
(I love the packaging for this blush.)
This week was much calmer, and we’re enjoying the last few days of summer before school starts soon. This weekend, we have a family birthday party and plenty of time to relax and unwind. I’m looking forward to it. Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” slowed down, is both freaky and really good.
The ladies of “Orange Is The New Black” in real life. (Natasha Lyonne’s mane is fierce!)
Something is fishy with Austin’s planned aquarium. (The other aquariums I’ve visited have been, you know, near the ocean, so this just seemed like a bad idea from the beginning.)
And speaking of sea creatures, Texas girls catching catfish with their bare hands.
Our dear Lieutenant Governor made the national news and earned comparisons to Ron Burgundy, too. You can’t make this stuff up, and the last few sentences are the funniest!
And Senator Wendy Davis is in the September issue of Vogue. You know, the phone book-size one, on stands now.
Have a wonderful weekend!
I realize this is the second navy dress you’ve seen me in this week, but I really think it’s worth sharing! I’ve heard wonderful things about People Tree, a line of ethically-made clothing in the United Kingdom, and when I found this dress on ModCloth’s site, I jumped at the chance to order it duty-free. ModCloth renames the pieces they sell, so this 1940s-inspired number is called “Audrey” in England and “Cutie Doodle Doo” in the United States. But whatever you call it, the dress is a wonderful vintage-style with a modern print.
I especially love the square, structured shoulders and the subtle heart print. It reminds me of something Lorna from “Bomb Girls” might have worn on her day off from the factory. There’s an attached belt that ties in back and pleating below the waist, which can be a bit problematic if you have curves like me. But I’ve embraced my motherly shape, and I think the dress is designed for a feminine figure, which I love.
The dress fabric is dotted with tiny hearts that look more like polka dots from a distance. And I’m still wearing my new mini rings, including a tiny fox that I found recently on Etsy. When I wear a vintage-inspired dress, I like to add more modern accessories, and what’s cooler than a fox these days?
I’m so excited about this dress, and I can’t wait to try more People Tree pieces as they become available.
When I first starting writing about fair trade products, I was contacted by Katie Schmidt, the founder of Passion Lilie, a new line of fair trade, ethically-made clothing and accessories for women. Katie has a background in fashion and uses her interest to make positive changes in the world, through educating and empowering women artisans. The result of her endeavor is Passion Lilie, which just released its beautiful fall collection. Some of the pieces are vintage-inspired, and I rounded up a few of my favorite looks to share with you.
My most favorite piece is “The Lucille Dress,” named for Lucille Ball. I especially love the hand block print and the swingy skirt.
The “Rosie the Riveter” Dress is another great option in a vintage style that is easy to wear on a hot summer day, but could also adapt easily to fall when paired with tights and a cardigan. The subtle striped skirt is adorable, and I love the overall skirt-and-blouse look, with the ease of a cotton dress.
The “Paris by Night” Dress is an exceptional piece, and the details, which include an attached tie and side pockets, really make it a stunner. The print itself is gorgeous, and the black scoop collar gives it a bit of edginess, too.
The “New York” Skirt is perfect for fall, and can be dressed up or down, too. My favorite part is the contrasting grey pocket that works so well with the gorgeous print.
I’m so excited to share Passion Lilie’s first collection with you, and please visit their site to see the other beautiful pieces and learn more about their mission.
(All photos courtesy of Passion Lilie; used with permission.)







