Fashion & the forest #2 - By Sanne Brännström
It’s the time of the season. Leaves fall from the trees in burning colours, the temperature is getting lower and each morning feels like a crisp breath of mama Earth towards your face. The morning sun is golden, Halloween is around the corner and people tend to slow down again after going back to work after summer. I love autumn, I can spend more time in the forest without getting too hot and I love that you can dress in warmer clothes and layers again.
And for the love of fall, I have made a list of my favourite autumnal things! It contains both of the things I love the most. Vintage fashion and the forest! What else did you expect? Let’s dive right into it!
Go mushroom-foraging! Don’t know anything about mushrooms? Take a course and buy a mushroom book. There are also a lot of forums on social media channels for beginners (with expert admins) to join. It’s really important to know what you are doing but it’s not that hard to learn some edible mushrooms. I always like to take more steps into being more self-sufficient and never buy mushrooms from the stores anymore, I forage them myself!
If I can recommend adding one vintage item to your fall wardrobe it’s definitely a classic “Penny Lane”- jacket! Originally known as the ‘70s afghan coat but ever since the phenomenal movie Almost Famous came out in 2000, it got renamed and maybe even reborn! Check out Penny Lane’s classic jacket from the movie as a reference. Another famous movie character wearing one is Jenny from Forrest Gump. I collect these kinds of jackets myself, I think I might have around 10 in my wardrobe in different styles and sizes.
Have you ever tried cold swimming? With health benefits such as better blood circulation, boosted immune system, reduction of stress and better sleep I dare you to give it a chance this fall! For me, it’s also a meditation to control my breathing and sync with nature. I feel empowered and ready to take the world by storm afterwards!
Corduroy, corduroy, corduroy! Excuse me, but is there any sexier fabric? I think not! Imagine a pair of mustard yellow ‘70s flare corduroy pants matched with a brown retro turtleneck sweater and on top of that a pumpkin-coloured corduroy jacket with sheepskin-collar, and maybe a pair of cognac-coloured boots? Mmh now that’s my dream fall look!
With Halloween around the corner I bet many of you are planning to either host or attend a Halloween dress-up party. My best tip here is to plan your outfit on time and search for it second-hand. You don’t have to buy an expensive costume from some random (fast fashion) costume site that you only wear once. Go for something that you can put together either from your wardrobe or go for thrift options. At the latest Halloween party me and my fiancé attended we thrifted our entire looks, we were Bilbo Baggins and The Log Lady (from Twin Peaks). You can choose to be something that you know is accessible to find second-hand.
My last fall tip for today is to bring all your best friends, food, wood, matches and blankets, go out in the forest, find a nice and (legal) spot to light a fire, and cook some delicious food to enjoy out in the wild! This is my favourite way to spend time with friends, gather around a fire and just spend time in nature. It doesn’t have to be complicated, make outdoor pizza, grill some sausages or hamburgers of your choice or make a nice wok!
