Recently, I shared with you my all-time favorite purse, an ivory bag from Vera Wang’s line for Kohl’s. I’m using it throughout the spring, but I was in search of a utility bag for summer, and I stumbled across the perfect bag back in February.
It’s the Seafarer’s Tote from Anthropologie (I’ve become an Anthro junkie, I realize), and I’m so glad I bought it when I did, because it’s now out of stock. Though it’s a bit hard to tell from my picture, the bag is rather large and made of canvas, so it will be wonderful to use this summer, especially as a carry-all for the boys’ water and other items we need when out and about.
I especially love the nautical feel, and the lovely details on the bag.
I may not be traveling anywhere soon, but this sweet bag brings a touch of the sea to my everyday outings, and I’m looking forward to using it this summer.
Last week, I showed you two lightweight blouses I found at Anthropologie. Those purchases are a part of my one-woman crusade to, slowly but surely, fill my closet with good quality, warm weather items made of cotton. I don’t know about you, but in the past several years, I’ve really noticed a lack of cotton clothing in stores.
Here in Texas, summer temperatures rise to triple digits, sometimes for months on end, and we are still in the middle of a very long drought. To say it gets hot here is an understatement, and by mid-July, the only clothing that’s really tolerable is made of natural fibers. Plus, I’m a busy mom chasing after two active boys all day, and I sweat. A lot. Polyester, rayon, and other synthetic fabrics just don’t cut it, and if I’m honest, I don’t feel comfortable wearing them during the winter months here, either.
I’m all about cotton, which allows my body to breathe, and I’m willing to pay more for it if it’s decently made. But my big problem is finding it in the first place.
October Rebel, a lovely fashion blogger, is currently on a quest to buy only fair-trade, ethically-made clothing, which, it just so happens, usually turns out to be cotton. She has been kind enough to share new clothing sources with me, and I’m constantly learning from her.
I shop online often, at popular stores like Anthropologie, Ruche, and ModCloth, and I have to say, I’m always a little disappointed at the lack of cotton clothing available. It doesn’t matter how lovely a dress or blouse is online, because if it’s made of a synthetic material, and not at least 90% cotton, I’m not buying it.
I realize that cotton is expensive, because it must be picked and processed before creating a garment, so it does make sense for designers to use fabric that is less expensive and readily available. But I know I’m not the only one who cringes at polyester, and I’d love to persuade stores and clothing designers to use more cotton.
How do you feel about the fabric of your clothing? Does it matter to you? And if you know of any stores that offer cotton clothing, please feel free to share. I’m hoping to explore this topic as I learn more about it.
This week’s question is: What Is Your Favorite Part of Blogging?
For me, the answer is two-fold: I love writing and I love the connections and friendships I’ve made!
I have a writing background, but after teaching and then having children, it got lost in the background. I’m not especially creative or crafty, so rediscovering writing through blogging has been sort of a dream come true for me. I love crafting my posts and sharing the things I love with others, and I’m thankful that I’ve made some wonderful friends through blogging. Directly because of this, I attended Alt Summit in January, met a few local bloggers who I’m fortunate to call my friends and neighbors, I participate in Blog Trends, Shayla and I collaborate each week, and I even hosted a blogger/creative meetup recently.
This time last year, I was a little bored and a little lonely, and now I’m way too busy, which is not a bad problem to have. Writing a blog has pushed me out of my comfort zone in many ways, and I find myself taking more risks (good ones) and trying new things on my own more frequently. I always feel a bit cheesy admitting that blogging changed my life for the better; but I guess, in many ways, it really did.
I’m grateful for my own small place to share my thoughts, and I’m blessed to know many wonderful bloggers because of it.
So, what is your favorite part about blogging? I’d love to hear! And please visit Shayla’s blog to see how she answered today’s question.