(Old buildings in downtown Smithville, from an impromptu trip last weekend.)
This week was busy and productive, and the weather was all over the place. We’ve gone from spring to winter again, but it looks like things will warm up for the weekend. I’m looking forward to catching up on sleep and maybe finishing a book, too. Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.
My local paper examines racial and economic inequality in Austin.
A fascinating story about reading ancient scrolls.
A mash-up of two videos featuring one hundred years of beauty.
Nine amazing videos from Fleetwood Mac.
The Decemberists are back with a new album after four years.
Lovely examples of textile art.
Have a wonderful weekend!
I’ve written about my love for Alabama Chanin’s designs here and here, and over the past several months, I’ve collected a few pieces. I find the entire line so beautiful and inspiring, and when the store held sales over the holidays, I took advantage and purchased some practical items.
(My navy top from Project Alabama.)
The first piece I found was actually from eBay and was part of Project Alabama, a now-defunct line that came before Alabama Chanin as the company currently exists. This top was pre-owned and in excellent condition, though it was not made in the United States. The stitching and details found in the new line are evident here, and I took a few pictures of the front and back.
(Front and back details.)
The blouse is navy, with a corset-style cut, and the front is embellished with beads and metallic pieces, as well as the signature stitching style. The back is equally as interesting, and the zipper runs the entire length of the piece, so you can put it on like a vest and then zip it up. I love the contrasting colors of the stitching thread and the shirt’s fabric, and you can see where the tag is attached on the right shoulder. Even though this top is from an earlier collection, it fits well with Alabama Chanin’s current look.
From the current store, I bought a corset top (at a deep discount) and a long sleeve cardigan from the A. Chanin line. The corset top will be perfect for warmer weather, or layered with a sweater now, and I’ve already worn the cardigan many times. It has a shorter fit and works perfectly with longer, tunic-style tops.
(The not-so-basic tee. I love the detail on the sleeves.)
This tee is probably my favorite piece, and I absolutely love the stitching and detail on the sleeves. At first glance, it’s just a basic tee, but upon closer inspection, you can truly see the work that went into the construction of this top. I didn’t see it listed on Alabama Chanin’s site, so I’m assuming it’s sold out for now.
I’m really excited by my new pieces and I feel inspired by them, too. The Alabama Chanin pop-up store is in Austin at Billy Reid through the end of March, and I’m still planning to visit sometime soon.
Things are far from perfect these days, and as we remember the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it’s sometimes hard to know what to say. I want my boys to grow up understanding his contributions to our country, but that means I must tell them about the realities of hate and prejudice, too. Right now, they don’t see those things, and they are too young and innocent to realize such issues exist.
But I can tell them about Dr. King, a father, and his dreams for his own children. They will understand that.
