Not Good At This Anymore

It's looking a little dusty around here...

And my posing is a little rusty too...

Fun Fact: My DSLR bit the dust, so these are sad phone photos.

What did I even do with my hands before? 

Not the point.

Hey.

How are you?

I'm...

good.

Life man. It has been a crazy, wild adventure. I won't go into it all, but good lordy, I feel like I haven't really had a breather since February. It's been a pretty stressful year. But in all honesty, it has been such a fantastic year of growth and learning. I wouldn't trade any of the lessons learned or the utter heartbreak for the world. I'm a better me for it all.

I've been looking at these last 6 months as a rough draft to an incredible manuscript that will come soon.

I hope at least.

[Thrifted Dress| World Market Hat| Thrifted Shoes| Thrifted Necklace| Thrifted Belt]

But enough of that. How great is this dress? I found it at Goodwill a couple weeks ago and today was the first time I wore it. I walked into Church this morning and person after person complimented me on how lovely it was. It's not fancy at all, a basic knit 70's/80's dress in an odd shade of red, but the cut is so pretty and it's comfortable AF! I actually intended to buy it and rip it apart and make it into something else, but after I tried it on, I really, really liked it. It had an elastic waist but the elastic was shot so I tore it out (literally), threw on a belt et voila! I have a feeling this is going to be a staple of mine this Autumn.

And what's a good half circle skirt without a good twirl?

And no, I did not develop any grace in my absence. 

Somethings never change.

Planted

Green things and ridiculous, but oh so very cool and lightweight 90's dresses make me happy. 

|Dress- Thrifted|Sandals-Saltwaters|Bag-Vintage Dooney & Bourke

Wallflower

It's a well known fact that I am the world's biggest wimp in the heat. I mean if it gets above 65F I'm already done. I just don't do hot. So life gets pretty miserable fast in So Cal. Honestly this Summer hasn't be so bad so far, but we did have a spell of nasty horrid heat the first week of the month. I made this button front crop top (that needs work, but is fine for now) out of a cotton bedsheet, and oh man does it make hot and sweaty me feel so much more put together! This skirt is an antique one I altered and again is 100% cotton, so it's been my go to outfit for the particularly hot days.

Hat-Thrifted, Shoes-Thrifted, Top- Me Made, Skirt- Thrifted, altered 

Oh Say Can You See?

Last July 4th I was in Norway hiking in a fjord.  

This 4th I was at home eating grilled burgers and swimming in the pool. 

They're both pretty amazing.

Hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day!

Blouse- Thrifted, Skirt- Antique, altered by me, Shoes- Swedish Hasbeens

Outfit: Floral Blues

I don't know how many people outside of California have had to listen to people going nuts over #thedrought, but I think I can safely speak for all Californians when I say we're done with it. Sure it's bad, but we've had a fairly good rain season and are in the beginning of an El Nino, so a wet, and slightly cooler Summer, Autumn, and Winter on are their way. This past week the June Gloom has kept mornings cool and even the hot days haven't been so miserable. Last year was apparently miserable (and I coincidentally missed it!), so I for one am thankful that I still need a sweater in the evenings.

Even so, I am such a wimp about the heat that I'm desperately working to accumulate a nice array of light weight clothes to wear this summer. I found this rayon dress at a thrift store a while ago and finally got around to shortening it last week. I separated the bodice from the skirt and took off some length from the waist (so I didn't have to re-hem it), and re-attached them. I had to add a few pleats to get the skirt to fit the bodice, but that was easy peasy. It's a perfect dress for gardening as well as wearing out and about, so I am pretty pleased!

Dress- Thrifted, altered by me

Cardigan- Thrifted

Shoes- Minnetonka Moccasins, Ebay

Earrings-World Market (I think)

Dotty-Spotty

(excuse the wrinkles! This was day three of wearing it because I lurve it so very much!)

I made a dress! A day dress! A day dress than can transition into a slightly fancier or-at-least-as-fancy-as-quilting-cotton-can-get dress! And I like it.

So some of you may remember that back in the early days of this blog I had the above dress that I wore a lot. Like. A. Lot. It was one of the first "vintage"-y items I ever found that fit me, and it was cute and had probably been a maternity dress at some point. I actually always told myself I would keep it until I had kids, but that didn't happen, because I literally wore the thing to shreds. I was a pretty and somewhat rare shade of blue and had a gradient of sizes of white polka dots on it. I loved that dress. It was one of those items of clothing that you put on and just feel happier in. It was a very happy dress, and in it I felt like I could take on any problem the world threw at me. So a recentish trip to Joann found me in the quilting cotton section and I spied a fabric in the same shade of blue with a nice sized white polka dot and I immediately knew I should re-create my long lost favourite dress. I even found a sort of similar bodice pattern that I planned to alter to make like my dear departed beloved dress ( I cannot drive home enough how much I loved that dress).

I ended up using a different pattern than I had originally planned and I'm really glad because I absolutely adore the way this came out! The bodice is a modified Simplicity 1692. I used view C, but gave he back a super deep scoop and made the front scoop a bit wider(when I first tried it on after I finished it, my youngest sister asked me if it was on backwards and I said no and she said "well if you turned it around then maybe you could get a husband." I don't know where she gets this from. And then when I scoffed at her statement she said "I'm kidding. Women don't need husbands, just dignity." 9 going on Sassy. We've decided that Grace was a British Drag Queen in a past life.). The skirt is Simplicity 3688 minus the waistband, and with funky cool patch pockets I added. There's a side zip hiding in there and well I basically think this is the Greatest Dress Ever (and totally not maternity friendly, so this one will probably last me all eternity). I'm actually really tempted to go and buy a ton more of this fabric to save in case of the inevitable unfortunate coffee incident that will stain this dress at some point.

In other news, I got glasses! They're actually only for driving and TV watching, but sometimes I forget they're on. These aren't anything fancy, just some basic frames from the optometrist, but I quite like them. Plus they're grey so the go with everything!

I'm sure by now you've heard that my corner of the planet is going through a ridiculous heat wave right now and apparently I left all my sundresses in Europe. I'll say this, I really don't mind the fact that all the flowers are blooming and everywhere you go the air in my city is perfumed by the magnolias and orange blossoms, but I could do without the 95+ degree weather. So I expect that I'll be making many more of these little dresses as the summer lingers on. I'm actually really, really not looking forward to the real heat setting in. In February we had days that were hotter than any I had last July or August. Now I'm remembering why I always leave here...

Plaided Again*

*I am so sorry for that terrible pun.

While I was in Scotland I stayed with a host for 12 days and they were IN. SANE. Like, I can't even begin to describe how crazy they were. I was miserable. It was abnormally cold and windy and I spent a lot of time outside digging up stubborn weeds and one day while I was pretty stinkin' cranky about it all, I put some yard clippings in the compost and snagged my favourite work shirt on a nail. It tore and I was really annoyed. At exactly that moment I got an email from eShakti offering to send me a customized garment of my choice. Uh, hello! Considering I lost a little over 80 lbs while I was gone I don't have a whole lot of clothing options right now. The week after I got home I did hit up a few thrift stores and Old Navy to try and find something to wear and weirdly now I am stuck with a lot of pants, but very few tops... My skirts all need resizing, my dresses have to be cut down, and I am currently moving from one room to another and all my sewing supplies are inaccessible so I'm a little sartorially stuck. So you can imagine how much I was looking forward to getting this new item of clothing!

I went through the website debating what to get, (skirt, top, dress?) and spent far too much time hemming and hawing over my decision. At one point I had 15 tabs open and I just couldn't decide. I finally narrowed it down to four and then consulted my mom who let me talk it out until I finally decided on the one I had continually returned to over and over again. eShakti has a huge range of styles and items and I absolutely love that. I've been a longtime lurker of the site and have almost made purchases on many occasions, so here was an opportunity to finally get to try out one of their garments.

If you are unfamiliar with eShakti, they are a fantastic online clothing site offering clothing in sizes 0-36! And beyond that you can customize each garment to fit your style and size needs. and if that weren't wonderful enough they actually carry cute clothes! There are basics and party dresses, fun prints and quality fabric. The dress I chose is unfortunately no longer available, but if it is any thing like the rest of the selection, you really can't go wrong! I adore this dress and have worn it several times since receiving it (which was right before Thanksgiving so this post is so incredibly late!!). I opted for the custom fit, and next to the dresses I've made myself this is the best fitting dress I own. Plus look at that plaid matching. *swoon* The fact that it is a beautiful cotton sateen is great for the California heat but also works well in the cooler months here. It's easy to dress up or down, super comfortable, and incredibly versatile. I am in love!

So is there anything I don't like? Not really, but there are some things I'd do differently when ordering next time. For instance this dress is long sleeved, and I just never wear long sleeves. I get too hot in them so it was kind of silly for me to not just get the dress cut in the 3/4/elbow length I prefer (and which is offered in the customizing section). I'm also not crazy about the fact that the lining is polyester, but in a store bought dress that's a given, and honestly it doesn't really bother me. The only thing I can say I don't like about the dress was the matching belt. The best itself is cute, but it's a slide closure belt and tends to slip so I am constantly having to pull it tight again. A snap stitched in will solve this, but I personally prefer leather belts to break up a bold print like this.  This has literally nothing to do with the quality of the garment, just my personal preference.

In short I am super satisfied with my pretty new dress and am super excited to order again from eShakti!

You can check them out on their website, aswell as follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Best of all eShakti is offering a 10% discount to readers on all purchases until February 2nd using the discount code "yammeringmuse."

This is a sponsored post. I received goods in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed herein are my own. 

Blurred Plaids

Hello! Greetings from sunny So. Cal! It has been great to be home and play catch-up with life and people and all that. There's a whole lot I could talk about about being back home, but for now let's talk clothes.

I've been in a sartorial funk for a few months now and on top of that I lost nearly 80lbs while travelling. There's a lot of odd psychological things that happen when you lose that much weight unintentionally in such a small time. Maybe one of these days I'll go into it, but right now the point is this: I have very little that fits me. Almost nothing from my pre trip closet fit, and while some of those old items can be altered that takes time and it's been frustrating. I did manage to go out and do a bit of shopping after I got home but other than a few pairs of pants and I think three tops, two dresses, and a skirt, my wardrobe does not exist. I desperately need tops right now, but to begin with I made myself a dress that isn't even remotely a day dress. Hey, I've been travelling from farm to farm falling in various animal feces for 6 months, I DESERVE A PRETTY DRESS!

Cardigan- Thrifted, Dress- Me Made, Petticoat- Vintage (and on it's last life), Ferragamos- Thrifted.

The total cost of this dress comes out to about $2 or $3. The bodice pattern is Simplicity 1375 that my mom picked up for me over the summer for a dollar, and the fabric I bought at a festival a few weekends ago. I bought a large roll of this fabric for $3 and after making this dress that involves a full circle skirt, I still have about five yards left so like, I will have all the clothes from this fabric.

There isn't a whole lot more to say about this dress other than it was super simple to put together. It has pockets and is insanely comfortable and as soon as this little cold snap we've got going on is over it will be perfect for Californian "Winter." I'm pretty sure the fabric is a poly/cotton blend, but it's a nice fabric so the poly part doesn't bother me too much. This is the first time I've ever worked with plaid and took the time to match up the print and for a first time effort I am satisfied. There are a few minor mis-matches, but they aren't terrifically noticeable.  The only thing about this dress I'm not 100%  satisfied with is the bodice fit. I'm having to relearn how to fit my body and there is some weird new proportions on my body. I mean, it's so weird. But I'm making due!

I'll definitely be making another of these dresses and I'm thinking next time I might add in a built in petticoat since this vintage one I have is falling to shreds. Sad petticoat.  

My camera started having some weird focus issues towards the end of my trip making it super hard to get a decent photo so I apologize for any weird blurring. Someday I'll fix that until then, unintentionally blurred images for all!

Of course the best part of this dress is the perfect twirl ability of the skirt.

North Sea

Oh hello.

I'm not sure if anyone out there is even still reading this here page, but remember me? It's okay if you don't, I barely remembered this page until just a few days ago. Life has been busy. Sad-ish, joyful, breathtaking, interesting, infuriating, annoying, invigorating, magical, political, unpredictable. Busy. I have so many pictures I wanted to share and I just don't even think it's possible for me to even begin to cover all my adventures. At some point I'll catch up. We'll see.

Fisherman's Sweater- Charity Shop in St Andrews, Jeans-Charity shop in Edinburgh, Shoes- H&M in Norway, Earrings- my Great Grandma's, Pin-Gift from my parents, Tote- Viking Ship Museum

Chelsea moved to Texas in June. I don't know if I mentioned that. It's been rough,both of us being away. We hate it, we love it, we Skype every Monday to discuss life. One day we decided to define our styles. She was Preppy Beach Bum. It's true. I was Preppy Hobo. I think Preppy Hobo Hipster Granny is probably a bit more accurate, but it's cool. I like it. Being away has given me such "clarity" about the kinds of clothes I want to wear. Not just about my clothes, but how I wear my hair and makeup, the baubles I wear, and life too, but really about how I want to present myself to the world. I don't really recognize the girl who left California. I don't feel like her, and in many a way, I don't even look like her. I don't think like she did, I don't see things the way she saw them. She was so sad, so very, very lost. Oh I am by no means perfect these days. But that shell I had built up, that other girl, the one who left California, that got broken down. It got shattered, smashed, blow-torched, and stomped into oblivion, and that left me feeling even more confused. Slowly, slowly, slowly I've let parts of me I'd long abandoned begin to reemerge, and suddenly I feel like myself, like the woman I was meant to be, the one I want to be. Some of my days have been long and filled with frustrations and broken down buses after incredibly late buses, but every night and every morning I am glad to be alive, to be where I am, to make plans for the future. That big scary black curtain labeled "Future" doesn't really scare me anymore. I'm brave and bold and wild and brilliant and loud and obnoxious and kind and friendly and helpful and loving and hard working and curious and anti-establishment. Anything I could possibly want is out there and I will reach for all of it. Well that was a rabbit trail.

I found this sweater totally by accident and it has quickly become a favourite in my minuscule travel wardrobe. I've managed to collect a ton of hats and tote bags as I travel, but my clothing options are getting pretty slim! I have about 7 articles of clothing that I brought with me, and maybe an additional five or six that I have collected. There's about three outfits in that and oh man am I looking forward to a closet again. I'm looking forward to a lot of things, my closet being one of the lesser ones. My plan is to hug my family, hug my car, and then hug my clothes. I miss them all so much.

I had a dream about going back home the other night and in it I had somehow been forced into dating this other volunteer at the last farm I was at who I did not get on with (and not in a potentially cute way) and we were at Disneyland right after I had landed back home and then he was trying to buy me a Disneyland Pass and I kept refusing but was $9 short for the one I wanted (??) and so he bought it and then I found my parents sitting eating ice cream and laughing while I cried about this horrible situation and struggled with the moral dilemma of wanting the Pass but also wanting to be rid of this horrible human. I feel like this was a metaphor for where I am emotionally when it comes to being on the road. I leave my current location (not a farm, an Estate and basically I am maiding all day and it's not as cool as it might sound.) the First and head to two more places for two weeks each. Then I am home. So much and so little time.

I'll be back soon. Promise.

In case you're wondering I am currently in St Andrews and this location is a 10 minutewalk from my bedroom. I'm not mad.

Drizzle

Cardigan- Old Navy, Dress- Me made, Belt- Target, Shoes- H&M

I have lost 40 pounds in the 7 weeks I've been gone. As a result most of the clothing I have with me is now either comically large or finally fits. The pieces that fit though are t-shirts and tops, while all my skirts are huge... It's a struggle. Unfortunately I've found that thrift stores here are overpriced and lacking in selection, so I will have to wait until I get to Scotland in order to replenish my diminishing wardrobe. In the meantime though I have been doing a lot of thinking and assessing as far as clothes go. I have a post coming on that topic, but it's made my desire to take outfit pictures pretty small. There isn't a lot with me right now that I love and I've come to the conclusion that wearing clothes you don't love is a waste of time. And while I can't do much about that right now, it's given me a lot of food for thought!

I meant to have these up on the 4th, but the weather has suddenly turned rainy and made picture taking difficult. It also makes hiking difficult. Yesterday I decided to go on a hike that everyone had assured me, was a leisurly, nice little jaunt. Two and a half hours, a hugely steep mountain, and getting caught in the rain, later I made it almost to the end of the trail when the rain got even harder and I decided to head back. These are from a moment of dryness at the top of the trail. Don't get me wrong, the hike was super cool and well worth it, but also I was annoyed and returned home soggy and tired. I should probably mention that I ended up hiking two steep mountains too because where I live is at the top of another steep mountain. I really like Norway, but my knees are pretty done with hiking Fjords!

Also if you were wondering what is up with my face in the first few pictures, it's due to the fact that I noticed this guy hanging out in a tree next to me.

Have I mentioned how terrified of bees I am?