It's warmed up here the last few days. The snow is melted and I've heard that ticks are waking up from their Persephonic slumber. There is a black cat that slinks around the yard. I had a feeling he would turn up sooner or later. We greeted him like an old friend from our bedroom window this morning. It is not how I wanted to greet the in-between of Winter and Spring, but I sit at the open door and breathe in air that tastes like mud and I know it's happening whether I want it or not.
I've adapted to living back in Pennsylvania. Unexpected ways, like waking up early to make the coffee. Unusual ways, like tending for 10 chickens. Thoughtful ways, like trying to learn how to say that I am sorry more. And practical ways, like dressing for the weather. I kept old sweaters from college when we moved to San Diego. Never wore them; threw them out. When we moved back to Pennsylvania a couple years ago, it was a process to buy new, stay warm, be comfortable. In doing so, I realized how I was adapting to my environment, the way that moss grows on the North side of trees.
I'm fortunate to be working with WoolOvers on this post to showcase how I dress for life on the farm - from working to playing to baking to dressing up. I'm often inspired by rural English style, and I see this has evolved into the way I dress daily. So many facets of me seem lost behind the camera, so hopefully here is a peek at who I am in front of it.
Look One: Keeping Warm in the Barn
An upcoming post will highlight a small barn renovation that I completed over the holidays. Bitterly cold, I converted an adjacent coop into a sort of recreational room for the hens. Three layers of wool, I was still frozen. Since then, I have been wearing large, chunky, wool sweaters almost daily. Paired with a some overalls and comfortable work boots, I am most comfortable in an outfit like this. The added bonus of a few minutes with one of the girls was a bonus for me, too.
Look Two: Walking with Milo
As you have probably been able to ascertain from my Instagram, I am dog-obsessed. On days where it's no snowing, we try to make sure that we spend time with our three bubs - Murphy, Elsa, and Milo. The sweater is a little nod to another one of my loves, the Duchess of Devonshire, by paying a small homage to her book, in the embroidered style of her husband's custom sweaters. Paired with some Levi's and a Harrington jacket, this is my usual style if I'm wanting to get a little dirty with the pups.
Look Three: Baking
Since my day job allows for me to work remote, I oftentimes force myself to dress up a bit so that I don't always feel like I'm a slob. For me, baking is a performance, a ritual, something that I do for myself, so I thought it would make sense to share a moment in time with you - something so simple as cracking some eggs. Pairing the Woolover's cardigan with a vest that came with a suit I got on Amazon, it's an outfit I've worn around the house, but also to a Christmas party this year--and its simple, subtle pattern is perfect for both.
Look Four: Packed for a Trip
I'm happy here, in our new hometown. But that doesn't mean that the winter hasn't made me want to travel a bit to somewhere warmer. I picked up this ancient suitcase at a Goodwill maybe 10 years ago and it is my go-to overnight bag. Paired with a thin, comfortable cashmere v-neck and the rest of the suit mentioned above (I had it tailored to fit once I got it), I feel that this is the type of clothing that's meant for travel - classic, warm, and most of all comfortable.
Guide:
Look one: Sweater / Overalls / Boots (not pictured)
Look two: Sweater / Jeans / Shoes / Jacket
Look three: Cardigan / Vest
Look four: Suit / Sweater