cottagecore

 Have you heard of cottagecore?

It's a term that's actually been floating around the internet since 2014 but it has become more prominently used during this quarantine period. It's basically a nostalgic movement with a return to traditional homemaking skills like baking, gardening and crafting.

For some of us, this is just our way of life. But now a lot of people are looking to escape the stress of everyday life.

My cottagecore life is:

Appreciating the natural world.

Using vintage linens.

Cultivating seeds.

Gardening.

Having a feminine wardrobe.

Harvesting...

...and enjoying the fruits of my labor.

Flower arranging.

Cottagecore means different things to different people. It's an escape of the stress filled world, the pressures of real life trauma and the long sleepless nights. It's an alternative to "doom-scrolling" the endless negative news stories online, on television and in newspapers.

Strange how cottagecore has become a movement. This is truly no different than how I have lived my entire life.

It's a good idea to embrace...especially now.

Unplug and give it a try.

cheerful yellow

Yellow is such a cheerful color.

 

It's also my mom's
favorite color!

 

I wanted to show how touches of yellow,

and garden themed accessories,

can transform a simple
pale blue and white guest room
into a summery retreat.

 

 

Replace the ordinary bathrobe with vintage aprons.

 

Place a few yellow mix and match accents on the bed.

 

Old books and color pencils can make for inexpensive and unexpected accessories.

Natural or realistic plants and flowers are a must to maintain a garden theme.

 

Things don't have to be a perfect match. Just keep to a color palette and theme to keep the room cohesive.

 

Charming birdhouses look right at home.

 

Vintage tins with floral designs are perfect.

 

Whimsical garden statues make wonderful guests.

 

Antique garden hand tools make a lovely display.

 

A sun hat and drying flowers complete the look.

 

Now kick off the garden boots,

have a cup of tea

and enjoy your hard work!

 

I have always said that designing rooms with a simple neutral palette are the best ways to allow for seasonal decorative changes.

 

Cheerful sunshine yellow is the perfect

color palette to kick off summer!



shopping in my closet...april

Can you believe April finally decided to arrive! My heavens it's been a tough go for our precious world.

Since we're all social isolating, I've decided to spend more time in my closet. I've been getting a lot of donations ready.

Now I'm ready for another shop in my closet.

 

Inspiration outfit

from the Sundance catalog.

 



I am a homebody anyway,

but I haven't left the house

since all of this started.

 

This inspiration outfit from the catalog

top $38.00

pants $88.00

 

 

I have been adding more graphic tees to my wardrobe lately. I have found some really pretty and interesting ones at thrift shops.

 

thrift shop tee $4.99

striped beach slacks $4.99

these adorable sandals

came from Goodwill $3.99

 

So here is a quick recap...

 

Sundance outfit $126.00

Shop in my closet outfit $13.97

(And mine includes shoes!)

 

 

I am sure we are all dealing with so much stress

and worry in our own ways. 

 

None of us are able to get out, let alone go shopping in this scary economy, so why not shop in your closet!

 

This is one small way you can keep busy, get creative and sort out some great donations! You know when this is all over, there will be a lot of people in need. Let's do our part.

shopping in my closet

I am ready to go shopping

in my closet again!

Here is my inspiration outfit

from the Sundance Catalog...

 

 

I adore comfortable living but I also try to be a little put together. I don't always succeed but it's a good goal!

This inspiration outfit from the catalog

top $98.00

pants $118.00

belt $70.00

necklace $198.00

 

 

I have a ridiculous number of tops in cream and white. And I live in cotton and linen. But when I saw this beautiful image in the catalog I was inspired to elevate my look by adding some special accessories.

 

TJ Maxx top $12.00

wide leg capris thrift store $7.00

 

I have had this leather necklace since high school and I have worn it so many different ways. Best of all it came from a garage sale. I just recently bought these earrings at Goodwill! And you won't believe that I bought these flips at the Dollar General.

 

necklace $1.00

earrings $3.00

flips $6.00

 

This vintage beauty was found at a local thrift shop. I love it and it has a beautiful hand made quality.

 

vintage belt $3.00

It's not a fancy or complicated look and I bet just about anyone could pull together this look with inspiration from Sundance.

 

 

So here is a quick recap...

 

Sundance outfit $484.00

Shop in my closet $32.00

(And my outfit includes shoes and earrings!!!)

 

So I'm feeling put together and ready to face the day in my easy casual inspired outfit.

 

 



valentine's day

For those of you who visit my blog, you know that I try to practice what I preach. Live a slow paced, simple yet beautiful old-fashioned life. If it can't be everyday, then it should at least be on special days like Valentine's Day.

Here are a few ways I try to incorporate

romance into the day...

 

 

Wear something that will make you feel beautiful.

Add elegant jewelry or a flower in your hair.

 

Hand write notes or cards

to the special people in your life.

 

If you're having dinner at home,

set a gorgeous table.

Even if you order take-out!

 

Make something from the heart.

It doesn't have to take long.

Just make a batch of cookies

and decorate them in a lovely way.

 

Last but not least, make a heart-warming bed.

The perfect place for sweet dreams!

 

Happy Valentine's Day

from my house to yours!

 



shopping in my closet

For all the years I worked in television and for magazines, I always wanted to feature a segment or article about "shopping" in your own closet. I clearly have a signature look that has not changed in years. Some may think it's a little boring but it's me. But I do like to get inspired by looking at my favorite catalogs that come to the house. So I have decided to share a section of my blog about shopping in my closet armed with inspiration from my stash of favorite catalogs.

 

 

This inspiration outfit comes from the Sundance catalog. One of my absolute favorites. But it's not an inexpensive look.

For the outfit as it is seen in the picture...

top $98

jeans $118

belt $450

jewelry $3,540

hat $70

 

So I decided to shop in my closet for similar pieces. Keep in mind I love shopping in thrift shops, flea markets, sales and of course... discount box stores!

 

top J. Jill from a thrift shop $5

jeans Ruff Hewn on sale $35

 

 

belt thrift shop $3

 

 

jewelry cuff and 3 bracelets $50, 20, 15, 15

earrings on sale TJ Maxx $10

long multi-strand necklace thrift shop $35

silver Indian wedding necklace $750

(this was my splurge and I worked

all through college to pay for it!)

 

 

I wore a suede bootie with this look that I bought on sale at Target for $20. A similar pair at Sundance are $650.

 

 

So let's do some math...

Sundance outfit with jewelry  $4,926

without jewelry $1,386

 

Shopping in my closet

outfit with jewelry $953

without jewelry $63

 

 

I had to add a hat to the look and the closest thing I have is my in-laws  paternal grandfather's hat. It's even more special because it has sentimental meaning!

 

 

I hope you are inspired to take a shopping trip in your closet! My inspiration catalogs are Sundance,

J. Jill, Eileen Fisher and Garnet Hill.

Happy "shopping"!

 

 



appreciating winter...at the beach

Having a grateful heart is so important. And I thank the good Lord above for my family, friends and the warm sun on my face every single day. Living in a beautiful place is a blessing and it is important to share those blessing with others. I love to enjoy this amazing place by having sunset beach picnics with those I love.

 

 

Start with a simple setting. I love all things vintage so an old folding table covered with an antique quilt, a bench or wooden folding chairs and pillows are a good start. Prepare for twilight by bringing a few candles and lanterns. Then load a wagon with refreshments and gorgeous flowers!

 

 

I also like to bring a few things like a sketchbook or painting supplies and a camera to capture the sunset.

 

 

 

Don't overthink the menu. Especially for a sunset picnic.

It doesn't have to be fancy or catered or even a full dinner.

 

 

 A sunset picnic can be as simple as a few special desserts and a wonderful pitcher of fresh lemonade. 

 

It's all about spending time with the people I love and enjoying the beauty the God has created.

 

 

And giving thanks of course!

Entertaining should be a stress-free process. It's about the people, places and having a grateful heart.

Thanks for visiting!