#september loves

Above: Stephanie Tallevast showcased her love of blue & white in her volume two Scout Guide page seen here.

Above: from top left, clockwise: Mamie Ruth’s Amy Dress features a wonderful cerulean skirt with ethnic green print top.  ShopSCAD has these wonderful pouches made with soft leather and contrast zippers, perfect for stashing cards and bills in your larger purse or change for the downtown meters!  Lily Bay just got restocked on my favorite taper candles in the most gorgeous shades of blue! E. Shaver, booksellers has signed first editions of Leave Me by Gayle Forman. Mamie Ruth’s Babeland dress features cerulean with aqua and white for a refreshing look. Retail Retreat has these AMAZING beaded collars for your pooch and many feature cerulean with yellow and green that really pop! shopSCAD alumni Culyer Hovey- King created this cast pendant with beautiful patina, great to dress up or down!

Above, top left, clockwise: E. Shaver, bookseller has signed first editions of  Juniper, the girl who was born too soon. M. Liz Jewelry has a selection of bead bar necklaces that are simple and empowering and this one in lapis is just perfectly cerulean.  French Knot Studio and  Izzy Hudgins  hit a blue note with this wonderful backdrop from a styled shoot at Cohen’s Retreat.  Sperry Tents with Stars are a wonderful shade of blue! De Colores Cookies y Mas decorated these little ghosts with cerulean details, which is a nice new take on ghost style.  Stephanie Tallevast pulled together some inspiration with these Cerulean choices: boucle and the velvet are by Robert Allen, the flamestitch is from Pindle and all are available from FLOY studio. Dancing Dogs Yoga has this great cut off sleeve top that proclaims boldly the only tribe worth having! Nourish’s Peppermint soap has a lovely little blue swirl and a refreshing scent to boot! Krisztian Lonyai’s portraits are showcased in this magazine spread!

Above, from top left corner, clockwise: Izzy Hudgins captured French Knot Studios designed & styled cigar bar and cerulean goblets for the head table in this Industrial Chic shoot at Dollhouse Studios. Galerie 124′s Jason Armstrong Beck photograph features a splash of cerulean and some golden glow too.  Lily Bay Studio has the newly released Annie Sloan chalk paint color Giverny Blue and did some variation with mixes and waxes to inspire. Historic Savannah Foundation logo is perfectly cerulean.

Above, top left, clockwise: Galerie 124′s Anna Fox Ryan has gorgeous blues and purples in her painting, Pachamama. Liliian’s China has a wonderful cup with lady in pink and bright blue flowers, perfect for your next tea party. Lettee’s is flying high with this paper airplane customizable shirt. A Squad BakeShop made this gorgeous blue and white floral cake that is special and classic all in one. Detail shots from  Izzy Hudgins of French Knot Studios bold bohemian wedding.  Nourish’s moisturizers are all packaged in wonderful blue bottles but the White Tea Ginger Hydrating mist is one of my absolute favorites!  The United Way has kicked off their 2016 fundraising and would LOVE to get your contribution today!  Lettee’s says “GO TEAM!’ with this cute, customizable bib with cheerleader artwork! 

I just changed my desktop image to the photo above from one of my favorite little blogs / wonderful source for great desktop art, DESIGN LOVE FEST, and it just reminds me that even though it’s September, that in the South just means we may get a cool breeze and an earlier sunset, its still pretty much summer. I’m not upset though, I may lament that I don’t get to wear great layering pieces, scarves or even socks yet but soon enough! Then I will be dying for it to leave again. If you want to get this image or check out the other great Dress Your Tech posts for something fun! And now onward to the rest of the things I love for September!

1. CARROTS :  In season, yummy, crunchy, roasted or raw I really love carrots! in fact, i’ve been known to eat so many my tummy hurts!

2. CERULEAN : This wonderful shade of royal blue is universally flattering and I can’t wait to show you some local finds in one of my favorite colors of all time.

3. COZY NOOKS : Love a little area to curl up and read a book, especially like this window seat from Bochner Design.

4. DUSTERS : I love the look of a lightweight over garment, and this shibori dyed duster from Mamie Ruth gives you the look for fall without the added warmth.

5. CONFETTI :  Hand cut in Florida, The Flair Exchange makes some of my favorite confetti. I always keep some on hand for an instant party! Found locally at Lily Bay Studio + Bazaar.

6. CRAB:  Yummy yummy in my tummy! Or on my table in the case of this Herend porcelain crab!

“We know that in September, we will wander through the warm winds of summer's wreckage. We will welcome summer's ghost.” -Henry Rollins

September especially in Savannah has always been a special month for me, it’s the month that 14 years ago I came with my parents and they dropped me off to start my first quarter at SCAD. It was the month that was my first visit back after graduating and saying “see ya later” to this place. It was the month, six years ago that involved unpacking a UHaul as Savannah opened her arms and welcomed me back. Here I was back in this southern small town with a city mentality. There is lots of love about September in Savannah and I am grateful to be here celebrating with y’all!

 1. Chamois : This buttery yellow is a great Indian summer color and we’re in love with it this year! Great with white or gray and happy!

2. Chamomile : This soothing flower is great for skin and looks so cute too!

3. Muscadines :  The truest story I can tell you about muscadines is that I ate so many in one day that I made myself sick, it hasn’t stopped me from gorging myself every weekend their in season though!

4. Champagne Nails : a new neutral, light and shimmery, something subtle not over the top.

5. Poppy Pods : beautifully colored, exquisitely shaped, pleasing in groups or as a single stem. Easy to work with and elegant.

6. Textured Pottery : White pottery with textures is so clean and lovely.

7. Leather Tassels : Hard to believe that I haven’t had this as a love already as these tassels from Satchel are some of my favorite local treasures!

“By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer's best of weather And autumn's best of cheer.” -Helen Hunt Jackson

The light changes in September. I noticed it just the other night, it was softer and more of  a glow, come sunset it was that BRIGHT HARSH light it was a soft, subtle shift. It signals earlier sunsets and cooler temps, the disappearance of bugs and the arrival of layers! There’s lots to love about September, these are just seven things that are easy to be grateful for. 

1. Hammered Metal : Textured and pretty, the highs and lows show darkness and light better than polished or matte metals, plus we are a sucker for copper right now too. 

2. Honey : September is national Honey month and we LOVE to use honey for baking, cooking and grilling, stay tuned for lots of great recipes! 

3. Boiled Peanuts : Bluffton’s own Boiled Peanut Festival is sure to be a delight and we will see you there! 

4. Animal Jewelry : Is there anything more precious than a charm or pendant that depicts a favorite animal? This crab charm is available at Forsythe Jewelers. 

5. Duponi Silk Ribbon : The sheen from real silk is so unmistakable and the slubs of duponi silk are my weakness. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to a package. 

6. Bold Blues : From Royal to Navy, we are all about the deep and richness of blues! [See also, our volume 2 cover!] 

September Loves

1. Layered Jewelry. The start of fall means adding lots of layers. Dress up your ensemble with this stylish layered necklace from Mis en Chic.

2. Affogatos. September calls for a little something sweet to start your day. Try a delicious Affogato from Buddy Brew Coffee. Vanilla ice cream, espresso and caramel syrup? Yes, please!

3. Inspired Lighting. Give your home some added warmth this season with this stunning lighting fixture from Magnolia Inspiring Interiors.

4. Football. It’s finally football season! And, if you live in the South that is a big deal! Take your tailgate décor up a notch with this rich leather Handsome Dan Football found at Oxford Exchange.

5. Denim. Fall is upon us and that means time for new jeans. Find all your denim needs at the Florida Jean Company located in Sundial St. Pete.

6. Tomatoes. Enjoy seasonal farm-fresh tomatoes in this delectable Tomato-Basil Soup at Piquant in Hyde Park Village.

7. Fringe. Fringe in any form is very in style right now. Try this bohemian-inspired vest from Tart Collections at Juxtapose.

TELL THEM SCOUT SENT YOU!

September is a funny month in Charleston. It still feels like summer outside, but there's a definite shift in the air. There is a palpable "back to school" energy, a lull in tourism and the promise of cooler nights ahead. A few of my favorite September gems this year include:

1. Nature's Treasures: My 13 and 16 year-old-daughters are like 6-year-old boys in the sense that they love to collect shells, rocks and leaves, emptying out of their pockets onto the kitchen counter at the end of the day. One such collection is made up of heart shaped rocks. Another could be titled "Things Shaped like South Carolina." September is the perfect season for scavenging.

2. Labor Day Love: This weekend marks our last chance for an end of summer fling. Find a spot that’s calling your name and pack your bags to enjoy the last of summer.

3. Ice Cream Treats: When it comes to cooking, simple is best. For a real end of summer treat courtesy of SOUTHERN SEASON, drizzle a few scoops of chocolate ice cream with orange flavored olive oil and  sprinkle a bit of good quality sea salt on top. Delish!

4.  Denim: We love the new fall denim and the wide leg craze. These perfectly fitting Rag & Bone Jeans from HAMPDEN CLOTHING will transition nicely into the new season.

5.  Jewelry Shopping: CROGHAN’S JEWEL BOX is hosting a trunk show that you’ll definitely want to attend!  The craftsmen from Single Stone are coming to Charleston with case after case of unbelievable jewels. Whether you’re getting married, marking an important milestone or just want a little something glamorous, you need to take a look! Join them on September 18 and 19 and be dazzled.  Best to make an appointment – 843.723.3594.

6. Wallpaper: I’ve always been drawn to fabulous wallpaper and lately it’s made quite the comeback. Add instant drama (or whimsy) depending on your mood. How about a wallpapered ceiling? Yes, please!

7. Dogs and Horses: MELISSA ANDERSON nails it with her Horses and Hounds collection. The oil paintings are unmistakably autumn in their rich colors and classic scenes.