Every year in late August and early September I try to map out some pieces I want for the upcoming fall season. I do this because every year without fail, the stores run out of everything I want a week after the weather turns.
Who am I kidding, I also do it because of my crippling type-A-need to plan and micromanage everything in my life. Oops. At least it pays off in this situation, right?
Enough about my issues, here is my Fall Fashion Wishlist, with links to everything at the bottom. ❤
I already have the conductor hat, and I ordered the mules, but everything else remains a “wish list” item! What trends are you loving this fall? I’m so stoked that teddy material, leopard print, faux leather and chunky knits stuck around for another season. I wasn’t ready to give those up. Here’s where I get most my inspo from:
Get to shopping babes, and tag me if you snag anything off this list!
Excuse me? You kiss your mother with that mouth? What is this Fika? Why should you care?
Fika: An important part of Swedish culture – it means “making time for friends and colleagues to share a cup of coffee (or tea) and a little something to eat.” Oh, so, a coffee date? Put simply, yes. But you know I’m not here to put things simply… So, surprise! There’s more to it than that. 😉
It’s funny (not), I drafted this post in November 2019. November and December of 2019 were horrible for reasons I wont go into… So I figured I’d come back to writing it when I was in a better place emotionally, then 2020 happened. 10 months later and I’m READY to talk about fika.
Fika is a social concept. It requires 1) going out 2) with friends 3) drinking coffee and eating together 4) hugging, connecting, and conversing. 2020 hates Fika.So I almost didn’t write this post. But the reality is, we need some damn Fika right now, my friends.
As is said on the Swedish Culture blog Hej Sweden : “Swedish people – often described as distant, calm and unsocial – love their fika. It gives them the opportunity to meet and hang out with friends, get to know new people, check out potential partners or network with business folks”. Covid has created this fear of being around our friends and I think that as long as we’re all responsible, aware of our bodies and how they’re feeling, and hygienic, we can (and should) make this work.
Mid way into writing this post, I was looking for images that represent fika and I came across a photo of the cast of FRIENDS. I couldn’t help but think – man, they “went for fika” just about every single day, that’s how it should be.
It was their favorite thing to do together, and for good reason – it’s good for your health to go grab coffee with your friends.
Ready to start going out for fika? Here’s what you need:
No.1) C O F F E E: Fika first and foremost means “to break for coffee” so of course, you need something to sip on. But tea works too! Get a hot or cold beverage and sit down to savor it. Sip slowly, and appreciate the satisfaction a delicious beverage brings. Pro tip: Order an americano with white chocolate & toasted marshmallow, half sweet, with an inch of cream (or alt. milk). Thank me later. 😉
No.2) T R E A T S: The second element to fika is getting a treat! It may be a small meal, or just a quick sweet pick-me-up. Whether savory or sweet, take time to fully embrace it. How’s the taste? Texture? Smell? What does it remind you of? Take it all in. Pro tip: Try a scone! They’re incredibly under-rated and deserve way more praise than they get. Savory scones are amazing too.
No.3) F R I E N D S: Going to a coffee shop alone is a wonderful treat, but going with a close friend to catch up is a whole other type of magic. Visit your favorite coffee shop with your closest confidant, or maybe a pal from your past, and get lost in conversation and reminiscing. Pro tip: Ask your friend (and vice-versa) what some of their favorite flavors are, whether they want hot or cold, and their milk preference; then order drinks for each other as a fun out-of-the-norm surprise.
No.4)R E L A X: Possibly the most important element of them all, this is a time to relax and unwind. Just as the cast of FRIENDS does, let your guard down and really enjoy each other’s company. Actively listen. Have meaningful conversations. Sit in a comfortable chair or couch. Going for fika should be restful and rejuvinating. Pro tip: Find a secluded area in the cafe or coffee shop for you and your friend(s). The easier it is to hear one another, and let your guard down without fear of others overhearing, the more relaxed you’ll be.
I think you know enough now to take fika into your own hands. Now you just have to make it happen. Call up your friend for a Saturday coffee date. Let them know you learned about this thing called fika and you want to give it a shot. Most importantly, have some good coffee & great conversations.
It’s been a minute since I’ve talked about clothes. Over the past few months; life, connections, health and emotions have become much more important topics than discussing what I’m wearing. While my focus changed a bit, one thing remained the same: I still wanted to dress up. Looking put-together has always been important to me, because it boosts my self esteem and my mood. You can do both you know? Talk about important, serious things, and still prioritize good style.
This post is a little round up of the low maintenance summer outfits I’ve been loving. Yes I wear hats a lot, yes I only wear neutral colors, yes I wear sunglasses pretty much constantly if I’m outside (my bad eye is incredibly light-sensitive). These are all things that help me look put together without a ton of effort though, which explains why you see me in them so often:
Below you’ll find the links to all these outfits (just click the underlined words). ❤
Textured Tank and Textured Top Ribbed is in again, which I looove. Adding a texture like this to an outfit automatically adds interest, and is a refreshing play on the basic tee/tank.
Round Sunnies If you’ve been a BIG sunny lover your whole life like me, you MUST give small round sunnies a shot. They’re effortless, retro, and incredibly trendy.
Comfortable Face Masks If you’ve gotta wear them, make em cute. And comfortable. I LOVE these Kitsch masks because they’re light, comfortable, and they don’t muffle my voice when I talk. 3a. Olive Tunic is from Costco and I cannot recommend it enough it’s SO comfortable. Size down once.
Flowy Button Up – Similar Such a simple staple wardrobe piece that makes any outfit look put together. Plus, if you get too hot, just tie it around your waist.
High Rise Jean Shorts If you don’t own a pair of high rise jean shorts you. are. missing. out. Not sure why high waists ever went out of style but I think it’s back forever now which I love because it is: Comfortable, tucks in the belly pooch and looks cute as hell.
Chic Easy Sandals Everyone needs a pair of easy, chic sandals. Get them in a lighter or nude color to elongate your legs and make you look more tan!
Statement Hat Ivory & Statement Hat Black You guys know about my hat obsession by now, so you also know that I’m just gunna tell you to go for it. Put on that damn hat that you think you “can’t pull off” because you CAN! It hides dark roots/greasy hair, can make you look chic when you haven’t even gotten ready for the day, and you’ll get compliments pretty much everywhere you go.
Shredded Skinnies Something I wear year round that are perfect for a cooler summer day.
There you have it, my low maintenance summer style. You probably recognized a little trend throughout: comfortable, effortless, easy.
I really just wanted to round up these outfits to show that looking cute and put together doesn’t require a lot of effort. Just be mindful of what you’re buying, keeping these thoughts while making purchasing decisions:
– Will this transition into other seasons? – If it wont transition into other seasons, is this something I know I’ll wear next summer? – Am I comfortable enough in this to wear it regularly? – Will I have to add obnoxious accessories to make this item wearable? – Can I move around comfortably in this? – Do I like this color enough to wear it frequently?
I hope you take advantage of these hot summer days for a little while longer, and get some cute outfits in for them. Because you know what’s next…. F A L L!
a cup of lo 