Just because days might still be in the mid-80s doesn’t mean you can’t buy things in preparation for the colder months.
With pumpkins out in full force and the hum of holiday music muffled on the other side of the door, this October marked the point in the year when I was once again reminded that autumn in Southern California meant that days were still hot and the nights were only slightly cooler. Despite that, I can’t help but look forward to the last quarter of the year and all that it brings. October was the month of spooky, scary Halloween but like a number of retail spaces, I’m already on the winter holiday prep. After all, it might just be my busiest time in the year. With holiday meal planning, getting started on making presents, and general event planning, I used this month as a ramp to prepare before all the craziness of the holiday season is in full swing.
This was the month to pick up creature comforts like warm clothes, good books, and even some tea.
Bow-Back Trench Coat from Sandy Liang x GAP
The Sandy Liang x Gap collaboration took the internet by storm. By marrying the Sandy Liang aesthetic of bows, lace, and girlhood nostalgia with Gap’s focus on wardrobe staples it was no surprise that certain sought after pieces were sold out before lunch rolled in. Chief among those pieces was the Bow-Back Trench Coat. This classic double breasted trench coat sports an oversized fit and the classic Sandy Liang bow in the back, making it highly adaptable to your wardrobe needs. And while the winter chill has yet to arrive here in Southern California, I can tell that this coat will be well worn once the holidays roll in.
Iroshizuku Tsuki-Yo from Pilot
If moonlight could be captured in a bottle, what color would it be? Pilot’s Iroshizuku collection attempts to answer that question with a rich blue black ink that sheens a barely noticeable red. With the use of fine and extra fine nibs, this sheening quality is hardly apparent; outside of moving the paper side to side against the light, that is. The ink’s quick drying properties make it perfect as a writing ink for times when you’re tired of plain black ink.
Mass Market Paperback
There’s something chic about pre-loved mass market paperbacks, both functionally and aesthetically. These tiny well-loved dog-eared copies have a certain charm to them that their much larger counterpart (a standard paperback) certainly lack. Perhaps it’s the compact nature, the yellowing of the pages, and if you’re lucky the notes on the margin that give you a glimpse of the previous owner. I think it’s that worn-out look about them that translates into being well-loved that makes it so chic, the idea that in loving something so much you change the look of it. To paraphrase Nichole Hill in an article for Bookriot, mass market paperbacks are the “2006 Toyota Corolla you’ll drive until one of you dies”. Full of sentiment, reliability, and really should’ve retired a decade ago but you can’t bring yourself to do so. Whether you’re picking up a literary classic, a salacious bodice ripper, or a sci-fi thriller, mass market paperbacks will forever be en vogue.
Between the Sheets from Sorce
Vanilla and tonka might rule the cold season, but Between the Sheets feels like pulling up the bedsheets to shield away from the cold morning air. A special order scent, Between the Sheets boasts a smooth combination of fig on a bed of not-too-sweet cream and oh-so-cool musk. A mixture of which, brings forth memories of warm bedsheets and sunshine through curtains, it makes for an excellent lazy day scent. My personal preferred way of wearing it? Sprayed on a knitted sweater or on flannel outer shirt.
Wool Jacquard Socks from Nishiguchi Katsushita
Made on vintage knitting machines, these Wool Jacquard Socks from Nishiguchi Katsushita were an immediate add to cart for it’s timeless pattern and high wool content. The intricate jacquard design is balanced with a monochrome colorway, giving the eyes a point of interest but not so much that it becomes an eye sore. It also comes pre-shrunk so there’s no worry about it fitting perfectly off the tags and then shrinking two sizes down after a wash. Though, it is still recommended to follow proper laundry instructions to make sure that the socks actually last, as with similar wool products. Whether it’s to keep your toes warm during cold winter nights or keeping your feet cushioned as you trudge through icy slush, there’s nothing quite like a good pair of wool socks.
Huntington Rose Tea from The Huntington in collaboration with Art of Tea
Roses aren’t exactly synonymous with the autumn season but that doesn’t mean that it’s completely out of the menu. The Huntington’s Rose Tea Blend features a subtle rose reminiscent of the iconic rose garden in full bloom without being overly floral and perfect with a dash of milk. If you’ve had the chance to have high tea at their tea room, this blend will be familiar because this is one of the specialty blends they offer alongside the meal.
Author’s Note: I made a huge mistake and forgot to publish this article before I went on vacation. Alas, it’s published now.
