I shared Alabama Chanin’s gorgeous designs with you in a recent Style USA post, and ever since then, I’ve been a little obsessed. Something about the deconstructed, almost antique look of her clothing is inspiring to me, and I’ve spent way too much time on her site lately. Many of the pieces are well beyond my price range, but Chanin also shares her patterns in DIY kits you can purchase and sew by hand yourself. Some of those kits are on the higher side, too, but she provides everything needed to complete an entire outfit that, when finished, is one-of-a-kind and made by you.
Now, I’m no seamstress, but I can sew a button and mend the occasional tear. I decided to purchase one of Chanin’s books, mostly as inspiration, but I’m hoping to try some of her projects, too. Once (or if) I get the hang of it, I might decide to tackle an actual DIY kit. I think the challenge would be fun, and I love the idea of creating something so beautiful that comes from a designer I admire.
My mom is a quilter and lover of textiles, and I guess some of her interests are beginning to rub off on me, too. She’s excited and supportive of my new-found interest, and she encouraged me to order a piece of clothing, as an investment and also to see how the process works. Since Alabama Chanin is a leader in the slow clothing movement, items aren’t sewn until an order is placed, so I’ll have to wait a few weeks to receive my top, shown above, and a cardigan from the basics line.
I’m intrigued and inspired by this entire process, and I can’t wait to learn more as I try my hand at some of the sewing techniques. A pop-up shop will also be open in Austin for the next few months, beginning November 6th, so I’m definitely planning a trip to see the line in person.
(An old farmhouse on the road to Smithville.)
I’ve written about Smithville before, and it’s one of my family’s favorite day trip destinations. We hadn’t visited in quite a while, so we drove out Sunday morning to have lunch, play at the train park, and enjoy the scenery. Sometimes, getting out of my regular surroundings does my heart so much good, and I love taking the back roads and enjoying the scenery.
Smithville is just incredibly picturesque, no matter the season, and its small-town vibe is comforting and familiar, too. We visit enough to know our way around, and there’s always something that seems to draw me back.
(The view from the train park in Smithville.)
(We ran across this old fire truck parked near the old school in Smithville.)
(The streets are lined with old oak trees.)
We have no family ties to the tiny town and there’s nothing really calling us to go, but we find ourselves there every so often, and it’s always a refreshing trip. Do you have a place you love to visit?
(Emmylou Harris and Brandi Carlile singing John Denver’s classic song.)
(Our best attempt at a family photo, with a bit of a nod to American Gothic.)
When I was growing up, Halloween meant last-minute homemade costumes, an hour or two of trick-or-treating after dinner, and that was about it. Now, it seems like the holiday has grown to more epic proportions, and the celebration lasts for weeks, finally ending on October 31st. I’m not one for scary costumes or inflated decorations, and my boys have started to let me know that Halloween at our house isn’t much fun.
In an effort to please my picky little guys, I found a few “creepy” decorations from Victorian Trading Company, and have decorated our house with my regular pumpkin decor and a few ravens thrown in for good measure.
Last Friday night was the fall festival at James’ school, so Ryan and I threw together quick costumes and braved the crowds, carefully guarded by our own Iron Man and Batman, of course. My guys ventured into the haunted house, held in the music room, while I waited outside for them. Then there were carnival games, a few pieces of candy, and a costume contest featuring many, many versions of the Frozen princesses. It was a fun way to spend a Friday evening, and next Friday is the main event itself.
(My vintage-style Halloween costume.)
I drew inspiration from “Bomb Girls,” and channeled Kate with my vintage-style dress from People Tree, paired with socks and oxfords. For fun, I added my peacock headband from Alt Summit, since I never wear it. I had fun dressing up, though most of the other parents weren’t in costume. I don’t get to dress like this every day, so what better time than Halloween to show off my vintage style?
Next Friday night, we’ll march through our neighborhood in search of candy for the boys, then come home and let them eat a few (too many) pieces before they crash into bed. I don’t know if I’ll dress up again, but I had fun and I hope my boys did, too.
How do you celebrate Halloween? Do you dress up every year?
