For many of us, these past few days have been surprisingly warm. We’ve had to put away our scarves and layers to break out our spring staples!

While the weather is still warm, bring back your favorite summer and spring activities like picnics, afternoon strolls, and ice cream. Below is a list of ways to enjoy this new found warm weather while it lasts.

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In my mind, fall seems like it is the perfect season. The weather is that cool, not too hot, not too cold temperature. It’s crisp enough to wear a sweatshirt, but not cold enough to wear a bulky coat. You can still go for your usual walk, without sweating profusely..it’s pretty great. Blame it on the adorable trench coats, early arrival of in season drinks..whatever it is, I’m so ready to start rolling around in piles of leaves:

1. Leaves: Fall is one of the seasons that makes me so glad to live in New England, they make my three hour drives to Maine a little bit better.

2. Not shaving: I’m Italian, so I was not graced with the ability to shave every other week, let alone every other day. So I am pumped to not have to be in shorts every day.

3. Fall Festivals: I love summer carnivals, but nothing beats walking around in the crisp air, eating your carmel apple, while walking to the ferris wheel with your friends.

4. Apple picking: Strawberry picking is annoying, it’s too hot, the vines are so small and the kids are too whiny. But apple picking is the opposite..it’s the perfect temperature, you can actually see what you’re picking and apples make a good weapon.

5. Corn Mazes: Granted I’ve never been in one before, but I’ve heard they are fun. Well when you don’t get completely lost, and you’re with friends who have nowhere to be. But in theory, it seems like a great way to spend an October day.

6. Cold nights: I’m poor and don’t have AC..so having a boy over in the summer sucks. I usually make it more than obvious that he is not allowed to touch any part of my disgustingly sweaty body while sleeping, but in the fall..snuggle time is on, Stamos’ style.

7. Frizz friendly hair: Anyone lucky enough to have curly hair knows that humid weather is not a great ingredient for a good hair day. Which is why the fall is a welcome back to me actually attempting to do my hair.

8. Haunted things: Okay, so maybe the last time I was on a haunted hay ride I ran off before we got to the actual scary part..but still. I do love me some ABC family 13 nights of Halloween, and a good ol’ haunted house never hurt anyone, I don’t think.

9. All things Pumpkins: things that are flavored pumpkin, carving pumpkins, watching movies about a giant pumpkin (*cough* Halloween Town *cough*)…everything.

10. Thanksgiving: Or as I like to call it..an excuse to eat as many pies as possible in as little time as possible.

I freakin’ love fall. I actually don’t think I can communicate in coherent sentences how I feel about the season. It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach just thinking of the crisp air, the cozy sweaters, whip cream melting into mug of hot chocolate….I think I might have just wet myself.

It is impossible for me to pick just one fall thing as my favorite. And, believe me, I have tried on more than one occasion to pinpoint what it is that has forged this intense love affair.

So perhaps I can’t make a neat little list, but I can rant about it for a while. If you love fall too, you might want to prepare yourself. This little listicle may send you running towards your nearest Starbucks in leather boots and all the scarves you own in search of a latte and a scrumptious baked good.

Fall is My New Years
I know January 1st is when most people set a resolution, sign up for gym memberships and dump their dud of a boyfriend in hopes of upgrading to a new hottie. But my personal New Years is September 22nd (….the first day of fall if you haven’t caught on yet). This is when I find my surge of motivation. I crack open my new books (with the help of a yummy caffeinated beverage, obviously), get my ass back on an elliptical (with the new fall line-up to distract me from the burning tingles running through my calves) and reconnect with people who I may not have seen over the summer months (if this reconnection happens to occur over, let’s just say, a Pumpkin Spice Latte, then so be it. I’m just sayin’). Just like New Year’s Eve, fall instills in me that ambitious hope that come Christmas I will be a smarter-happier-8-pound-lighter version of my current self.

Fall is My Fashion Show
I have my share of designer sandals and flirty Forever 21 dresses, and by mid-March I take any peek of sun as my go-ahead to slip into a tank top and pretend I’m not freezing my ass off. But come September I am so sick of the skin baring clothes I could throw them all out the window (and then run outside and pick them all up again). This fall couldn’t come any sooner. I’m ready to break out my flannel shirt-dress, my patterned tights, the suede chunky heeled boots that are going to look amazing pulled over a pair of skinnies… I’ve already accepted I will not be able to control myself; I am well aware I will be over dressed for every and any occasion on my agenda.

Fall is My Buffet Table
I pretty much celebrate Thanksgiving for the entire season (which may explain why I have to ask for a new pair of skinny jeans, one size bigger, for Christmas). But how can you stop yourself from enjoying the Apple pie? The mashed potatoes, the creamy soups, the whipped-cream-mocha-caramel-latte-twists? Seriously, it’s only around for a few short months and I am going to enjoy every last bite/slurp/lick and munch of it.

Fall is My Amusment Park
How many awesome activities emerge during the season? (Which I take as a testament to the fact that deep down fall is everyone’s favorite season.) There are all sorts of festivals, movie outings and big group dinners. And did I mention football? Now, I’m not one of those girls that grabs a beer and talks witty banter with the men of the house (the extent of my participation is: “Why’d he throw that flag? What a jerk!”), but that doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate the sound of a football game lingering through the house, or all the jocks crowded around the TV in the student lounge.

[This story was originally posted by Brianna - Fordham University.]

I’m not sure if it’s just this time of year, or if it’s because I’m about to end one job (which pays my bills), but lately I just feel like I’m constantly drowning. You know, that feeling where you’re just stuck underwater and you can’t get up no matter how hard you try…so you just keep sinking. Taking on more things to bide the time, but in reality wishing you had less on your plate.

It’s times like this when I usually run away to avoid an extreme panic attack. Don’t believe me? I’ve gone as far as San Diego just to escape from this feeling. But this time, mostly because of my lease, I’m forced to stay in one place and fight this thing out. Although I am still taking a passive aggressive approach to escaping by applying for The Bachelor (not that I have any hope at being chosen). Since I’m attempting to deal with this like a grown up, I figured the best escape would be to create a mental happy space…like a perfect little desert island filled with my ten favorite things:

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What are your must-haves for an imaginary desert island? Does yours come complete with a cabana boy?…if so I might need to island hop. 

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it), and 2. A major lack of storage space. For these two reasons, maximizing what you already own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

I love most things about fall – anything made with pumpkin, cozy sweaters and my TV shows starting back up – but the one thing I’ve never been a fan of is the dampness and rain that comes with all these wonderful things. At least until I invested in a pair of good quality rain boots. Now on those damp days my toes can stay warm and dry, even when I decide to go puddle-jumping (or am forced to when I try to cross a street and find myself ankle-deep in water).

If you have to walk any distance to school, you should own a pair of rain boots. Period. They are functional (keeping those tootsies dry), yes, but super fashionable as well. There are so many colors and styles out there and they’re just plain cute. And when the temperature starts to drop, many styles even offer fleece liners to keep your toes extra dry and toasty all through the winter, making them a very good investment piece!

For this week’s Shop Your Closet, I chose a pair of black boots that go with everything, but a lot of these looks could be adjusted for patterned or colored rain boots as well!

With a Skirt:

Boots, Skirt, Top, Socks, Necklace.

Yes, you can wear your rain boots with a skirt. In fact, swapping out your usual black knee-boots for a pair of rain boots makes for a completely new take on your wardrobe staples. I paired this super cute military-inspired skirt with knee socks that can peak out the top of your boots (so cute!), but you could just as easily wear tights instead. Add the denim shirt you bought in the spring, and a long necklace over top and you’re all set to go for a beautiful fall day.

With Jeans:

Boots, Jeans, Top, Jacket, Necklace.

Skinny jeans and rain boots make a perfect pair. No need to break into a sweat stuffing your straight leg style into the boot only to have them bunch up your leg for the rest of the day. These little guys slide right in. Add a pretty draped jersey tee (or any of your favorite tees) and a moto jacket for a casual daytime look. On a dry day your boots can easily be switched for a contrasting pair of flats, and when it gets cold you can layer on some tall, thick socks and an oversized sweater for an winter-appropriate version of this look.

With Leggings:

Boots, Leggings, Dress, Cardigan.

This look just screams fall fabulous. The boots, the leggings, the sweater dress, the layers! Sigh. It makes me want a hot cup of chai just looking at it. And it’s so comfy without looking sloppy! Add a scarf for a little extra color, or throw a belt on to cinch that waist up. Beautiful.

With all the wild prints and crazy accessories I’ve been throwing your way the last month, I decided to tone things down a bit and feature a neutral color that will work with all that spice in your wardrobe. SO this week’s fashion porn is sponsored by the color GRAY!

Softer than black, gray is an easy-to-wear neutral that you can wear with everything (especially purple!). Cozy gray sweaters spell out comfort for me. Just imagine yourself sitting by a warm fire with a cup of hot cocoa. Mmmm, pass the marshmallows!

Gray will also have you complimenting the beautiful shades of autumn and can work for a lazy Saturday or a more exciting Saturday night. Lots of lovely gray items are textured and you can even find some patterns if you need some more excitement in your wardrobe.

Sold on gray for fall yet? If you’re not, these 15 items are sure to do it.

These aren’t big changes, but they’re important! Just like fashion, makeup has seasonal rules and in this week’s video, I’m gonna clue you in on all of them.

Want more? Get all of Caitlin’s beauty advice every week in CC Beauty Live!

But which home is home?

We’ve been following Charlsie, a 2010 grad, on her journey through the post-grad life, from the big move to the big job hunt to the major “Is this real life?!” moments. And now, with fall in full swing, she’s got something else weighing on her mind.

Whether we want to believe it or not, the holidays are approaching. I know, it feels like summer just started – even though it really just ended – but the reality is that temperatures are dropping, leaves are starting to change, and before we know it, it’ll be time for turkey, presents, and busy shopping malls. Like many people, I’m left with the question of where to spend the holidays at.

In college, it was so black and white. For the holidays, I made the seven hour drive home to my mom’s for Thanksgiving break and winter break. My dad isn’t a big fan of celebrating the holidays, so whether he spent the season with my sister and me or not – it didn’t matter to him either way. So, when the holidays started to come up in discussion with my family, I immediately figured I’d go home to Atlanta.

But I can’t help but feel like I’m leaving someone else behind, no matter what kind of holiday location choice I make. And since plane tickets nearly cost an arm and a legs these days, it makes things even more complicated. Really, it seems impossible to please everyone.

For example, my boyfriend and his family have invited me to go skiing with them in Colorado for the holiday (I have never gone skiing before, this could be disastrous). As much as I want to, I don’t have the money for a plane ticket, ski rentals, and all other miscellaneous costs. It broke my heart having to say no, but at the same time, it would have broken my heart to not spend the holidays with my family. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

It feels like no matter what I pick though, I’m screwing someone over. If I’m not with my boyfriend (who I rarely get to see – long distance relationship, thank you for that), I worry about when we’ll see each other next. When I’m with my mom and sister, I worry about not being with my dad. When I’m out here in California, I worry about Keeping Up With the Kardashians (and discussing every detail with my sister).

Right now, I know I’m going to see my mom for Christmas, but I have no clue as to what I’m doing for Thanksgiving. Should I stay here with my dad? Should I head to my grandparents’ place for a few days? Should I meet my boyfriend in St. Louis? Should I just book myself a plane ticket and head to Cancun with a bottle of tequila and forget it all?

But seriously, I feel like this is on the beginning of my “Where do I go for the holidays?” future. You see it all the time in movies and on TV, couples trying to decide where to spend the holidays. People being split up amongst their divorced, dysfunctional parents. Families debating on whether to go to grandma in Tennessee’s house or grandma in Iowa’s house. Yikes. Decisions, decisions – just another thing to look forward to as I get older.

One thing is certain, though. Just because I’m a post-grad doesn’t mean I can avoid the hustle and bustle and shopping of the holiday season. No one can. Not even in October.

Finally — summer’s over! It’s time for sweaters, boots, Starbucks’ signature fall drinks, and for those leaves to start falling. You could spend all fall hunched over your computer worrying about mid-terms, or you can get in touch with your seven-year-old self that took time to relish the changing leaf colors, the local pumpkin patches, and of course, the cooler weather.

Here are five things that you probably enjoyed during your childhood that you can still enjoy this fall. (Editor’s Note: especially if you add a little spiked apple cider.):

1. Go Apple Picking: Throw on some jeans, find a cardigan, and head to the nearest apple orchard. Now that fall is here, apple orchards should be open to the public. Not sure where the closest apple orchard is? Check out Pick Your Own for all the details of the farms and orchards near you. Not only will this get you outside to enjoy the nice fall weather, it will give you a reason to bake. Once you pick out those perfect apples, call your mom and ask for her apple pie recipe, make some caramel apples, or brew cider (feel free to add alcohol, of course). Baking isn’t your thing? Well, you know what they say: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and that can’t hurt either.

2. Jump in the Leaves: Once the leaves start falling, don’t let them go to waste. Get your friends together, rake as many as them up as you possibly can, and get to jumping! You loved this a kid, and if you get past it being a kids’ pastime, you will still love it. So many schools have an abundance of quads filled trees and leaves all around them. The crunch of the leaves will be worth it, especially since this amusing activity won’t crunch any money out of your wallet.  Oh, and it turns out jumping in leaf piles is actually good for you:  According to the Children and Nature Network, “Children are smarter, cooperative, happier, and healthier when they have frequent and varied opportunities for free and unstructured play outdoors.” So, since it won’t cost you anything and will make you a happier, healthier, and smarter you — why not?

3. Get Lost in a Corn Maze: Nothing is better than getting together with your friends and heading off campus on a Saturday. And now that fall is here, it’s the season to seek out the closest corn maze near you. Not sure where to look? Check out this list of corn mazes across the nation. Corn mazes these days aren’t just for kids;  many farms get super fancy with their designs turning their cornfields into aerial pictures of Abraham Lincoln on a penny and the elaborate design of a baseball. Since corn mazes usually are on larger local farms, expect a whole day of fun that will bring you back to your childhood — many have petting zoos, pumpkin patches, corn canons (yes — you can shoot corn out of a canon!), and loads of tasty treats.

4. Pick a Pumpkin and Carve It: Now that fall is here, Halloween isn’t far off (!!). While you’re at the local corn maze, you and your friends can probably pick up some pumpkins. If not, don’t worry — pumpkin patches will be in abundance as soon as October rolls around. Remember the first time you helped carve a pumpkin and your parents let you pull out all the seeds? Find a pumpkin that suits you, get a carving kit (they usually cost between $3 to $10) from your local grocery store or Wal-Mart/Target, and get creative. You can do something simple or opt for a more elaborate design. If you really want to get back to your childhood, put the movie Hocus Pocus on while you carve away. Who says you can’t enjoy seasonal activities while in college?

5. Anticipate Halloween: Remember when you were seven and all you could think about was your Halloween costume for that year? Well — get excited and start planning. Although Halloween costumes were a lot less slutty and a lot more cutesy than what you’re probably thinking about now, you should still be excited about finding the perfect costume. Get your friends together and hit up the local costume stores that are probably already popping up. Figure out what costume will best fit you this year. Will it stand alone or work in as a group? Are you buying or making? And, most importantly, what sort of fun-size candies will you be eating when you finally get to wear it?

[When moving into either a dorm or an off-campus apartment, your wardrobe will face two major challenges: 1. A major lack of funding (to add more to it). 2. A major lack of storage space.

For these two reasons alone, maximizing what you do own becomes essential. That's why you need to learn to Shop Your Closet. Each week, I’ll show you how to wear 1 item 3 ways – with the stuff you most likely already own! – to get the most out of your purchases.]

As the temperatures stop, drop, and roll (or just drop), we must say goodbye to our favorite summer styles in favor of warmer options. And it’s depressing. Not because we don’t love fall (because, DUH, we do), but because it’s hard to part with best friends and that perfectly worn-in tank, that’s been with you through everything, is the best friend of all.

But what if I told you that you didn’t have to shove your summer staples in a Tupperware box under your bed until next April? What if there was a way to work them into this new, chillier season?

Prepare yourselves, because it’s not only possible, it’s adorable! If you loaded up on  striped shirts this summer and aren’t sure how to wear them into the fall, never fear. I’ve found three ways to extend the life of your summer favorite, without looking out of season.

With Pants

Tank, Cargos, Jean Jacket, Scarf, Flats.

So you thought that striped tank could only look good with a pair of shorty shorts? Wrong. Pair it with the new fall favorite, the military pant, and the jean jacket that’s been sitting in the back of your closet since it was cool in 8th grade. Slip on your favorite flats and – voila! – perfect cool-weather outfit. If you want to go even further and dress it all up a bit, throw on a graphic scarf (yes, mixing prints is OK) and a pair of jewel toned flats.

With a Skirt

Tank, Skirt, Tights, Shoes, Ring.

Dressing up a casual striped top is easy – just add a skirt! Tucking it into any sort of high-waisted skirt you’ve got will do the trick (be it solid or patterned), though I love the ruffle detail on this little number. When accessorizing, keep things simple; you don’t want to have too much going on. Black tights and pumps will elongate your legs and keep the focus on the top, and a statement ring will add the necessary going-out sparkle. And if you need a little something else to keep you warm, a simple boyfriend blazer will do.

With a Dress

Tank, Dress, Sweater, Tights, Boots, Necklace.

Now this is a two-fer. Extend the wear of your tank and your favorite summer dress. Just put them together! This gives new life to that I-love-it-so-much-I-wore-it-every-day summer sundress and, quite frankly, layering tanks under dresses just looks cool. Especially a strapless. Totally underrated. Like the look above, keep the attention on the dress and tank top by keeping everything else totally neutral. Adding on the cardigan, tights and boots makes this look completely fall appropriate and a simple long necklace will top off the look perfectly.