"fall" is here

this time of year in far-off, distant places like 

colorado, montana, vermont, and maine

the leaves are turning, fireplaces are stacked high with freshly cut logs

and a welcome chill is in the air.

but here in louisiana, the temperature is hovering around 85

and we're still drinking iced coffees instead of hot.

that doesn't mean we can't get excited about "fall"

which for us is kind of a pretend season, since it stays warm up until thanksgiving

and then..all of a sudden...it's 20 degrees and you're digging in the back of your closet 

for your patagonia fleece and woolen scarf.

the cold in louisiana, new orleans specifically, is unlike any other i have ever felt.

it gets into your bones and doesn't leave until the thermometer climbs back to 60.

so, however far-off it may seem, you must be prepared for this "season" sandwiched between summer and spring, or it will sneak up and shock you with a chill that will make you wish you had thrown a cardigan over that t-shirt and jeans.

 my own personal preparation for the pseudo-season involved tackling the ever-looming task of cleaning out the closet and making room for some new cooler-weather pieces 

and fall-inspired choices.

throw in a bunch of autumn-hued blooms, good books, and a woodsy-scented candle

and i might be tricked into stoking up a fire in our fireplace once the temp drops to 70. 

some of my picks:

a fall tabletop arrangement

perfect for serving up hearty, delicious paleo and diabetes-friendly meals

an autumn-inspired bouquet i pulled together last night

perfect for finding inspiration in a new space

(melissa and i got our copies signed by the fab b. batt himself)

picked up a few colors today to fancy up some old furniture of mr. c's

jonathan adler 'big sur' candle...the most divine scent ever

seven for all mankind 'second skin skinny' jeans...perfect under chunky sweaters and long knits

gold monogram necklace from Bauble Bar...i ordered one with my new initials

first monogram with "hcm" i will own, and i want it close to my heart

 cozy and incredibly soft plaid shirt from F21 (that i'm wearing as i write)

i have a feeling i won't be taking this off until march

leather-tipped bell skirt from j.crew

perfect work attire for now and later, just add opaque black tights 

i finally caved in and bought another pair of j.crew 'pixie' pants

this time in a fab dark heathered gray

they are just perfection with tunics and oversized layering pieces 

j.crew again

are you surprised?

i'm loving army-olive green these days 

 chunky, long, drapey, slouchy, substantial

the perfect sweater from urban outfitters

 staub 4-quart wide cocotte 

i have used this beauty twice since purchasing yesterday

to crank out some seriously tasty, but still healthy (and paleo friendly) meals

that make my house smell like a thanksgiving feast 

and also make me look like a gourmet genius

(thank you williams-sonoma registry)

what are some of your favorite pieces for fall?

xoxo