Edits: Day One

I'm starting my first read-through of the final draft today, complete with an array of equipment; coffee, post-it notes, coloured pencils, a pencil and pen, scrap paper and a small furry black thing that I like to call Mink who steals my chair whenever I get up.

Opening of Cypress Vanguard!

Today I went to the opening of a new store here in Austin: Cypress Vanguard, on 606 E. 3rd Street (on the corner of Red River). Local designers and artists have come together to open a retail space where they can sell their work, and it's set in the most beautiful old house (with paisley fabric wallpaper!). My friend Anslee of savannahred is one of those artists. She makes gorgeous vintage-inspired clothing for curvy women, and she finally has the perfect bricks-and-mortar site in which to showcase her work.

"Not only is it a large deal to me, personally, as it signifies that I am now an adult - officially - but in the world of fashion, it is a great thing for ladies who don't necessarily fit the mold. I am so excited to be able to celebrate this as part of my adventure! Three and a half years ago, I had no idea I would be sitting here now, dreaming about my studio space and the gorgeous ladies I get to create for every single day. (I didn't even know how to sew then!) This is soon to be my reality, a storefront in downtown Austin. How am I so lucky?" - Anslee

Of course, there are other talented people selling from this space as well: By Jeannie Jewellery; Kandy Glass, make-up artist; Megan Summerville (who makes gorgeous lingerie); Ross Bennett; Kerri Lawnsby; and Laura of Milli Star. I particularly coveted one of Milli Star's gorgeous handcrafted hats. Santa, take note.*

Jeannie of By Jeannie Jewellery.

Two of Anslee's beautiful models wearing savannahred creations, and the lovely Cathy, also wearing a savannahred dress.

Me and the talented Anslee.

Mr and Mrs Gingerbread Man wish you happy holidays.

* If I have left out any of the artists or designers who are part of this project, I do apologise! Let me know and I'll add them in.

I'd rather be thrifting

Cardigan - Brand is Smudge, from a clothing swap
Dress - vintage, thrifted
Shoes - vintage, thrifted

I went thrifting today as a treat for finishing the book. I have been trying to avoid non-essential spending for the last couple of months in preparation for our UK trip early next year, but a vintage dress and a book from Goodwill didn't put me back too far! I love thrifting. There's nothing better than sifting through a pile of junk looking for treasures. I think I have said this before, but I see thrifting as a creative activity (I'm going to avoid being too wanky and saying it is an art); you have to be open and willing to see the potential in unlikely things, or to try something that would never have occurred to you. You never know what you are going to find - it might send you in an unexpected direction or open up a surprising possibility. And that's why I (and you, I know) love it. Although it is rather dangerous - it's very easy to over-fill a house, bookshelf or closet with thrifted finds.

Speaking of which, here's my crowded closet. I can't tell you how nice it is to have a huge closet after the coffin-sized mould and spider trap that we had in New Zealand. Please excuse the flash photography - it's very dark in our closet and my skills with a camera are woefully inadequate!

Some of the hats are lined up along this shelf - the rest are in a metal steamer trunk on top of the dresser (a trunk that my grandparents on my stepdad's side brought over to Zimbabwe from England in the middle of last century).

I'm afraid I do take up more space than LOML. He does have two rails on the left, though, which you can't see here.


The aforesaid trunk o' hats and dresser.

Mink will sometimes wander into the closet, give a disgusted sniff and walk out. I think it's a bit too girly for him.