Hello Fall — Micro-Closet

Pendleton dress and Chinese Laundry boots (old)

Fall is officially here. I can no longer deny it and pretend it’s still summer. This last weekend I went home to Yakima, Washington to visit my parents, and there’s something about fall in Yakima that makes me want to embrace it. It’s the orchards heavy with ripe apples, the slightly skunky hops ready for harvest, it’s crisp mornings, and blue skies. You won’t find me piling on chunky sweaters and sipping pumpkin spice lattes (barf), but you can find breathing deeply what I love about the Yakima Valley.

While I do concede that fall has its moments, I refuse to buy into the basic white-girl fall outfit: leggings or skinny jeans, a long cardigan, scarf, and boots. **YAWN** It’s so boring. I can think of no faster way to murder my sartorial spirit than to stuff me into that ensemble and push me out the door.

This fall I’m all about Pendleton Woolen Mills. They provide cute, warm pieces in autumnal colors. My parents bought me this shirt dress for my birthday last spring (I like to think ahead when it comes to my wardrobe), which I only wore a couple of times when I first got it, but is now in heavy rotation in my closet. It’s 100% wool, but soft to the touch, comfortable, and warm. No need for a sweater when you wear it.

If you grew up in eastern Washington, apple bins are a sign of fall.

I paired it with jewelry from Atomic Boheme and a pair of Chinese Laundry boots my mom gave to me a couple of years ago (thanks mom). One of the surprising features of this dress is how well it pairs with a variety of colors. The green, brown, grey, and blue in it give me a variety of accessory options.

Much like the women who wear leggings and cardigans all fall long, I too am a creature of habit. Once I find an outfit or pairing that works, I repeat it often. This ensemble feels comfortable and effortless in a way that tells me I will wear it often and happily.