As previously established, I think the color that defines autumn is red. I’m itching for a red trenchcoat and to dye my hair red for a few months. {Desperately resisting the urge on both counts.} I’ve noticed I wear more red lipstick in fall, too. Then there are the apples that welcome Fall. Before the pumpkins appear, we see apples and their gorgeous red skins.

Photos: 1. Camila Akrans, 2. unknown, 3. {Bits of Beauty}

Have seen these gorgeous photos all over the place, but what I’d like to know is where those gowns are from!

photography by emma tempest

{more from the blogosphere}
+ A soothing and dreamy post
+ I want one, too!
+ Yowza! Isla’s looking incredible
+ Does it get more glam than red lipstick?
+ Random Acts of Kindness. Yay!
+ A look out my window

Possibly one of the most magical, whimsical beds ever. I have no idea where this is from, but it’s fit for a princess.

A few favorite forts from the Where the Wild Things Are fort building contest.

And of course, my favorite…

This was actually a practice run, but within a few hours of this construction, the munchkin was running a 102 fever. We were unable to construct his dream contest fort by the deadline, but will do it when he feels better just for fun.

You can see more at Booooooom and We Love You So.

{All photos from Booooooom, except the last which is by Ms. Jenn & the munchkin}

I’ve never really worn tartan, except as part of a school uniform. As of late, I’m seeing tartans in everything from decor to dresses, and am becoming quite fond of them. It was the above photo by Chris Nicholls that sold me on them. Rustic, elegant, and timeless. Autumn is the perfect season to wear them.

I’m taken with this tartan coat from Anthropologie, but as you know, it isn’t appropriate for where I live. I’ll settle for a tartan skirt, or perhaps this vest over a black skirt and some fingerless gloves.

That lovely Nicholls picture also got me thinking of deep reds. It’s the deep red leaves and textiles that appear in this season which gives autumn a richness in my mind. A deep red, different than summer berries or Christmas holly, in warm fabrics, leaves that will soon fall, and perhaps a luxurious fur. If it weren’t for the red, autumn would be a light palette of oranges and yellows – not quite so rich.

And, when the leaves fall, and autumn gives way to winter, what remains are those reds to keep the winter whites and evergreens company.

1. Chris Nicholls, 2. Anthropologie 3. Czech Elle via Fashion Gone Rogue 4. Jacqueline Puoci

Is it me or does the light change when it’s cool out? {Not that it’s cool out here, because it was 98 bloody freakin’ degrees yesterday.} I miss putting my feet on the ground after a night in a warm bed and pulling them back up again out of surprise at the cold floor. I miss walking near a window and feeling cold radiate from the glass. Perhaps it’s my imagination, but I think that the light is softer when it’s cold. I like it best that way.

Photo by Rodney Smith

Good morning beautiful people! Another day of this crazy beautiful life. Don’t forget to take some time to yourself.

Photography by Petra van Raaij

Don’t forget to vote for {Bits of Beauty}!

photographs by david bellèmere for marie claire italia