Nigel Cabourn

When it comes to fashion, I don't necessarily follow trends. I know what I like and I tend to stick to it. I would rather invest in a timeless piece I know I will have for a long, long time than buy trendy pieces that change with the seasons. It's a more sustainable way to live, I believe. A lot of the time, I get lucky and find great quality, vintage pieces from Etsy or at local thrift stores. A couple of times a year, though, I'll splurge and indulge in a well-made item I know I'll have for years to come.

Right now, I'm jonesing for a few items from Nigel Cabourn. He is definitely a kindred spirit, as we have similar approaches to fashion and clothing. My wardrobe needs to serve double-duty, allowing me to go from field to boardroom relatively fluidly, while still alluding to creativity. While Nigel Cabourn is a line of mens' apparel, here a few pieces from the collection I'm currently coveting:

Naval Satchel - perfect for hauling laptop and client files

around while looking okay with a little dirt on it

Jungle Rat Sweater - I'd pair it with skinny jeans, killer heels (preferably

peep-toes with red toenails), a chunky necklace and slicked-back ponytail.

The bonus here is that the line is pretty tough to find in the States, so you can nearly guarantee that no one will be sporting the same pieces as you! Selectism has a bunch of great posts on Nigel Cabourn, check them out!

Think about what you wear when you try to pursue a sustainable life. Sure, I buy pieces from Target, the Gap, Old Navy, etc., but I try to balance them with well-made, eco-friendly and socially responsible items. Your wardrobe is an great way to lead a stylish, sustainable lifestyle!

Seed Starting Products

Some seed-starting essentials to help your garden grow!

1. Eco-Friendly Gardening Gloves from Angela's Garden

2. Bronze-look watering can from Ace Hardware

3. Natural Seed Starter Kit from Plantation Products

4. Organic Sea Kelp Extract from Organics Rx

5. Organic Peat Pots

6. Jiffy Seed Starting Mix

7. Organic Fertilizer from Organics Rx

8. Landreth Heirloom Seed Collection from Beekman 1802.

What Should I Wear to My Dinner Party?

I'm throwing a dinner party soon and I am having a tough time deciding what to wear. Informal attire is typically acceptable at most of the events we have at Silly Goose Farm, but dinner parties seem to just be a bit more effort. I feel like fashions should follow suit (excuse the pun). I'm not expecting my guests to be wearing anything especially-special, but I think the hostess should show appreciation for guest attendance through her wardrobe. So, would you do me the favor of helping choose my outfit?

Option One: Casually Chic (taking the classic jeans and t-shirt up a notch with fun shoes and fancy accesories). 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Option Two: Springtime Sweetie (since the weather is still a bit chilly, I'm fitting in all the red I can) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Option Three: Ritz and Revelry (bringing the air of formality back to dinner parties) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

So, What Should I Wear At My Dinner Party?

Thanks for your help!

Things That Made Me Smile This Week

Found via Etsy Shop Romance Writer

I woke up last Monday thinking it was Sunday. I had a big smile on my face and was really looking forward to a day of no obligations, plenty of loafing, and pancakes. Then I realized it was actually Monday, and that we received an additional two inches of snow overnight, and I was pissed. It was a stressful week and there's still plenty to do, but there were a few things that made me smile, including:

- I met some new people who made me laugh

- I was able to catch up with a good friend over cocktails, cupcakes and tasty canapes

- I walked into a meeting, upon which everyone smiled

- People asked me for my card before I asked them (I take that as a sign they actually want to stay in touch)

- I made great progress on pottery projects

- I ate Indian cuisine twice this week for lunch

- I showed my cocktail prowess and taught a bartender a few slick moves

- I had a pretty good fashion/wardrobe week, and I think I must have lost a pound or two because a skirt that was a bit tight a few weeks ago fit perfectly (stress can be a good thing sometimes!)

- A friend mentioned someone he knew who would love to meet me (nice to know you are thought of positively by strangers!)

- I learned a new trick that Eric thinks is hilarious (and baby laughs are the best!)

- I was able to exchange Monty Python quotes at will and not be publicly shunned for it

The stuff life is made of, my friends. What made you smile this week? I'd love to hear!

How to Live Sustainably: Go Vintage

One of the basic tenets of living sustainably is to follow the three Rs: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse. Sure, I buy new things when I need to, but the thrill of finding a great vintage or thrifted item is too good to pass up. Edith and I didn't make it out to the antiques festival this weekend (we all slept in a bit on Saturday morning, then decided to include "the boys" on a family breakfast down at the Duanesburg Diner), but I did make a quick stop at the local Goodwill. In search of some new entertaining pieces, I easily could have hopped online and ordered from Pottery Barn; instead, I used the opportunity to live sustainably and go vintage.

I really love the look of pressed- and hobnail glass, and had been eying these tumblers from Pottery Barn for a while:

Set of six Victorian Tumblers, $36

I lucked out and found a similarly-styled version at Goodwill:

Sure, they aren't exactly the same, but they feel heavier and of better quality than the PB option. I could only find four, but that amount will certainly suffice for a few mojitos or Pimm's Cups shared with friends on the sunporch this summer. And the best part? This set was only $8.

I also stumbled upon this set of pressed-glass serving bowls. Perfect for candy, nuts or relishes ($4):

My favorite find of the day might be these little candle holders. I can't wait to use them ($4):

In one trip to Goodwill I was able to practice the three Rs, and found three sets of new goodies for less than half of what I would have paid for the PB purchase.* Before you toss out old household items, think about donating or saving for a tag sale. If you are looking for a few new pieces to add to a collection, consider hitting up your local thrift shop. It's a fun way to encourage sustainable living!



*In my opinion, if you can't find a second-hand item that fits your needs or makes you happy, buy new. Don't feel guilty about it! If you are against thrifted items all together, consider purchasing new goods from companies that include social and environmental responsibility in their practices.

My Dream Vehicle

Just thinking about all that lies ahead in 2011... and I'm very much hoping this is in my future.

via