October drifts in with the scent of crisp mornings and the rustle of amber leaves, inviting a slower, more reflective pace. The days grow shorter, but the light seems softer, almost of a more golden hue. This month always feels like a threshold: part farewell to summer’s warmth and part welcome to the quiet scenes of fall. In this post, I am gathering little moments that made me pause, smile, or simply savored along with a few musings of what I am looking forward to in October.
It’s the season of small comforts and quiet joys, so grab a cup of tea or a frothy latte and cozy in for the first edition of the monthly Moments & Musings for October 2025.
Simple Joys From September
September arrived with a quiet shift and coolers breezes. This month felt like a gentle exhale after the heat of summer, inviting simple pleasures and slow, intentional living. Leaves began to subtly color at their edges, and the first hints of autumn crept in with flavors of pumpkin spice all around. Whether it was a return to fall routines, cozy cups of something warm or spicy, or simply the joy of watching nature begin to change, September reminded me that transition doesn’t have to be rushed, it can be slow and beautiful.
Top Three Moments of September That I Enjoyed & Savored
-A quick trip to the mountains in Asheville, North Carolina
-Going to see the Downton Abbey movie at the theater.
-The return of a beloved show, The Great British Bake Off.
Top Three Things That I Am Looking Forward To in October
-A trip to New York, especially that first cup of Angelina Paris hot chocolate.
-Visiting the local gardens to see the leaves starting to turn their brightest colors.
-Visiting the local art exhibit here at the NC Museum of Art, The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt.
Monthly Musings & Simple Pleasures
The Monthly Edit
In the monthly edit I will be sharing the books, movies, music, and/or television shows I’ve been exploring, each with their its own unique voice, aesthetic, and impact. Whether it’s a well-crafted novel, a thoughtfully produced film, or a visually aesthetic documentary, the content shared below invites the mind to slow down and engage more fully. Many of these will be shared exclusively here and not on the Curated Weekly post, so be sure to check back each month for new finds.
Watching:
-The new Victoria Beckham documentary on Netflix, October 9th.
-Maigret on PBS Masterpiece, October 5th.
-The Woman in Cabin 10 on Netflix, October 10
Reading:
-Starting off this month is this beautiful book by the talented Kerri Hess, Daily Joy: 365 Inspirations for a Happy Life and Home being released on October 7th.
–I Am Finally, Finally French: My Accidental Life in Brittany by Mark Greenside released on October 28th.
–Letter From Japan by Marie Kondo, released October 21st.
The Modern Classic Life Monthly Luxurious Recommendation
Luxury is about the quiet elegance of thoughtful choices. Those little choices that make life feel more refined without being extravagant. Whether it’s suggesting a soft cashmere throw, the perfect matte finish coffee table book, or a beautifully designed piece of home decor, the goal for the The Modern Classic Life Luxurious Recommendation is to enhance everyday moments with elegance and ease. Fall is an invitation to slow down, reset, and surround yourself with pieces that speak to quiet luxury and modern ease.
This month’s luxurious recommendation is this timeless wool-cashmere turtleneck poncho from J. Crew. Perfect for the transitioning seasons, this poncho provides a sophisticated layer that would look elegant either dressed up or down. Lending itself to a sophisticated look to wear while traveling, out running errands, visiting a cafe or art museum, this item is versatile in its use. I have a wool-cashmere poncho from J. Crew that I bought two years ago that I use frequently, especially while traveling. If traveling in autumn is your love language (like mine), then this will be a luxurious purchase well worth the investment. Also note, J. Crew often has sales, especially around the holidays so keep this one on the list to look out for.
If This Month Were A Moodboard….
Join The Conversation
There’s something quietly soothing about embracing and sharing life’s simple pleasures. Anything from a warm cup of coffee at sunrise, the comforting rustle of pages in a well loved book, a seasonal publication you enjoyed, or the familiar rhythm of a morning walk. These moments may seem small, but they’re rich in meaning, grounding us in the present and connecting us to others through shared experiences. I warmly invite you join the conversation below around your own simple joys for the month of October. In a world that often moves too fast, your thoughts can be a gentle reminder to slow down and remind us of what truly matters.
I love that J Crew poncho. I have a cashmere blend J Crew one that I bought last fall to take on my trip to Spain. It’s not a turtleneck and has a bit of an asymmetrical hem. Sadly, it was so hot that I didn’t get to wear it in Spain. So I haven’t worn it yet. I’ll have to plan to wear it soon (and pair it with my J Crew fall plaid purse I also haven’t used in a while – the poncho is camel so it will pair nicely with the oranges, greens and creams in the purse). Also I adore that green and white tea cup in the mood board. That green is so rich and one of my favorite colors!
That sounds like it would be a great outfit for fall🍂 I have one of the J. Crew ponchos too and I wear it all the time during the colder months, especially for travel. I really do have my eye on this turtleneck option and am just waiting for a good sale.