September Inspirations

Hello everyone! I’ve been away from writing for the last few months for a number of reasons. I wanted to take some time post-trip to immerse myself back into life at home, and I also went through a family tragedy that has resulted in a long process of therapy for the last three months. One day I want to write about it, so that everyone going through something similar can find some advice, or at least a relatable story to help them through.

For now, I’ve been trying to stay positive and focus on what's important in life like family, close friends and quality interactions. The summer is starting to wind down, and jean jackets and cardigans are necessary for the cool evenings. I just celebrated my birthday a few weeks ago, so I’m in the swing of getting a new planner, purging my unworn clothes and packing things up for consignment. A lot of us may be well out of university, or any type of schooling, but September for me is always a time you get new stationary, clean out your closets and get ready for a new year.

September, where I am from, is also a time where the evenings get a bit chilly and you start adding scarves and cardigans to your daily wardrobe. For the commercial public, they also mean the return of PSL’s and pumpkin everything (don’t get me wrong, I love both of these).

So here is a look at what is inspiring me this September, from books to clothes:

Classic Style by Kate Schelter

I didn’t know I needed this book until I picked it up by accident at the library. It’s full of suggestions on improving your personal style, but also gives great advice on life, investments and paring down what you have and focusing on what is important. I won’t even try and describe it further. Check it out of the library instead.

Jacy Lenore - 7 Daily Rituals to help you De-stress

Link to JacyLenore.com

I’ve been following Jacy for the last 6 or so years, and I’ve grown with her as her style blog changed into a well rounded wellness and lifestyle blog. I follow her on Instagram and keep tabs on her website, but she came out with a few of her daily rituals on how to de-stress and I resounded with every single one of them. Take a look at how she incorporates them into her days.

Golden Sweater Weather

I’ve been getting into more of a golden, yellow and orange palette as September is approaching. I find that bright warm colours are good for a mood pick-up, and wearing something that looks happy can make you feel a lot better. I found one at Nordstrom I have my eye on, but there are tons of ways of capitalizing on this trend at the Gap, Aritzia and J Crew.

Camel Coats

Link: Babaton Coat

I have always been in awe of the perfect Camel coat. Whether its a blazer style, or a belated version. Camel coats are just the epitome of class and style. I’ve had my eye on one from Babaton for the last few years, but have never had the guts to purchase. Fast forward to last week when I found one in a consignment store and I knew it was fate and I had to buy it. Gently used and carefully looked after, I love higher end consignment stores for this reason. Babaton does not currently have the shorter jacket on sale, but here is a longer version and and a black version from J Crew for example. Investing a bit more in pieces that will hold up are worth it in the long run.

Rag and Bone

Aritzia Cocoon Coat

Old Navy

Consignment and Thrift Shopping

As I type this, I’m wearing a Banana Republic sleeveless open back sweater that I rummaged for 5 dollars. Consignment is hit and miss, but re-using clothing is so important. We are in an age of disposable fashion, so trying to repurpose as much as possible I think is important. Some person is happy they made $100 off that jacket, and I’m happy I save $150 off a jack in-store. Places like Value VIillage and the Salvation Army have also become favourite places to thrift for jeans and hidden gems. I’m still wearing my favourite distressed DYNDNM jeans that I found for $7 at the beginning of the summer and wear 2-3 times per week. Because they are pre-worn, pre-washed, you know what size they are going to be after a couple weeks, and generally no surprises in store. If you’re going to purchase from a consignment store or a thrift shop, take a few suggestions into consideration:

1. Look out for worn or thin material on pants and jeans. They might be a couple wears away from tearing and you have to decide if they’re worth that.

2. Take a look at items that are priced low because of a loose button, or easily fixed with a needle and thread issue. If you’re at all handy, chances are it’s worth it to buy and fix up quickly to have something looking full priced and new.

3. Stray away from anything stained. Especially sweat-stained. Unless its a very inexpensive DVF wrap dress that just in need of some elbow grease and a bleach pen.

4. Take note of any holes in your closet before going shopping. Just because it’s super cheap doesn’t mean you need it. Also goes for getting a 7th LBD. You probably don’t need all 7 (a lesson I’m still learning).

5. If you fall in love with it, get it. The way that these shops work mean lots of people come and go throughout the day and waiting 24 hours might mean you lose out on it.

6. That being said, as is any impulse buys, if you are not sure about it, wait 24 hours before you buy. If you don’t feel the need to wake up in the morning and drive right back to the store to go get it, chances are you didn’t really need it THAT much in the first place.

There are so many things that Iove about September and there is inspiration everywhere for warm cozy clothes, trips to the sunflower farm and making pies in the apartment. Once I move back into my own place, I’ll start sharing more about my fall decor. By then we might be looking at winter!

What’s inspiring you this September?

Love, E