One of the weirdest (and maybe one of the most depressing) things about moving from Texas to California is the lack of seasons. Yes, I know Texas doesn't have season's like North Carolina or Montana, but Texas has more noticeable "seasons" than in California to say the least. I've been seeing all these posts about how everyone is pulling out their sweaters and sipping their hot beverages, and yes, in a few weeks, that would've been me too, but not anymore. So I wanted to talk about dealing with the lack of fall and how people in warmer weather can still enjoy the season.
1) Dealing from head to toe
Although we lack the weather to wear sweaters and boots, I still incorporate fall in to my outfits by focusing on color instead of clothing. When you think of fall, you think of oranges, reds, and yellows, olive greens and greys. Those aren't completely unaccessible in warmer areas. One of my favorite outfits (completely accessible) in the fall are short sleeve dresses, sheer or fishnet tights, some cute booties, and a fun jacket for mornings and nights. This can also be achieved with a short sleeved shirt and skirt. And for those days where there is a chill in the air or you're going out at night, you can even go with some jeans, short sleeved shirt, booties and jacket to throw on or take off when it gets warm. These are some of my favorite and simplest fall outfit ideas that I go to again and again in this warmer weather.
2) Dealing with warmer days and cooler drinks
When I was back in Texas, during fall and especially winter, I drank more tea than I drank water (but I figured tea is just flavored water so don't freak-out too much). Being in California, it's warm nearly all day long, which really cuts in to the time I can spend drinking my favorite hot beverages. So I figured out the optimal times for me to get my koze on. Just because you live in a warm place doesn't always mean there is a lack of chill in the air come fall and winter. Mornings and evenings are perfect for me to put on the kettle and whip out my favorite teas (and tea cups cause lets be honest, that's half the fun). I have a tendency to leave my bathroom window open at night so when I wake up it's the perfect temperature to warrant a cup of tea.
3) Dealing with a lack of weather (in all sense of the word)
California isn't really known for inconsistent weather. Actually, it's not known for weather at all. Yes it's known for being sunny...and sunny...and only sunny. So there's really nothing I can do about the lack of rain or clouds, but I had to mention this anyways because it's one of my favorite parts about fall and I'm really going to miss having rain this year.
However, just because I can't control the weather, doesn't mean I can't promote the season of fall. Re-decorating is one of the easiest ways to create an atmosphere of fall, and when I think of fall decorations, I think pumpkins and succulents. But that's just step one of creating an atmosphere. Step two is through scent. One of my favorite candles that embodies fall, in my opinion, is Sweater Weather by Bath and Body Works (of course). Although fall doesn't really occur in California, setting out pumpkins and succulents, and lighting fall smelling candles are always a good way to force fall upon your household (in the most positive of ways, of course).
If you live in a place where it gets cold, don't take it for granted...or at lease enjoy it for those of us stuck in warm weather till New Year's.