The First of Fall

 
Fall, fall, fall. The air is chilly, the leaves are changing, and all the animals are looking fluffier than ever in their cold weather coats. We've just spent this weekend making sure our animals have nice cozy houses, adding straw and warm blankets, blocking holes that would let in the wind. 

After all that we turned our attention to our own home fires, literally as we cleaned out the chimney and took an inventory of our firewood. We still have a lot of work ahead of us to keep us warm this winter, but that's what fall is for. The dropping temperatures remind us it's time to get busy with preparations before it gets any colder.

I am a lover of all things autumn, always have been, so get ready to see lots and lots of photos with pumpkins and the like until the leaves do their duty and change colors. I thought today would be the perfect time to get started on the pumpkins since the leaves will still be a few weeks in turning. Even though I've been back to work more, I still like to take afternoon tea under the trees as often as possible and more so now while the warm afternoon sunshine lasts. There are vanilla cream biscuits and chocolate frosted ginger cake with apple jelly filling and of course a good read to go along.

So, I've transformed my favorite quiet spot by loading it up with pumpkins, gourds, a raven or two and some fresh marigolds from my flower garden. I also keep a light blanket handy to wrap around my shoulders. It's now an autumn wonderland—although the cats love to hide in the pumpkins to jump scare us and the dogs like to carry off a gourd now and then to chew on. They especially love it when I chase them demanding the gourd back. They put up their tails, throw their heads back and run with delight thinking it's part of a game. It always makes me laugh, so I guess it is a game we play.

It's been a while since I've done a collab with FemmeLuxe and oh how I have missed it! I am excited to have a few things to showcase this week just in time for the season change too. There will of course be a pretty dress! Along with a few other stylish things. FemmeLuxe has been my go-to for everything from great Jeans and Trousers to Corset Dresses and Bodysuits ever since we started collaborating together last year. I'm totally hooked. Today, however, I thought it would be nice to wear something in the spirit of the season, so today we're talking Tops.

Just as I'm putting away my light cotton dresses and bringing sweaters off the shelves, I saw this cute little Black Ribbed Off The Shoulder Crop Top -Kourt at FemmeLuxe and thought it would be just right for this spooky season. This Kourt Crop Top is quite thick with long sleeves and a split front and back design. Layer it with a tank or camisole or wear it as is with a high waist skirt or jeans. It might even be nice paired with some joggers to make comfortable lounge wear.

I have several ideas in mind for this Kourt Crop Top, but I thought I'd start with this little fox print skirt and a little something by Mr. Edgar Allan Poe. I've had this book of his most celebrated works since I was a teenager and every October I like to bring it off the shelf and read a few selections. The Raven seems most appropriate read for today's tea time under the changing trees.

I'm so happy that autumn days are here at last and I am so glad to be back to having FemmeLuxe week each month. So, if you are new to the blog what that means is that tomorrow and for the next few days I'll be back each day with another FemmeLuxe post, something seasonally appropriate and absolutely stunning to be certain. So, join me right back here tomorrow for another great FemmeLuxe style. See you then!

Shopping Info: BlackRibbed Off The Shoulder Crop Top -Kourt from FemmeLuxe.co.uk, Headband from SheIn, Skirt from ModCloth