Favorite Things #38

This might seem like an odd thing to post about, but it's truly one of my favorite things and as we are pulling out sweaters and coats I'd thought it was the perfect time to share.  Ten years ago, while we were still living in Atlanta, I discovered Autrepeau inner-wear.  They are paper thin undershirts that I think are just genius.  I wear them under my wool sweaters and they keep them from being itchy, I don't have to wash my sweaters after every wear and they add no extra bulk.  It's a win on all fronts!  Honestly, I feel like these are a secret that needs to be shared!

Two Vintage Things

We had family pictures taken yesterday.  I haven't been feeling great about how I've looked lately (do you ever get in those places?) but I'm hoping that we got some good shots.  Besides, it's not about me and how I look, it's more about capturing our family in this moment in time.   I might not have felt great about my hair, etc., but I sure did love the dress I wore.  It's a vintage dress that I got on Etsy and the hot pink made me happy!  Also, a friend recently got me this hook that I hung up in my "dressing area" in the bathroom.  I just love it and I appreciate that when she spotted it in the antique store she thought of me!

Heirlooms

When Grace was born I bought Bryce a pocket watch with the words inscribed, "Thank you for Grace" on the back.  I really wanted to give him something that would commemorate our first born and something that he would eventually pass down to her.  We have it in a little glass case since it's so pretty but he does actually use it on occasion.  Grace loves checking in with us about the pocket watch and often asks, "So I get to keep it someday?"  She already treasures it!

When Harris was born, I bought Bryce a watch with the words, "Thank you for Harris" inscribed on the back.  Again, with the hope that someday the watch will be passed down to Harris.  

More recently, I was going through some things in my closet and came upon this gorgeous ring that once belonged to my Grandmother.  It's a rather funny thing but I've always loved vintage rings and yet never gave a thought to this beauty that my Mom gave me to keep safe for Grace one day!  I've started wearing it on occasion because I love it and because I think heirlooms should be used and loved.  

I have a few other things that have been given to me from past generations, china and silver come to mind, but I also dream that we will have heirlooms to pass down to the children that they will treasure and love.  I suppose time will tell what those items will be*.  Also, I don't think that something has to be expensive or worth a lot to be an heirloom.  My sister has a cast iron biscuit pan that I think of with envy (Delita is the biscuit maker) that was once our Grandmothers!  It's a true treasure and heirloom but probably not worth a lot monetarily wise.

*I'm hoping that my trench coat will be one of them!  I would love to have some clothing items of my Moms or Grandmothers!

Favorite Things #32

Years and years ago, I saw a list of classic, quality pieces that were suggested for having a solid, timeless wardrobe for a lifetime.  As you may remember, I LOVE lists!  I also love well made, quality items so I determined that I would set out to slowly build a wardrobe consisting of some of these pieces.  Many of them were out of my price range, so I saved or asked for the items for Christmas/birthdays.  Sixteen years later, I've acquired a fair amount of the items (and determined some weren't really for me) and I can honestly say that each one are workhorses and will probably never go out of style.

One of the first items I received on my list were Hunter Wellies and I was thrilled when my Mom gave them to me for Christmas!  I have worn them for the past 15 years and they are still going strong!  During those years, Hunters definitely became a little more fashionable (when they added colors to the line) but, unfortunately, manufacturing was also moved to China.  I'll admit, I love that mine say, "Made in Scotland!"  I can never get rid of them now- but I wouldn't want to anyway!