I feel truly blessed to live in New England and to reap the benefits of all four seasons. There is nothing like inhaling magnolia blossoms in springtime, sailing the ocean in a hot breeze in the summer, carving pumpkins and admiring the foliage in autumn, and skiing down powder slopes in winter. In honor of the beginning of the chilly season, here is a guide to making the most out of winter’s prelude. If you live in a warm weather climate, plan a weekend trip to somewhere up north to experience these delightful experiences!

Farmer’s markets and orchards: In the region of Massachusetts’ North Shore (around thirty miles north of Boston) we are so lucky to have a number of farms, orchards, and farmer’s markets open to the public. There is simply nothing better than bundling up in your favorite wooly sweater and heading to an orchard with some friends for an afternoon of apple picking and hot apple cider. My favorite orchard is Russell Orchards (click *here*) in Ipswich, Ma. In addition to apple picking, they offer homemade apple donuts, baked goods, wine, produce, and other all-natural products. Plus, there are tons of adorable farm animals you can check out and pet while you’re there. If your area doesn’t offer pick-your-own opportunities, investigate open air farmer’s markets for fresh produce. Featured below is Willow Rest, a fresh food shop in Gloucester, Ma. Check out Local Harvest (click *here*) to find one in your area.

Fall Food: Cooking cold-weather inspired food can be enjoyed even if you reside in a place like San Diego. Apple cider spiked with a dash (or gallon) of Goldschlager can be enjoyed no matter the temperature – just heat it up on the stove if it’s cold out. Another tasty treat that can be served hot or cold is apple-pear sauce. This delicious autumn side dish is comforting and homey when eaten warm, and will fill your house with the most amazing cinnamon scent. It is just as wonderful chilled; the sauce will keep up to three weeks refrigerated. My mother refused to give up her recipe, so click *here* for an alternate.

Halloween! As Cady so eloquently puts it in Mean Girls: “Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.” True, and trust me, I’ve been through the look-as-skanky-as-possible Halloween costume phase. But now that I’m older and (hopefully a little bit) wiser, I look forward to fall and Halloween as a time to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind costume, and NOT look like a slut. I don’t judge those who do show skin on Halloween night; in fact, I love seeing what girls can “sluttify” (sexy bumblebee? sexy red solo cup? sexy abe lincoln?). Try and think outside the box and come up with something that is alluring and unique. Last year, for example, I dressed as a Greek goddess. I unearthed a white silk tunic my mother made for me when I danced, paired it with a homemade gold belt, and crafted my own headpiece out of real ivy vines I yanked off the side of a building and gold ribbon. My white tunic was floor length, something almost unheard of in girl costumeland. However, it clung to my body and was just a tad see-through, maintaining the perfect balance between sexy and slutty. Fall is my favorite season because it holds the one holiday in which debauched, costumed fun is perfectly acceptable.

Sweaters, boots, and fur…oh my! One of the best qualities of cool weather is the wealth of wardrobe possibilities. Early fall is the perfect time to integrate sweaters, jackets, and boots into your summer closet. A key looks for fall is pairing a floaty summer dress with a light jacket and bulky boots (see *here*). This way, you can make use of all your pretty summer things for as long as possible, while easing yourself into cold weather dressing.

Once the weather turns cold for good, the world of fabulous winter coats opens up to us. Scour vintage clothing stores for that one-of-a-kind trench or fur piece, or head over to a department store or boutique if your wallet allows.

My wish list of winter coats:

Esther Perbandt’s Coat Upside Down in Black, $891 at Revolve Clothing. Click *here*

LA Made Taci Mini Leather Trench in Black, $319 at Revolve Clothing. Click *here*

Burberry Wool/Cashmere Funnel Coat, $895 at Saks. Click *here*

Silence and Noise Studded Faux Moto Jacket, $148 at Urban Outfitters. Click *here*

And something for the men…D Collection Captain Toggle Coat, $168 at Urban Outfitters. Click *here*

• Inseam