Sweater-Season

What are the most pleasant jobs in the world?

A cuddle nurse in a maternity ward.

A cupcake decorator?

Maybe the owner of a kitten sanctuary, or the mascot of a beloved sports’ team?

Working at a fall farm market has to be up there in the rankings, right? While I’m sure there is the requisite hard work like planting, digging and hauling, I would think it goes without saying that selling pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and hay bales to flannel-wearing, Frye boot-clad shoppers clutching pumpkin spice lattes must be, at the very bare minimum, pleasant as hell.

Everyone is so tickled-orange at fall farm markets. I’m thinking it’s the sweaters.

(Well, well, what do we have here? Is it a possible lead-in for a post about sweaters I am loving right now? Mmm kay)

Jenni Kayne Everyday Sweater ($145). Jenni is the Sweater-Queen, and her sweaters go all the way up to the 600 buck range. Egads. I can’t even get into her affiliate program yet, she’s so “big.” Nevertheless, I want to give props to this sweater that I own in a few colors. Taupe is my next conquest. I wear this sweater to cozy down on my patio paired a pair of fluffy sweatpants and a good book, or after a tough day on the hiking trails in front of the fire with a glass of wine.

Athleta Foresthill Ascent Turtleneck ($79). When I worked at Athleta, every customer who walked in was subjected to my tirade extolling the wonders of the black Foresthill turtleneck. There’s something about the ease of it, of tucking one side of it into a black pencil skirt, and being ready to teach for the day. I have two: one that I wear, and one with a price tag still on it in case something happens to the one I wear. If they discontinue it, I want to be prepared with a back-up. It’s that great a piece, and I have NEVER liked turtlenecks. It looks good on EVERYONE, I kid you not.

M.M. LaFleur Lea Sweater ($395). Gulp, I’m sorry, I know it’s pricey. But remember Dream Cart? All I bought for teaching this fall was this sweater and a blazer. This sweater can do anything- pair it with tights and boots, or with a pencil skirt and sling-backs, and it will work hard for you. Don’t wear this beautiful sweater with jeans, please, I beg you, not unless you’re 24 and hot. Jeans may never go “out of style” completely, but they go “out of style” for women after a certain age. I’ll post about it one day.

Macy’s Free People Open-Front Cardigan ($108). Open-front cardigans are so versatile. In the fall I’ll throw one on for teaching over a sleeveless sheath dress, or pull one over a tank top, tights and ankle boots when I run errands. I’ll grab it for an extra layer on cold winter months, or even over a sundress or a bathing suit for chilly nights on spring break. This cabernet color is so fall-a-licious.

Nadaam $75 Cashmere Sweater is famous for its price, color, and quality. You’ve never heard of Nadaam’s $75 cashmere sweater? Now you have. Over two dozen colors to choose from. Tbh, it doesn’t look good on my body type but non-curvy girls swear by it.

Lululemon Double-Knit Sweater Hoodie ($148). This dusky lavender color is so unexpected for fall, and that’s what I like about it. I like everything about it. The color, the hood, the ribbed and cropped nature of it. Just so pretty and delicate and casual and yummy.

Madewell Tipped Davie Polo Sweater ($89.50). Just click on the hyperlink and look at it, describing it won’t do it justice. So distinctive.

Jockey Fleece-Lined Wrap ($34.99) Did you know Jockey made sweaters? Me either! This caught my eye for the bulky oversized nature of it. It kind of looks like a bathrobe, so don’t think you’re going to be able to wear it to dinner, but it’s a great piece to throw on for some cuddle-warmth. And that price is limited, so grab it!

Everlane Chunky Cardigan ($110). This is the one. The sweater of the season. It features an exaggerated retro-inspired collar, a two-way zip front, blouson sleeves, and a cropped, rounded shape. Zip it all the way up for a big exaggerated collar. Comes in black, toasted almond and canvas.

Tomorrow: Halloween animatronics I’m loving right now!

Boats, Games and Ice Barrels

Whatcha got going on this weekend? Our family is flirting with perhaps a long (or short) boat ride to the Cove, a new horror movie opening, maybe some spirited games of Clue? My youngest is getting ready to head back to campus next week, so there’s that chaos. I have a few new recipes I want to try out, some swimming to do, and lots of research, schoolwork and organizing to finish.

Here are twelve yummy things we are loving for the weekend here at Chrysalis Collective:

“Modern Love” Season 2 with Minnie Driver on Amazon Prime.

This article about Biden cancelling student loan debt for those with severe disabilities.

HugglePod Canvas chairs from Hearthsong. So fun for the kids, and statistically proven to be a calming space for children with special needs.

Ice Barrel. I’m considering getting this for myself for Christmas. Cold exposure improves mood and brain health, and activates the nervous system. If it wasn’t so expensive, it would be in my house right now. I took an ice bath at a fancy spa a year ago, and I can’t tell you how good I felt afterward, for DAYS. The price just needs to come down. They are one of my affiliates, but yowsa, the $$ is pricey. Check it out.

10 Quick Dinners With Five Ingredients or Less for Back-to-School chaos. Key word: SLOW COOKER.

“Night House” coming into theaters today. We’re going to see it on Sunday.

“Women of the Week” on M.M. LaFleur. I swear by M.M. LaFleur and Modern Citizen for my teaching style, and their message of feminine power through professionalism and career resonates with me. If you like to look sophisticated and polished, give it a look. I love putting on my work clothes to teach my classes in the fall, then coming home to put on fluffy sweatpants and cashmere sweaters. Is there a more yummy feeling? Live with purpose, ladies.

The iconic American Giant hoodie dress just came out in plum. OMG. I have this hoodie dress in black, blue, and green. They are my casual hang-out, run-errands, read-on-the-patio go-to dresses in the fall, and the first articles of clothing I roll up and put into my luggage when I travel. They are thick, flattering and versatile, and again, not cheap, but I bet my American Giant hoodie dresses will last longer (can you say forever?) than anything you could get at Marshalls.

Another funny slideshow by the Onion: “Major Things Your Teacher Glossed Over in Sex Ed.” Warning: rated R+.

This obscure sweet lilting Lyle Lovett song, “If I Had a Boat.” This song works its way into my heart, lodges in my throat, and reminds me of everything in the world that is good and right and pure. Close your eyes and turn it up.

I will be making these perfect roasted Brussels sprouts this weekend.

Finally, drum roll please….“To Kill a Mockingbird” starring Jeff Daniels as Atticus Finch coming back to Broadway. Huzzah!!!! I’ve seen it twice, third time is the charm. Anyone want to join? Email me and have a great weekend!