(A publicity photo of Stevie Nicks from 1977, via Wikipedia.)
I feel like I’ve listened to Stevie Nicks my entire life, but I think I really fell in love with her voice and lyrics in college. I spent a lot of time driving back and forth between San Antonio and Austin as I visited Ryan and prepared to find a teaching job, and her music always kept me company on those dark drives along I-35. And as I drove to work each morning, and then down to San Marcos for grad school a few years later. There’s no denying that Stevie Nicks makes excellent driving music.
There’s something about her voice and her image that is melancholy and nostalgic, making me long for those golden-edged days of the late 1970s and 80s. I was a small child then, but that era seems mystical when I listen to Stevie Nicks.
I recently read this article about her greatest songs, and I agree with most of the choices. “Landslide” and “Silver Springs” are two of my favorite songs, but I also love “Rhiannon” and “Leather and Lace.” Nicks has a new album out featuring current versions of old songs, and it’s had mixed reviews. But I think Nicks is amazing and she’s going strong after over forty years in the music business. Her voice is raw and mournful, but still full of feathers, swirling skirts, and feminine touches. Here’s a lovely version of “Carousel” with Vanessa Carlton.
I never get tired of listening to her songs, and I think that’s the real beauty in her work. Do you have a favorite Stevie Nicks song?
(A vintage handbag from Bloomers and Frocks.)
I first read about the lovely vintage clothing store, Bloomers and Frocks, in an interview with The Glamorous Housewife. Rebekka Adams, the owner and curator, lives in Austin, and I met her at Texas Style Council in 2013. In addition to her beautiful Etsy store, Adams recently opened a brick and mortar store within Gypsies Antiques on Burnet Road, and I’ve been planning to visit for a while now.
Saturday evening, Ryan’s parents watched the boys while we left the house for a few hours, and the first place we headed was to Bloomers and Frocks. I was incredibly impressed with all of the beautiful clothing and accessories, and I had so much fun browsing through the entire shop. The owner of Gypsies Antiques said that Adams really curates her clothing well, and it’s obvious from the state of the pieces in her boutique. Each item is in wonderful condition, clean, and ready to wear.
(A pretty print skirt from Bloomers and Frocks.)
I found a few pieces to bring home, but I’ve got my eye on quite a few more. The vintage handbag shown above is such a work of art and I couldn’t leave without it. I can use it with dresses in the spring and summer, but it’s such a beautiful display piece and I love looking it at. And I also found this adorable printed skirt that will be perfect in the summer. It’s very lightweight and will work well with a simple tee.
If you’re in Austin, treat yourself with a visit to Bloomers and Frocks inside Gypsies Antiques, and be sure to visit Bloomers and Frocks on Etsy, too.
(At the Smithville Train Park last weekend.)
This week really seemed to fly by and tonight is Halloween! The boys have been anxiously awaiting its arrival all month, and we’re looking forward to some trick-or-treating and a relaxing weekend. Here are some things that caught my eye this week.
Classic images of powerful women.
Photographs by Thurston Hopkins, a British photojournalist who died this week at the age of 101.
“Inside the Secret World of a Geisha.”
Design Crush’s profile of fascinating paintings by Kristin Vesgard.
A second glance at Texas Roller Derby.
A kickstarter for a zero-waste fashion label.
Destination: Delivery and the birth of a baby!
This local man is legally registered to vote, yet can’t, because of Texas’ voter ID law. That is voter fraud.
Jon Stewart interviewed Senator Wendy Davis this week.
Today is the last day to vote early in the Texas elections. Tuesday is Election Day!
More high schools are cutting short their football seasons, due to injury and lack of interest.
Have a happy Halloween and a wonderful weekend!
