september ins and outs

I... am an Autumn

Hi loves,

Happy September! My favourite season of the year is upon us.

In a happy melancholy and wrapped up in a knitted jumper by the fireplace, I’m ready to binge-watch Gilmore Girls, take misty walks on orange-leaved streets and re-read Donna Tartt.

This is a short ‘n sweet letter with my ins and outs for September because I love the season so much. Hope you enjoy!

Gilmore Girls <3

September ins

• baking pumpkin pies. I’m eyeing this recipe for mine.

• cinnamon in everything. coffee, buns, cakes, oatmeal, you name it.

• mary janes. although these were a pre-summer trend, I am finally getting on it. I think they’d look just as cute over a pair of tights or under jeans as loafers would. My dream pair are these.

• The Secret History re-read. I only read THS for the first time two years ago, and I can already feel myself itching to get back into it this autumn. I am also a part of this reddit feed dedicated to the book which prompts me get into it all the more.

• cashmere Reformation. since last year, I’ve been focusing on a smaller closet with better fabrics and cashmere is one of those I need more of now. It’s expensive, but sooo worth it. This Reformation jumper is to die for and has been on my wishlist for a while. Splurge?

• buying seasonal flowers. if it’s an orange-hued bouquet, I want it.

• indoor solo dates. e.g. taking pictures in photobooths like style icon

  Maya Moore
  showcases on instagram, taking yourself to dinner or simply cosying up in the cinema. The motto is “me, myself, and I”.

• Harry Potter audiobooks. if you follow me for a while, you know I’m in the midst of re-listening to them (because yes, I listened to them before). Perfect timing to prepare for the movies in the winter months!

• Lana Del Rey. it’s the season to become melancholic with very soft and atmospheric music. In the midst of making a little playlist.

• playing records. I love the ritual of consciously putting on a specific album and listening through the whole thing instead of plugging in my Iphone and playing shuffle. I used to use my record player a lot, but have stopped doing so in recent years. About high time to tune into it again.

• day-dreaming about Halloween. I’m ready for some good scary movies.

• espresso brown. a staple colour year round, but I think it fits especially well with the red/brownish tones of Autumn. This Freja bag is a staple in my closet, as well as the Porto Pouch. I’ve also been eyeing these jeans.

• quiche. ever since I was young, my mum used to make quiches and it was the first thing she taught me how to make when I went to college. I make it whenever I need a simple and hearty meal. It’s super easy, so I’ll share the recipe here!
  
  quiche for 2-3 people

  - pizza/quiche dough or even just any puff pastry
  - a box of frozen spinach (450g), drained
  - cottage cheese (200g)
  - an egg
  - salt and pepper
  
  Mix spinach, cottage cheese, egg and salt/pepper and transfer to a baking tray lined with dough. Bake for 40-50 min at 200 degrees celsius or until browning. I sometimes add tomatoes or feta cheese as a topping before baking.
  

• reading on Substack. I love this platform. Keep an eye out for a list of my favourite Substackers soon.

• dinner parties. while summer is for dining out, autumn is all about staying in. But that doesn’t mean we can’t cosy it up with others. I say set that table with a linen tablecloth and candelabra, prepare some easy food (perhaps that quiche above!) and let the conversation (and wine) flow.

When Harry met Sally (1989)

September outs

• the demure trend. it’s probably out anyways, since these trends only last a second. I don’t use TikTok anymore, and just like the ecstasy over Taylor Swift doesn’t reach me (love a lot of her music though), neither have “Brat summer” or “demure end of summer”. If you’re feeling too old for Gen Z trends like me, check out this sort of explanatory but mostly nostalgic about our past video by Kackie Reviews Beauty. That being said, the ironic demure trend can stay.

• flip-flops. bye friends, see you next summer.

• rushed mornings. we want relaxed vibes only.

• overconsumption. just because a new season is starting, doesn’t mean we need ALL the newest gadgets or clothes. Spend wisely, my loves.

• having online friends only. we all love our online communities (I love this space we’ve created on Substack) and technology definitely makes it easier to catch up or re-connect with others, but having face-to-face conversations that inspire and enthuse is one of the best things in life.

  jordan santos
  wrote a great article recently about how social media is a great vehicle for connection but that the real treasure lies in fostering your offline relationships.

  all my favorite people are offline

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What’s on your September must-do and must-not-do lists? Leave a comment.

Thanks for reading!

x

Nora

The Hours (2002)