For me, this week is what I consider to be the official start to the Fall season…
THE STORY
…In my mind, when I go back to school it’s Fall. Fortunately, as a nice change of pace the weather decided to cooperate as well. Normally when we go back the temperatures are in the 80’s, and in light of the fact I’m on the second floor with no air conditioning I feel like I’m trapped in a sweltering sauna. This year though it’s been 60’s and 70’s all the way, which means it really does feel Fall-ish and that makes me happy. I love everything about Fall; the cooler weather, the smells and the changing leaves. To me, Fall just feels energizing. It feels like change. I’ve always said that September feels more like the start of a new year than January does.
I think part of that comes from being a teacher. It’s the beginning of a new school year; change is in the air and anything is possible. It’s strange that I enjoy the “change is in the air” thing though because I am truly a creature of habit. I like predictability. Since I moved back to the middle school three years ago, I’ve been kind of spoiled. I had the best of both worlds; I could enjoy the feeling of change and newness while at the same time having the same group of students that I had already had while I was at the elementary school thus providing me a semblance of predictability.
But this year? Only three of my originals remain as 8th graders, and I got a brand-spankin’ new batch of of 6th graders whom I have never met before now. In years past, at the start of the new school year my little minions were well trained and we would simply pick up where we left off in June. This year I have had to actually bust my butt. My new little pack has required training from the ground up. And I am utterly exhausted. But do you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
THE OUTFIT
I cannot tell you how pleased I was when Soft Surroundings approached me to choose gifted pieces from their Fall “Transitional and Timeless” collection. First on my list were these absolutely perfect ponte knit leggings. They are thick enough to stand alone as pants, and even have functioning back pockets. They also have a wider waistband like pants so there’s no uncomfortable pulling involved. They come in petite sizes which is great for those of us who are vertically challenged. They do run big though so I recommend sizing down.
The Wanderer Top in my opinion, makes the perfect layering piece all year round. It’s soft and lightweight enough to work as a light cover up in the summer which is also what makes it perfect for layering over a turtleneck or under a sweater in the Fall and Winter. The snap front is a nice change of pace from the typical button front. The Kindred Cuff in silver was the just right bit of bling to work with all of the gray and black tones in the rest of the outfit.
I think the Vince Camuto ankle boots are my favorite piece though. They are soft suede; comfortable and gorgeous just as you’d expect from Vince Camuto. They run small (as did the other pair I own…I think it’s a Vince Camuto thing) so order up a half-size.
I can tell you in all honesty that I love every single piece that I received from Soft Surroundings. The quality is phenomenal, the pieces worked beautifully together, and they will make excellent stand alone pieces to build other outfits on.
THE TIP
If you love the comfort of leggings, but fear the visibility of your private bits in public, look for a pair made of ponte knit. It’s soft, heavyweight, and super comfortable. All of my leggings are a thicker knit, but I still always make sure to wear a longer top. Ponte knit really does make the difference…I wouldn’t hesitate to wear these as pants.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Leggings: c/o Soft Surroundings; Snap Front Top: c/o Soft Surroundings; Booties: c/o Soft Surroundings; Cuff: c/o Soft Surroundings
