make-believe: springtime wardrobe.

I'm a creature of habit. If you've been reading these tea leaves for awhile, you know this. I relish in creating rhythms and routines, but in general it doesn't take much for me to decide that something that I'm doing needs shaking up. When I went off to college, I took a few classes that touched on modern agriculture and I decided to change my food purchasing habits. I read an article (or four) about parabens and phthalates and I started paying closer attention to the stuff I put on my body. Watching this documentary was all I needed to convince me to curb my reliance on single-use plastics.  I worked on a sustainable farm and decided that eating animals--even ones that are happily raised--isn't something I want to do. Those Green Mountain Energy guys? All they had to do was look my way and I signed right up. Okay, you get it.

Coming around to slow fashion has been a harder pill to swallow. It's not for lack of interest or understanding, but where I've been able to absorb the additional costs of organic food and natural beauty products, buying into sustainable fashion has been more difficult. First there's sticker shock and then there's my perpetual desire to "get something new."

Sometimes it is hard to break habits. The clothes above are what I'd be wearing this spring if money wasn't an object. They aren't all made here in the United States, but from what I can gather they've been made thoughtfully, without overt exploitation of people or the environment. This year I'm hoping to finally go in for a few investment pieces; beautifully-made clothes that will last and last. I'm also taking a page out of the book of my French friends and not giving a damn if I wear the same pair of jeans every day of the week. Quality over quantity. Michelle has the right idea.

1. Ace and Jig Button Tee 2. Maria Highrise Jean 3. Emma Grey Stripe 4. Everlane Tees 

5. T-shirt dress 6.Discovery Dress

*There are a few links to stories on slow fashion in this post from last week. I'm still waiting on someone to return this book to the library.

PS. This just in.

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make-believe: spring foraging.

Any moment now the linden trees in Brooklyn are going to open and shower the streets in their sweet scent. When that happens, I'll be ready with a pair of pruners and a bike basket to carry my rewards home with me. Here, a few accessories that are necessary (and not so unnecessary) for getting the job done.

1. A button back tunic for looking elegant.
2. Handmade shoes for treading lightly.
3. Latin for Gardeners for doing my grandfather proud.
4. A herringbone scarf for waving dramatically behind me as I bicycle around looking for low-hanging branches.
5. Fancy pruners for harvesting.
6. Healing salve for patching post-foraging scrapes.
7. A bike basket for carting home the goods.
8. Sunglasses for staying ingognito...just because.

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make-believe: spring linens and other things.

After yesterday's post about my sleepless night, I've got sleep and bedrooms on my mind. While my nighttime dreams may be lackluster lately, my daydreams have been as active as ever. I've been scheming about ways to brighten up our tiny sleeping loft and I've got an ideabook in the works about springtime linens and bedroom accessories. If I came into a little extra spending money, I'd change things up by mixing and matching colors and patterns. I might tend toward being somewhat of a neutrals girl, but I don't want to be boring. Bright yellow checks for spring? Yes, please.

1. mini lamp 2. vespertine floral pillow cover 3. yellow checked pillow cases 4. white cotton throw 

5. ticking stripe blanket 6. big sur sage sachet

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make-believe: making my own clothes

Lately, all I can think about is how much I'd like to be able to make my own clothes. I imagine running my hands over bolts of linen and cotton, cutting along patterns, getting the fit just right and having a whole collection of go-to dresses for the warmer weather that I know, I know, is just around the corner. I don't own a sewing machine and the last time I used one I broke the needle not once, but twice. Still, I can't help thinking about slipping on a simple dress to wear all spring and summer long. Here, a few beautiful bits of inspiration made by other people.

What about you? Have you tackled making your own clothes?

1. Bridge & Burn: Wren 2. Modaspia: Fiji 3. Pamela Tang: W. 4. Rennes: Vergennes 5. Mother: Mary-Jane

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make-believe: hawaiian vacation

In December, right before Christmas, our friends Simon and Jenny moved to Hawaii. James and I have been dreaming about a getaway to visit them (and soak in the island air) ever since. An email from Simon this week with a link to Hawaiian Airlines fares so low they looked like typographical errors sent us into a virtual frenzy of number crunching and daydreaming. Alas, even the rock-bottom fares weren't quite low enough to allow for a last minute trip. We're left staring at the giant surfboard in our apartment and wiping our collective tears. In homage to our Hawaiian daydreams, a make-believe post about our would-be adventure. 

1. malwitz surfboard 2. slub cotton dress 3. surfer's journal 4. sexy wax 

5. & 6. prettiest dang multi-floral underwear-turned-swimsuit (top/bottom)

7. & 8. performance suit for surf lessons (top/bottom)*

*It should be known that James is the real surfer in the "family"(evidence, here). But I'd be totally game for giving the death-defying sport another go...in Hawaii.

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make-believe: valentines

I know there are a lot of folks out there who could really rather do without Valentine's Day.  February rolls around and I begin to hear sighs about the hype of what's essentially a commercial holiday.

Well.

I won't deny that the consumer push around this holiday borders on outrageous, but I will say that a wholesale disregard for the day also seems sad. What could be better than a day devoted to sending little messages of love? I say that we all take a lesson from our friends in kindergarden and get crafting.

Here is an assortment of things that you could purchase--and some you likely already own--to get you in the spirit. A valentine can be made with a few snips of a scissor and a few strokes of a pen and it doesn't take much money or extravagance to do into that.

1. flowers and sentiments notecards 2. pen 3. hearts 4. washi tape  5. baker's twine  6. scissors

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make believe: planning.

January's come and put me into a contemplative mood. Maybe it's all of those Gregorian chants I've been listening to as I try to plow through my work. Whatever  it is, the new year has landed me somewhere between an existential crisis and business as usual. I'm making plans, listing goals, figuring out a path. While I'm here, I figure there's no harm in daydreaming about a pair of sharp new shoes and an i-would-wear-it-every-day-until-it-falls-off dress. I've never been much a journaler (unless you count this space), but I've been making taking an awful lot of notes longhand these days. Any moments when I can drag myself out from behind a screen feel like good ones. What about you? Where have these first ten days found you?

1. dress 2. journal 3. watch 4. ticking stripe pencil case  5. what good shall i do this day? 6. shoes

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make-believe: a train going north

On Christmas Eve, James and I are boarding a train and heading northward. I am ridiculously excited. My excitement stems 110% from my expectations that the entire experience will be straight out of The Polar Express. I'm especially looking forward to my cup full of hot chocolate as thick and rich as melted chocolate bars. But just in case the train travel pales in comparison to my all-time favorite Christmas story, I will be satisfied with bringing along a project or two to work on, a good book, a snack or two, and something cozy to snuggle in. Is it too much to also wish for snow?

1. cozy sweater 2. playing cards 3. a christmas carol 4. montana mittens kit 5. peanuts 6. possibilities bag

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make-believe: ice skating.

When I was in 4th grade, one of my friends had her birthday party at Wollman rink in Central Park. It was a big deal. Hermès hosted. In celebration of their 10th anniversary in 1993, Hermès invited every 10 year old born on December 7 to a big ol' birthday bash. A gaggle of us skated, minimal longterm damage was done to our ankles, and we went home donning enormous silk scrunchies and singing Christmas carols.

The only trouble with this birthday party was my disappointment in the limitations of my wintertime wardrobe. Where, oh where was my rabbit fur muff? My smart little cloak and long full skirt? My valise? Instead of being the graceful Victorian ice skater of my fantasies, I was decked out in a fluorescent hand-me-down jacket and mismatched sweater: a vision in neon and roses.

Turns out that as an adult ice skating still gets me fantasizing about upping my sartorial game. Here's the current version of what I'd like to wear. Pockets filled with salted caramels, included, and an adult-sized version of those skates, please.

1. sweater 2. ice skates 3. hat 4. wool leggings 5. fleur de sel caramels 6. fingerless gloves 7. socks 8. scarf

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make-believe: thanksgiving outfit.

1. silk blouse 2. scarf 3. necklace 4. apron 5. triangle hoops 6. skinny cords 7. sam sifton's thanksgiving 8. flats

Thanksgiving is such a good holiday. No presents, but hefty portions of good food and good cheer. I'm a big-time fan. This year I'm a little sad that we'll be missing my two younger sisters who will be celebrating down in Asheville, but I'm glad to be headed to my mom and dad's in Connecticut for some proper feasting. If I wasn't already resigned to wearing the same ol' thing as last year, I'd like to sport these goodies, please and thank you. An apron would be especially handy for all the butternut squash and pumpkin pie I plan to gobble make. What about you guys? What will you be whipping up for the big day?

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believe: hurricane relief

whales and ships and icebergs for hurricane relief

I couldn't bring myself to round up a make-believe post this week. Instead, here's a list of ways that you can contribute to rebuilding post-storm. Thinking of those who are displaced and without heat on this snowy November morning.

1. eat a cookie 2. open your home 3. take a class 4. go to a reading 5. buy a t-shirt 6. or a plant 7. volunteer 8. donate

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make-believe: vote.

1. states united

Don't make-believe vote. Really vote. If you live in these United States, cast your ballot on November 6. 

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make-believe: pumpkin carving.

1. opinel knife set 2. punk'n ale 3. beeswax candles 4. hand drills 5. ice cream scoop 6. vintage harvest bowl

I've lost my zeal for dressing up for Halloween these past few years {though I'm still proud of our James and the Giant Peach getup from a few years ago}, but I can definitely get on board for a little pumpkin carving and treat giving. An ice cream scoop is my go-to tool for scraping out the goop, and this year, I'm hoping to put our hand drills to work for a little polka-dotted Jack O'Lantern. What about you guys? Any Halloween enthusiasts out there?

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make-believe: cold weather.

I mentioned on Friday that I was combatting a bit of a cold last week. Well, it got a little worse before it got better, but I think I managed to wipe that sucker out before it did the same to me. It wasn't anything that multiple cups of herbal tea with honey and a hot toddy or two couldn't cure.* It did manage to get me feeling a little guilty about the number of paper tissues I ripped through. In my never-ending quest to reduce our household waste, I've been pondering the switch to handkerchiefs. I promise I won't start stuffing them up my sweater sleeve à la my grandmother, but I was recently in a home where the family had filled a wooden tissue box with pretty hankies instead of tissues and the whole setup was pretty impressive. The only real problems I forsee is amassing (and storing) enough hankies, and being able to get them to the laundromat fast enough that I don't lose my nerve. What do you think? Could you do it? 

*In case I'm not so lucky next time, I'm planning to make a big batch of elderberry syrup to get me through cold season. Are you guys interested in seeing a few herbalism remedies here, too?

1. handkerchiefs 2. hudson manhattan rye whiskey 3. honey dipper 4. massive mug 5. tissue box 6. elderberry syrup

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make-believe: witchy woman.

October always has me feeling a little witchy. It's the weather, and halloween, and the reappearance of my black cowgirl boots, surely. But this October I've also been doing a lot of thinking about womenfolk, and if there's one fairytale character that belongs firmly in that camp, it's the witch. Awesomely. And not so awesomely.

I'm sure it has to do with getting married, and being in the throes of a challenging career shift, and  preparing for other friends to get married, and listening to a lot of political rhetoric about women, but lately I'm feeling (as someone I know would say) pretty fired up.

I feel like everywhere I go I've been encountering portrayals of unsure, uninspired women. I blame part of this on allowing myself to stream fall TV pilots. Thanks to this thoughtful assessment, I'm not feeling quite so all alone. This one was interesting, too. But still. What do you guys have? Books? Articles? Movies? Blogs? Long talks over whiskey cocktails? I'm game for anything. I haven't read Caitlin Moran's How to Be a Woman yet (though I did listen to this interview), but it's on my list. Have you?

1. perfect black dress 2. how to be a woman 3. quartz ring* 4. tarot deck candle 5. boots 6. rouge

other things this week: this tweet. and this response.

*Stone & Honey is a Reading My Tea Leaves sponsor, but this is not a sponsored post.

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make-believe: a forest walk.

This time of year has me wanting for little adventures. Dreary days spent cooped up writing in my apartment have me itching to be out in the woods instead. I'd happily withstand a few raindrops on a woodsy romp. This time of year, I'd hunt for old concord grape vines and the last of fall's mushrooms. Armed with a little pocket knife and a snack, I'd bring a basket to carry back my spoils--you know the sort--branches and brambles and other countrified things.

1. jacket 2. pocket knife 3. track finder 4. snack bag 5. basket 6. boots

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make-believe: care package.

Giving a care package has to be almost as nice as receiving one--carefully selecting just the right combination of goodies that you know will brighten someone else's day. It's a bit Pollyanna-ish, I know, but I have a soft spot for that rainbow-finding girl. I like to give comestibles and things that can otherwise be used and used up, but it's nice to include a thing or two that helps someone pass along a little cheer to someone else. In this make-believe case, it'd be wildflower seed bombs for my Asheville-dwelling sisters and a rubber stamp for making the next package. And then there's that dishtowel. For me, pretty dishtowels, like pretty underwear, are always a welcome treat. Just a little something to make things feel fresh and new. I think even Aunt Polly would approve.

1. rubber stamp 2. seed bomb 3. detox spa set* 4. cookies 5. tea towel

*Herbivore Botanicals is a Reading My Tea Leaves Sponsor, but this is not a sponsored post.

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make-believe: entryway.

When you live in a tiny apartment, there's really no such thing as an entryway. There's a door, yes, and the act of entering the apartment, certainly, but an entryway? Not really. Regardless, it's nice to nod to the idea of one. Gathered here, a few things I wouldn't mind including in the space closest to our door. Most desperately needed? A giant tote to store all our other totes. If James hangs the bright blue chico bag on the door knob one more time I might lose my mind. The crate? Best shoe storage there is. The door wedge? I have mentioned that we store half our worldly goods in a hall closet, haven't I? It'd be nice to prop the door while I dig out the vacuum.

1. flowers and feather print 2. plate hook 3. welcome decal 4. chalkboard tablet 5. door wedge 6. crate 7. tote

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make-believe: wedding guest.

i love being a wedding guest. heck, i think i might even like being a wedding guest more than i liked being a bride. in any case, james and i are gearing up for our first post-marriage wedding in late october. one my dearest friends from high school is getting married to another friend from high school and we're pretty excited to catch up with old buddies. still, yours truly will be giving a reading (yet to be decided) and i have to admit, i'm a little nervous. the last time i spoke in front of half these people i was campaigning for class president. heh. if this entire outfit didn't cost nearly the amount of a month's rent in this tiny place, i would totally rock it. magic potions and amulet especially. sometimes a girl just wants to look good. and sometimes she needs a little magic on her side. you dig?*

1. dress 2. amulet necklace 3. moon flower essence 4. non-toxic polish 5. clutch 6. notebook 7. booties 8. ombré tights

*update: james says this outfit is not "weddingy" enough. poll? and where on earth does one find weddingy enough outfits that don't make one feel like barbie princess?

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make-believe: tea time.

for days when lots of solo working away in my apartment starts to get to me, i like to have a little tea service at the ready for inviting friends and otherwise distracting myself. it's true that heating up the kettle and filling up two mugs does the trick just as well, but i love being able to go back for seconds without brewing a whole new cup. i already have a mini tea pot (no surprise), but one of these days, when i'm feeling flush, i'm going to spring for something that could warm up a whole tableful of friends.

1. tea towel 2. reusable tea bags 3. creamer 4. sugar bowl 5. brain boost tea 6. immune support tea 7. tea pot

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