We were on vacation last week + when I walked into my favorite Michigan shop, deep indigo bandana fabric caught my attention (top left). Peitsie Campbell has been designing clothing for years, but I'd never had the opportunity to see or touch her clothing in person. It was instant love. Peitsie is designed + made in Los Angeles from natural fibers. These easy shapes are designed to become "a laid-back daily uniform that will become beloved staples in your wardrobe." Yes, please.

This and many other ethical brands are listed on our ethical brands page to refer to when you need something! Top left photo, mine. Other lovely photos via Pietsie.

Herself Clothing offers timeless, everyday pieces in easy shapes. These beauties are made up in thoughtfully sourced fabrics like linens from Belgium, denim from Japan or the USA, and deadstock fabrics leftover from other brands. 

Heather Stilin designs Herself Clothing in Portland, Maine alongside a local patternmaker + home sewer. Garments are sewn in small factories both locally and in San Antonio, Texas where fair wages are prioritized. Simply beautiful in every way!

I haven't quite known what to do with this holiday for a number of years. We know too much to celebrate an incomplete story. We are too interconnected to celebrate borders. And yet, we are (some of us) people at work. We are (many of us) listening + learning + reaching toward connection + collaboration...and that deserves spots of celebration along the path toward the better.

I thought I'd follow Imogene + Willie's lead and celebrate a few of my favorite brands that are doing things right...honoring neighbors + the land under their feet by mindfully making clothing close to home. Since 97% of the clothing sold in the USA is made across oceans, the work these brands do is worthy of celebration.

All of these brands just happen to be located in the USA where I live. I'd love to hear about your favorite brands made close to where you live too!

More goodies right this way. Photos via Black Crane, Pansy, Jesse Kamm, Christy Dawn, Jenny Pennywood, and Imogene + Willie.

May what you celebrate swell with big love + deep laughter!  :)

Love,
Jane

A holiday has the weekend arriving midweek for some, so I bring you a collection that has been collecting for a while + is now busting at the seams.

Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel :: Five painters who changed modern art. Style + art + women + pictures + just yes.

The Work of Art by Adam Moss :: Moss explores how artists (read sculptor, cartoonist, movie producer, song writer, poet, painter...) get from an idea to a finished piece. I am enjoying every word. It's inspiring + insightful. Whet your appetite in the mean time.

Nonconformers by Lisa Slominski :: A convincing treatise to redefine those formerly categorized as outsider artists, folk artists, and self-taught artists as nonconformers. Hooray for unfettered imagination + the willingness to follow it.

Resilient by Rick Hanson :: I'm revisiting this one, because I'm feeling the need for a settling inside of me. This text has proven to be a useful starting place for bringing some thoughts + truths together (which has me hopeful).

Reminding me that simple combinations create simple summer meals.
Waste reduction starts with buying reduction.
The other AI.
None of our imaginations reached high enough. 
Saying good-bye. Turning a page.
​Making a change.
The long history of family life captured in the spaces in which you live.
A simple, multifunctional space.

Celebrate the freedom to take in the beauties of the season in ways you can taste, see, touch, smell + hear! 

Tons of love,
Jane

A pair of goldfinches making our back yard home.
Reminding myself that I am only being asked to meet the day that presents itself.
Nightly firefly dances.
Beginning to play with water + color + paper again.
Having a furry companion for a week.
Sunflowers growing inches closer to the sun day by day.
Planning a visit to a familiar place by the water.
Mint + sage audibly buzzing with activity.
Moving her into a new home in a new neighborhood.
The first hummingbird sighting of the season.
Showing up with openness + kindness + love.
A strawberry moon.
A pair of hawks staying too long.
Lemon bar.
The guy whistling every 90s tune at top volume while we ate our salad.
An outdoor antiques + craft sale full of connection.
Welcoming new life.
Art books.
Learning to trust love to speak for itself.

Thank you, June. You were tough + lovely.

Love,
​Jane