MeadowTree Perspectives

Black & White Patterns + One Bright Color

Pattern mixing has been floating around the fashion and blog world as far back as I can remember. Throughout the years, I am sure I have unconsciously styled mixed. Put a printed scarf with a tweed dress and you are wearing two patterns. Have I ever put something together with the sole purpose to mix patterns? No, at least not until today.

Multi pattern design has been around for years, centuries even. Sometimes it was out of necessity. Throughout the ages, humans have used scraps of material to create practical and beautiful multi-patterned objects. Quilting is just one example.

During World War II, European fabric was hard to come by in the United States. To keep American woman fashionable, Claire McCardell designed frocks from different patterns of humble American gingham. Adrian, another American designer, used various striped cotton poplin for evening dresses.

I love design. For this article, I spent probably way too much time looking for samples of pattern mixing in different time periods and different media–but it was so much fun! Knowing a few might not share my passion, I didn’t include most of my findings here. However, if you are interested in seeing a more historical viewpoint of pattern mixing, you may visit my newest page on MeadowTree: Mixing It Up.

But it’s time to find out how I decided to go about doing this pattern mixing.

The Patterns

Nothing is new here. I looked at what I owned and went for it. Owning an abundance of black and white, I decided to keep all pattern mixing to those polar opposites. The black and white patterns are created with:

8’ x 54’ black and white abstract sea shell motif Vera scarf (eBay)
Black and white stripped ¾ sleeve Liz Claiborne 100 % cotton knitted top-I have had this for years, from when there was a Liz Claiborne company and it sold in stores such as Dillards.
Black and white tweed flats by Dolce Vita (new from eBay)

I consider the quilted Big Buddha bag also a pattern because of its texture. Big Buddha bags are trendy but not especially well made. If carried everyday, they may only last six months (my daughter’s experience). Some years ago, this Buddha bag called to me from the clearance table at TJ Maxx. The bag’s quilted pattern called to mind the cable pattern knitters term ‘The Horseshoe Cable”. The bag functions for me as storage for my three vintage Koret bags. It is usually a bag full of bags!

The Pop of Color

Just one strong color is needed to make black and white pop. I found it with my turquoise jacket (with one awesome button) by Juliana Collezione (eBay). Julian Collezione was a multi level direct marketing enterprise that I am sure is no longer in existence. I really don’t know anything about the company or when it operated, but the items I found are excellent quality and usually made in America.

Other objects used in this styling are black and white jewelry (flea market) and Marc Jacob’s sunglasses (The RealReal).

B&WStilllife — Still Life in Black, White and Turquoise

So what do you think? I liked the outcome of this exercise and even wore the outfit to help judge a student art show.

2nd Loved 1st Friday Blogger Spotlight

This week’s spotlight is on Jodie of Jodie’s Sense of Style. Jodie’s blog is very unique because she styles along with her mother and stepmother for a 50/60/70’s viewpoint.

Jodie is another high/low stylist; mixing new with seconded loved and from her closet (sounds like someone else I know). She is always innovative and isn’t afraid to try something adventurous. Jodie is one who encouraged me to explore pattern mixing–and I’m so glad I did.

Remember, you can still link up to 2nd Loved 1st Friday until the next 1st Friday. To be featured, your contribution must tell us what you have used that is bought “not new” such as finding things at thrift shops or on-line consignment shops, etc.

Links To Places and Designers Mentioned in This Article

Jodie’s Touch of Style

Big Buddah

Dolce Vita

Mango

Mixing It Up– images I found when researching pattern mixing.

The RealReal

Vera (how to date you Vera scarf from The Vintage Traveler)

Don’t forget, the 2nd Loved 1st Friday Linkup is all month-so if you have found that second hand gem, get it on, snap a picture, post on social media and linkup HERE with us!

That wraps it up for this style adventure So adieu until next time and in the meantime….

Happy Styling!

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

Michael gets credit for the blog photos today. Thank you to a couple of friends who snapped some Instagram shots for me.

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Earth Tones + a Dash of Orange

Earth tones are like old friends. I’ve worn earth colors for most of my life and when a great looking natural colored item gets in my closet, it’s going to reside there for a long time.

Earth tones appear when fibers are dyed with things like leaves, bark, flower petals and even fungi. Or some animals like our Shetland sheep just naturally produce earthy shades of brown and gray.

There is a saying in the fiber community (yarn making and knitting) that goes something like: no matter what the shade, any natural colored fiber can peacefully coexist with any other naturally colored fiber. Tan, khaki, taupe, green, and brown remind me of natural dyed yarns and fabric. They just seem to always go together no matter what color or tone.

opening — Oh look, behind me is a walking fluff-ball of natural colored fiber!

And then I just really like orange.

Orange is a perfect accent for all those natural tones. Brown and all its shades are just a mixture of orange and blue. When mixed together, these two complementary colors cancel each other out and–voila–you have brown.

During the sometime dreary and cool spring days we have in Missouri, I mix a lot of orange with my neutrals. Now, I don’t mind dreary days because, well lately, we’ve needed rain for our pastures. The outfit I’m showing today was my uniform a couple of weeks ago. I even wore it to an early evening, casual concert by the Kansas City Symphony. Afterwards, a lady stopped me at the grocery store and thanked me for wearing some orange on such a dull day.

I’ve mentioned before that items can stay in my closet for a while. My taupe Ramie cabled sweater was purchased back in the late 80’s. I really liked it but didn’t quite know what to do with it. Keeping things so long can have some advantages. When I come across a piece that I’ve forgotten about, it’s “Well hello old friend, let’s go out for a spin”…and I see it with fresh eyes.

Far from forgotten, my Ann Klein trench jacket I’ve had for years. It is one of my all time favorite pieces and wear it spring and fall. I remember spotting it at an outlet mall during a teacher workshop weekend.

The patterned Van sneakers are new but I’ve mentioned them earlier this year. They just add so much fun to an outfit. Though, I will admit I traded them out for some tan oxfords when we went to the concert.

The Talbot olive green chinos were scored a couple of weeks ago at Goodwill. As most pants I find, they were too wide in the hips and I had to alter them. It’s just a way of life for me. They were sized petite and a little on the short side so I decided to embrace that feature and rolled them up shorter.

Where would I be without a scarf? This textured one is deceiving. From a distance, it signals orange and it is mainly. But if you look closely, every color of the spectrum seems included. I found it a few years ago at a popup event featuring African handicrafts.

The brass and shell bangle was a flea market find. This booth had big bowls of jewelry. One had to dig and dig to find pieces. I felt like a kid on a treasure hunt!

I was introduced to Pour La Victor through Jacqueline Wayne Guite’s blog Style Files. Quite unfortunately, Jacqueline doesn’t publish anymore; I miss her. This purse is a Pour La Victor found on an online hunt at Nostrum’s Rack.

Here are other orange pick-me ups that worn in the past month.

From Instagram

17951747_10154652955818160_2732927235148059732_n — My **Nanette Lepore** trench coat was on clearance last fall and I had to wait all winter to finally wear it. This coat makes me happy!

largeverabradley — I found my white rayon tunic in St. Augustine, FL years ago and it always makes a few appearances each spring. The orange dash of color is supplied by Vivian Westwood for **Melissa** shoes along with an old friend, my orange **Vera Bradley** bowler bag. There is something about Vera Bradley and teachers in the Midwest. I remember going to workshops and seeing a sea of her tote bags sitting next to chairs!

2nd Loved 1st Friday Blogger Spotlight

Welcome to my new feature highlighting a participant of my 2nd Loved 1st Friday linkup. Remember, you can still link up until the next 1st Friday. To be featured, your contribution must tell us what you have used that is bought “not new” such as finding things at thrift shops or on-line consignment shops, etc.

My spotlighted blogger today is Penny of Frugal Fashion Shopper. Penny is also retired and made an impression when I discovered her. A very savvy fashion shopper who makes wise decisions at charity shops, Penny puts together a very chic wardrobe on a budget. Her take on fashion never ceases to inspire me.

Links To Places and Designers Mentioned in This Article

Frugal Fashion Shopper

Don’t forget, the 2nd Loved 1st Friday Linkup is all month-so if you have found that second hand gem, get it on, snap a picture, post on social media and linkup HERE with us!

That wraps it up for this style adventure So adieu until next time and in the meantime….

Happy Styling!

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

Michael gets credit for the blog photos today. Thank you to a couple of friends who snapped some Instagram shots for me.

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It Was a Fine Night, Indeed

For the first time, all three of us got to go: daughters Rachelle and Michelle and yours truly. It was the Saturday night semi-annual, runway show of Kansas City Fashion week. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed the event more. Today’s post is covering just a little of that night, more of a photo-blog this time around.

This was the first time that Dr. Michelle has ever been to a Kansas City Fashion Week event. With all of us so busy, it is rare that just the three of us get to do something special like this together. And because I am the official family bag lady, three of my clutches got to come out and play!

So here we are on the red carpet. There are a few things I don’t care for in the picture: the graphic is not visible on my dress, and Michelle’s bag is in hiding.

Michelle is wearing one of her beloved Mimu Maxis, a scarf from Haute Hijab, and is carrying one of my vintage Rodo bags.

Rachelle’s outfit is making an encore performance. She and I collaborated on her palazzo pants (her graphic art and my sewing skills) and she’s carrying a gold Rodo clutch.

My dress is by almost local (St. Louis, MO) designer, Michael Drummond of Project Runway fame. My clutch is an Anthony Luciano (another 2nd Loved from eBay). My two necklaces are Cydney Ross’ Sticks and Stones, and a paper bead necklace from Uganda that I purchased through Project Lydia.

It was hard to take good photos but I snagged a few of some of my favorite looks and other designers who were showing.

michaelchristian2 — Saturday night was the debut **Christian Michael’s sHe,** his first women’s collection. I’m digging this one!

I’m upset that I didn’t get the front of this one. It’s by **Tomboy’s Laura McGrew**. I have a couple of her designs and her clothes are so easy and comfy to wear.

**Natalia Myers of Lucia Sarto** never ceases to amaze. The special treat was that she and Ami Beck of **Dolyn Bags** collaborated.

frombalcomy — The girls took this picture looking down from the balcony. The seating and viewing arrangement were not the best. This was a new venue and without a cat walk. If you weren’t in the first row it was difficult to see anything. The main hall of the iconic Power and Light building is beautiful, but just not large enough for an event like this one–in my ever so humble opinion.

headpiece — Jewelry designers were featured too. Michelle really liked this piece by **Georgina Herrera**.

Two Michael Drummond’s! The lovely lady to my left is Erin Paige of **Erin Paige Design**. I did an article about her jewelry last spring (along with a Michael Drummond scarf.)

FGI — You can always count on Fashion Group International-Kansas City to come out and support our design community. But we do have two extras in the photo. Hmmmm, who could they be?

Links to places and designers in this post.

Christian Michael Designs

Cydney Ross Jewelry

Dolyn Bags

Erin Paige Jewelry

Fashion Group International-Kansas City

Haute Hijab

Michael Drummond (his Instagram account)

Mimu Maxi

Natalia Myers for Lucia Sarto (her Facebook page)

Project Lydia

Tomboy by Laura McGrew

It’s a wrap for this week. If your city has a fashion week, I recommend going. The energy and creativity at one of these events is just amazing.

And don’t forget, the 2nd Loved 1st Friday Linkup is all month-so if you have found that second hand gem, get it on, snap a picture, post on social media and linkup with us!

So adieu until next time and in the meantime….

Happy Styling!

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

Red, White and Denim-2nd Loved 1st Friday #1

Hello, and welcome to MeadowTree’s first 2^nd Loved 1^st Friday. This is the day that I celebrate my love of finding that special item that isn’t new but is new to me. It is also the first day of my Linkup and I invite all of you to linkup with your finds.

I love a good second hand find and know many others do as well. A few reasons for this addiction: love of Mother Earth and saving her resources, getting more value for our dollar, finding that absolute gem among the endless stream of fast fashion, love of true vintage, which is never new.

And of course, there is the exciting possibility of finding that truly luxurious or originally quite valuable piece.

There are so many places to go on the hunt these days: charity shops, consignment shops, eBay, specialty vintage shops, flea markets, estate sales, and just swapping clothes with our girl friends. More that a few of us, I bet, check out the luxury goods online consignment shops such as Yoogi’s Closet, The RealReal, Poshmark, Fashionphile, and Tradsey. I am sure there are many more that I don’t know.

Although only one 2^nd loved item is needed in your outfit to link up, I decided to go a bit overboard. I went for a classic American sportswear look with my three main pieces, all scored from charity shops. I decided to show three different ways to style them. This post also shows how important I think accessories are. Accessories put your personal stamp on style.

Style #1

The red/white stripped top was found at Salvation Army. For some reason, the tag was cut out so I have no idea who was the manufacturer. But there were so many features I loved, like the three-quarter length sleeves, exposed zipper in the back, curved sides, and that the material was a thick cotton knit. But what really hooked me was that the stripes matched!

The White House/Black Market jeans were found at Goodwill. I like a variety of pant leg looks but felt I was falling into a straight leg snooze. When I saw this pair, I knew it was time to wake up and go wider! This denim has an almost a linen texture and I love the details that White House/Black Market puts into their pants. Even the buttons are out of denim.

The Hollister belt was found quite a while ago. I just really liked the twill-on-twill design and the navy running stitches. I tried something a bit new and just tucked in the front tail of the top for the belt to show and let the back tail hang free, sort of an asymmetrical look.

This red spherical vintage Rodo bag has to be one of the quirkiest things I own. When I spied it on eBay with a good price, there was no question that it was going to reside in my house. I had to retrofit part of a large styrofoam ball inside the bag because when I actually put stuff in it, it looked like a deflated basketball.

Ever since I adopted Sophia, my miniature Poodle seven years ago, I have collected Poodle motif scarves. So, I really wanted to include one of my vintage Poodle scarves for this first 2nd Loved 1st Friday post. This silk scarf is by Kreier and was made in Switzerland. I use it for a neck scarf. Plus, it makes a great head scarf for my doll (that I’ve had for over fifty years) Cinderella.

The blue Keds sneakers are super old. They have probably been in my closet for fifteen years or so. Not to bragg, but I can remember getting them at TJ Maxx. I don’t wear them much but sometimes they are perfect.

My silver watch was bought new but it is designed with vintage silverware. Although new, it is still “reusing”, which I like a lot. There are a few designers who design with found objects and I think that is wonderful.

Style #2

Style #2 is dressier. My belt is replaced with a skinny long Liz Claiborne silk scarf found at my favorite flea market. There’s not a tag with fabric content but I know silk when I see and feel it. The pure primary colors just sold me on this scarf. I could envision that it would make a perfect belt for something……and today is its premier appearance

There’s a new bag and shoes for this look. My bag is an Eric Javits Squishee that I found on eBay. I have a fondness for his Squishees. eBay has Davits bags for a range of prices, from under $25 to more than $200. It just depends on what you are after.

The light blue linen Tahari chunky heeled sandals were found at TJ Maxx. I use them with this bag a lot. Another look using them together is found HERE.

Style #3

Style #3 is my “going on a road trip” look. Forget the belt, I just am letting the top hang out and be itself. There is always a hat with me on trips. This time I grabbed my blue straw Cabbie. The bag is a Coach and I call it my “horse bucket” bag. The thing is huge! I didn’t realize how big it was when I ordered it from a Coach online sale but I found it was so-so handy back in September when we drove to Illinois.

For years I’ve tied scarves on my bags. Sometimes I just do it because it looks pretty. I also think keeping a scarf around is just practical. Today I have a navy and white Elaine Gold silk. I’ve just started adding Elaine Gold scarfs to my collection and know that sometime in the future I want to write about her life and designs.

For this style I added a pair of red Angiolini loafer flats that I actually found at Goodwill. It’s very rare that I find any shoes at Charity shops (eBay is a different story). The shoes are either cheap looking, worn out, or some ancient style. These flats were in great shape and have a slightly squared-toe, which I usually don’t go for, but I liked on these.

OK, slight deviation. Love that zipper and those perfectly matched strips.

Back to that headscarf. Unlike a hat, it can take a bit of wind (I’ve chased down a few hats in my time). I have always loved old movies when the ladies would wear their headscarves. Jackie O was famous for wearing them. Headscarves are so classic chic. I think they can be worn more often. When a headscarf is on your head, its pattern and design can be seen fully and appreciated.

Style3V3 — Yes, that is a Shetland sheep you see behind me. Back in the day, I breed and showed sheep and their fleeces. No longer breeding, I have only 12 in my flock and they are just getting old with me.

And all together now……………..

This is what I did with my latest 2nd Loved finds. Do you have any and if so, how have you been styling them? I would love if you would link up and show your ideas.

If you have never participated in a linkup before, no fear. Go to Linkup 101 guide that is found on my 2^nd Loved 1^st Friday linkup page (also found at the top in the tab section).

I know I am pretty excited and am planning to feature one individual each week who linkups. The party starts today leaving it open for the whole month. You can add as many links as you want and they can be from Instagram, Facebook or your blog. Hop around to see what other participants are up to. It makes for a lot more fun! If you have any questions about the linkup, ask away.

So without further ado, let’s get this party started!

Just click the frog below to link up and join the fun!

And have a great week and I will see you again with my usual Sunday post.

Until next time, Happy Styling!

Michael gets credit as the photographer for today’s edition of MeadowTree.

40/60=100% Focus on Style

Just a reminder: April 7th, will be the first 2nd Loved 1st Friday Linkup!

You may wonder what the title means. Well, my oldest daughter, Michelle, is in her early 40’s, and I am in my mid 60’s. We thought it was cool that our decades added up to 100 and so… a new series was born. Michelle and I will occasionally collaborate on articles. Michelle consented to be an administrator (like my youngest daughter already is). I am excited about the possibilities of this adventure.

A mother, a daughter, and a scarf represents the theme for this first collaboration. I will admit that I am the copycat here. When I saw this gorgeous scarf hanging in Michelle’s closet (she picked it up from Wrapunzel), I immediately knew there was one in my future. Titled Deep Ocean, its brown feather motif gently dissolves into a blue, gentle waving ocean in a way that I think is mesmerizing. It is huge, measuring 72′” x 49″. Being that large, the possibilities for how it could be styled seem endless; from shawls, head wraps to intricate scarf wrappings.

We are trying something new with this post. Michelle is going to talk about how she styled her outfit and since she had Deep Ocean first, it is only fitting that she gets the first word.

From Michelle

Just like my mother, I enjoy a mix of thrifted and handmade clothing items with the occasional special new purchase thrown in. Unlike my mother, I love 70’s style Boho, head wraps, and a more modest silhouette. I posted this outfit to my Instagram feed several weeks ago and got a lot of positive feedback, so for Mom’s blog, I recreated the casual Boho look. The special purchase is of course the gorgeous scarf Deep Ocean, a slippery and ethereal piece that needs to be handled firmly if used for a head wrap. I love how this scarf can be wrapped several ways to emphasize different portions of the coloring and patterning. Today I’m wearing Deep Ocean over a brown 2-in-1 scarf and The Signature Shaper, also both from Wrapunzel. Within the Wrapunzel Fangroup community, this particular tie is called The Beginner’s Luck because it is so simple to wrap.

The cardigan, designed by Julia Vaconsin, first made its appearance on the cover of Interweave Crochet Magazine Summer 2009. Hitherto, I was a very snobby knitter and would never, I repeat never, have crocheted. When I saw that cover, my ill-formed prejudice melted away. I put this straw colored bamboo yarn to hook and haven’t looked back. Knitting will always remain my first love and is like breathing to me, but a twirling hook is certainly an added enjoyment to my life.

The brown tunic/dress was sewn by me from my favorite Craftsy.com class, The Ultimate T-Shirt. I have sewn other T-shirts from this class, but the brown tunic is probably my most worn. This sewing class taught by Katherine and Marcy Tilton is absolutely wonderful. It was like taking a sewing class with your two favorite cool aunts and I can’t recommend this class enough. Thrifted items include the jeans and leather belt both acquired from the rebuilt Goodwill in Joplin. My ankle boots are several years old and unfortunately the longer jeans hide the decorative laser cut edging of the boot. Maybe I’ll wear them again with a skirt on another post because I just love them.

Jewelry includes simple gold hoops, the Lions in Four necklace gifted from my parents over the holidays, and a Chazak Bracelet made by Amy Bennett. Purchase of a Chazak Bracelet benefits the medical care of Ethan Kadish, an Ohio teenager who was struck by lightning and suffered cardiac arrest. Chazak is usually translated from Hebrew to mean Be Strong and I wear this bracelet often.

From Terri

I took the style approach of one of my favorite looks, what I call “dress casual.” I always love trying to sneak pants into dressier occasions.

I wanted the beauty of this scarf to shine and that meant using it in the simplest way possible. Wrapping it around, I tied it in front and tried to make sure the blue end was against the brown feather motif and visa versa.

Brown and turquoise are two of my favorite colors to use together so I decided on my brown silk Charter Club pants that I picked up a few years ago from eBay as a 2nd loved item and paired them with a Chi Chi layering top in camel. The Chi Chi is new. They just had a 40% sale and I supplemented my wardrobe with some needed colors. I’ve decided Chi Chi’s layering tops are my today’s version of my 90’s Land’s End’s turtlenecks and I still have all those cotton turtlenecks!

The Madeline open-toed, strap-backed booties by Madeline (from Joplin’s Sophie) are making their debut with this post. I love their tacked heel look and almost cone shape. I know these will be back here during the summer.

The faux reptile look bag is not really a clutch. I found it at an antique store this summer but the handle needed work–so I just took it off. However, I really love it as a clutch so don’t know how soon I will get around to fixing it!

My jewelry in this post is special because they are by two of my favorite Kansas City designers. My Cydney Ross Sticks and Stones necklace is probably too small to see in our picture. So I pulled a photo from Cydney’s online site for a better view.

My Cheryl Eve Acosta ring is from her Mer De Verre collection. I encourage you to check out Cheryl’s site if not for anything else, a visual feast of gorgeous pieces based on the natural world.

As usual for me, there’s something new, vintage, and second hand in this blog bit. We will end with another photo of Michelle and I taken on another day with me wearing my scarf another way.

Style Sources For Today

Cheryl Eve Acosta

Chi Chi

Cydney Ross

eBAy

Lions in Four

Madeline Shoes

Sophie Boutique of Joplin

Wrapunzle Scarfs This is a link to the Deep Ocean scarf which comes in two color ways.

That’s it for today except don’t forget to check out MeadowTree’s first 2nd Love 1st Friday post coming this Friday, April 7th. I hope you will come and party and even link up with us.

Until next time, Happy Styling!

Michael, Michelle and I all worked as photographers for today’s edition of MeadowTree.

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

Better Late Than Never

The day has come and gone and I didn’t mention it, but January 3rd was in important step in my blogging journey. On that day, a year ago, I published my first style post. After considering my long love of fashion and collecting vintage bags and garments, I decided to delve into style blogging. I have loved my journey!

My horizons have expanded because of that decision and the friends I have had the pleasure to meet along the way have been wonderful.

To celebrate, I have something I want to do; an idea that has been rolling around in my head for a few months. My photos are reminisces and have a common thread that is a hint of what I am about to start. See if you can figure it out. So lets get started on that trip down memory lane…

This was the first style I posted-went with my sheep/alpaca persona. The camel toned wool jacket was one of my first finds at my local Salvation Army. Its label says Augustas and Made in the USA. It can be found on Hats Off to Alpacas post.

d31f3-justme — The most favorite thing in this styling is my Dad’s hat for which I created a new silk band. Also high on my list is the bold stripped short jacket. The label states *City Girl* and made in the USA-another great find from my local Salvation Army. Styled for Michelle and my first **Hats & Wraps** posts: **Coffee In Joplin With Michelle Wearing Dad’s Hat**.

d9063-duocolage — **Two For Transition** demonstrated changing a basic look by switching a neural jacket out for a colorfully patterned one. The neutral silk/linen **Asiatica** jacket was purchased at a Kansas City consignment shop while the cotton bright **Bandolino** jacket was found at the Joplin Goodwill.

8929f-thefront — Say hello to June! My emphasis here was the use of straw for *Spring Has Finally Sprung and Its Time For Some Straw*. My black **Eric Javits** straw bag was found on eBay and the patterned cotton **apostrophe** jacket was another great find at Joplin’s Goodwill.

67337-day1whiteskirtprintblouse — This outfit was pulled together for a style challenge put on by Sylvia of 40+ Style casual style challenge. I put all five days into one post titled **5 Days-6 Ways; Shopping My Closet**. The top and skirt were both purchased from Goodwill.

d56f9-covershot — That was a hot day! I was going to a Kansas City bloggers event and went in all linen. The top has turned into one of my favorites and I found it a humane society thrift shop in Florida. When I visit my sister, we love hitting the vintage and thrift shops. Florida is a dream when it comes to 2nd loved item shopping. The blog post, ***A Crafting We Will Go***, really didn’t have to much to do with fashion but crafting.

Streetcar — More hot days in summer-this time from my Instagram feed. We were checking out the new Kansas City streetcar line. For that trip, I wore my red skinny **Madewell** jeans from eBay (they didn’t fit the lady anymore) and a white top from Goodwill. My **Eric Javits** straw was also scored from eBay.

be7f2-opening — This was one of my favorite looks for fall and I wore this to the Friday night Kansas City Fashion Week runway show. Of course the star of the shoe is my **Amina Marie Millinery** custom designed hat. I covered her grand opening of the studio in **Open House at Amina Marie Millinery**. The piece that is holding all the accessories together is a 90’s minimalist black crepe wool dress that I had found the previous spring at Salvation Army. I knew it could be a very important piece. This post was appropriately entitled ***Balancing Act***.

bd288-intromrta — I’m jumping to December with my post ***One Things Connects To Another*** in which I explained my mindset on styling. Both pieces were “new to me” items. The restyled grey dress was picked up at Goodwill and my faux fur collar Diane Von Furstenburg jacket is from Salvation Army.

Another Instagram picture-this time a red **Calvin Klein** that came from Salvation Army but I paid a consignment shop price for it. It hung on the rack for a month, probably because of its price ($40). I doubt if this dress was ever worn and it’s a knockout. I found the silk-like bolero the same day at Goodwill. The two were made for each other. I’m carrying a vintage **Rodo of Italy**. I have found my whole collection of Rodos on eBay.

Another Instagram pic taken on one of the coldest day we had this winter and a day I was being the librarian at my school. The jacket is a **Jones of New York** that I picked up at Salvation Army the previous year. I’m also wearing one of my vintage Poodle themed silk scarfs that I find on eBay.

tri — I’m ending with one of my favorites, an **Agostino** tweed dress with a brown leather belt that I picked up at Act II, a Kansas City consignment shop that closed their doors last summer. I love this dress because I find so many ways to wear it. **Repeat and Variation** aptly describes my take on these looks.

Have you noticed a common thread running through these styles? They all have what I call “2nd loved” items. For what ever reason, these pieces landed in a thrift or consignment shop, eBay or in the case of my Dad’s old hat, was a handed down item. Do I dress only in 2nd loved items? Of course not, but I don’t have a problem incorporating these great finds within the whole context of my style, which also includes local designer originals, small boutiques and the likes such as Kohl’s and TJ Maxx.

I love the hunt of these 2nd loved items; going through racks of cheap and fast fashion to find that one shining gem. This wasn’t always the case. My mindset was changed four years ago upon reading Elizabeth L. Kline’s book. Over Dressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion. This book impacted me enough to write an article about it HERE.

This leads me to my next project. I am going to have a link up every first Friday for those who enjoy, like me, adding 2nd loved items here and there. I now have a page devoted to the 2nd Loved 1st Friday Linkup (see above in the tabs). The initial 1st Friday will be April 7th and I am so looking forward to getting this thing rolling.

Every 1st Friday, I will have a post to kick off the link up and I hope you will join me. Below is a some of the information about linkup. I also have more information on the my linkup page that you can access at the top of my blog.

The 2nd Loved 1st Friday Linkup

Why 1st Friday?

Around these parts (the Kansas City area), 1st Friday is an important date. It is the day of art and culture. The center of the KC arts scene, the Crossroads art district, is vibrant with new shows in the galleries, artists’ meetups and just a great camaraderie of art lovers. Styling is an art form in my point of view, so it was just natural a MeadowTree Style event would have to be on a first Friday.

Who can link up?

Any post on a blog, Instagram, Facebook or the like can linkup to this style celebration. If you can copy and paste an URL in the Linky box, you are good to go! The post doesn’t have to be current; if you have something good-link up!

Do I have to have a whole 2nd Loved outfit for the linkup?

No, just one item will do, be it a hat, skirt, pants or a piece of jewelry. I believe in mixing it up as far as items in a look. Just one item in your style is all you need, be it from, a thrift shop, eBay, consignment shop, vintage boutique or something a friend gave you because they didn’t want it anymore.

When you do post, I would appreciate a description about your 2nd Loved item (or items), what type of shop you found it and what drew you to it. Tell as much or as little as you want.

When does the Linkup start?

2nd Loved 1st Friday linkup will start 12 a.m. on the first Friday of each month.

How long will the Linkup last?

The 2nd Loved 1st Friday is a once in a month affair and will stay open all month and you can link up anytime during the month. Every 1st Friday I will have a new post to kick the party off and am looking forward to seeing you then.

Until next time, Happy Styling!

All photo credits have been given in the original posts.

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

The Shawl Dawl

Before I even get started today, I want to say thank you to Nicole Molders of High Latitude Style for letting me co-host with her this week. I have been wanting to do this for eons and am so happy to get the opportunity. Thank you Nicole!

I have been having so much fun with my Shawl Dawl. You ask, what in the world is a Shawl Dawl and believe me, before last month, I would have asked the same thing. While attending a popup shop event in the Kansas City Crossroads art district I spied these long knitted jersey “somethings” that sort of looked like shawls on a rack. Intrigued, I tried one on and knew this wrap could be incredible fun and the possibilities were endless. It’s a one size fits all and comes in eleven colors. My pick was turquoise.

The Shawl Dawl can be tied, pinned, belted, and draped in so many ways or you can just wear it as it is. This has been my approach for the style #1 because it can have an elegant presence without doing too much.

#1View1 — I added an old Chico’s belt and one of my vintage Rodo of Italy clutches. Oh, those days when you didn’t have to worry where to put your cell phone. My jewelry for this look has been picked up here and there.

I played up my silver jewelry, even adding a belt. The basic black column (a pair of simple black leggings and my black ChiChi layering top) and the Nine West patent leather and snake print flats stay the same through out all my stylings today.

#1View2 — A view from the back-I love how this garment drapes and am such a big fan of large shawl collars .

My second style for today is my date nite look and it’s Michael’s (husband/photographer) favorite. I just pinned and tied my shawl and came up with a dress like look. Being so easy, I was surprised by the dramatic look it produced.

This styling is a perfect way to feature one your favorite pins. The one here is from Michal Golan, an Israeli born designer who creates and crafts her amazing jewelry in New York, NY. Her work can be romantic, baroque, and Deco inspired. My daughter introduced Golan’s craft to me through a Christmas gift and I am now in love with this woman’s work (the sale page on her site is amazing). Don’t worry if you can’t see the pin very well because there is an accessory still life below.

Other accessories include an Alfani clutch from eBay, a three strand (can’t remember where I got it) bracelet set, and a simple gold bangle (eBay). EBay is my worldwide garage sale. Most of my items I chose are used, but once in a while–like the gold bangle–I pick up some new things.

Oh my, four-legged photo-bombers again! Sophia was the first to make it to the chair. Nicky, Mr. Jealous, had to get in the picture too.

It warmed up so I got to show the third look outside! This time I used a black fabric belt which I made for a pair of matching pants back in the 80’s. Yes, I still have both but the sad truth is that I’ve put on a few inches since my thirties and the pants are a tad snug. But the belt is perfect for what I had in mind. With the Shawl Dawl secure at my waist, I had fun pulling the upper garment part to create a Grecian type drape. I left the tuck very noticeable in the belt band so you could see what I did. It would be very easy to hide, which I will when I wear this style anywhere. Also, I am big on asymmetrical designs and I managed to create one here.

For fun, I switched to all gold accessories. The recycled leather clutch is from Lions in Four, a non-profit that supports Indian women to become independent. My necklace was bought on the clearance rack at Target. The bracelets were from the Kansas City Symphony Guild’s popup they have during the concert season.

Don’t worry if you think you can’t come up with ideas to wear a Shawl Dawl. It comes with a very colorful style guide and and the website has a whole styling section, complete with a video on ways to wear. I will mention it is not the only garment Shawl Dawls offers. They have shorter designs, chiffon designs, fringed designs, and more. Their site is a fun visit!

Today’s Accessories

Accessories can take a style up a few levels and put your stamp on it. Below is a visual of the accessories I used for these styles. Oops, I left out that simple gold bangle.

Instagram

My Shawl Dawl hit Instagram before my blog. This was a couple of weekends ago at Donna’s Vintage Shop’s spring garden party. I loved the hat and it was not a bad price. If it had been in silver or light grey, I would have brought it home. Though I liked the design, material, and construction, I just couldn’t see how–in my little mind’s eye–this color could fit with what I have in my closet.

Blast From The Past

I am a fan of the big shawl type wraps. From a post last fall: on my way to a garden party, kick off for Kansas City Fashion Week.

The Painted Accessory

It’s been a while since I’ve had a blurb about nail polish. This past week, a few comments came my way about this perfect turquoise,”Cassidy”, from Julep. It seems to be pretty sturdy, not a chip in three days. A member of the Julep Maven program for four years, I like that I can mix or skip boxes at will–plus their products are just very good.

Important Links

If something caught your fancy, then here’s where to “shop the look”.

Shawl Dawls

ChiChi

Lions in Four

Michal Golan Jewelry

MY article about Lions in Four

Julep

That’s all I have for today. The Shawl Dawl will be back I’m sure with summer ideas.

So adieu until next time and in the meantime….

Happy Styling!

Michael gets credit today for the fashion photos and me for the still lives and nail photos.

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

I would now like to introduce Nicole, of High Latitude Style, who has graciously let me be co-host today. Nicole Mölders is married, has one cat, no kids. She is a fashion, and science enthusiast from Fairbanks, Alaska and the blogger of High Latitude Style – an Alaska fashion blog with science bits for woman in midlife. She is also the author of How to Dress for Success in Midlife. On her blog she shares how to turn fashion into style to look your best ever in midlife.

And it’s now time to party! Everyone of any age and gender is welcome to share their fashion and style posts.

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Ami Beck and Dolyn Bags

For ten months I craved a “Victoria Sling.” Friends who know me could just shrug their shoulders and quip, “Just go make that cocktail if you want it so badly.” While the Victoria Sling does indeed sound like a divine mixture to be imbibed as a tribute to Masterpiece’s smash hit Victoria (that some of us just couldn’t get enough of), but no, this Victoria Sling is a wonderful mixture of style and leather. It’s a bag and the one I craved was in Merlot. Oh, and I did get what I craved for last December.

Of all the bags I own, I never had a shape quite like this one or in Merlot. My bag was designed and fabricated in Kansas City by Ami Beck of Dolyn Bags. I had the pleasure of meeting this talented designer about a year ago and knew some of her story, but I decided it was time to learn more.

foyer — My Merlot Victoria and I. Eight pieces of leather constructed to create a classic. The strap is wide and this purse stays on my shoulder and snuggles up to my side. Its insides are roomy and two strong snaps guarantee that it stays closed but has an ease of opening and closing. It’s just cool inside and out and I love the big bold hardware.

On a bright sunny March day last week, I drove up to Ami’s studio in the Kansas City West Bottoms to see her latest designs and find out about her newest ventures. Through our conversation, I was able to glean more about Ami’s early inspirations, current thoughts about becoming a designer and her aspirations for the future of Dolyn Bags.

Ami is very striking and beautiful. You would first think that she was a model turned designer, but nothing could be further from the real story. Ami had a typical Midwestern childhood focusing on choir and basketball. In college she pursued psychology and armed with a degree, went for a career in the mental health community.

That creative bug has a way of infecting us all and it hit Ami big time. After beginning her career, she started creating jewelry and accessories in her free time and found that she was just too passionate about this creative thing to just leave it as a hobby. Ami quit her day job and enrolled in Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. Once in design school, Ami found that the luxurious nature and statement making power of bags was where she wanted to go and after graduation she started Dolyn Bags. Dolyn is taken from Ami’s favorite name, Gwendolyn, and as they say,”the rest is history.” Kansas City’s design community has a rising star in its mist.

Ami’s first designs were women’s bags. Dolyn Bags will always have women’s bags, but her true dream is in luggage and travel design and she is especially excited about her men’s line. Some parts of the line are still being perfected, but all aspects of this experience have been exciting.

The men’s line is fabricated in a factory in New York (still made in the USA!) and this will let Dolyn Bags take larger orders and creates the opportunity for the brand to be in a larger market. Just this February, she took a giant leap in that direction by showing at the Magic trade show in Los Vegas. Although New York will make her men’s line, Ami will still handmake all her women’s bags in her Kansas City studio.

TOTEANDshavingbag — Taking a closer look at the men’s toiletry. I love this design and want one of these for myself. Sitting on the table is one of her duffle beauties. These are lined in suede and the interior pockets are lined in a plaid flannel (which, by the way, is also going to be used for her new dust bags).

ToteBag — A closer view of the new line star that I am obsessing over, Kerri-All Tote. Seen here in white, it also comes in a gorgeous cobalt leather/suede combination. On the left is Dolyn’s classic Statement Clutch in the cobalt, which is just large enough to hold those essentials for a night out. I can visualize a cobalt with a black zipper and black tassel.

One of the questions I asked Ami was what were the largest surprises she had since creating her company. Ami’s answer didn’t surprise me in that it all has been a surprise from how hard it has been, to how exciting it has been, and especially, the huge support she has received. Support of Ami was happening the moment we wrapped up our interview. Fashion Group International (of which I am a member) was having the monthly meeting at Ami’s studio. FGI is a large and varied group representative of many facets of the design field, from designers, teachers, media, and students.

conversingblog — I know this to be also true of other design communities, but the support in Kansas City is phenomenal.

five — Just a few members of Fashion Group International-Kansas City-Mekaile Renee of M.Renee’s Closet, Bosede Alyewarud of EarKandie Jewelry, Lynn Schultz Communications FGI-Kansas City, yours truly and Fatma Konyalioglu of Fatma’s Alterations.

So much to see – so a small collage of just a few things that caught our eyes (my daughter Rachelle was there too). What I realized going though our shots was that as much as I love sewing, I didn’t manage to get one picture of her sewing machines!

You caught me, sitting down at the job, but it’s time to talk about what I chose to wear for the night.

My Dolan Victoria Sling in Merlot called the shots for this look. Burgundy and navy have a natural symbiosis. I picked a pair of loafer styled flats by Rockport to keep in the color theme. I liked the marriage between casual and dressiness that they have.

The Madewell jeans have made their um-teenth appearance on here and I added more burgundy with a merino Pendleton turtleneck. The jacket is by Rebecca Minkoff from about two seasons ago. I was attracted to its unique cut, the color blocking and the grosgrain ribbon embellishment. It also added some neutral that I wanted.

Where would I be without a little vintage? This time it’s a Bill Blass silk scarf that was in a four scarf deal on eBay. The other silk scarfs that came with it were by Vera, Echo and Elaine Gold. The Blass scarf was my least favorite of the group, but with its use of color, I wasn’t surprised that it was the first of the bunch I wore. I think I need a steady visual diet of silk scarfs!

Finally, the last detail I am going to point out is what is on my finger. This is a ring from Cheryl Eve Acosta Mer de Verre collection.

Do you want to connect with Ami and Dolyn Bag? If so, here are some ways to do it:

Dolyn Bag’s Website Dolyn Bag’s Facebook page Dolyn Bag’s Instagram

It seems I have this post in the bag (sorry, bad pun, but just couldn’t resist) and this wraps up my visit with Ami and Dolyn Bags. So until next week-take care and Happy Styling!

Rachelle Gardner-Roe gets credit for all photos for today’s article.

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

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My Sew Sew Life-From Art To Fashion

Persistence, tenaciousness, and just being plain stubborn are handy traits for creatives whose passion is to share their art with the world. ArtsKC gives this areas artists and art focused endeavors a very big helping hand with this. ArtsKC is the regional art council for the greater Kansas City area and through programming, advocacy, grants and leadership strives to ” unleash the power of the arts.”

p0larfall-copy — In front of “Polar Fall”. I was very happy to be studio assistance for this work. I spent some time cutting the original lace strips so Rachelle could work her magic with them. And I am already begging her to digitaltize a lace pattern in blue because I already have a dress planned for it!

Anaully, ArtsKC honors and celebrates individuals who have been a positive force in this part of the art world. This event takes the form of a luncheon that is attended by no less than one thousand. The honorees are given, not just the proverbial plaques of gratitude but original art works.

Many months before the luncheon event, a theme is picked (this year it was Electrify) and a call to artists is put out. Artists’ proposals outline how the artist intepretests the theme within their media and must include mockups of actual works that will be given to the six recipients along with a piece that will be on each of the 115 tables that will be at the event.

Our daughter RachelleGardner-Roe is a Kansas City area multi-media artist whose focus is sculpture. For five or six years (I think she lost count) Rachelle has applied for this commission and for as many times didn’t get it. She never gave up and this year she came out on the top and after many months, more all-nighters that she wants to tell me, she accomplished her goal. Famly and friends (especially a certain hubby and dad) were recruited for sanding, painting, soldering and when Februray 23rd rolled around she and her vision was ready to go.

But Terri, you are thinking, this is a fashion blog so where are you going with this? Well, Rachelle and I had always talked about having an image of her lace sculpture printed on fabric via Spoonflower. Spoonflower will take your digital image, give you options of printing it on fabric (everything from silk, cotton and more), wrapping paper and even wall paper. The possibilities are endless. We wanted to use her art for the outfits that were going to wear to the award luncheon. When she got fabric printed, I would make them for us.

Rachelle wanted a pair of Donna Karen ( Vogue 1168) pajama pants like the ones I had made last fall for Kansas City’s Fashion week. I created the pant body in the same 100@ polyester Peachskin from Joann’s Fabric tas mine, but this time in a cream.

I decided to hand stitch the Spoonflower fabric in place (which was a Polyester Crepe de Chine) because it was important that the edge of the lace was visually kept and felt I could get a better visual line if I did it by hand.

We decided to go a a asymmetrical design and had the panels at different heights and it achieved a nice flowing progression. This process took a few hours but the upside was that I got caught up on some of my favorite shows on HBO-GO. The end result was all in attendence knew who the featured artist was because she was wearing her art!

solomefinal — One thing that bothers me is the white on the backside of the fabric and I am going to line it. I already went to Joann’s and picked up some thin black knit. It has to be done by hand so here’s to more HBO-GO!

For myself, I only made a top and used a pair of black knit pants from my closet. Quite frankly, I just ran out of time. I do have enough fabric to make a very slim pair of pants and am working on those now. I ended up substitute teaching full time the two weeks before the event (I just can’t say no to holding down the fort in the elementary computer lab) and that took up a lot of my planned creative time.

My pattern was Vogue 1417 ,again a Donna Karen design. This top has a bias cut with an attatched asymetrical cape. I picked a bamboo stretch jersey from Mood Fabrics and my Spoonflower fabric is a polyester knit. This is not the first time I have worked with Bamboo jersey and I love the softness and sheen of its surface. At this point I could jump off and start discussing enviormental issues with the growing and processing bamboo, but that’s for a different time and place.

cherylevefinal — This show how the cape looks from the back. On the right is Cheryl Eve Acosta, one of the most talented jewelry designers I know. Check out her incredible designs HERE.

I am not going to spend to much time on accessories this round. Rachelle is carrying a vintage two tone gold Rodo clutch from my collection and I have a Leo from Rebecca Minkoff. My black suede heels from Jones New York are new (picked them up on clearance just last month) and they will be making many more appearances. I can’t get enought of them!

One of the award recipients I wanted to include was Halo founded by Rebecca Welsh who recieved the Innovator Award. Halo provides art programming for homeless children and first started outreach in Kansas City but now has expanded internationally. After spending decades in art education this one was near and dear to me. Rebecca’s dress was such a beautiful sight-yellow is so hard to wear and she did it magnificently.

I was so happy to see Maura Garcia again. Along with Rachelle and others, she was one of the featured artists for The Art in the Loop’s Connect project. Maura is a choreographer and founder of Maura Garcia Dance. Orange and turquoise is such a striking combination and Maura just shines in it.

The featured artist gets a exhibition of their work at the luncheon. The gentleman on the left won the silent auction for his table’s sculpture.

This has to be one of my all time favorite sculptures of Rachell’s. Believe me, if I had a high enough ceiling, I would offer free hanging storage for this baby.

cleaningup-copy — The crowds gone, finery off, tape and bubble wrap out-a tired but happy family

The ending is where I began, with the art and artist. ArtsKc created a nice film short about Rachelle, its not even two minutes long. and I invite you to view it.

So I think this is one of those “day in a life” post. One blogging week was missed because of everything that was going on so it just made sense to me to talk about it. That’s all I have for today. So adieu until next time, and in the meantime

Happy Styling!

Michael gets credit for all photos but one which was by Rivas Photography.

I link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.

One Sunday Afternoon-Hats & Wraps

This is one of those special posts for me Because it is with my daughter, Michelle. This is the third time we have gotten together for something on the blog. The first post, Coffee in Joplin, wasn’t really planned but we ended up having so much fun we knew that this idea of “Hats and Wraps” was going to be something we wanted to do more.

We both love head coverings. I go for hats and she goes for wraps and Michelle has an astounding collection of scarfs that she picks up everywhere. Today, she is wearing a grey silver studded scarf that she thrifted. I am balancing it out with a billed cloche by Calvin Klein. Is it just me, or does this hat have a 60’s vibe going on? These two choices pretty much called for a grey palette with a bit of color.

Michelle is pretty much a Boho girl. Today she is modeling Insta, a style she picked up from Linear Collection by Rachel Riss. She chose to layer it with a black Lone sleeve strench top and Merlot toned pants (both thrifted).

holdingglassesdriveway — Grey and taupe booties were the answer for our feet. My suede and heel studded Rebecca Minkoff and have been on here before. Michelle’s booties were picked up at Shoe Carnival in Joplin. Her rule is, “get shoes for each of the boys and then I can get one pair for myself at half price”. That’s a pretty good rule.

She did borrow a few of my things for the shoot. The Lilly Dawson necklace, the Coach bag, and drop earrings are from my collection.

To answer Michelle’s soft flowing look, I went the opposite direction. About a month ago, I hit Kohl’s clearance racks and picked up a long-line vest from Apt 9 which has that menswear look that attracts me. I’ve already worn it a few times and each time I’ve styled it a bit differently. For our mother/daughter outing, I went with a basic black Pendleton merino turtleneck and dark grey patterned stretch jeans that I picked up at a local boutique.

For a pop of color, I added a vintage silk Vera scarf. These colors maybe say it’s from the 70’s. With my love of things orange, I quickly snatched it up when I saw it on eBay. This Vera has the lady bug logo on it. Vera’s blog about dating your scarfs and the appearance and disappearance of the Ladybug was fascinating. If you collect Vera scarfs, I recommend their blog out.

a6e4a-boots — It was the attention to detail that drew me in to these booties.

I decided to keep the bag simple and added my Tom Thomas Spiral . Tom Thomas bags are hand made in Texas. The Thomas are regularly invited to attend the Smithsonian’s national craft show. This is my only Tom Thomas but I tell you, I lust for more. His architectural bags are incredible constructions. I highly recommend going to his (and his sons’) site to ogle at their beautiful handiwork. Getting a Tom Thomas is like investing in a sculpture. I’ve just grabbed one of his paper-fold designs from eBay and will let you know what I think as soon as it arrives.

lookingatya — I never get tired of black and grey and I’ve been wearing it for over a half century. I just add a bit of color and I am set to go!

What would a MeadowTree post be without a few four legged photo bombers? This time its Michelle’s Sarah (hound mix and all around great girl) and Jimmy, a Mountain Fiest. Our girls were raised with a large amount of critters and Michelle decided to make a career of it. She and her husband Mike own Academy Veterinary Hospital in Joplin. Michelle dishes out the veterinarian expertise (she’s a ’99 graduate of Mizzou’s school of veterinary medicine) and Mike, the “Chief Officer” makes the clinic run smoothly and efficiently. Being a proud mom, I would have to say, I think she is the most stylish vet around!

As I probably have hit home in a few posts, I want a piece to work in at least three different ways. On a teaching day (I substitute teach in my retirement), I paired a Pendleton denim blue Merino turtleneck, a vintage Bill Blass silk scarf, simple black flats and my Bella Beat Leaf step tracker with the vest. I kept the patterned stretch jeans for this look.

I first wore my Apt 9 vest to a Fashion Group International-Kansas City meeting with a pair of grey skinny Madewell jeans and a white french cuffed shirt and grey suede Rebecca Minkoff smoker suede flats to achieve dark on light take. I wasn’t 100% happy with the look in the end, but you have to experiment. There’s going to be good ones and bad ones but you keep exploring and trying new things.

The Vera is such a cool abstract work within itself. That is the trouble I find with scarfs; when they are tied their designs and patterns can sometimes be lost.

That’s all I have for today. So adieu until next time, and in the meantime

Happy Styling!

My grandson William gets the photo credits for the outdoor photos and me for the scarf photo. Thank you Kim for putting up with me at school when I asked you to snap me before we went to get the students. The FGI-KC photo was taken by Ngan Vuong, our groups’ secretary.