Hello and Happy October! You may, like me, be slightly relieved that September is over. I love September for the excitement and weather. But, it can be overwhelming with all the transitions.

By now, routines are settling in. Sweater weather is just about here and I’m finally ready. And it’s not too early (kinda is) for me to be prematurely planning for Thanksgiving.

Styling Breakdown

This month’s Styling Breakdown comes to you from the Bonus Room in our Grey Project. We are so very happy with these custom built-ins. The function is amazing. And the opportunity for a little decor moment always makes us giddy. We have a source list below and always feel free to email (hello@grayoakstudio) or DM with a request for something we missed!

Below is a close up of the art on the shelf (we used London because it’s meaningful to the homeowners). This artist has so many letterpress and cut out pieces of different locations around the world. The one in the middle (below) is Nantucket!

SOURCE LIST

Keeping Myself Busy

I crochet! My grandmother taught me when I was about 7 and I’ve been doing it ever since. Hats and blankets are my favorite, but I went through a big infinite scarf phase and I made crowns for my daughters when they were toddlers.

This time of year reinvigorates a nightly ritual with the old hook and yarn. It’s not fun to crochet in the summer with the heat and the thick growing blanket and the piles of yarn. But, when the weather gets crisp and holiday gift planning starts…because you have to plan this far in advance when the gift takes a couple months to make…I dig into a new project.

I wanted to share a book that I found in case you’re interested in picking up a cozy hobby or, if you’re a pro, interesting in trying some new patterns.

I also wanted to share my current favorite yarn for a thick, quick blanket. Use this plush yarn with a nice, big hook and you’ll have a blanket in no time (aka 2 months).

Fashion Find

If you’ve been a steadfast watcher of our Instagram stories, you already know about these fashion finds. If not, here’s the scoop. But, also, Instagram stories are where the action lives!

I got myself a lovely birthday gift this year - new sneakers from Freda Salvador. They were a big time splurge, even with a 20% discount. That said, I’m obsessed. They slip on and off truly easily. They hold their shape perfectly, despite the slip on/off factor. They’re ridiculously comfortable. And they go with anything and everything I wear (in my humble opinion).

I also got a new everyday athletic sneaker. So, not the sneaker I wear for a run, but my choice for errands and Install Day. They are reasonably priced, especially for Nikes. They come in some really cute colors (I went neutral…of course) and they’re very, very comfortable. Wider than your average Nike, which my feet appreciate.

Local Fun

I can’t take credit because a lovely new client shared it with me: Beacon Hill Books & Cafe. I’m heading there later this month for some perusing and snacks. It is in a recently renovated space (you can check out the Instagram to see some progress pics) and it’s stunning. So much design inspiration. So much charm. Such a great place for a Sunday afternoon adventure into Boston. I’ll be sure to share pics on Instagram Story (like I said - where the action lives) later this month.