Doing White After Labor Day!

Doing White After Labor Day!

My mother would have told you that when I was growing up, I was prone to break some rules on occasion…so how can I not go against accepted protocol and do a little white after Labor Day!  Besides, some rules are just meant to be broken!

Except, wait–it’s not what you’re thinking…

…stay with me on this one, you just might find yourself wanting to do some white now after Labor Day too!  (Who makes up these rules anyway?!?)

Although the fall air has a definite cool, crisp feel to it, and our white capris are stored away until next summer (sigh!)–here’s how I’m doing white after Labor Day…

When you first enter a grocery store now, or go for a drive in the foothills, you can’t help but notice all the beautiful fall foliage…their rich colors certainly help me to better embrace the fact that fall is fast approaching!

How beautiful are the colors of fall reflected in a simple white vase!  If you don’t already have some white vases, most HomeGoods stores and a lot of thrift shops always seem to have a good supply that are reasonably priced.   

My daughter went for the opposite look and put these white flowers in a neat, vintage ceramic pot.  Kalanchoe are a hardy, indoor flowering plant that helps the feel of summer linger a bit longer–even if it’s has to be indoors!   

Oh, and if you want some unusual, eclectic white vases to add to your Halloween décor, how about these skull ones?

Sort of creepy-cute in a Halloween sort of way!  You will find these at Etsy.com in the Brooklynglobal store.  I love the succulent plants in them!  

The other day after work, I had to run to my car in pouring rain and sleet–since I was soaking wet, I actually ended up turning on the heater as I drove home–say what!?!  My husband overheard me when I was grumbling under my breath while changing, so he went and got this white, terry cloth robe we’d received as a gift on our vacation last spring to the Dominican Republic!  I hadn’t really wanted to use it during the hot summer months.

Wrapping up in this warm, white robe instantly lightened my mood –I could still smell the scent of the magnolia and eucalyptus oils the spa had used too!  I ‘ve seen an assortment of bathrobes in various styles available on Amazon.com and at Bed Bath and Beyond.  

I’ve also come to realize that evenings spent reading a good book on my patio are pretty much over until next summer, as well.

My husband and I recently found ourselves wondering around our local Pottery Barn store while we waited for dinner reservations.  I couldn’t resist this white, cable-knit afghan–it should be perfect for snuggling up in when I want to read during the cold, winter months ahead! 

Of course, you can’t just read books wrapped up in a cozy, white afghan all winter long–you can watch movies and play some games in it too…!

I consider myself somewhat of a popcorn connoisseur.  My mom’s caramel popcorn is just one of my many popcorn infatuations, but if you’re craving a lightly salted, cheesy snack, I have to tell, Erin’s Natural White Cheddar popcorn is seriously so good, but a little addictive! 

Speaking of yummy snacks–nurses are well known for having to grab a little something to eat on the run…

I try to always have a snack on hand that is somewhat healthy in my locker at the hospital; adding white chocolate chips to some unsalted mixed nuts is the perfect, not-too-sweet treat!  My favorite white chocolate chips are the big ones from the Private Collection brand.  

Regardless of the time of year, a classic white shirt is always a good addition to anyone’s closet–add some eyelet, find it on a clearance sale, and it’s sure to go home with me!

Worn with a tailored skirt or a pair of pants in any one of the pretty autumn colors available now, a white shirt makes a great summer to fall transition outfit.  I love this eyelet shirt is from Loft, but this one at L.L. Bean is also darling.

It’s a cool, fall evening and my husband is getting ready to go on a business trip.  While he packs I think I’ll fix us a little treat.

In doing white after Labor Day, a bowl of  Vanilla Bean ice cream seems perfect, especially when served with our favorite Nyaker Gingersnapp Cookies we picked up at World Market the other night!

When I eat these thin, crispy cookies, they always remind me of everything I love about the fall season!

Have you broken the rules before and done some white after Labor Day?  Please share! 

Happy Autumn!

–Mary