03 Sep What I’m Reading, Watching, Wearing and Doing at the End of Summer

Hello friends,

I am really trying to get two posts a week out, but sometimes life gets in the way. My mom broke her wrist, so between that and the Stenosis, my sis and I have been a bit busy. So, here today, I thought we would talk about what I’m reading, Watching, Doing, and wearing at the end of summer. And I would love to hear from you!

September- Well, Here we are!

“September! I never tire of turning it over in my mind. It has warmth, depth, and color. It glows like old amber.” — Patience Strong

Living in North Carolina for 24 years, I have come to the fact and realization, that September is not what it is in Pittsburgh. Come Sept 1st, the leaves do not necessarily begin to change, and the air is not chilly. There have been some days here in September, in Charlotte, that are still 90 degrees.

Nevertheless, this year, we had a mild August, and it was so wonderful over the last 2 days being cool and comfortable, in the mid 70’s.

Fall approaches, certainly in the retail world, and my brother, a buyer in NY, can certainly attest to.

I went to NY FASHION WEEK once when they lived in Jersey City, and that was quite the thrill, in September, about 7 years ago.

Now, I am going through my closet, thinking about what I want to part with, and what I want to acquire.

I do LOVE  Fall, and always have, the cold air, the fresh air, the leaves changing and the coziness of it all. It is time though to look through the closets and see how we can update for this new year. I wrote about how Chocolate Brown is all the rage this year, so if it tickles your fancy, it is the time to acquire some pieces. Check out what I curated HERE

Materials we longed to wear in the warmer months, are coming into day- suede, leather, faux leather. silk.  I think I just love this season, particurly in fashion, as the outfits looks LUX, and they don’t have to be. ( money wise). But other months don’t have quite that characterization, unless you are in head to toe Fendi, or bring your LV and your LV luggage on your travels.

What I Am Reading

I can’t help myself with Kristin Hannah. Her books are easy to read, historically interesting and character driven. Seeming to be enamored with historical fiction, I have read, The Nightengale, The Great Alone, and The Women. Now, however, True Colors a story that  takes a different turn with one of her earlier books, tells about a family wanting to save their horse farm, and the relationships that surrounds it, h enchants me.

Let Them, another book that I am reading was given to me by my mother. My sister read it first. The theory, or idea, behind Let Them Theory, is that the problem isn’t with you, it is the power you give people. It talks about how one should stop trying to conquer those things in which you don’t have control. Focusing on what matters, you set your goals, your life desires, etc. I read only a little bit so far, but have heard good things.

It was brought up because my mom lives in a retirement community of 55+, and there are still “cliques” or groups of people that have formed an association!

Can you believe this at 82?

What I’m Watching

Well, I am picky as to what I watch these days. Really, I love a good story. That is what mom, and I have in common with TV. I laugh, as my hubby watches Sci Fi shows with the inevitable “Portal”. He also loves the Marvel superhero shows. I am more interested in the Vera- True Crime- English Mystery type shows with the occasional “Botched” thrown in.

The story aspect, really appealed to me when hubby told me to watch “The Gilded Age.” He surprised me with that, although we did watch “Downton Abbey” together. With Christine Baranski, and Cynthia Nixon at the helm, the story of the hierarchy of classes in 1882. Marian, the aunt that moves in with the ladies, is less “rule driven” and is still interested in ways of society I am loving this series, as it reminds me a bit of “Downton Abbey” with more of a look into the classes and the kitchen workers. The story does revolve around the “old Money” and “New Money” and I’ll soon be onto Season 2.

If you need a recommendation, it is quite good!

What I Am Wearing

Well, as I wrote about the chocolate brown trending, I have added a few other pieces to my wardrobe for Fall. I have done my recent sustainable shopping on Poshmark, where I Bought 2 sweaters- one in olive, and one in grey. Other than that, I have been obsessed with burgundy pieces as well as other Fall shades. I bought this tailored blazer from Mango, to be worn in a casual and dressy way. A blazer is one thing that can elevate a look for sure!

I also purchased these pair of leopard jeans, with the dark contrast, you can wear nearly any color with this neutral print. So, start thinking of a beautiful neutral palette or a color that you want to pop with the jeans. The jeans do run true to size, but since they are more cotton, have to stretch out as you wear them. They have a wide leg silhouette and are quite flattering.

I don’t know why I obsessively by jeans and have quite a collection. Personally, I think it is because I want to “try to be normal” even though I have Gastroperesis. If it was up to me and the condition, I would probably be in sweat pants, however, I just need comfortable material, and love to be “in fashion”.

What I am Doing

Well, I have been working quite a bit at the shelter. It really is my happy place, and relieves my anxiety, as I Love to see these dogs often. The personalities win me over, and I so wish I could take one home. I will be working the Gala, The NIght for Paws at the end of the month, to try and raise money for the shelter.

I have also been going to Acupuncture with a practitioner in Charlotte. 5 sessions is what I am giving it, to see if there is a change in my Gastro symptoms.  Im also doing fashion reels, and helping my mom as she broke her wrist recently and of course it is the dominant hand. So, fortunately, my sister and I are in close proximity to her and can help her.

Teaching guitar is going well, and I have some leads I Need to follow up with.  Working to increase this business as well.

So, in September, there are a bunch of shows leading into the Fall and Winter months. We went to the Jazz Room and saw a Billy Holiday singer that was singing songs from Billu’s best. I am a huge fan, and loved hearing, the eerie and mysterious, “Strange Fruit” along with the  sweet, “God BLess the Child”.

We are planning on seeing, ” Austens Pride” a musical about Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, as well as other musicals, in the upcoming month.

Tell me what are YOU doing, watching, wearing, reading? Let me know in the comments!

Have a great day,

Jess xx