This week's post and video are full of my seasonal favorites. I share my favorite fall candles, nail polish and lip colors as well as my fall home decor. I really enjoyed hearing Melissa55's fall favorites on her YouTube channel and was inspired to do this video for you.
Candles
I would show you my leaves candle in this image but It's all burnt down... time for a new one!
I burn more candles in the fall and winter months than I do any other time of year. Bath & Body Works always seem to capture the season to perfection in their candles, my favorite one being Leaves (notes: golden nectar, red apple and spiced berries). This year I have also used Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin (notes: harvest pumpkin, sweet vanilla cream & spicy cinnamon stick) and Autumn (notes: bright red apple, cedarwood & fresh balsam) too.
Beauty
During the fall season, I like to wear deep plums, rich reds or wine- colored nails. In this video I am wearing Dior nail polish in Nuit 1947.
My favorite lip shade for fall is Clinique's iconic Black Honey. I have it in the gloss but you could also use the stick.
** Side note: I have just noticed that Clinique have black honey in a mascara (!). Considering how much I love YSL burgundy mascara, this might be worth a try too. If any of you have tried it, please let us know what you think.
Flowers
As the flowers in the garden go dormant for the fall/ winter season, I like to bring out faux flowers to add a touch of color to the house. Silk or faux flowers are not what they used to be! They look very realistic now- you just have to know how to style them. In this video I show you one of my tricks: using leaf ribbon to line the inside of the vase to get a professional floral look.
Fall Decor
In the video you will see our fall wreath, outdoor pumpkins and haystacks, indoor light up pumpkins, my fall pumpkin centerpiece and more.
If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my YouTube channel. If you enjoy the video, don't forget to "like" it with the thumbs up. Be sure to subscribe and select the option to receive emails for new uploaded videos. I plan to post many bonus videos during the holiday season.
News
Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic: Lessons in Everyday Elegance comes out on October 27th! Pre-order available now.
I will be reading and signing books at Pages Bookstore, Manhattan Beach on October 29th at 7pm. I hope to see you there!
Thank you to Live Intentionally for your wonderful video review of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic.
Congratulations to my writing mentor, Alan Watt, who has published his highly-anticipated second novel, DAYS ARE GONE. This dark and edgy work examines second chances, forgiveness and redemption.
Here is the description for DAYS ARE GONE from the back cover:
Alice just walked out of her marriage to aging rock star, Chick Wolfson, leaving behind her San Francisco penthouse and all the trappings this union conferred. She drives north to Seattle to stay with her folks, but never makes it. Chick cancels her credit cards – her parents disapprove of her choice mainly because she’s spent her marriage lying to everyone including herself about the nature of their relationship. With her tank on empty, she crawls into Waiden, a small Oregon town off the coast, and checks into the crumbling Frontier Inn where she lands a minimum wage job. While there, she finds herself attracted to Webb Cooley, grocery clerk, and recent parolee of Oregon State Correctional Facility. Webb is quiet and withdrawn, with secrets of his own. Soon they are pulled into a relationship that they are each using to exercise their own particular form of escape. As they grow closer, their desire to be known by each other threatens to reveal the secrets from the past. Exquisitely written with a propulsive narrative, Days Are Gone explores the nature of regret, and how faith and forgiveness are the surest path to freedom.
Congratulations Al!
Comment of the Week
Stephanie writes:
Jennifer, I had an interesting experience living the Madame Chic habits that may interest you.
To "look presentable always," I have been trying to rise earlier so I can shower, dress, etc. before walking the kids to the bus stop. Most days I have been successful with this. The first three weeks I felt a bit out of place in my summer skirts and nice ballet flats. Many of the other moms were in pajamas, sweats, etc.
Yesterday morning was especially difficult for me, emotionally. I had attended an Officers' Spouse Club meeting the night before. We are relatively new to the military life, and the feeling that I didn't fit in was especially strong that morning.
Still, I put on my summer skirt and nice ballet flats, did my make up with the dramatic eye variation, and walked out to the bus stop.
Imagine my surprise, delight, and relief to see two of the other moms at the stop wearing skirts and ballet flats. (All three of us wearing it in a different color and cut).
Some readers express frustration at standing out too much when they try to adopt a Madame Chic lifestyle. My experience at the bus stop showed me that perhaps we can be a positive influence on those around us.
Thank you, Jennifer, for being a positive example in my life.
Thank you Stephanie for your inspiring comment. I love that the other ladies dressed up, most likely because of your influence. Your silent perseverance is very powerful!
Question of the Week
Isabell writes:
Hi Jennifer, I just discovered your Youtube channel a few weeks ago and I love it. Presently I am reading Lessons from Madame Chic. Thank you for so much inspiration. I loved your piano playing. I play a few simple songs on the keyboard (with sheet music, lol). I am 58 years old and I'm wondering if I should continue playing at least 30 minutes a day or if it's too late and I should find other pursuits. I grew up receiving no encouragement in practically anything. Then again, Grandma Moses did not start painting until she was in her 50's or 60's. What do you think? God Bless You and I respectfully await your reply. Sincerely, Isabell
Dear Isabell. I think you should continue to commit to playing the piano every day if it brings you joy. Age should never discourage you from doing anything you love to do. My Grandmother played the piano well into her 90s and it brought her such happiness. It is never too late. Enjoy every note!
This week I would love to know... what are your favorite fall candles, beauty items or ways to decorate your home?
See you on Thursday for a special bonus video!
FTC: All items featured in this video were purchased by me. I have no affiliation with any of the companies mentioned. All opinions are (as always) my own.
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Be careful with the lit pumpkin on the haystack! Sometimes those bulbs get hot! My Grandma had a small Christmas tree with lights that got extremely hot. Could catch fire. Maybe put the pumpkin on a plate? Very pretty, though. :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite candles for anytime of the year are beeswax natural scented. Even though it isn't seasonal, I like the barely there scent of the beeswax. You decorate the way I do, Jennifer, with things from nature. Right now, the wreath on my front door is very much like yours, and there is a basket filled with gourds, sunflowers, pumpkins, and fall leaves. Very festive but simple, a reflection of my lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the video Jennifer. I am off to check out the Leaves candle at Bath and Bodyworks. It keeps coming up and I am officially intrigued.
ReplyDeleteFor Fall, I switch out pillows (going from navy and cream in linen and cotton) to burgundy, winter white and deep blue in velvet and some textures. I change the accessories that are my mantle and on tables etc. Again, going from a light gray, navy, cream or crystal/white bowls etc.. to a richer palette of dark gray, burgundy with blue accents with silver pieces. I switch out throw blankets too.
My favorite candle of all time is Frasier Fir from the Thymes. It is very very wintery/Christmasy and I have to stop myself from buying it year round. So I typically don't burn candles until Frasier Fir time (after Thanksgiving). Lol.
Black Honey is a classic. I also like Clinique A Different Grape and Plum Brandy. They are also old standbys and great for Fall if you can't envision yourself in a really dark red (I would look like a ghoul). But they are darkish and rich.
I also have seasonal what I call "Mom mugs" i.e.: what I drink my coffee out of. In the fall, it's a large cafe au lait cup (or meant for tea) with fall foliage on it. It's my personal tradition and my favorite is my Spode Christmas mom mug!
Thanks so much for this video. I am heading to London in early November and wonder if you have any personal recommendations for beauty or skin care we can't get here in the States? Just wondered. I will wander Boots nonetheless.
Best,
Lucia
I like Diptyque Baies candle. and Figuier candle - they smell like Fall to me. They are expensive but last a really long time! I will try Leaves from Bath and Body Works though. I'm always looking for a good candle! Looking forward to your new book coming out soon, I have the first two and enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteI am a manager at Bath and Body Works! We just did a floorset last night so today we had lots of awesome new fall scents for your home!
ReplyDeleteAutumn has always been my favorite season, and I appreciate your putting together this video. I like the idea of a pumpkin and squash arrangement.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy candles, especially in the cooler months. A longtime favorite of mine is Diptyque's Feu de Bois, which has the aroma of a wood fire. I live in Texas where fall is usually too warm for using the fireplace. This candle is a luxurious alternative, making the home feel autumnal. I use Feu de Bois throughout fall and winter. Diptyque's Cypres candle is lovely, too, especially at Christmastime because of its fresh, woodsy-green scent.
Oh I love this time of year!
ReplyDeleteMy new favorite hand lotion is a gift from a friend in Australia; Mrs. Darcy, Hand Love in The French Pear scent and it's wonderful! I haven't looked to see if we are able to get it state-side yet. I love the White Barn by Bath and Body Works candle in Thanksgiving Day scent. I don't believe they are making it anymore though. I also love to decorate the house with acorns. I've started a small collection from around the states. I love the pine cones that comes off looking like roses, which I have a bowl full of. I don't know the specific tree it comes from, but they are beautiful. I'll try and post pictures of the products on FB.
I also like the idea of changing out my bed sheets and blankets to fit the season. We have a neutral linen duvet and switching out the blanket on top is a great way to feel the change of the season.
Oh, how i envy you... here in brazil it´s summer and the weather is so hot... i wish i could be there.
ReplyDeleteKisses and God bless you.
Nana
http://procurandoamigosvirtuais.blogspot.com
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI always preferred garden flowers, but they make the fake ones so well now that I have come to enjoy them. I believe that a beautiful container makes all the difference, especially with fakes. The leaf tape or fake water just do not "hold a candle" to a gorgeous vase. You can find beautiful inexpensive and second hand vases quite easily. However, when I was in San Diego 2 years ago, I stumbled into a spectacular show at Bibao Park by the San Diego Potters Guild. Very beautiful pieces at great prices. They are true works of art. They had such a variety of work and I loved chatting with the artitsts. Their show is coming up soon. I live thousands of miles away and still regret not having purchased a ton of pieces and shipped them home.
http://www.sandiegopottersguild.org/
Hi Jennifer, Here is some info on candles and healthy, safe alternatives.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.greenamerica.org/livinggreen/candles.cfm
Thanks for the motivation to express the beauty of autumn in my home.
ReplyDeleteI like to adjust my decor to the season despite having decluttered so much - some colours and a few loved trinkets with memories are an easy way to change things around and storing them doesn't take too much space - some double up, like a yellow glass ball that suits spring (with purple transferware!), summer (with fruit), autumn (highlights the warm colours and glows in candlelight) and so on. Candles, oh yes.
ReplyDeleteBasic colours in my home are light oak with cream and warm yellow with some green so I add colour for the seasons that harmonises - warm oranges/reds for autumn, reds/greens/silver over Advent/Christmas, cooler whites/creams in full winter and then bright yellows and soft purples in spring (blue doesn't work well in my house, interestingly!). And I always use nature - bowls of walnuts/apples/small pumpkins/grapes in autumn, greenery and/or red flowers in December (and on the Advent wreath), natural woods and glass with twigs and winterwhite flowers or orchids in winter and fresh greenery and spring flowers when the snows have gone… and I have two sets of bed things, white linen for the warm months and a cosy check flannel for the cold! Once the weather cools, it's sheepskins and soft furry cushions to cuddle up in.
One thing that happened by accident this week - balls of autumn coloured wool in an antique soft pink glass vase… :)
I love to burn candles this time of year. I choose warm scents like vanilla, caramel, pumpkin, an cinnamon, but now I really want to give Leaves a try! I also like to wear darker plummy lip colors, this year I've been wearing Burt's Bees in Plum.
ReplyDeleteI would like to actually comment on the "Comment of the Week" - what a wonderful & inspiring story! I could almost picture my fellow reader in ballet flats and a nice skirt. I am so glad you chose to share that story/comment as I don't always get to read all the comments on your posts.
ReplyDeleteI myself am struggling with a new change in my life: I took a job in a city about 20 minutes farther than I currently drive to work, so will be taking transit into the city each day now, instead of driving. I am looking forward to time to be able to read to and from work. My only concern though is footwear & purses. I will be walking probably 8-9 blocks per day so will be in search of appropriate winter footwear for Western Washington (it's very wet here during fall/winter). Do you have any suggestions or tips for incorporating chic looks along with form/function? Obviously heels are out for safety & sanity reasons. I would love to hear your input on this subject!
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