There comes a moment every September in Seattle when you walk out the door in the morning wearing a sweater, regret it by lunchtime, take it off, carry it around all afternoon, put it back on at 5:00 and wonder why you didn’t bring a jacket.
Welcome to Fall. And this week, it’s official. Tuesday, September 22 marks the first day of Fall, which means we can finally stop pretending Summer is going to last forever. Although, knowing Seattle, we may still get one of those glorious sunny afternoons that makes us believe otherwise.
Meanwhile, down here in Mazatlán, I’m writing about sweaters and layers while still trying to figure out how to wear as LITTLE clothing as socially acceptable for a 68 year old. September in Mazatlán is hot and humid — the kind of humid where you walk outside and immediately wonder why you bothered doing your hair. So while you’re pulling out cardigans, I’m still thinking linen, cotton, sandals and, most importantly, air conditioning.
I have to admit, though, there’s something about writing the Meadow Boutique blog that still puts me right back in Seattle. I can picture Shelley unpacking boxes, hanging the new arrivals and deciding where everything should go. I can almost hear someone saying, “I don’t know if I can wear that,” followed by Shelley saying, “Just TRY it.”
Some things apparently travel very well between Seattle and Mexico.
That’s what I love about September dressing. You don’t have to completely change your wardrobe; you just start adding to it. A sweater over the top you’ve been wearing all summer, jeans instead of shorts, a little jacket tossed over a dress, a scarf or cardigan. Add some texture or a color that suddenly feels right because the light has changed and the mornings are cooler.
In other words: LAYERS, PEOPLE. LAYERS.
And this is the BEST time of year to play with your closet. Take something you already own and add one new piece. Try a different shape of jeans or a color you might normally pass by. Sometimes one little change makes everything else in your closet feel new again. That’s the fun of Meadow. We’re not here to tell you what fashion says you’re supposed to wear. We’re here to help you find the things that make you feel really good when you put them on.
After all these years of Meadow, I’ve also learned that the best finds are often the ones you weren’t looking for. You come in thinking you need a sweater and leave with a pair of pants you never would have picked for yourself. There’s something about wandering around Meadow and seeing what catches your eye — or what Shelley thinks should catch your eye.
So take your time. Look around, touch things, see what’s new and don’t be afraid to wander outside your usual comfort zone. Clothes can surprise you, and sometimes the piece you almost walked past becomes the one you wear over and over.
Now that Fall will officially arrive this week at Meadow, come see what’s waiting for you at the Sidewalk Market. Add a layer, try something different and maybe find that unexpected piece that carries you right into the new season.
And somewhere down in Mazatlán, I’ll be thinking of all of you in your cute new sweaters while I’m standing directly in front of the air conditioner. Happy Fall, Meadow friends! xoxoxo
Meadow Sidewalk Saturday AND Sunday Markets | Saturdays • 11–4 | Sundays • 12-4 | September 19/20, 26/27 (Weather permitting)
Corner of 6th & Crockett
ACTIVE USA barn jacket $45
ACTIVE USA barn jacket $45
ACTIVE USA barn jacket $45
ACTIVE USA button down cardigan $34
ACTIVE USA button down cardigan $34
ACTIVE USA sleeveless turtleneck $24
ACTIVE USA striped henley $26
ENJEAN boot cut $58
ENJEAN slim straight $54