It’s all about autumn

It is only when autumn gently taps on my window inviting itself in, I begin to think of the real home comforts and allow nostalgia play a game of memories with me.

When I was a kid, my dad would often pick me up after school and we would drive in his old car down the bumpy country roads to the autumn forest. There, in a middle of it all, was a beautiful, round lake covered in golden leaves that slowly moved around its mirrored surface like tiny gondolas.

Some people had their secret gardens – we had a lake. We’d get out of the car, with all the fishing equipment, some roughly made sandwiches and a few crisp apples to snack on, and sat on a piece of drift wood, waiting for a lucky catch. We hardly spoke for the fish wouldn’t appreciate the chit-chat. Instead it was about being a part of nature, inhaling the cool autumn air, admiring the beauty of the world and feeling happy and at peace. I think those are some of my most precious childhood memories…

With the passing time and change of destinations, I discovered my other autumn comforts… The need to lit up scented candles for a touch of warm luxury and a sight of mesmerising dancing flames. The desire to gather the softest and delightfully chunky blankets and cocoon in them for hours, with my dear little cocker boy by my side, as always. And then, of course, the books – each promising a special moment, and the music – somehow autumn is the time when my mind craves Chopin, Nora Jones and Carla Bruni as a life-saving tonic.  Once in a while I bake… An apple Charlotte whenever I think of my first home, a very English apple pie bursting with caramelised Granny Smith, spicy cinnamon and a splash of cognac or, if I feel adventurous, a bunch of proud little chocolate covered profiteroles. These are the autumn tradition, my memories in the making, the essential and oh-so-unfashionable pleasures of life.

Ironically, as appealing as the indoor life may seem, a part of me still seeks the adventure – after all, there’s so much around to see and enjoy. London, with its Isabella Blow exhibit at Somerset House, the Cheapside Hoard treasures at at the Museum of London or the pearls at V&A, or gorgeous Bath where The Fashion Museum is currenly displaying 50 most iconic dresses created by Schiaparelli, Poiret, Vionnet, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent displayed along side Erdem, Burberry and John Rocha  designs and the costumes from the Downton Abbey, Anna Karenina and The Great Gatsby.

For the history and discovering the treasures of my own, Arundel and Rye are the two destinations to stop by for the antique shops and charming tea rooms.

Royal Tunbridge Wells is another old favourite that has everything my heart desires – the parks, the boutiques and the Pantiles where delicious coffee and hand-made chocolates are served.

Up in the Midlands is Birmingham with its fashion fairs and the clothes show, where you can stay at the city’s Ibis hotel to be nearby the buzzing center.

And although I know that autumn isn’t everyone’s favourite, I urge you to celebrate it and welcome the new season with its rainy days, the winds and rare dots of blissful sunshine… After all, it’s all about attitude, inspiration, the plan and the right wardrobe. The rest will be history.

Photo source: all images via pinterest, freepeople.com, lindseyocker.com, sipplondon.com