OxKnit Sweaters

Sooooo, I rarely do negative reviews, preferring instead to hit the highlights of a brand, but when I purchased some OxKnit sweaters, I had issues with them and decided to do a very honest review, still trying to be kind.  I got a multi-paragraph response from OxKnit in the comments section of my YouTube video in which they basically couldn't deny anything I said, but mostly just said, "we're working on it."  Fair enough.  As a sign of good faith, they recently commented that they have now added size XS to their line and that gives me even more reason to hope things improve.  In the meantime, I had to take this sweater in several inches at the sides to get a nice fit, but I do like the finished product well enough that I ended up keeping most of my purchase.  And of the pieces I kept, I have washed and worn them all once or twice and so far they look just as nice and have held up well.  Check out my video below for the full review.

Snow Day Picnic

Winter is officially here.   Like most of the US, my family and I watched this massive storm work its way across the country with some trepidation.  We're always prepared for bad weather at this time of year, so we're never among the panicked hoards throwing elbows over the last few loaves of bread and gallons of milk, but ever since we've lived here, we've been snowed in for at least 3-7 days at a time each year. 

It is well below freezing outside, so outfit photos will just have to wait.  I thought in today's post I'd share a few tips for turning these days into a pleasure instead of a pain.  Last year I shared my tips for keeping cabin fever at bay, (you can read that post by clicking here) so this time around, I thought I'd just post one really lovely way to pass a winter day.

While I definitely have a few projects on my list, I also wanted to have a fireside picnic with Mr. Bleu.  I spread a cozy blanket near the hearth, and whipped up a yummy charcuterie board of Brie with honey and pecans, toasted rolls for dipping, as well as some nuts, fruits, and meats.  I also brought out a couple of slices of a warm apple walnut cake and Mr. Bleu enjoyed a post meal hot toddy while I sipped hard cider.  We listened to some Artie Shaw while we played games like if you were moving to a desert island which 5 albums would you take.  Just fun ways of connecting .

Sounds simple, doesn't it.  That's because it is.  Spending a few hours this way on a snow day seems like such an easy thing to do.  And yet, I feel that most people never turn off their screens long enough to enjoy simple pleasures such as this, even when there is literally no where to go and nothing else to do.  I'm not saying we didn't have our screens on at times (we decided to watch all the Tremors movies but only made it through 1, 2, and 7--yeah, there are 7!), but turning them off for just a few hours to enjoy this time together did my soul a world of good and turned a bleak snow day into a romantic little vacation together.

Christmas Wishes

Merry, merry Christmas on this happiest of holidays!  I hope that you are warm and safe and surrounded by the very greatest gifts of all--people you love and who love you in return.

Outfit Info:  Selkie Dress from 2024 Holiday collection.

Merci Bow-coup

    If you read back through my decade of posts, you'll see a lot of hate for the winter.  I'm not a fan of the cold or driving on slick roads, but I have been trying as of late to really make the most of the winter break.  On our most recent snow days, while my family and I were snowed in together for 5 days, I spent a further three days at home before I had to return to work.  During that time, I decided to really let myself rest from some of my daily routines.  That meant that I slept in as late as I wanted, put on my comfy overalls and fuzzy socks, no make up, no hair styling.  

    Instead, I decided to focus on things like working out, eating well, and tidying up around the house.  I thoroughly enjoyed the time of rest and by the time my next scheduled work day rolled around, I was fully ready to put on a pretty dress, do my hair, leave the house and get back to my regular routine.  At times like this I think of Ecclesiates 3: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. 

    There are plenty of times throughout the winter when I choose a dress and an apron to work around the house (feast your eyes on today's festive housedress as a prime example); I love my job and my routine and all the good things, but there is a time to rest from them as well.   Winter is a season of rest and these long snow days are the best days of all to take a break from the rush and routine and be as cozy as possible and I am grateful for every moment.

 Outfit Info: Judy Bow-Tiful Swing Dress

Mermaid in Winter

Collectif is back and the world seems like a brighter place.  In particular I'm glad to have my dear Caterina style back in so many beautiful new prints.  I purchased this mermaid print from the grand-opening sale in December and I have never had a Caterina that I didn't love.  

Outfit Info: Caterina Mermaid Check Swing Dress from Collectif Vintage  Sweater from YeMAK