fresh Fall Feels: Get creative with rich hues, ‘90s throwbacks, toile

By Allison McCrory / Photos by Kate Treick Photography

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Shopping list: When elegance is in order, nobody does it better than Italy. These one-size-fits-all washable silk pieces in understated champagne ooze ethereal refinement. Wrap skirt, $68, and top, $98.

It’s that celebratory season for West Floridians when fashion shifts from surviving the heat to dressing creatively.

“Have fun with your colors, prints, patterns and mix it on up!” said Diane McLaughlin of Lee Tracy on Gregory Street in Pensacola. “Let your personal style and imagination create your outfit for the day. October can still be quite warm for us here on the coast, so keep those tanks and tees handy and simply add a kimono or lightweight cardigan in new fall colors to help you feel like we’re changing seasons.”

McLaughlin notes that there are new fashion headlines as well as a few repeats.

“As far as pants and jeans and trousers are concerned, we’ll continue to see a high rise at the waist and a full leg,” she said, pointing out a style that has held fast for several seasons. “We have some beautiful pieces arriving that represent this style, and our denim collection will also have a strong presence with a straight, boot and wide leg. Gone are the days of the skinny jean for now.”

Pretty mid-length skirts in feminine toile or knits are trending and pair perfectly with fall’s favorite shoe — ballet flats. In other footwear news, “peep toe wedges and booties with jeans and the low-profile sneaker continue to be great accessories for a skirt, dress or pants of all types,” McLaughlin reported.

Rich, saturated hues are the hallmarks of Fall 2024.

“Classic navy is always such a great color for our coastal lifestyle here year-round, and we’ll continue seeing that throughout the season. However, burgundy has been real strong across the board. Rich, deep golds, greens and chocolate browns will be playing a big role in our fall color palettes.”

Shopping list: For days when you want to feel ultra-feminine and whimsical, consider this happiness-inducing floral boot dress by Easel, $78. Team with your favorite boots or booties to welcome autumn!

Shopping list: Simple, yet polished, this duo in some of fall’s favorite rich tones will take you just about anywhere! Easel blouse, $78, and Ethyl jeans, $98.

Shopping list: Overalls were a staple of the ’90s, a decade that is taking 2024 style by storm! Easel wine overalls, $78; Bobi white tee, $75. A crocheted jacket by Elan, $116, is one of the hottest trends going and a perfect addition for October weather shifts. The outfit’s simple lines and solid colors mean statement jewelry by local artist Jennifer Ponson can shine!

Heather Kealer

Heather Kealer has learned many things along her 27-year cancer journey. She can list medical terms, drugs and treatments. But her biggest healing lessons have been the non-clinical ones like relinquishing control and tapping into a divine flow.

“The next time you are suffering —pay attention. It may be the closest you will come to God,” said Kealer, who has been fighting for her life on the cancer battlefield since 1997.

Kealer knows all about suffering. With two bouts of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in her early 20s, two open-heart surgeries years later from damage she is convinced was from treatment and a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis, one thing became crystal clear.

“Of all the suffering and painful season, I have learned many things, but mostly that these things are out of my control, and they should also be out of my mind. I put all my trust in God,” she said. “When things are out of your control it usually means God wants you to relinquish control to him.”

With her life rebuilt on those rock-solid principles, Kealer is savoring each day. She takes care of the daughter doctors said she’d never have and volunteers at her church. Despite daily pain, she walks and embroiders and spends precious time with family.

Truly a coal miner’s daughter, Kealer studied dental hygiene at Pensacola State after working as a flight attendant. Following 15 years as a dental hygienist and numerous health issues, Kealer transitioned to stay-at-home mom-hood.

She believes God promised she’d be whole and complete after a season. She’s waiting, trusting, hoping and embracing that wholeness however it manifests.

“I’m in a season of fully expecting what God has for me.”