Busy, busy

My poor blog has been so neglected lately! I've been so busy protesting and getting ready for Prom that I haven't had time for much else. . . well, except for a little shopping and lots of creative projects! Yesterday there was yet another pro-worker's rights rally at the Capitol (looks like there will be one every Saturday for a while. . .) and I finally got around to making t-shirts to sell! I call them Solidari-tees!

I printed about 20 of these and took them to the Capitol with me-- they were very popular! Of course, a lot of people are capitalizing on this event, and I feel a little bit guilty about making money off a cause that I'm so passionate about. But, they were the only "unique" (non-mass produced) shirts for sale, and I was selling them very cheap-- It's all about spreading the message!
Also, in preparation for the Vintage Madison Pop-up Shop and Prom  I'm making t-shirts. . . haven't started printing them yet, but here are the designs.

We're also getting buttons made with the first design!

Finally, with what little time and creative energy I've had left lately I've been working on this line of collaged/painted suitcases. The first one is finished and up for sale on Etsy.. . .

The good thing about Winter is that it keeps me indoors and crafting. . . but now it's finally starting to feel like Spring. I'm super excited to bring my bike out from hibernation, put away my wool coats and feel the sun on my face! I just hope I can still be productive.

XO,

Jess

Kill the Bill!

Ok, I know this is technically a fashion blog, but permit me to get political for a moment. I find myself suddenly living in the epicenter of a historic American political situation. My town- Madison, WI- has for a full week now been buzzing with protest and rioting due to our moronic new Governor's "budget care" bill. In case you don't watch the news and haven't picked up a newspaper this week- you can get the low-down here.
Basically, it just really saddens me that anyone in this country could agree with taking rights away from overworked, underpaid public employees like teachers and nurses. But at this point, I'm sick of debating it, sick of looking out my window and seeing it. I just want all of the Tea Party-ers, carpetbaggers, politicians, reporters and celebrities to leave. I want my city back.
Anyways, that's my explanation for being sort of m.i.a. this week-- every day I've been up at the Capitol showing my support for Wisconsin workers. . .and taking lots of pictures.

I wish my country wasn't so divided. I wish we had leaders who stood up for our best interest. And I wish we didn't have to have protests like this. . . But at least it's refreshing to see people standing up for themselves and their ideals!

peace and love,

Jess

Weekly Wishlist: Winter White

We got at least a foot of fresh new snow here in Southern Wisconsin yesterday. The temperatures are rapidly dropping and I hear that by tomorrow it will be well below zero degrees. I know there are two or three months of this cold, dark winter still ahead of me. Still, I am finding beauty and inspiration in the in the still, white landscape. 

Today I searched Etsy for lovely items that remind me of Winter in Wisconsin.

The perfect folk cape from Shop Grandma June

Hand Crocheted White Collar Necklace from Call Me Mimi

1950s  fawn boucle wool fur collar coat from Allen Company Inc.

1970s WINTER BLOOM cream plisse dress from Nautie Godiva

Hope you're staying warm and cozy!

XO,

Jess

 

10 things to look forward to this winter. . .

Ok, I'm in a funk. This week, it finally feels like winter has made it to Wisconsin. . . The days are so short (it's dark by 4:30!), there's a bitter chill in the air, and I fear I'm on the verge of the usual "change of seasons" head cold. My mantra is "I'm not getting sick. I'm not getting sick." Having moved here 5 years ago from the Sunny South, I still find Winter a bit fascinating, and I do love actually having 4 seasons (in Georgia there's only 2: hot and not-so-hot). But, still, the feeling of being on the verge of 4 months of bitter cold is a little bit daunting. So, to counter-act the beginning-of-Winter-blues, I've made a list of all the things to look forward to about Winter.

1.     Snow days

2.     Hot toddies, hot buttered rum, hot cocoa, hot cider

3.     Holiday Parties

4.     Wool leggings, wool-lined boots, scarves, fur coats

5.     Eating whatever I want because there are no beach days in sight

6.     Walking/skating across the frozen lake

7.     Fireplaces (ok, our fireplace doesn’t actually work, but I plan on finding a restaurant/coffee shop with one that I can curl up next to)

8.     Sleeping in (because it’s just too cold to get out of bed!)

9.     “Indoor Activities” (i.e. sewing, cooking, crafting. . . )

10.  trip to a cabin in the woods


What are you looking forward to this Winter?

P.s.--I'll leave you with some beautiful Winter-themed photos. . .

                a la New York Times

                          a la W Magazine

XO,
Jess