British (Countryside) Invasion

Crisp autumn air, falling leaves multi-hued in gold and crimson, soft brown rolling hills, and in Southern California of late, serene foggy mornings and afternoon showers. My trench coat was out and about for a week, traipsing under the cloud cover and making the pretense of London-ish weather complete.

Out there in stores, furry and feathered forest creatures, twigs and leaves translate the season's autumn theme. Somehow, somewhere in between the whimsical gardens of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and the mysterious woods of the Pacific Northwest in Twilight, the fascination of flora and fauna never left. Warm and cozy cable knits, faux furs, plaids and tweeds add sartorial allure.

Could it be an English urban countryside revival? No, because timeless designs like this never go out of style. Think of innate simplicity that is relaxed, but not casual, pared-down to only the most luxurious and classic essentials. An understated palette hinting of moody bogs, misty mornings and afternoons in the woods. We are not in Cotswald, and this style is not about frou-frou florals in a multitude of colors and a hundred tiny things. There is just the barest of necessities, selected for comfort and style. A contrast of old and new; something that looks like it's been to a dozen other houses, through several generations, is paired with something totally modern and shiny.

Top: Modern patent orange leather chairs meets a weathered-look farmhouse table (www.potterybarn.com) Bottom: Traditional wing chair re-sculpted into more modern proportions covered in urban gray. The tree stump side table adds a touch of woodsy whimsy (www.westelm.com)

Products shown above: Top to bottom: Bird with flowers desert plates, Metallic leaf desert plates, Winter trees drinkware, Faux fur throw, www. westelm.com. Cashmere cable knot throw pillows, Faux mink throw pillow, Cashmere cable knit throw, www.restorationhardware.com, Sketched birds throw pillow, Cast-resin antler wall decor, X-based stool, www.williassonomahome.com, Bedford collection tweed pillow, www.ralphlaurenhome.com