Last week I posted a tutorial for baby knee pads, but what about us big kids?! A couple of readers requested my method for homemade leg and arm warmers, and I’m more than happy to oblige.

Here’s the thing: It’s so easy! To make leg warmers, you start with an old sweater (thrift store!), like this:



And then you cut off the sleeves, like this:



Aaaand, that’s it! As you can see in the top picture, the way you wear them will depend on the original sweater. You can even use a jacket, like I did with the camo, but you’ll need to use safety pins to keep them up (pin them tight over the top of your calf). The ones I made for this tutorial ended up very long – ooh la la!

~ ~ ~

Hand warmers are just as easy! Start with a pair of socks. For longies, cut off just the toes and then snip a *small* hole in the heal.



And it looks like this:



For shorties, snip below the heel instead, like this:



Then it’s just a matter of making a thumb hole in the right spot (use your hand as a guide). These are the type I tend to wear all winter:



If you want to get really fancy, you can take a pair of longies and turn them into actual gloves. Just slit down and sew up a tube for each finger. I did this with the pair I made for Damian!




Sometimes, it really just is that simple. Hope you enjoy!

Breastfeeding while touring a farm, ’cause that’s just how I roll. What’s that got to do with fashion? Well . . . a lot!

Truth: I adore fashion. And though I don’t really shop a whole lot, I do replenish my cool-weather clothes each fall, and my warm-weather clothes in the spring. In between excursions I’ll pore over blogs and editorials. I’ll amass great collections of inspiration, selecting the styles that speak to me aesthetically. Then I’ll hit the thrift with these in mind, hunting for treasures to take my fashion forward into the next season. And then . . .

And then, these wonderful pieces will slowly wilt in the deep dark depths of my dresser. Invariably, I’ll have chosen a look that doesn’t flatter my body type, or that isn’t physically comfortable, or that, most importantly, just doesn’t lend itself to my lifestyle. I’ll have a closet full of great clothes, yet I’ll hide in the comfort of hoodies all winter.

No more, I say! This year I’m determined. This year I have a plan. A thoughtful, practical approach: “What clothes will work for me?” Highly complex scientific analysis involving algorithms and lots of calculus revealed three intrinsic factors that affect my fashion choices this fall:

1. My post-baby body! Woah, time to re-examine everything I knew about dressing myself. Goodbye, ribcage-to-thigh-with-nary-a-curve slim hips! Hello, nipped waist and a proud badonk! w00t! Also, um, 32E. Seriously.
2. My post-baby schedule! I’m over-worked, under-slept, and usually sporting spit-up. I need clothes that stand strong on their own, ’cause I just don’t have the time to coordinate.
3. Breastfeeding! More than anything else, my outfits are founded on access access access. Especially once it get’s really cold! No lifting up or pulling down; I need to get in there with as little skin exposure as possible.

Shooting Outfit Photos With Munchkin – 1) Yeah, gettin’ my pose on. Feelin’ fly . . . 2) Oh shit! Don’t touch that! 3) Here, come hang out with Mommy. [trouser jeans are secondhand & asymmetrical reconstructed top by a local designer]

The above three criteria work in conjunction to make dressing myself damn near impossible. Ha! I’m kidding of course, but I’m willing to bet that each of you has some similar issue – an idiosyncrasy that makes it difficult to just. get. dressed. Maybe it’s an atypical body type. Or perhaps you can’t stand the feel of most fabrics. Maybe your job requires you to wear unrestrictive clothing. Whatever it is, if you can identify it like I’ve done here, then you can work out how to work around it. For me that means:

1. Finding the styles that suit my new body – which are pretty much the opposite of those that worked with my old body!
2. Finding pieces that are: a) awesome all on their own (not basics!), b) comfy enough that I’ll actually want to wear them while toting around a toddler, and c) easily cleaned.
3. Breastfeeding friendly means a zip front or a button front or super stretchy. No solid fronts or high necklines means I can’t wear most of my old winter wardrobe. Oh darn. Guess I’ll need to do some more shopping . . .

Two Transitional Looks – At left, I love love love this funky cut aqua creation. Living in it already! (and look at it, it’s just *made* for breastfeeding!). At right, I never liked navy + black until very recently. I think the red makes all the difference! [everything secondhand]

And For When It Really Cools Down – At left, this ‘motorcycle’ jacket is hoodie material. No leather here! And the skirt has pockets, yes! At right, I’m such a child of the grunge 90s, I will forever love flannel. So, what’s the consensus on leggings-as-pants? [everything secondhand except scarf, which is Damian's]

I’ve had so much fun plotting and planning my Super-Styley Mommy Ensembles. Now it just needs to get cold enough so I can wear them . . . naw, I can wait!

What about you, my dears? What are your wardrobe hang-ups? How will you combat them this season?

My style is in transition right now, changing to suit this post-pregnancy body. I am awed and amazed at how the female frame adapts and alters in order to bear a child. How our skin stretches and then shrinks back, that our entire internal anatomy rearranges itself, how our very bones are spread apart. It’s all so impressive, so beautiful.

I’ve lost the majority of my baby weight, but my body’s been left a completely different shape. Which means I’m re-learning how to dress myself. I curve in ways I never curved before, and it’s an exciting challenge figuring out how to flatter this whole new form!





I wore :

• ”40 Watt Club” T-Shirt: DIY, and if anyone catches the reference you are the shiznit
• Floral Skirt: secondhand, by f21
• Black Cropped Leggings: secondhand, by AA
• Black Vegan Ballet Flats: secondhand
• Yellow Canvas and Wood Purse: secondhand
• Charm Bracelet and Faux Pearls (worn around my ankle): both gifts

Waits wore :

• ”I’m Vegan and I <3 You" T-Shirt: by Herbivore
• Cargo Shorts (which crack me up – because infants NEED pockets, right?): secondhand
• Explorer Hat: secondhand

That is, unless you know you look good!

Riding in style may be just the motivation you need. However, looking ‘good’ means something different to everyone. To me it meant painting my helmet matte black and fitting it with kitty ears. To you, it may mean . . . adding a shiny red racing stripe! . . . or attaching a silver tiara! . . . or a hot pink leopard print paint job! I think I’ll bedazzle my next helmet with glitter and rhinestones, oh yes.

Whatever your pleasure, you have to wear a helmet for safety’s sake, so it might as well be fun or fabulous. Why not!? I recently saw a gentleman with a helmet painted up like a watermelon. So get creative – and have fun with it!

1 * 2 * 3 * 4

If DIY isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of pre-made creations out there (as evidenced above). So check around the interwebs or scout your local bike shop for inspiration.

But most importantly, be safe guys!

It was a gorgeous afternoon, sunny and warm with a mild ocean breeze. An easy evening full of friends and laughter, and music late into the night. Thank you Tommy and Kelly. And mazel tov!








I wore :

• Vintage Minidress: secondhand, and it’s handmade!
• White Cotton Tights: from the amazing Sock Dreams
• Black Cardigan: from Nordstrom, ages and ages ago
• Red Flats: also from Nordstrom, also ages ago

Waits wore his own little wedding number. In case you can’t tell, that’s an ‘All Dressed Up’ tux onesie. He also had matching black booties, not pictured. He’s already got mad style, eh?

Photo booth!

That is, until I got pregnant. And suddenly I was much more interested in keeping things completely natural (no way was I going to stop dying my hair all together, the horror!) It seemed the perfect time to play with henna, that strange plant powder I’d always eyed but never tried. And so I began experimenting.

‘Henna’ refers to the ground leaves of the plant Lawsonia inermis. These leaves contain the lawsone molecule, which is responsible for imparting that classic dark red dye. To be clear: there is only one color of henna. Anything claiming to be ‘black henna’, ‘brown henna’, ‘blonde henna’, etc, is a compound containing more than the actual plant. Be wary!

In order for the dye to be effective, the lawsone must be liberated. The leaves are purchased dried and ground, and then mixed with acid to coax out the pigment. Common acids are lemon juice, tea, or vinegar. The wet mix is then set aside overnight (6+ hours) while the lawsone renders.

Henna paste after mixing with lemon juice and refrigerating overnight.

Looks like just the kind of thing you’d want to rub into your head, right? Let me tell you, the first time I tried it I was pretty skeptical. It smells funky! And I was sure it was going to turn my hair some horrible shade of green. Just look at that stuff!

But I slopped it on and rubbed it in. They say to let it sit for an hour or so, but I left it for over five (I always do with hair dye). It smelled like earth and dried in crusty brown clumps. My skepticism continued.

This is what my hair looked like prior to the treatment, faded reddish with dirty blonde roots (the shame!):

And after many many hours of musty odored and mud clumpy head, I rinsed it out – certain that it hadn’t done a thing. But I was wrong!

It’s pretty, no? It’s definitely red! And I gotta say, I’m impressed!

So I’m a henna convert now. I used it all throughout my pregnancy (I find that lemon juice acts as a better acid than, say, vinegar). It has great lasting power and barely fades; you need to fix your roots before you ever need a color boost. And of course the best part – it’s completely natural, just a single ingredient!

We even used it to decorate my belly at my baby ‘sprinkle’! (henna dyes skin as well, lasting 1-3 weeks depending on the quality)

That said, I gotta be honest . . . I lasted about 7 weeks postpartum before going back to the old stuff. What can I say, I’m a sucker for bright colors!

So what about you guys? Have you ever henna-ed? What do you think?

• Black Flowered Dress: Ancient. A relic.
• Black Long-Sleeved Maternity Shirt: secondhand by Gap Maternity
• Maternity Jeans: secondhand by Old Navy, dyed darker by me
• Red Faux-Patent Heels: secondhand
• Necklace: my wedding rings on a rope
• Bracelet: a cheap chain necklace
• Black Cardigan: secondhand by Banana Republic
• Scarf: handmade by my wifey
• Gloves: I got these at Urban Outfitters like 5 years ago for $2
• Purse: from Herbivore

Seriously, I hadn’t left my house in 2 weeks. I hadn’t gone outside in 2 weeks! So naturally, even a trip to the doctors office was terribly exciting for me. I had to take the opportunity to gussy up a bit, and show off my swelling belly.

• T-shirt Dress: from Herbivore (they are AWESOME! go there! support them!)
• Long Black Cardigan: secondhand by Banana Rebublic
• Grey Leggings: secondhand
• Multi Blue Knee Highs: Sock Dreams, who have my everlasting stripey devotion
• Combat Boots: many years old, by Gripfast
• White Canvas belt: so very very old
• Blue Stars Children’s Umbrella: secondhand

And I’ve got some good news! This trip was specifically for a test, a test that came back NEGATIVE, which means my chances of preterm labor have gone back down to ‘slim to none’. YAY YAY YAY! So thank you so much to everyone out there who sent your love and support – it worked guys!

Also, I don’t have gestational diabetes (yay vegan!). We celebrated with donuts. =)

So let’s dive right in, shall we?


~ Boxers ~

I wrote about Patagonia last week, but let’s recap. This southern California-based retailer is at the forefront of sustainability in textiles. Their mission statement reads: “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” Their position on corporate social responsibility can be found here.

• Tighty-whiteys and boxer briefs, made primarily from recycled polyester.
• Regular baggy boxers, again from recycled polyester.

The progressive Cottonfield USA is an organic company, using cotton grown in America, milled in America, and made in America. All their dyes are also free of heavy metals. Their commitment to organic products is laid out on their website.

• They have two styles of briefs, the classic and the sport.
• They offer one style of boxer briefs.
• And these are their boxers, though honestly they don’t look very comfortable (or stylish).

I absolutely love Faeries Dance for their affordable options. They’re all sweatshop-free, made with environmentally sensitive fabrics and low-impact dyes. You can read about their policies on their website.

• Of course, they have tons of underwear options!

Rawganique is a ‘human scale family business’ that specializes in organic hemp and other natural fibers. Their products are all sweatshop free, and made in the US, Canada, Europe, and Thailand. You can read a lengthy explanation of their business plan on their about page.

• They have quite a variety of offerings, from briefs to boxers to boxer briefs.

And again . . . *sigh* . . . if worse comes to worst you can always get organic cotton briefs from American Apparel. Also available in a 3-pack. (but read about why I don’t like to support them, here, in italics)


~Socks~

My absolute number one favorite online sock source is the amazing, the incomparable, Sock Dreams. Not all of them are organic, or sweat free, or even vegan, but there are plenty of options that are. And all of the Sock Dreams label are made right here in Oregon. Here are some of my favorite choices:

• Here’s their eco-friendly page, with TONS of styles.
• Some simple organics, nothing fancy.
• There’s lots and lots more, and they’re really well-priced, so check ‘em out!

Patagonia, pricey as they may be, has a small but significant selection.

• The lightweight everyday version, organic cotton and nylon.
• The lightweight ski liner socks are mostly recycled polyester.
• The lightweight hiking crew liner is the same.

Good old Cottonfield USA has such a comprehensive collection of apparel.

• They only offer one option, but it’s pretty reasonably priced.

Faeries Dance comes through again!

• Check out their entire selection with tons of cheap choices to choose from!

No Sweat Apparel was one of the first socially conscious companies I discovered, way back in the day (I asked for an awesome pair of red high top ‘chucks’ for Chanukah). They’re a great company that have been doing good for a long long time, and they seem to be hurting in this economic climate. So why not support them?!

• The women’s cotton crew socks are made in the US and vegan. Unfortunately the men’s classic is a wool blend. *sad trombone*

And that about wraps it up, my dears. Please do continue to share your own ideas and discoveries. I’m always looking for more alternatives!

Six and a half months pregnant, and a girl’s gotta have a night out on the town! Yesterday evening Damian and I met up with my lovely sister for some greasy happy hour grub ($1 PBRs and $1 vegan corn dogs) (no I was not drinking the PBRs), followed by an awesome exhibit at OMSI After Dark. It was so fun! A bunch of 21-and-overs running around the science museum, drinking microbrews and playing like children. I totally won the soda bottle blast.





I’m glad I got a little more use out of my summer shorts and ripped stockings, because today the temperature dropped by about 10 degrees! I’m so underprepared for the SNOW that might be coming this weekend. I still don’t have a warm winter coat that fits over my new-and-improved and ever-expanding frame!

This photo should be titled “Hello, This Is My Pregnancy Cleavage“

• Bird Print T-Shirt: secondhand
• Black Long Cami (underneath): secondhand by Truly Madly Deeply
• Long Black Cardigan: secondhand Banana Rebublic
• Tan Shorts: secondhand American Eagle Outfitters (ha!)
• Ripped Tights: oh my goodness, I’ve had these for so long, I bought them at a dime store in college . . . community college. Yes that long ago!
• Purple Long Socks: Sock Dreams, oh how i love them
• Engineer Boots: secondhand, by Carolina
• Pewter Chain (I knotted it): some mall store, I had a gift card
• Black Flower Ring: a local shoppe

I love this cardigan – I’ve been living in it all autumn. Simple and versatile and a tad bit chic, it’s been the perfect piece to take me into colder weather. Alas, I’m going to need something a bit thicker starting real soon. Any suggestions? It’s gotta be vegan, acquirable used, and accommodating to a big belly. A biggering belly, especially after those corn dogs!

Corn Dogs!!!