I hear, and I even resonate with, that growing exultation around Social Media at the coming of Fall (Annie’s post here; Sue’s here), the anticipation of new and resumed activities, classes, outings — all of which may require, thanks to cooler temperatures and shorter days, wardrobe switches toward boots and sweaters and tights, eventually tweedy coats and swaddling scarves and perhaps even a tartan beret, who knows?
At my — dare I say, “at our”?– age, much of that exultation is informed by, or tinged with, nostalgia, that first truly crisp Fall morning sending us back to grade school’s pink erasers and new patent Mary Janes or more sensible lace-up oxfords worn with ankle or knee socks. . . Or to dressing our children in that generation’s version of back-to-school gear. . . For me, Labour Day also signals my own back-to-school trepidations as an over-40 starting a graduate degree . . .
and then, eventually, the years when the Tuesday after Labour Day was the day when all the preparations of the preceding two weeks (syllabi composed and printed for first-class handouts, class lists downloaded and printed and scanned for the plethora of names I’d try to learn over the following 13 weeks of term classes). Here’s a link to my very first Back to School blogpost, just a few months after I started the blog, 15 years ago. . . and the shoes I wore for my first classes got their own post.
So, yes, I feel the excitement of the new season’s possibilities.(and yes, it feels like a New Year for me as well, even more than does the January reset).
But there’s also always something of the elegiac for me at this turn. More than any other season, I feel Summers as limited. Despite my intolerance for heat over, say, 27C, I appreciate Summer’s ease and bounty. And can’t help note that at its fullest abundance, the days are already beginning to grow shorter.
When we lived on the island, just as we were harvesting tomatoes to eat with the basil plucked from pots on the back deck, the big Lion’s Mane jellyfish would begin showing up in the little bay where I swam right in front of our home. The crickets would begin singing in the long dry grass by then as well, and there was a particular scent to the night air as we’d cycle or walk back from dinner on a friend’s deck. A scent of vegetation that had matured and then dried in the sun over a succession of warm August days, berries that had ripened on the vine, some drying there, some dropping to the ground, rotting or fermenting. These green and fruity fragrances mixed together and revived gently by the evening dew in counterpoint to the dust our wheels or feet stirred up from the dirt road. And the awareness that a light shawl wouldn’t have gone amiss although it was still warm enough, under the night sky. . . .Precious, numbered hours.
Now it’s city nights I walk through, and honestly, I’m not out so often in the evening anymore anyway. But my anticipation of Fall and La Rentrée of so much that I enjoy (Opera season; ballet performances; my Saturday morning Italian classmates reunited again!) nonetheless carries a sense of passage that isn’t completely celebratory. Or, perhaps more accurately, that celebrates the coming season, but also acknowledges that Fall’s arrival is at the cost of one more Summer left behind . . .
You should know that I’ve stopped myself, here, from maundering and wittering on with some simple arithmetic involving longevity statistics and the likelihood of my having 15 more beach Summers ahead (and I’ve just drawn a line through one of their number — oh, the melodrama I can bring!) Instead, I’m indulging myself in one last “photo dump” of Summer Outfits Of The Day — OOTDs, in Social Media parlance. My last post featured a slew of Summer Dress Selfies; one of those Summer Dress photos was forgotten and so I’ve included it here.
You’ll recognize the crumply sun hat and the Birkenstocks — and you’ll probably note that the look is sharper in the second photo, where the dress is worn with white sneakers.
I bought the dress in Paris four summers ago (mentioned it in this Travel Sketch Journal post). It’s great for travel, an easy viscose with a deliberately crumpled effect that can be restored by twisting after washing.
But today’s retrospective look at my Summer OOTDs mainly features a few favourite skirts. . . .
Such as this purple pleated midi, which I’d assumed was too warm for summer and have only worn in the cooler seasons. Took it out for a test drive at 26 degrees a few weeks ago and loved wearing it with bare legs — because it doesn’t cling at all but moves loosely with me, it’s surprisingly cool, and I think the crisp white cotton poplin keeps the look summery.
Yikes! Hair could have used more attention here. . . This OOTD feels better from the inside that it perhaps look from your perspective. I’m okay with that because . . .
the olive skirt (7+ years old, J Crew, hemp/linen) just feels like such a great mix of funky and practical. An unassailable feeling, truly. And the lightest of linen tops, also practical even though the sleeves insist otherwise. . . The artisan-printed, handmade bag I bought in Sicily this summer to carry gear after my purse was stolen in Rome. . . Quite sure this would all have looked much smarter if I’d worn my sneakers. But truly, it was too warm to close my toes in. . .
You might have seen this before, especially if you peek in at my Instagram account occasionally. Paul took it on one of our bike rides. The striped linen T was a new purchase this summer and has quickly become a staple. The navy skirt is 3 or 4 years old. Last fall’s sneakers. . . the handy Herschel hip bag which I also wear cross-body (as seen above with purple skirt).
I’ve found it tougher to work this little blouse into the rotation. It’s very light, cotton voile, and better worn open over a tank, really, than on its own, mostly because of the slightly boxy, slightly cropped shape — which doesn’t play so well with a skirt that flares.
I love the cheery polka dots, though, and I remembered wearing it last summer for a bike ride and ping-pong date, so . . . swapped out the bike helmet for my crumply sunhat and Voilà. . . or Ecco ci qua!
One last OOTD. Again, very light cotton top, this time in a paisley print (bought in Paris at the same shop as that red-white-blue dress above). Same skirt, that Henschel hip bag, and the white trainers — hard to ignore how much better the trainers look than the Birks, every single time. Might have to rethink my hot-weather footwear game for next year. . . Or not. I mean, comfort is pretty persuasive. . .
And that’s it for my Summer Nostalgia posting here, although I’m not putting the cotton and linen away just yet. I have started pulling out sweaters to layer over summer skirts and dresses to extend their use, and I was happy to wear these ochre loafers yesterday. It’s cool enough that I could wear my jeans again — and when I opened one of the under-bed boxes to tuck away some beach cover-ups, I saw the plaid tweed skirt I bought late last winter and remembered how much I enjoyed wearing it. But I didn’t mind tucking it back in for another few weeks. We have months and months ahead for wearing these warmer garments . . . just weeks more for the lighter layers, at least where I live. Obviously, your mileage will vary.
I’m currently working on two posts — one that takes a neighbourhood walk on a detour to Naples, and another my monthly reading post. And I haven’t forgotten a commitment to continue the conversation inspired by an excerpt from Siri Husvedt’s book Memories of the Future (scroll down to the last book reviewed in the post and then browse relevant responses in the comments section to see what I mean).
So we’re back, the Blog and I, La Rentrée has begun, and I look forward to us catching up and then moving ahead together, chatting and building community. Leave a comment below, if you’re so inclined.
xo,
f
Maybe it’s just your fall-ish mood that thinks the sneakers look so much better. I think the Birkenstocks look great. I know what you mean about trying hard to NOT regret the end of one more summer. Although I must admit I am usually not sad to see summer go. But I am cognizant that each summer I spend at home may be Mum’s last. I so well remember saying that about my stepfather one year as Stu and I drove out of the driveway at home early, early one August morning to start the long drive back to Ottawa. He was getting visibly older and as I said to Stu, each time I fear it will be the last time. And then, of course it was. But I must give myself a shake and carry on, eh? Shopping this week. Or browsing for fall stuff. Then home to the new Vara mystery. Later supper made my Stu, a glass of wine, and maybe a British mystery on TV. Life is good. 🙂
P.S. Thanks for the mention. I’m off to read Annie’s post which I missed.
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Not being a fan of heat (27 is on the verge for me!) I’m a bit surprised at how strongly I’ve felt about letting summer go these last few years. Definitely has something to do with mortality and age.
So tough saying good-bye to ageing and/or frail parents. You’ve been so good about visiting and doing what you can across the miles. I hope that knowledge helps with the giving yourself a shake and carrying on. xo
Oh, Sue, this gave me such a pang. In December 2013, my husband and I were driving from LA to San Diego (~2 hours, traffic depending) to spend Christmas Day with my mom, and I commented that just once I’d love to laze around at home with him, and then I stopped and reminded myself that she was 83, and who knew how many more Christmases we’d have. And it turned out to be our last, as she passed 2 months later. So yes, carry on, and seize the day, and let’s all hug our loved ones while we can.
Still so warm here that fall still seems a distant prospect.
I love your reading lists and wardrobe photos equally I think, but the photo of your Mary Jane-ish shoes made me nostalgic for a pair of shoes (probably my first really fashion-conscious purchase) that I had in high school and wore into college years. They were a pair of black Papagallo kitten heels with a toe similar to your shoes which in the parlance of the time were referred to as platypus. Don’t remember when they went to the great landfill in the sky but many times since I’ve wished they were still mine.
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Oh, those first fashion-conscious purchases! I have a few very clear images of shoes I loved — platforms and a tall stacked heel in the early 70s, especially. I haven’t heard of a platypus-toed shoe — but yes, that could describe mine (which I think are still in a friend’s closet — I cleared out so much when we moved to the condo)
I love September for the promise that it brings of new activities and autumn colours and crispy leaves. The sweater on top of a dress is a great look for extending summer clothing. You have knit so many beautiful sweaters. Time passes and all things change. Someone just shared “worry is worshipping the problem “.
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And you’re making the most of September with your current solo trip to France — I’m so enjoying following your adventure on Instagram!
Just a quick note to say you’ve really nailed the summer dress (and skirt) looks! They all look cool, effortless, and stylish. I guess I think it every year, but maybe next summer I’ll try harder to find a swishy dress that I feel confident wearing.
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Thank you! I feel so much more comfortable in a dress or skirt through the summer — only wear shorts for exercise and then only Lululemon fitted ones.
This is lovely,Frances! You have very individual style indeed and I love it.
I second Sue’s opinion-I like your outfits with Birkenstocks as well as with sneakers
Dottoressa
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Thanks, Dottoressa! Kind words!
Hey ho and thanks for the mention! I have been overhauling the wardrobe this week, finally getting rid of some items that haven’t really worked for me, sending them to the charity clothes banks. And like you, while I welcome autumn, I am ticking off another summer with a pang of regret. Maybe because both my parents died in the autumn months. Who knows? I try not to dwell.
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Not dwelling is a good approach. I suspect some of my feelings about letting summer go have to do with having let our beachfront island lifestyle go. In the city, it’s much harder to fit as much Summer in, and so it’s suddenly over and I have only swum in ocean or lake once or twice each (used to be several times daily), haven’t picked wild blackberries, etc. On the other hand, I’ve taken Grandkids to Theatre Under the Stars and danced with an Eight at a street festival (where she was enthralled at the Drag Queen performances) and done so much people-watching from a variety of sidewalk patios, so. . .
Today is the day following labor Day and the weather seems to have got the message that summer over. Not a bad thing, I awakened to some much needed rain which continued into the morning and beyond. It seems to have stopped now but much appreciated. I am sure it will be hot and muggy again so I have not intention of retiring my summer clothing, I’m looking forward to more beach dinners in the next weeks. And I have purchased a new pair of shoes for the upcoming season. I was walking by shoe store. It is a small, local chain which seems to have a nice curated selection of wares. I was drawn to the advertised end of season sale on sneakers. three years ago I bought a pair of metallic ones which are still a favorite. I left with a pair if Italian loafers. A bit of a splurge and maybe a little impulsive but I immediately saw that they would work into my wardrobe. Also, I often look at what Eileen Fisher Renew has to offer. I saw a blue sweater, textured, a a combination of cotton and linen which seems a useful piece for the transition between seasons. Always enjoy your outfit posts.
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Oh, that rain after drought — I love the smell of petrichor!
And to validate your impulsive purchase, I’d say you can’t go wrong with a pair of Italian loafers.
wish we had an Eileen Fisher Renew here — such a good concept!
As a Birkenstock wearer, I agree with you on comfort. The sneakers with dresses and skirts are a bit trendier right now, so perhaps that makes them look crisper. Or, perhaps it is that we need to wear our Birks with long skirts or dresses. I got two new pair of Birks this summer. I had been looking at Sue’s black patent leather knockoffs for two summers and I finally asked for a Birk version for my birthday.
Your mention of La Rentrée brings back memories of our son going back in the fall to the international school he attended. That is what everyone there called the return. It’s a great phrase.
I’ve just mentioned the books on my fall reading/listening list in a comment on Sue’s last post. I look forward to reading all about your reading over the summer.
Enjoy your bare toes for a little while longer.
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I’m pleased to see so many readers appreciate the Birkenstocks as much as the sneakers — Black patent ones would be more chic, and would help to ground some outfit more than the white ones do.
I bought the black patent Birks after Sue influenced me – and they are one of my summer go-tos! So much so that I’m thinking I should probably buy another pair/color at some point.
I do agree with all who’ve said that the Birks work as well to my eye as do the trainers. Must be my beachy lifestyle!
Such an abundance of riches in this post. Thank you. BTW, I think the Birkenstocks look just as good as the trainers, so, FWIW I do not think they need to be put away.
I can no longer avoid thinking about death. Still trying to avoid writing about it though, at least my own. But maybe it would be a good thing for our generation to speak up about it online, just as young mothers have done about childrearing over the past decade. Food for thought
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Aw, you’re always so encouraging, thanks.
Me too, on the mortality thinking. My own, but also the possibility of being on my own first. I think you’re right about a possible conversation and have considered starting one here . . first I have to tackle the senior sex one as promised. Sex first. Death next? Nervous laughter, #hahaha xo
Ha! I didn’t have anything to add (except yes to the Birks) but the comments are fantastic. I hang on to summer kicking and screaming but it’s more about winter coming than anything else I think.
Sex first, death next. La petite mort, non?
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Ha! I thought exactly that as I wrote those words 😉
You are building a great collection of summer outfits, very much your style and I loved seeing your Sophie Digard necklace in the last post.
Our last few summers have been rather cool and the prediction for this coming summer is for more La Nina weather ie cool and wet. I feel the cold so my linen dresses won’t get much wear again as I find pants and tops warmer and easier to layer.