Greenwich Magazine: Fall Nesting

I recently had a feature in the Home Section of this month’s issue of Greenwich Magazine.

I recently had a feature in the Home Section of this month’s issue of Greenwich Magazine.  They asked for my thoughts on how to enhance a space for fall, so I shared my ideas on how to add texture and color just for this time of year.  I find myself looking for warmer palettes as the season shifts and like to change details to reflect this.  Many thanks to Greenwich Magazine and Moffly Media for the feature!

 

Greenwich Magazine Sept 2015-1Greenwich Magazine Sept 2015-8

Fall Gardening

This year it was a pleasant surprise to see my gardens showing color longer than usual.

This year it was a pleasant surprise to see my gardens showing color longer than usual. The warmer weather has kept the gardens alive. I am not a fall or winter person, but I love to see the trees turn and with the red, pink and orange hues, the gardens take on a whole other dimension.  When planting the garden you have to plan so there will be constant color throughout the season. There are quite a few plants that bloom late in the season, adding color to the gardens into the fall.

Hydrangea Trees
Hydrangea Trees

Hydrangea Trees are a wonderful addition to your garden if you have space for them.  I have a few different varieties, but one that I love is Hydrangea paniculata “Pink Diamond,” which starts out white and turns a deep pink and is so beautiful this time of year.  Other late blooming plants are Chelone “Hot Lips,” a dark green leaf with a pink flower; Chelone “Alba,” which has a white flower, and Anemones “September Charm,” which is a wonderful plant with a delicate light pink flower.  I also have Asters, a vibrant light blue plant variety called “Woods Light Blue” that is quite gorgeous.  Eupatorium Rugosum “Chocolate” is a variety that has white flowers with chocolate leaves and looks great mixed in a bouquet of roses.

Chelone “Hotlips," Pennisetum “Karley Rose," and Anemone
Chelone “Hotlips,” Pennisetum “Karley Rose,” and Anemone

Of course knock out roses and shrub roses will keep going for quite awhile.  “Lady Elsie May” is an ever-blooming shrub rose which is great.  Dahlias make great cut flowers this time of year.  Grasses they are the true beauty of a fall garden, especially when the sun glistens through them and they sway in the breeze.  There are so many different varieties to choose from.  A few of my favorites are Miscanthus Sinensis “ Morning Light,”  Penniseteum Orientle “Karly Rose,” and Panicum V. “Red Switch Grass.”   Of course, do not forget the sedums!  “Autumn Joy” is my favorite.

Dahlias
Dahlias

As I write this the gardens are fading and in a few weeks it will be time to get the gardens ready for the winter by cutting back the perennials and cleaning up the beds. If you have any delicate trees or fruit trees, you will want to cover them for the winter.  It is also the time to think about next year.  Fall is a great time to plant any new plants and shrubs, and to transplant any plants that you want to move or divide.   It is also the time to plant bulbs for spring flowers and place a thin layer of mulch down.  When this work is done, you’ll have all winter to look forward to new blooms in spring!

Now is the time to shop for bulbs!
Now is the time to shop for bulbs!

Best Fall Scarves

Adding a scarf to an outfit changes your look in an instant.

I love scarves.  Adding a scarf to an outfit changes your look in an instant.  Once the weather cools, I love the feeling of being wrapped up in a scarf and the way it adds color and texture to my look.  If you have a few simple outfits as a foundation, wearing different scarves changes the whole ensemble.  Like a new pillow in the living room, a scarf is a great accessory that adds a punch of color.  When winter sets in, there is nothing like a fur scarf (faux is fine!), to warm you up while also feeling luxurious.  There are endless options with scarves once you think of all the possible colors, styles, and materials as well as the many ways you can wear or tie this interchangeable accessory.  Some of my favorite scarves have been in my collection for years; some never go out of style and others come back.  The popularity of scarves can even be translated to your home design.  They can be made into pillows, as one example.

Here are some examples of great scarves for fall and winter.  With such a range of possible styles, you can find the perfect scarf for almost any outfit or occasion.

1.  Mary Katrantzou Caven Square Scarf

scarves2.  J Brand Adah Scarf : Super casual and oh so comfy!

scarves 23.  Stella McCartney Python Print Scarf

scarves 44.  Javone Fur Scarf  I love the loop!

scarves 65.  Yigal Azrouel Lady Face Scarf.  Yigal Azrouel scarves are my favorite. They are large and have such impact in design. The best accessory of all time!

scarves 7

6.  Alexander McQueen Classic Modal Skull Scarf

scarves 57.  Ann Demeulemeester Goat Fur and Leather

scarves 3

8.  Yigal Azrouel Snake Print Scarf

scarves 8

9.  Diane von Furstenberg Masons Animal Print Scarf

fall scarves

10.  Calla Engineered Scarf  by Tory Burch

scarves 10

Fabulous Fall Boots

Fall means it’s time to bring out the boots!

For most people, the cooler weather and colorful leaves of fall signal the start of a cozy, relaxing time of year to enjoy the season with friends and family.  For me, fall also means it’s time to bring out the boots!  My love of fashion is no secret, and boot season is something I find myself looking forward to as summer winds down.  Here are some of my favorite examples of fabulous boots.  Which would you choose to wear?

1.  B Brian Atwood – Fortosa Leather Platform Ankle Boots

2.  Alexander Wang – Cameron Mesh and Suede Boots

3.  Sorel – great all weather winter boot for snow and slush.

4.  Barneys New York CO-OP Miami

 

5.  Tory Burch Alaina Logo-Detailed Boot

6.  SPATS by Stuart Weitzman

7.  HALFTIME | Stuart Weitzman

8.  Manolo Blahnik Rugginaclo Slouchy Wedge Bootie – Super sexy wedge.

9.  Alexander McQueen Floral-Stud Ankle Boot

10.  MICHAEL Michael Kors Emory Suede Wedge Boot – Love the wedge!

11.  Brinley – Jimmy Choo

12.  Kent -Jimmy Choo

Color Obsession: Brown

With the approach of fall and cooler temperatures, the rich earth tone of brown becomes a color I naturally gravitate toward.

With the approach of fall and cooler temperatures, the rich earth tone of brown becomes a color I naturally gravitate toward.  It lends itself well to the season, being a great color for boots and coats as well as a warm and inviting interior color.  It’s definitely one of my favorite go-to colors!

1.   Photograph by Julia Hetta:  Luscious color and true to the hue.

2.  A.L.C.:  Brown leather pants.  Yummy!

3.  Photo via House Beautiful:   Great graphic use of chocolate brown and a chevron without being too dark.

4.  Beauvais Carpets:  Great woven carpet with chocolate brown accent.

5.  Rectangular stool by Andrew Martin.

6.  Tory Burch Alaina  Logo-Detailed Boot:  My go-to boot for the fall.

7. Brown bedroom, designed by Kelly Wearstler.  Image from Elle Decor.