A Farmer's Daughter

     I truly grew up in the middle of the United States as a farmer's daughter.  Today I live in an urban area of more the three million people.  As a child I looked up at the airplanes, just tiny specs in the sky, and waved my hands to say hello as if the passengers could see me.  I remember thinking "I'm going to get on one of those someday."     

   
     The beginning of my creative interests started in this small place.  I learned to sew from one the neighbor women and my Mom kept a seemingly endless supply of art materials.  Each summer I would sew clothes made from complicated Vogue patterns in hopes of receiving a blue ribbon at the county fair.  This was a gracious life, filled with herds of animals and growing plants in the humid summers.

     This structure is the creative activities building at the Minnesota State Fair.  During two weeks in late August hundreds of thousands visit this building to see the quilts, clothes, pies and other handmade items.  (Yes, the ice in the photos will retreat by August!)  Even though I'm a long was from the early life, this spot reminds me of where I'm from--once and always a farmer's daughter.

jacket--BCBG

pants--Style&Co

shoes--Calvin Klein (thrifted)

purse--Adrienne Vittadini

links--

Penniless Socialite 

What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy

Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style

Rachel of Rachel the Hat

          

Cobalt Blue Lace

     I've been watching this BCBG dress in the store for several months.  I like the bright cobalt blue and the vintage design, but I think lace can be hard to wear.  All the connections to lingerie......my thought go to "Maybe lace is best left for the undergarments?" Once it was reduced to 60% off, I decided to give the dress a spin.  I enjoy finding challenging items and trying to style them in a way that fits my personality and life.  

      Before going to art school, I studied commercial photography at a technical college.  After graduating, I decided that building the sets for the photographs was more interesting than taking the photos.  So art was the path taken.  My husband takes the photos and I style the clothes and find the locations.  I am inspired to create the photographic mood while building a visual story. 

     Thank you to those who joined my site.  As the weather gets warmer in my part of the world, I hope to share my ideas for fashion stories in the landscape of the beautiful upper midwest. 

dress--BCBG
tights--Merona
shoes--Bandolino
necklace--Natasha

Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style
Casual Friday Link Up Board at Two Thirty Five Design
Monday Mingle at Glamamom
Marionberry Style for Trend of the Month: Lace

Bright Spot in the Park

     You can feel the possibility of spring in the air, longer days and more sunshine.   I adore coats, you might have noticed from my pervious posts.  I'm somewhere between petite and regular size so getting the proper fit can be a problem.  This orange coat fits great (sleeves are not to long and no belt) and I appreciate the detailed construction plus gold accents.

     Some collect jewelry or shoes, but my weakness is a fancy purse.  I'm such a fan of folk art, so this embroidered leather bag is one of my favorites.  This handbag makes an outfit feel particularly special and gold hardware matches my earrings.  What do you collect?

     Well, could have another early March blizzard here in the upper midwest.  Hopefully the snow will melt soon and early spring tulips will grace the landscape.

coat--Jessica Simpson
shoes--Ellen Tracey
tights--Target
skirt--JCrew
blouse--Walter Baker
purse--Isabella Fiore

Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style