What’s the rush with welcoming Fall when it’s still peak summer? August has barely arrived and you’d think that the leaves are beginning to change their color, that apples are ready for picking, and that a new school year is about to start with all the “get ready for Fall” advertisements and posts I’ve been seeing already.
I suppose that last one is true for much of the US where school districts have adopted an early-start calendar but that’s beside the point. With my children now done with college and since retiring, the significance of Fall as marking a new beginning has waned considerably. Trust me, I love my boots, cozy knits, and hardy soups just as much as anyone. All I’m saying is let’s pull the reins in a bit on all the “pre-Fall” and “Fall transition” hooey-balooey.
Not that I haven’t been a bit guilty in the past of pushing the Summer/Fall transition hype myself. However, it has been only once in my seven years of blogging that I published such a post in August. Written back in 2017, Floral Jumpsuit: Up Down All-Around) was more of along the lines of “wear it now, wear it later” as opposed to “buy it for Fall now”. Typically, I wait until September for such topics even though the temps in Southern Califonia don’t even start to cool off until early October.
Of course, I eagerly devour the much-anticipated trend-reporting articles about what’s hot and what’s not as it relates to colors, cuts, and silhouettes for the upcoming season. Trust me, I’m just as excited as anyone when stores have new offerings on their racks but trying on sweaters and jackets in the heat of summer isn’t something that I’m keen on doing. Besides, I’ve become more of a “buy it now, wear it now” kind of shopper after realizing that there’s little to be gained by delayed gratification other than regret.
Along that line of thinking, I’ve added another linen-blend item to my collection. As I’ve come to embrace my inner coastal mama, my appreciation for linen as the marvelous textile that it is has increased significantly. Found on a 50% off clearance rack, my striped tunic was probably originally marketed as a beach dress or something similar. It’s a bit too short for my comfort to wear it without pants or leggings. Also, the V of the neckline was originally quite low but nothing that a dozen or so blind stitches couldn’t fix for modesty purposes. Paired with thrifted jeans, a straw hat, and a faux sea-glass necklace (aka plastic beads), and I’m ready to sit on the rocks or stroll leisurely along the beach, sandals in hand, and enjoy a sunny summer day.
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from the last week’s link-up is Nancy, who shared a lovely summer outfit from her Instagram Feed. I’m sure you’ll agree that Nancy has a talent for putting together fabulous looks.
How are you spending the last weeks of summer? I know that for many living in the northern hemisphere, it’s been rather hot and the cooler temps of Fall will be a welcome relief. I see you, I know your pain but I’m still quite content to live in the moment and not wish away summer. And if I might, I like to add that I’m not looking forward to the “breaking the no-white after Labor Day rule” posts and articles that are bound to start popping up shortly. Not fall’n for it this year.
Stay well and letโs keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin โฆ all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photo credit: MMPerez
20 Comments
It’s always been my dream to live even an hour from the ocean! I love that you’re holding on to summer! And I wrote a post about prepping our eating habits for the holidays (sorry about that). My husband and I are doing a house sit on a Georgia island and we’re both so excited. Love your photos!
Wendy
Thatโs such a great outfit. The cooler weather and fall is really such a fun season. I just love the decor ideas here makes me think of seasonal occasions. I hope you are having a great week so far. Canโt believe itโs August time goes by so fast.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2022/08/how-5-iconic-fall-pieces-have-become-my.html?m=1
Summer is just SO short! Even though I love fall, I put off the celebration until the calendar blows the whistle on me.
Rena, this is coastal perfection! I love the linen tunic and the denim, it’s beautiful!
xo,
Kellyann
I’m holding onto summer as long as I can. Love your beach photos! Your coastal style is fabulous!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I am with you (though I don’t particularly like summer). I’m not rushing into buying fall clothes. Actually, when we get moved, it will be like shopping as I unpack my clothes! So, I probably, maybe won’t do much fall shopping at all! Thanks for the link party!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Absolutely loved your chat about the transition from summer to autumn and your linen outfits look so fab – wonโt be long until we in Australia will be wearing them! Have a great week and thank you for running the linkup!
Donna ๐งโโ๏ธโค๏ธ๐ฆ
I don’t shop for fall until September. And I’m wearing my summer clothes as long as possible. Want to enjoy summer as long as I can! What a lovely surprise to see me featured! Thank you very much Rena!
Although I don’t particularly like the name of Coastal Grandmother, I just love laidback linen and seaside stripes, so you’re wearing my probably perfect outfit Rena. I need warm sweaters for the Autumn/Winter and know I often miss the early sellouts, but can’t bring myself to go and look!!
Great look, this style suits you Rena xx
I don’t blame you wanting to keep summer going! I love this breezy top! This casual look is so chic and perfect for a day at the ocean. Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
You are the cutest coastal mama ever! I really love this tunic and the easy beachy vibes of this whole look. I am with you on enjoying the last weeks of summer before ushering in fall. We still have 5 weeks of official summer time remaining, for goodness sake! And where I live, you need sweaters and boots 10 months out of the year, so I will hold onto summer for as long as I can!
Shelbee
We’d normally be seeing a lot of “fall fuss” by now in the UK, but because we’ve had a prolonged heatwave, it hasn’t happened yet. Only a matter of time, as the heatwave is dissipating now (thank goodness). We usually go straight from autumn (fall) to Christmas though, so I’m dreading seeing garden centers with all their Christmas finery in September!
Thanks for hosting a great party!! Hope your week is going well – I shared some posts from both of my blogs.
I am loving your new shirt: it’s the perfect length for a tunic and the stripes are summery and light. I am definitely not shopping fall yet and just thrifted two things: one is a sleeveless jumpsuit, the other a kimono which probably will be worn year round.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Oh Rena I’m so with you! Like what is the big rush anyway? What happened to living each day fully and in the moment. This rushing to transition to Fall is really and ultimately for retail to capitalize as much as possible on sales Now. Like you, I am not about to fall for it either! And I love this coastal look- it’s divine and so fun. And white after Labor Day all the way!! xx
Rena, love that photo of you kicking up your heels! Must try some linen-blend pieces soon. Thank you for hosting. My post is at #66. Your post reminded me of when I was in school and so eager to wear my new fall and winter school clothes that I’d end up wearing a wool outfit in September/early October when it was still hot!
I’m with you, Rena — It’s all about marketing. I can see where it benefits retailers to advertise fall merchandise in August. (They’ll have Christmas items on the shelves before Halloween arrives). But, on a personal level, I’m nowhere near thinking about fall. Let’s enjoy the hot-hot-hot- days of August with a bit of beach time. You look great in your linen top!
Thanks for participating in Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 29.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
I’m with you! Summer is short here in Canada and winter way too long. I’m nowhere near ready to start thinking about fall! In spite of that, I did buy a sweater the other day that I’m putting away until the chillier days arrive. It was thrifted, so it was a matter of now or never.
I love your coastal mama look. The last photo is absolutely fabulous!
I totally agree with you, I never want summer to end! Let’s not wish our time away – winter drags enough! I love your linen shirt and fun beach photos!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com