boys bow ties: process and outtakes

 I have been trying for almost two years to perfect a design for a boys bow tie.  It all started when I found myself with a boy and realized how cute he'd look in a little tie.  The process was made exponentially more difficult by my severe dislike of most boys bow ties, that are actually a squished rectangle and not a real bow.  I wanted the real bow.  

After probably eight different versions, I am pleased to say that I think I'm done.  I have a boys bow tie pattern, in two different sizes, that I feel proud of.  It has a sturdy clip on the back that is easy to use.  Most of all, it doesn't look like a clown tie.  You know, kids in big, clown-looking bow ties?  I don't get it.  If my kid is wearing a bow tie, I want him to rock that thing, not look like he might be in costume.  

With Easter (a great excuse for a bow tie!) rapidly approaching, we took to the yard last week for some pictures.  

You have to admire his enthusiasm.

I mean, seriously, how do children's clothing companies get their catalogs done?  Anytime I need a picture of Arthur modeling something, I take about 400 photos and get one or two decent shots.  Are there really child models that smile nicely and don't do weird ninja poses?  And if so, how much do you think they charge?  No, really, how much? 

I call this one "Blue Steel".  

Arthur's favorite tie is the green one, but I'm making boys ties in all the same colors I have for men's ties.  Because what's better than matching father-son bow ties?  Not much, I think, not much.  

It's hard to believe that March is over, but I'm excited about the warmer weather that April will bring!

spring capsule wardrobe

This spring, I am trying out a capsule wardrobe for the first time.  It's a new-ish idea to me and if it's new to you too, here are the basics:

-Choose a number of clothing items to wear for the season and stick with it.  Clothing items include pants, tops, dresses, shoes, and outerwear.  Clothing items do not include socks, pajamas, or yard work clothes.  For reference, my number is 40.

-Once you have completed your capsule for the season, do not shop for clothes again until roughly two weeks before the next season begins.  This part is extra exciting for me because I feel like I'm always "on the lookout" for one piece or another and now I can just not be.  In fact, there were a couple of pieces I was hoping to find for my spring capsule, but I did not find them before my self-imposed deadline (the first day of spring), so I'm going to do without them.  

-Make sure the items in your capsule are really versatile and also work well together.  This is key because I always end up with a shirt that I love, but that somehow doesn't go with any of my pants/shorts/skirts.  No more!  When building my capsule, if I was considering a shirt, I could easily check my list and see what bottom pieces I'd have to pair it with and then decide accordingly.

Now depending on what type of person you are, this probably either sounds awesome or like torture. To me, it's awesome.  I don't like to own a lot of things and I don't mind wearing the same type of clothing over and over, provided that I love it.  I also really like neutral colors for clothing, but sometimes try to force myself to buy bright colors because it seems like I should.  No more!  My capsule has at least 4 gray shirts!  (I really do have a few colored pieces in there too, the majority are just neutrals.)

It's so weird for me to write about clothing or fashion, because I don't consider myself at all fashionable.  In fact, sometimes I'll have to give an interview for some online magazine or blog about trends in men's fashion and although I do research trends in men's fashion, I still don't necessarily feel qualified to speak on their behalf.  You know, the trends.  

But, it has been really good for me to spend some time thinking about what I feel good wearing.  In fact, I noticed a few things that were totally surprising to me-

1. I love shirts that are not 100% cotton.  I always thought cotton shirts were my favorite, but then I got a couple of shirts made with viscose (semi-synthetic) and they are perfect!  The perfect drape!  Not too clingy!  Look great even after washing!

2. I love high waisted pants.  This makes me feel totally old and I don't even care anymore because I'm so darn comfortable in my own pants.  I realized I was old when I finally tried on a pair of high waisted jeans and thought "these aren't high at all!"  I can crawl around on the floor and play cars all day in these pants and they stay right where they should.  

Just so you know, I am not turning into a fashion blogger.  You will probably never see pictures on this blog of me wearing the outfits in my spring capsule.  But, it is something I've been thinking about and working on a great deal and I find minimalism very interesting, so I may report back towards the end of the season on how things went and if I plan to do it again.  I also really like to plan ahead, so it was fun for me to think about things like "how many dresses will I need over the next three months?"  and "can I wear these shoes when it's still chilly out in the mornings, but also when it's 80 degrees by noon?"  

If you enjoy things like fashion bloggers though, you should check out Caroline at Un-Fancy.  I love her style and it is a lot of fun to see the outfits she puts together with just a few pieces to work with.  

*The photos in this post are examples of some of the pieces in my spring capsule and were taken from the manufactures websites*

winter things

I'm checking winter things off my list and feel perfectly ready for spring to begin any day now.  We ate Valentine's day dinner by the fire.  We've salted the driveway, made a mini snowman, and warmed up with hot cocoa.

We've played Scrabble.  You know it's winter if we're playing Scrabble.

And then there's the clothing situation.  Arthur's pants are all getting to be too short and his winter shoes are barely hanging in there, but we're certainly not replacing any of that now.  

I don't like to rush through anything, but the last few weeks of a season always seem extra long. However, I'd like to share one of the true joys of my winter season, a little thing that has made a huge difference.  

It's these socks.  No, I'm not joking.  

It is so difficult for me to find socks that I like.  The top is too tight, the toe seam bothers me, perhaps they feel itchy or rough.  I truly dislike wearing socks.  

But I also have feet that are constantly cold, so, in the winter, I must wear the socks.  Now, it's a long story about how I came to own one pair of these Jonathan Adler socks at full price, but I loved them so much that I was wearing them as often as they were clean, about 3 times a week.  And then I found them on sale!  And bought 4 more pairs!  Every day, the perfect sock!  

I feel like this is weird, so I'm going to stop raving about socks now, but seriously.  You may want some.  

In other news, Arthur was wearing his hood last week and I thought he looked exactly like Casper the Friendly Ghost.  

Uncanny, right? 

Happy March, friends.  I'm sure spring is right around the corner.  

it's a bag sale! *updated*

(Bags are sold out!!)

It seems like every winter we find ourselves cleaning out the closets.  I guess when you're stuck inside for months on end, you've got to come up with something.

This year, I'm feeling especially minimalist.  I'm working on my first ever capsule wardrobe (more on this soon!).  I'm sending bags and bags of toys and kitchen items to the attic for a spring garage sale. It has always been pretty easy for me to get rid of things.

Except when it comes to things I've made.  I think about the time and effort and cost and how excited I was when I finished the project.  I try to think of a good home for the item, someone who might love it as much as I do.  I get bogged down in all this thinking and then I just.... keep it.

But I've been making things for years now and I think I'm finally ready to part with some of them. Mainly, my stash of bags.

Many of these bags were for sale in my shop or a local store at one point, but no longer fit with my "menswear" aesthetic.  I choose the ones I hold dearest to keep, but am offering the rest at a super discounted price to anyone who might want to pick up a few gifts, or who just happens to need a new bag.  A few have been gently used, by me, and I've noted that in the description.  Unless noted, there is only one of each bag, so be sure to grab your favorites fast!

If you need me to ship your bag, it's a flat $5 charge that I can send you a separate invoice for.  If you purchase more than one item, I'll throw in shipping for free!  AND the first person to purchase a bag will also get a free gift thrown in.  Maybe some other people will get free gifts too!  I'm feeling generous!  Tell your friends!  The "add to cart" button is in the upper left hand corner of the sidebar. And here are the bags....

Vintage Text tote ($5):(SOLD OUT!) gray wool handles with 9" drop, unlined.  Great for the library, running errands, or a small diaper bag.  

Davidson NC tote ($3): 2 available, pink webbing handles with 9" drop, unlined.  You may not live in Davidson, but you can't beat the price for a sturdy tote! 

Davidson, NC tote ($3): 2 available, same as above, but with gray wool handles. 

Gray Wool and Leather bag ($8): SOLD! leather handles with 8" drop, lined with red flannel, gently used.  Use as a small purse or to keep your knitting supplies handy.  

Boat Tote ($12): lined with fusible fleece, gray wool handles with 4" drop, embroidered with a sailboat drawn by yours truly.  Pack your lunch in it or use it as you would a canvas bin to corral toys and such.  

Navy Pear Day Bag ($15): SOLD! large sling style bag in navy linen with a hot pink pear embroidered on the front. A day bag is just what it sounds like- big enough to carry everything you need for the day!  Also makes a great travel bag or diaper bag.   

Patchwork Purse ($12): fan shaped purse with short, braided handles.  Lined with blue and khaki stripe.  

Sparkle Zipper Pouch ($7): SOLD! 9" x 6" size, perfect for travel or to throw in your purse.  Perhaps your Patchwork Purse?  

Green Zipper Pouch ($6): green canvas outer with pink embroidered pear, lined with navy and pink polka dots, great for travel. 

Yellow Boat Day Bag ($8): SOLD! large sling style bag in yellow linen with a navy blue sailboat embroidered on the front.  Gently used.  One interior divider and a snap closure.