, I think of you.
I don’t get those booties with the holes for toes. Either it is cool and you want boots, or it is hot and you want sandals. I also don’t get short sleeved sweaters.
These “booties” with holes for toes aren’t really booties as they have no back wall for the boot, only a strap making them more like a partially closed heeled sandal. IMO these are perfect for warmer climates like Kelle’s and mine, Ft Lauderdale, FL where the weather generally doesn’t change too extreme and you can feel more “dressed” up. This allows us to “change into” something other than a sandal or flip flops.
Yes! I adore Born shoes! Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for us later this month.
My family, the Hunts, dub October ‘Huntober’ because along with our wedding anniversary, 5 of our 11 immediate family members celebrate birthdays that month. So, it’s 31 days of party planning, pumpkin patch trips, presents, yummy desserts and happy celebrations. It’s not even my birthday month, but totally my favorite time of year.
Girl…I GREW UP IN A TOWN CALLED CASCO.
If that’s not the universe telling me I need some new shoes, I don’t know what is.
Buy them shoes, sister. It’s fate.
Nice pictures captured and nice post shared you wear a gorgeous dress and you are looking very beautiful thanks for nice post.
Oh, I cannot imagine what it’s like to live somewhere without my four defined seasons – I’m pleased you’ve been able to find a way to enjoy the clothing without succumbing too much to the heat!
I’m in England so I’m enjoying the thought of pulling out all my lovely cosy knitwear and snuggling down into it, even if it doesn’t all fit me at nearly nine months pregnant right now! But shawls and scarves are where it’s at for me right now!
Kelle, I love your spirit and zest for life. I got a whiff of the cinnamon brooms the other day outside the grocery store and totally thought of you. I love seeing/smelling life the way you see. The love and hope and passion and creativity…I’m so inspired.
Also, ever since you changed your instagram profile photo, I have been in love with that floral sweater top. So stunning! May I ask where you found that delicious fall gem?
So much love to you and your fam <3
It’s from Zara (should still be there!)
I cannot tell you how much your blogging means to me. I look forward to reading about everyday things, emotional things, healthy things, silly things, the “little” things and the big things…..and all those things in between.
You inspire me and motivate me and I want you to know that I truly appreciate all the work you put into keeping your blog current, engaging and yet maintaining a meaningful and quality Blog. Taking all those pictures, editing them and then putting in hours of writing, the planning and the partnerships you have with participating companies is a lot of work. You make it look effortless but I know its a 24/7 balancing act.
Love you Hamptons!
Sincerely, Sarah from Canada 🙂
(Wish I could send you some Canadian Leaves)
Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment. Honestly, it made my day. Xo