Simplicity

There is little in this life more simple than a shirt dress.  I talk about them every chance I get, and rant for hours about how a shirt dress is really the summer wardrobe staple.  In my opinion, no matter where you're strolling on a warm afternoon you can never be over or under dressed in one.

Finding the perfect shirt dress seems to be the challenge.  Honestly, I don't think I've ever found a legitimately cute one while shopping (and I've done a lot of shopping).  Occasionally I snag a cute one at a cheap store like Forever21 completely ok with the fact that by the end of the season, it's pattern will aggravate me and it's lackluster 'too short to be truly perfect' cut will fade away with the radiant heat of the brilliant sun.  But unlike the sun, that cheap shirt dress will not be missed.

Therefore, I found a better way to acquire shirt dresses and love them.  Sew them yourself with vintage patterns, duh.  Why does this work (if you can sew)?  Because the climax of shirt dress perfection was reached by the 1960's.  Honestly, there is no point to look any further in my eyes.  In the 1920s and 30s they were shoulder padded and bias cut.  In the 50s their skirts puffed out and their waists tightened.  By the 60s their skirts got shorter, but the styles remained much like the decade before: dainty, lady-like and well tailored.

The best part about making them yourself is picking the fabrics.  Cottons are always easy to find, and an easy summer shirt dress is best made in cotton.  I generally find my fabrics on sale at Hancock's.  I was actually very surprised to find that I can always spot a cheap cotton in their enormous sale piles that is quite cute.  For this sort of dress it's not necessary to get a top shelf fabric of the highest quality, it's a day dress for goodness sake.  When a dainty floral fabric catches my eye, I call it my "old lady house dress fabric."  Currently I'm sewing one of those, and will be posting about it in the near future.


A shirt dress (and sewing one) is truly the best, in that wonderful nerdy kind of way!

photo credits

1, 2, 3, 4

Easy, breezy summer outfits for baby and me.  We even match!

1. Polka dot blouse 2. Bensimon sneakers 3. Yellow shorts

4. Wooden bracelet 5. Nautical striped sweatshirt 

6. Tom's canvas shoe 7. Boys yellow shorts

8. Wooden camera toy

Morning Wisdom

The sun is shining, I'm doing laundry (I think it's about time everyone knows I am in LOVE with laundry, especially on a sunny Friday when it's the ultimate start to an awesome weekend), and baby is taking a short nap before we head out on a lovely walk.


It's definitely a wonderful world!

Deliciously Dressed

Now that's a festive cake.  I'm not one for food coloring, but it's really pretty to look at.  The dress on the other hand, I WANT!

Happy almost Friday

There Was A Whisper

Love this shoot by Mick de Lint for Fashion Gone Rogue.


Enjoy!

Summer Inspirations

I'm loving all the warm weather, neutral looks I'm spotting all over Pinterest.  Here are some of my favorites.

There's nothing like a subtle beige ensemble, when you're trying for a simple summer look.  White always stands out against beige and adds a bright flare (without the jarring touch of a bold, bright color).

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a neon or brilliantly bright summer look (with a hot tan), but sometimes, I just want to keep things calm and elegant.

Our Growing Boy

I'm a bit late posting this (2 weeks to be exact).

He has grown so much since we brought him home.  I can definitely see his personality shining through.  He is a very headstrong little dude.

We've got to experience his first smile, which brought one of the most wonderfully heartwarming feelings.  He also discovered his own hand, and was very fascinated with it.  

His very first friend is a boat wheel hanging on the wall above his changing table.  He loves it and chats with it every single time it's diaper changing time.  Therefore, we named the wheel, Frederick William the Wheel, since every good friend needs a good name.  Of course this wheel is F-Dub for short.

He is now learning to squirm when he cries and has almost successfully turned himself over.  He arches his back and stretches his body out with such strength.  I call that the wash board.

I am eager to see what the months to come have in store for us.

Our Weekend According to Instagram

This past weekend, like several before it was a sunny joyful couple of days.  We got to enjoy a lot of time outside, which is my favorite part of spring.  Admiring the flowers and the view on our morning walks, getting burgers and eating them in the grass, swinging, wearing red lipstick, mother's day breakfast with my little family and a whole lot of walking (ahem, and weight loss!)  

Happy Mother's Day

I hope you all had a wonderful mother's day and shared the love with all your special mommy's.  This was my first mom's day and obviously it was delightful.


Julian made me a tasty breakfast and got me a cinnamon roll (my favorite!)  Jude chilled with us while we ate, and then we enjoyed a lovely walk with my sister and spent time with family.


There are no words to describe the feeling of being a mother.  It is magical!


Have a wonderful Monday, and to those of you with gorgeous weather (like we have here in Seattle) ENJOY!

Deliciously Dressed

In honor of the gorgeous weather we've been having I give you a peach popsicle inspired look.  I think I will be trying to make some homemade popsicles this weekend as we usher in some near 80 degree days.  

I have been somewhat MIA these days, enjoying the sunshine, going on walks, relaxing with baby and family and running errands.  Things are getting much easier, I am more adjusted to life with the little guy and loving it of course.

Look forward to posting this weekend and sharing some of the sunshiney happiness!

Happy Friday!