Larkin Family Fall Fest

Penfield Kasson Jacket (Runs completely TTS. You can also find it here. Similar styles here and here.) / L.L.Bean Fisherman Sweater (Wearing size XS. Runs large. In the original, I wear a size medium, though.) / L.L.Bean Scotch Plaid Shirt, Slightly Fitted / Rag & Bone Jeans / L.L.Bean Shearling-Lined Bean Boots / Emma’s Raincoat, Rain Boots (Matte here), Plaid Shirt and Jeans

We had the rainiest Larkin Family Fall Fest of all time, but it was still awesome. While we spent the vast majority of the weekend indoors on account of the torrential downpours, Mitch and I took advantage of a couple of “clear” hours on Saturdays, and ran around with Noodle and Emma in the midst. I loved every second of it.

About what I wore:

The Penfield Kasson Jacket: It’s back! I’ve adored this jacket for so long, but it sells out so quickly every year that I always fail to nab it. While it’s definitely not a winter jacket, it’s a wonderful fall one, as it’s water- and wind-resistant, and hooded. It’s definitely lightweight, but I was surprised at how warm it kept me in the rain! (Btw, it runs completely true to size. I’m wearing a size XS here, which is my normal size in jackets.) It’s available at Nordstrom, but you can also find it here.
L.L.Bean Shearling-Lined Bean Boots: Honestly, best boots I’ve ever owned. Yes, I’m a huge fan of Sorel for snow. But L.L.Bean’s Shearling-Lined boots are unbelievably warm and comfy, and I foresee myself wearing mine all over Chicago in the snow this year. The leather is much softer than all other L.L.Bean boots I’ve worn, and they require no break-in time. And as you guys know, the whole “no break-in time” thing is HUGE for me. ;) I mean, who has time for that?!
L.L.Bean Fisherman Sweater: LOVE. I have the older version as well, but I find myself reaching for the newer one way more often because I think its length is way more flattering. (The sweater is also much softer!) Word to the wise, though: it runs big. I’m wearing a size XS in the newer version, and I wear a size medium in the original version.
L.L.Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt, Slightly Fitted: I should probably work for L.L.Bean, no? ;) In all seriousness, though, these are my favorite flannel shirts and I can’t recommend them enough. They come in all the best plaids, they’re machine-washable, and they’re soft and cozy. (Sizing advice: I wear an XS, my normal size, and my shirts are still roomy. So even if you like a slightly oversized look, don’t size up!)

Anyway.

I have to say: a couple of years ago, I never would have thought to snap photos during something like this. I know this is going to make me sound ridiculous, but I probably would’ve been too self-conscious about my frizzy hair or mud-streaked jeans to share the experience.

With parenthood, though, I’ve come to care less and less about my physical appearance. I don’t think I thought too much about it before, exactly, but I now have this incredibly liberating sense of self, if that makes sense. I no longer worry about the frizz, for example, or whether my pants are dirty or my shirt is wrinkled. Who cares if I’m covered in dog hair, lint or baby puke? No one! Yes, I do try to look somewhat put-together when I’m getting ready in the morning, but if I get messed up throughout the day, no big deal. It’s been a lesson in perspective for me.

The appearance thing is a silly example of perspective. But I suppose what I’m trying to say is that motherhood has taught me what’s truly important in life. (And now I’m getting déjà vu, which undoubtedly means I’ve talked about this on the blog before. Sorry! I clearly have “mom brain,” too. 😂)

Obviously, becoming a parent isn’t the only way to gain perspective. For many, it simply comes with years. But I wonder if any of you feel similarly. Have you “forgotten” about something that used to be on your radar? What was it that made you forget about it? Is life better now that you’re not so focused on it?

Switching gears, the Nordstrom Fall Sale is on! (And yes, I realize the irony in that, announcement, haha.) So many of my fall staples–stuff you see on the blog all the time–are hugely discounted.

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

My favorite pair of AG jeans are on sale. They’re SO good. They’re soft and stretchy yet they don’t lose their shape throughout the day. I’d say I wear these jeans the most. :) I also can’t believe that this pair of Hudsons is on sale. Trying so hard to resist.
There are a ton of Halogen sweaters on sale. Halogen is one of my FAVORITE brands for sweaters, as I think the quality is always there and the prices are competitive. Sale sweaters to consider: this camel boatneck sweater, this tie-hem sweater I’ve worn on the blog before, this cashmere tunic, and this long white cardigan. I also love this cashmere duster coat, which is definitely still a splurge, but gorgeous and something you’d wear forever.
Holiday heels are a tough thing. They’re SO much fun, but you only get to wear them for like two months. This pair, though, can be worn well into January, February and March. SO CUTE.
My favorite pair of booties are on sale. I’m loving them in black this year, as I can get away with wearing them at night since they have a slight heel. Incredibly comfy; no break-in time. Run TTS.
Brown over-the-knee boots that don’t cost a small fortune. My cousins have these and they all rave about them. They come in black, too!
Waterproof over-the-knee boots. I have them, and they’re AMAZING. I don’t understand how they’re waterproof, but they are, and they work amazingly. They run a little small; I normally wear a size 7.5 and I took these in an 8.
MY PEACOAT IS $38! It’s amazing, in case you’ve missed the zillion posts I’ve done on it. Runs small. I normally wear a size XS in coats, and I wear a size small in this one.
My go-to Tory Burch wedges are on sale. These will go fast! (Run TTS.)
Stuart Weitzman boots for a STEAL.
Leather leggings from one of my favorite leggings brands. <– Hahaha; I need to go to sleep.
This black Free People oversized sweater! Definitely on my list.