It’s fall, y’all!
Look for browns, greens, sets, bows & scarf necklaces.
By Allison McCrory Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Cooler weather is ushering in rich autumn fashion hues in earthy tones with chocolate brown, a spectrum of greens and terra cotta at the top of the list.
“It will be a fall of earth colors,” noted Laura Belsinger, owner of Bluetique on Palafox.
Faux fur, scarf necklaces, sets, leather — including upscale vegan leather — and feminine touches such as bows and ruffles are trending.
Look for bubble hems, midi and short dresses and lots of skirts. Yet Belsinger is seeing fewer of the tiered dresses that trended for seasons.
In denim, barrel jeans are still a favorite but “skinny jeans are coming back,” Belsinger said, noting that jean styles include almost every cut. “It is literally anything goes!”
“Never ever underestimate yourself — never give up. You’ll be surprised at the strength and resilience that’s been hiding inside of you all these years. You’ve got this.”
— Meridith Knowlton
Meridith Knowlton
“Never ever underestimate yourself — never give up. You’ll be surprised at the strength and resilience that’s been hiding inside of you all these years. You’ve got this.”
Those powerful words come from October model and senior project manager Meridith Knowlton, who was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer in 2019.
Like many women, Knowlton recalls the diagnosis that set frenetic wheels in motion, consulting with an oncologist, surgeon and radiologist, losing her hair, the sickness and the scars.
“It was surreal, and I couldn’t even begin to process it all,” she said.
And yet a year ago, the Ohio native was deemed cancer-free after five years, “a defining moment for survivors because it means the chances of recurrence drop considerably.”
She now relishes dancing for charity, photography, socializing with her krewe during Mardi Gras, the Blue Angels and the beach.
Like many survivors, Knowlton said the grueling times made her tougher — and part of a strong sisterhood.
“It can take our hair, put us through hell with chemo and radiation and try to scar our bodies. But at the end of the day, we are millions of women strong. We are survivors,” she said.
“There are over 4 million survivors of this disease cheering you on; you are NOT alone in this fight!”
Tips from Meridith Knowlton, breast cancer survivor
Celebrate your milestones and you’ll be amazed at how fast your treatment goes by. Treat yourself on those days because you deserve it!
Continue to find the good in the bad; stay positive as much as you can. I had a “Thankful” jar to write one thing daily that I was grateful for until the last day of my treatment. You can read them alone or aloud to family and friends. You’ll see that all these blessings contributed to your success, and you’ll have a greater appreciation for the little things.
Start a blog or private Facebook group to share updates with your close friends and family. This is a way for them to know what you’re going through or what you need when they’re afraid to ask. It’s also an opportunity for them to provide you with words of encouragement and funny memes. The support you receive will give you a boost of positivity and even a good laugh when you need it!
Be kind to yourself and your body when you are feeling challenged. Practice meditation and gentle yoga if possible. Cancer isn’t just a physical war, it’s also mental; it can get very overwhelming at times. Meditation and yoga can help you calm your mind and body on the days you really need it.
About the location Garden & Grain and The Well
50 E. Garden St., Pensacola; perfectplain.com
Clothes compliments of Bluetique
125 Palafox Pl., Pensacola; 850-432-1264; bluetiquepensacola.com
Hair & makeup compliments of
Hair by Hannah Nix
Salon San Carlos
528 W. Garden St., #1-3, Pensacola; 850-437-0007; salonsancarlos.com
Makeup by Katrina Martinez
Kulture Kreated LLC
708-269-6324; Facebook & Instagram account
Lashes by Rachel Carr, lash and spray tan artist
beautybyray.com
