By: Jamila Carter
Sep. 11, 2023
As September rolls in, there’s one thing I eagerly anticipate: the return of pumpkin spice everything. Gone are the days when it was just about the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL); now, an entire array of pumpkin-flavored treats has taken over. While I still have a soft spot for the original PSL, my fondness for all things pumpkin spice runs deep. It’s that time of year when I embrace my inner basic — and honestly, I don’t care who knows it.
The arrival of the PSL signifies the unofficial start of fall, even if the weather hasn’t quite caught up. Once I take that first sip, it’s not long before I’m donning leggings, Ugg boots, and my trusty fleece jacket. It’s no wonder Taylor Swift drops her albums in the fall; it’s the season of basic vibes. I crank up the music and enjoy pumpkin-flavored doughnuts while dancing around my kitchen. There’s an undeniable joy in embracing this seasonal phase, and I refuse to feel ashamed about it.
As a proud black woman, I wholeheartedly enjoy this pumpkin spice season. I’ve been known to monitor Starbucks’ social media channels for the PSL release date. Just last year, I tweeted them when I noticed the drink wasn’t available by September 4. Once it launched, I rushed to my local Starbucks, snapping Instagram photos of my PSL, complete with filters and hashtags. You might as well call me “basic,” and I’m totally okay with that.
I actively seek out pumpkin-flavored goodies. Recently, I embarked on a mission to find Ben & Jerry’s Pumpkin Cheesecake ice cream closer than the store locator indicated. I even made a special trip to Dunkin’ Donuts for my beloved pumpkin spice iced coffee and doughnuts, all while enduring the sweltering heat. Yes, even my little one has embraced the pumpkin spice trend!
I’ll be found enjoying PSLs without a hint of shame because they’re simply amazing. The PSL serves as a gateway to a pumpkin spice paradise — think coffee creamers, cereals, snack cakes, and even pumpkin spice candy corn, which is a must-try. When Sprinkles Cupcakes announced the return of their pumpkin cupcake on social media, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Although I live in Los Angeles where it’s still warm, I imagine wearing my Uggs as I sip my delicious pumpkin coffee and head to the bakery.
My love for pumpkin spice has helped me accept my basic side. As Taylor would say, “the haters gonna hate.” My best friend often jokes that I’m the most basic black girl she knows, and I just own it. Sure, I post my PSL pics on Instagram, relish in apple picking in my Uggs and leggings, and can quote Mean Girls with ease. I’m all about the emojis in my texts, and I’m proud to embrace these basic pleasures, even as a black woman. I simply don’t care what others think.
So, pass me that PSL!
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Summary:
As the pumpkin spice season returns, the excitement for PSL and all things pumpkin-flavored sweeps over me. I embrace my basic tendencies without hesitation, enjoying everything from pumpkin doughnuts to flavored ice cream. This is a time for joy and celebration, regardless of societal labels, and I fully welcome the season with open arms.