Stormy Day of the Fall Equinox here, so I thought I’d wave a final good-bye to summer by showing you how I styled a beloved “S MaxMara dress for end-of-summer heat in the classroom. The dress did a previous gig as Mother-of-the-Bride dress, admittedly more casual than many would have worn for that occasion. Without the heels, with some playful colour-blocking, I’ve enjoyed its comfortable but polished lines (not to mention capacious pockets that nonetheless disappear in the side seam.
Cardi is Club Monaco, 3 or 4 years old, linen front, silk back, perfect for summer. Shoes are Anne Klein, probably going on for 6 years old, and the Chan Luu chalcedony necklace goes back much further even than that. I LOVE building an outfit from garments I’ve spent some time with!
And since I’m waving good-bye to summer here, let’s note that she’s not going readily. . . These fragrant yellow Graham Thomas roses continue to sing sunshine and warmth to me, even as the storm clouds build in the skies above . . .
Although I do suspect the petals may all be dismembered by the end of today’s winds. . . . Meanwhile, I’m lining up my boots, hunting out my leather gloves. . . . And we built a fire in the woodstove yesterday, just for an hour to take the chill off, but still, first of the season. . . .
Are you embracing the new season yet? Or still in fervent denial?
I took a few of my summer linens and cottons downstairs to my out of season closet yesterday. I plan to go through my fall and winter wardrobe try everything on and see what will fit and donate what doesn't.
We turned on the in floor heating downstairs and I think it will no be long before the furnace will go on too. Chilly!
Bring on the cashmere:-))
Yes indeed — cashmere is a fine incentive to step into fall!
It seems so dark in our apartment today. I finally got out my suitcase and am sorting and trying on clothes today. Your mother-of-the-bride dress is versatile and you were wise to choose a dress with possibilities. So many motb dresses are only suitable for a wedding.
It's a great today to be anticipating travel!
I must say I'm quite pleased that my MOTB dress (and, more recently the MOTG one as well) can work their way into the everyday. They carry some lovely memories that make their wearing even more enjoyable. . .
I have always loved that necklace of yours. And I so much prefer your MOB dress to the shiny lace ones I can't even say.
It's getting cold here too. At least our version of cold. I'm on the sofa in a sweatshirt. Over a dress. Over leggings. With socks…
I do love the way the chalcedony just floats between the silver chain strands, thank you . . .
So, you're fashionably layering, on the sofa. . . .and layering. . . and layering! đ
A dress that goes 'up' or 'down' is a marvelous find! That colour is beautiful on you, too.
Honestly, I have to gear up a bit to put that much colour on, but it's so very enlivening!
I love you in this outfit. Sleek but playful.
I was just wondering if I should crank on the heat for the first time today. Wonderful rain outside, REAL rain, cleansing autumn rain – and here I am, ready to drink a piping hot cup of coffee. Mm.
Isn't it great?! Yes, there's a difference to the real thing, not just this pissing around that we've had here and there over the last few weeks, but a real makes-a-difference rain. Enjoy the piping hot mug.
You look absolutely wonderful in that outfit! A great swan song to summer!
Thank you!
I love that you're getting some solid wear from that dress, that it wasn't just a special-occasion-only piece. It was a smart choice. We've had such a cool summer here, and a cooler-than-normal September so far…I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop and haven't let myself get too secure in shifting over to a fall wardrobe just yet. We probably still have some weeks of heat to get through. Those roses are stunning!
And I bought it in Paris, so it's got good memories in every direction! Paul was so great, listening to the sweet vendeuse giving instructions on tying the bow at the back. . .
Our climates are so very different. . . . I must admit that sad as I am to let go of summer, I'll have fun rediscovering my fall closet.
I have so enjoyed the history of this mighty dress! The color blocking with the cardigan… makes it a true chameleon.
Your fall weather sounds absolute perfection!
Tamera, I so appreciate you taking the time to scroll back through the MOTB dress' history. . . .and even leaving comments along the way.
I too have had my first day of needing warmth in my home, and I'm looking forward to the layers of fall.
A beautiful dress! Love the color and how you paired it with the blue card. Your writing is exquisite and a pleasure to read.
Isn't it welcome, this coolness and the chance to layer?
Thanks so much for the kind comments!
Oh, that is a pretty outfit, and you look lovely in it. And how nice to be able to wear a 'special occasion' dress afterwards – I have a couple of the other kind hanging uselessly at the back of my wardrobe!
We've had an unusually lovely few months here in Ireland, and are currently enjoying a short Indian summer. After that, like you, we'll turn our attention to autumn – I'm quite looking forward to those brisk walks in woolly layers, and snuggling up beside a blazing fire with a good Kindle.
Rosemary
We were lucky that my daughter's wedding was relaxed enough that I could get away with this dress. . . Those extra surprise weeks of summer are always lovely, aren't they? But I must admit I'm enjoying being cooler, getting to pull some of my sweaters out of storage. . . . didn't realize you were in Ireland. One of these years I'll get there (was there once, oh so long ago!)
Love the colour scheme of your MOTB outfit and versatile too! Perfect
Thanks so much — I really like it as well!
That dress is probably my favorite one of your dresses. You look nice and cool in the photos. The stones of the necklace must feel cool as well. Thank you for modeling warmer weather outfits :).
Yes, the chalcedony can be pleasantly cool, although it's also fun to notice them warm to body temp. . .
A lovely outfit to farewell summer! I'm embracing spring (30C today!!!) by weeding and planting my plot in the community garden, resplendent in shorts and a grotty t-shirt đ
That's the spirit! Gardening gear for the win! Have you had that plot long? My brother's been gardening in one for a few years — his is remarkably productive and he gets masses of entertainment from it as well, seemingly.
I've had the plot on and off for a while – I love gardening, but I don't always have the time … And I have to say that some of the people who belong are, um, nutters đ I am very bad and never join a working bee – I do my bit with weeding and mulching and everything else when I'm by myself!
I get your working bee-avoidance completely. I sometimes feel ever so anti-social re many community events, but teaching seems to use up a good deal of my social energy . . .