Going back to work outside the home after several years is a big transition. One that has kept me very busy, and which I haven't wanted to talk about here as I navigate the steepest part of the learning curve. There's been no balance whatsoever, as to be expected during transitions I suppose.
Just about all I was able to muster in my down time those first few weeks was a flop on the couch with my kids and a movie. In particular, one of my favorites this time of year: Little Women.
my interpretation of Laurie's wool trousers: snow stroll pants, Anthropologie
The imagery in the movie is so rich and lovely: a cluster of floppy red flowers tucked into Jo's thick finished string-tied manuscript. A single precious orange placed in the center of a loaf of knot-shaped bread, ultimately given to the poor neighbors on Christmas morning. The beautiful civil-war-era New England scenery, coupled with my new work in fashion retail for Antrhopologie is affecting my visual sensibilities. I find myself responding to these visual cues as we approach the holiday season.
inspired by Amy's pageboy cap: Scala Wool Irish herringbone cap
As children my parents took us to visit Orchard House, childhood home of Louisa May Alcott, and the home which she gave to the March family in the fictional story. Maybe it's that young New Englander in me that finds the classic, tailored costumes in the movie so exquisite: Teddy's brown woolen trousers, John Burke's burgundy ascot with tiny cream accent, Marmy's navy patterned wool gloves, Jo's charcoal sinched-waist overcoat, and Amy's herringbone pageboy cap from the Pickwick Society scenes. I think of these clean lines as I build a new work wardrobe for myself, and purchase Christmas gifts for my children. I'm seeking that refined quality in the items I choose.
inspired by Marmy & Meg: tiny touches top, Anthropologie
More importantly though, it's the dialog in the movie; the writing in the story that I love. It's been since I was about twelve that I read the book, and I think it's time to revisit the original story again this season with a fresh, adult perspective. The penguin classic version makes a pretty and practical gift at any age.
Happy Thanksgiving to my American Friends, and to all ... bring on the holiday season!
