A Luxurious, Opulent Autumn

Fall has finally shown up. I'm currently sitting in a coffee shop wearing my favorite navy sweater, destructed boyfriend jeans, and the new (to me) camouflage jacket I got from the new thrift shop in my neighborhood. All I need is a six-pack of an IPA, a handlebar mustache & a compost bin in my backyard & I'd be a real life millennial hippie. Alas, I wax my mustache.

Now, listen... I am not the typical fall fanatic. Fall is a deceptive & pretty season that heralds the coming of what we New Yorkers always assume will be the coldest Winter ever... and this December Baby hates Winter. I appreciate the season for the beauty of the trees, the coziness of my sweaters, & the ability to still drink whiskey outside without courting pneumonia. To ease my sense of Winter dread, I tend to treat myself to new home, bath, & body goodies. If I'm going to spend at least 48% more time indoors in my bed, I'm damn sure going to be comfortable while doing it.

I made a gallery are some of my favorite Autumnal indulgences (and some of the luxuries I earnestly aspire to own when I get my money right). They all will help me to endure the cold & wretched months only Winter in New York City can provide. This list is also a great place to start if you're looking for gift ideas for the Fall & Winter Babies in your life. Like myself...

December is next month after all...  

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Rich Fragrances

Nothing calms & soothes my soul like a sumptuously scented candle. I love earthy, rich scents like Patchouli, Vetiver, Neroli, Bergamot, Gardenia, Magnolia... I could go on forever. My number one fave home scent is Jasmine & this Voluspa candle leaves my room smelling like the most opulent spa in Manhattan. The kind you need a membership for and fines its guests for speaking above a certain decibel. 

Lavish Oils

Body oils are a critical part of my Winter skin care routine. I discovered London-based brand Narloa a couple of weeks ago and immediately ordered their Jasmine & Neroli body oil... because the sultry fragrance of Jasmine & Neroli is what my soul smells like. This magnificently scented oil has a silky application w/ a rich scent that lasts all day. All of their products are handmade, cruelty-free, & plant-based for your pleasure. Go get you some... now.   

Extra Cozy Bathrobes

No Northeastern Autumn or Winter is complete without a cozy ass bathrobe. I prefer Men's robes because, just like Men's hoodies, the sleeves are extra long, the pockets are larger, & they tend to last longer. I am also an all day sucker for the color gray. Anything gray makes me feel warmer, cozier, fluffier, snugglier...  

Fancy Fresh Pillows

I hate, hate, old pillows. After a fair amount of trial & error I now have a hard & fast rule never to date a woman who doesn't have decent pillows. I tend to buy new pillows every 6-9 months BUT I think I may have found a set that will last me longer than a season of RHOA. I've slept like an exhausted toddler on these babies for three nights & I am so happy.   

Elegantly Epic Nap Time

No mid-day nap is complete without a warm & cozy blanket. These "handmade-to-order" merino wool throws from Sanctuary Decor will take your Winter nap game from Basic to Expert. The Etsy-based shop also features beautiful & unique home decor and jewelry you won't find anywhere else.  

Chocolate: Italian Style

Sant Ambroeus has some of the best hot chocolate in New York City and is more than worth the five minute walk in the icy cold from work. It's a heavenly cup of hot dark chocolate with your choice of milk on the side. It's decadent. It's delicious. I wish I knew how to make it at home. 

Sweaters >> Coats

It's not that I hate coats, I just hate everything having to do with them. I try to get away with wearing chunky, cozy sweaters for as long as I can. This one from the Gap is is hooded, cozy and in my favorite color. I can't wait to get my hands on it. 

Whiskey Season

I drink whiskey all year long but cooler months are when I gravitate to my tried & true golden brown faves. The Bobby Burns cocktail is Fall fave (even though some bartenders don't know how to make it). 

Find Your Fire(place)

It's getting darker & colder so if I do decide to venture out of the confines of my warm bed I love to go to a cozy spot with a fireplace. Union Hall in Park Slope & Le Barricou in Williamsburg are deliciously warm & inviting spaces with good food & tasty drinks for everyone. What better way to fight off The Hawk than by sipping whiskey next to a fireplace?