Miniskirt Murder & Fashion Forensics

Several years back, I was glued to the screen for the fun and fashionable cast of characters of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. It wasn't until a recent visit to the library, where a colorful DVD cover caught my eye, that I learned the creators had made a spin off! 

The show sticks to the script of a lady private detective and eye-catching period piece; but this time we're following Phryne's niece, Peregrine Fisher, in 1960's Melbourne. As I mentioned in this post, the pacing drags a bit in Season 1, but her wardrobe and spunky personality were a big enough hook for me. Plus, the show is backed by a mostly female creative and production team which helps authenticate the various feminist topics covered throughout the season. But to be honest, I mostly watch for the fashions and Geraldine Hakewill. 

And my absolute favorite look -- the purple plaid pantsuit!

Headbands, bangs, and blue eyeshadow,

- SJW

February Feature: MODHome Ceramics | Potter

The story behind this featured artist starts with a walk and ends with book club:

One damp evening I decide to take my youngest children on a walk through the neighborhood. With the weather gloomy, the streets damp, and the skies dreary, it might not have been the best choice. But I need fresh air and more importanty, something to fill the window between nap and dinner! While walking, I notice a cardboard box at the end of a driveway, a surefire sign of something free for the taking. I peer in and discover a beautiful set of artisanal mugs that look like they belong in a hip boutique shop on Farmer's Market Sunday. 

Stunned and curious, I decide I better check if these are actually one man's trash -- soon to be my very own treasure. I scamper up the steps, knock on the door, and confirm with the artist's husband that these are indeed rejects. Excited as a lark, I rescue the loot into the bottom of my stroller and make my way home. Certainly I do not need eight additional mugs in my cabinets, so I share the joyful discovery with friends and bring them as gifts to that night's book club. 

Afterward, I look up the shop on Instagram and am mesmorized by her latest blue and white collection. I've always admired ceramics, but these intricate earthy designs are particularly striking! I hope to meet the artist one day; in the meantime, I'll keep an eye on the curb. 

Shop
Instagram
Website

Rejects? No way!

Worth the wet,

-SJW

February Feature: Sheri McCulley Studio | Stationary Designer

I couldn't let February come to a close without posting a few February Features -- my annual nod to the work of artists and creatives. 

My mother introduced me to today's artist and it's no wonder why! As a fellow vintage lover, she was immediately drawn to PinkAndHank's Instagram feed full of cheerful eye-catching collections. Sheri McCulley, the artist behind the shop, terms her design aesthetic #avintagespectrum. The pops of color are simply feel-good yummy -- like eating cotton candy while swaying on a porch swing at the tail-end of summer. 

Many of Sheri's vignettes incorporate her own artwork and my mom and I were taken with her unique chalkboard-style prints featuring provincial scenes, birds, and farmhouse charm. We purchased a set of 12 cards and split the goods in half. I found a home for them in my six-paned window. They make me smile and remind me of my mom whenever I look at them :) 

I captured some of my favorite images below that better feature her work. I just love her style!

Instagram
Etsy

Country Mouse living,

- SJW

P.S. You can find Past February Features series here:

2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2016 | 2015

Dog-earred Pages | 2022

In an effort to be more intentional about what I read this year, I created a just-for-me reading plan.

January: Self-Help
February: Anti-Racism
March: Memoir
April: Poetry
May: Summer Reading
June: Summer Reading
July: Summer Reading
August: Summer Reading
September: Kid Lit + YA
October: Motherhood
November: Nonfiction
December: Cozy Classic or Re-read

The goal is to read one title for each monthly theme and fill in extra books as time allows. I actually hope to read fewer books than in past years, but for there to be a higher percentage of "couldn't put it down" and "would recommend to a friend" books in the mix.

Here are 22 titles I'm considering for 2022:

Reading for enjoyment,

- SJW