An Afternoon Hike in the Wetlands

Last week we packed a bag and hit a trail about 30 miles north of here. It felt good. The last time we were able to get out was back in April, and you haven’t even seen that yet. Because life.

That afternoon was teeming with life. Lush, and green, and thick, and just soo much life everywhere. I instantly regretted not throwing my wildflower guide into our pack, as lovely tiny flowers were all over, carpeting our walk. Spotted knapweed, bird’s-foot trefoil, common mullein, and pineapple-weed grew all around us, and that’s only what I could identify from memory!

Frogs jumped from our path and a small beaver (maybe muskrat) dipped into the dike among the cattails. At one point we both froze with our breath in our throats as a large osprey lifted himself from a tree branch in front of us and soared low and away. 

What was that?! Was that an eagle?! I was beaming.

There were obvious signs no one had been by to maintain the trail in quite some time. We attempted to continue the full mile, but weren’t outfitted for the tall grass irritating my uncovered feet and Chris’ uncovered legs. Though I adore summer grass and advocate private buff sun sessions, I wasn’t in a hurry to surprise any sleeping field snakes. When we spotted a small garter snake sunning along the path back to our Jeep, I knew I made a good decision.

Tonight we’re heading back for the ledges, a place we visited in the winter on our very first hike. Maybe we’ll pack some wine. Maybe we’ll see new wildflowers. I’ll be sure to pack my guide.

Wardrobe Architect Week 2: Defining a Core Style

It’s Week 2!

How did your answers shake out from Week 1? I’m currently working through Sarai Mitnick’s Wardrobe Architect series, and am really loving what’s happening here. I’ve decided to keep it fun and loose for myself, ultimately coming out with the why behind my choices, as well as a well-edited collection.

This week’s worksheet uncovers the looks that make you feel your best, those that don’t, and the words associated with your personal story from Week 1.

Sarai suggests we each have aspects of our style that are closer to who we are and to our own personal realities. Much like hundreds of other women, I’m a blue jean girl. A natural girl. I let my curls loose. When I leave the house, I reach for something simple. And though I love makeup, (so much; I get a natural high walking through Sephora), I don’t wear much.

More personal realities: I run. I sweat. Pet fur is REAL around here. The temperatures in Michigan swing year-round like a pendulum and you’ve gotta be READY.  

So this week, I’ve filtered myself down to five core style words pulled from my personal history, philosophy, culture, community, activities, location, and body:

Timeless

Transitional

Undemanding

Alluring

At ease 

I collected images that represented these words—not just a straightforward representation, but also the moods and feelings these words conjure up. Even places. Next week we'll move from these general ideas to examining the actual elements that make up a consistent style, like color, construction, textiles, and details.

So go get it, girl! 

Read this week's prompt and define your core style over at Colette here.

Wardrobe Architect Week 1

Have you heard of it? It’s the brain child of Colette’s Sarai Mitnick. Fueled by the rush of adding a new linen piece to my repertoire (the Wiksten dress above), I mad googled for my next pattern and discovered Colette and the Wardrobe Architect series. Ultimately, the series guides us in refining our choices and creating wardrobes we love. This summer I’m taking it on as a way to refresh my closet and create a stronger and deeper connection to the things I choose to have in my life. To sew more and buy less. To not only build a wardrobe, but to architect one with planning and clear thinking. Not minimal, mind you… a collection.

Sarai’s series runs over 13 weeks, each week focusing on a new topic of wardrobe planning. I’ve begun this week and will finish just before the Fall Equinox. This week is about individuality and putting to paper how our personal story influences the way we dress. Touching on our personal history, culture, philosophy, body image, climate, and the day-to-day, this week’s worksheet looks at how we’re all different, and lays a groundwork for the exercises to come.

Doesn’t that sound amazing!? Let’s do this together!! Read Sarai’s introduction to the series here, and then head over to Week 1! If you blog your own progress I’d love to see it (give me your link below!). Here’s to a carefully curated wardrobe that’s uniquely ours. Clink.