Guest Blogging

Hey Campers!

I am guest blogging this week over at my girl Alyson's blog Unruly-Things - Check it out!

xo,
Roberta Jane Read More.. Read More..

My Fall Essentials

As we get closer to Autumn, I know I am not the only one who is planning their Fall wardrobe. I love hearing what other people have on their Must Have lists.

Which is why I am very excited to introduce our next little blogger series "My Fall Essentials"! I asked a few of my favorite, fashionable bloggers to name their TOP3 fashion essentials for Fall 2009.

To get the series started here are my TOP3 "My Fall Essentials":

1. CORDUROY - I love this stuff! Pants, Dresses, Bags... You name it, I want it in Corduroy. (APC Cord Dress $209)



2.Fall signals the time to start stocking up in my favorite clothing item - SWEATERS! In every shape, size and color. (APC Anchor Cardigan $180)



3. The must-have item of the season - ANKLE BOOTS. I am particularly fond on the moccasin version. (JCrew Moccasin Bootie $88)



Tune in the rest of this week for more TOP3 "My Fall Essentials" lists! Read More.. Read More..

You Must Create

Spotted these sweet suede hightops on SwipeLife the other day... They're made by the British label YMC and I am pretty sure they are for boys only, but I think a pair for me would be just perfect! (You might remember my sudden hightop craving from earlier this year).

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Documenting a miracle

For you created my inmost being; 

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

your works are wonderful, 

I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

A woman can't help but feel a miracle in the works as a life grows with perfect precision in her body. And those who have felt the agony of infertility and miscarriage appreciate more fully how precious life is. I watched my friend and her husband, Hillary and Dan, go through the repeated process of excitement and then despairing disappointment as baby after baby didn't make it through the first trimester. They longed for another child, but it didn't seem possible even with the help of specialists. For that reason, the baby that continues to grow healthy in Hillary's body at 32 weeks feels like a beautiful miracle.

I jumped on a plane to the Bay area on Wednesday for a long list of reasons:

1. this is the last opportunity I have for a long time to travel without baby in tow,
2. I needed a break after a summer that seems to have been harder emotionally and physically than any other,
3. my dear friend needed a photographer for maternity photos,
4. and my wonderful husband said to go and he would worry about the girls.

I haven't traveled by myself since 2003. It was surprisingly effortless to navigate the airport, security, and boarding with just me to worry about. I didn't miss trying to close a stroller with one hand while hefting it onto a moving security belt while holding a wriggling, shoe-less child in the other weary arm. And what does a young and free 36 week pregnant woman do on vacation? The highlights:

• being with my good friend who I haven't seen in over a year and solving all the world's problems, one long conversation at a time
• gorgonzola, roasted pear, with sauteed onion and walnut pizza
• sleeping in and afternoon naps
• Hillary's healthy and delicious food that I didn't have to make
• sitting pool side on a hot afternoon
• the beautiful coast of the Peninsula on a windless and warm evening for the photo shoot
• finishing 2 different novels just because I could. The last page closing as I taxied and landed back in Portland

We couldn't have planned for better weather on the coast. It was a beautiful evening and I enjoyed my first ever beach photo shoot. I love the shot above as the sun was setting. It was an honor as a friend to document this miraculous stage for Hillary. She is such a lovely person, inside and out and I hope the photos capture her beauty. See more pictures on my photography blog: click here.

Thank you, Hillary, for inviting me to come on such short notice and for your hospitality, even in the crazy heat wave. Thanks also to my adventurous sister who took me to the airport and then took our 4 kids to the zoo; Lisa, for watching the girls for another afternoon; my wonderful mother-in-law who cleared her schedule to watch the girls all one day; and last and most importantly, my husband who greeted me with, "I don't know how you do it. We missed you!" as I arrived home today to a clean kitchen. I very much enjoyed this refreshing break.

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Weekend Inspiration

This weekend I will be attempting to channel this look shot by The Sartorialist.


I actually love that her lacy, black bra is showing but this is by no means an easy look to pull off without looking, well you know... This lovely creature manages to use the peak of her bra a pretty and feminine touch. It even looks tasteful - which my husband pointed out may just be the magic of the photographer (i.e. if you saw this girl in real life you might not think it looked as fantastic). I really don't think I could pull this off in the same way... What about you? What do you think, dear readers?

T by Alex Wang Tank ($74), Anthro Posy Headband ($32), CosaBella Clemence Bra ($78), Ruche Yellow Skirt ($28.99), Matthew Bernson Sandals ($170).

(photo via The Sartorialist) Read More.. Read More..

Sewing a Hooter Hider

I was given a "Hooter Hider" at a baby shower before Mandy was born. Part of me wondered "how great could it possibly be?" After all, I had somehow managed to breast feed my first child without a nursing cover. But when Mandy arrived and I started nursing her, I found the Hooter Hider to be a wonderful accessory! No more struggling to keep a blanket covering me while trying to wrestle 14 layers of clothing underneath it, all while peaking to see what I was doing. The Hooter Hider has a convenient arched opening that allows the breast feeding mom to see and everything else to stay private. For a modesty lover like myself, I am not sure how I lived without it!

The original Hooter Hider is made by Bebe au Lait and is $35. I discovered how easy they are to sew myself and have made quite a few to give as gifts. Shhh, don't tell, but the supplies cost as little as $5. I just finished sewing three and I thought I would share the easy directions for the Hooter Hider, aka Wrack Shack, Milking Moo-moo, or Titty Tent, whatever you want to call it.

You will need:

• 3/4 to 7/8 yard washable fabric
• 1/2 yard boning, 1/4 or 1/2 inch works fine
• thread
• two med. sized buttons (optional)

First, cut your fabric to 26" x 38", leaving a strip along the side or bottom from the excess that will be for the neck strap.

Use an iron to press under 1/2" and then 1/2" again to make a finished edge.

Sew the folded fabric in place with matching thread on 3 sides. The long side (the top) will require an extra step because it has the boning. 

Find the center of the fabric and the center of the boning (make sure the boning arches out) and pin the boning under the fold. Then just stitch the entire edge, making sure to sew close to the boning, capturing the edge so it doesn't move.

For the strap, I cut a piece 22" x 5" and folded 2 edges under and then in half, matching the clean edges, wrong sides together (no turning required). Sew the edges together and also the ends.

You want to cover to sit high on the chest so the tented portion does not droop. The original Hooter Hider has a ring to adjust the length of the neck strap, but I found I always used it at the same length. For directions on how to put a ring adjuster on, click here.  I sew the strap in place, leaving about 18 inches on the band (that is plenty of room to take it off over the head and still see down through the cover for nursing. Before stitching in place, try it on for size. On this nursing cover, I sewed on buttons because I think they are cute, not for any functional purpose.

The nursing cover folds up nicely to stay in the diaper bag. I think it would be convenient to have 2, one for the car/diaper bag and one to keep in the house. 

I sewed one for myself as well because my other one is crazy, wild, pink patterned. This cover will be nice for a boy, with a bit of class for mom too. Happy hooter hiding! 

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Just Saying

I am usually not into studs but I like this skirt -That is all, Thank you.


Jamison ($174) Read More.. Read More..

It'll Cost You

It'll cost you to purchase the most perfect pair of earrings ever... Try $750 to be exact!

Kathryn Bentley Earrings spotted via Even Cleveland. Read More.. Read More..

Fall Roundup: Low Suede Boots

Today's Fall Roundup is all about the Low Suede Boot - They're cute, they're practical and they're everywhere!



Opening Ceremony Suede Desert Boot ($382), Clarks Wallabee Boot ($115), APC Sheepskin Lined Boot ($390), Pointer KC ($96), JCrew MacAlister Boot ($135), AE Suede Bootie ($59.50), AE Suede Moc ($49.50), Manimal Fringe Bootie ($200). Read More.. Read More..

Jitterbuggin'

For the past couple of weeks we have been working our way slowly through the epic documentary, JAZZ by Ken Burns (I very highly recommend)... Two major fashion thoughts have been stuck in my mind since...



Hmmm... now how to work these into my wardrobe....

Hue Cuff Anklets ($6), Bass Saddle Shoes ($59.50) Read More.. Read More..

Baggy Trousers

I am loving these looks from the A/W Chloe S. for Opening Ceremony line... The perfect pair of baggy trousers seem nearly impossible to come by (preferably under $100)....


Ahhh.... Baggy Trousers - Anyone else have this song come to mind??? I am pretty sure Chloe must have had this on her mind...



I Heart Madness

(spotted via Pigeon Toed) Read More.. Read More..

To do:

Hello, my pretties.

I love peaches. I love them fresh from the tree, in pies, and I even love canning them. Of course my zeal for canning is tempered this year by my growing fatigue and my little ones who aren't really old enough to help -- there has been a lot of tv entertainment going on the last few canning days. I picked 85 pounds of peaches and so far have about 3/4ths preserved. The sound of popping lids is gratifying! My inner Granola Mama is quite thrilled with myself.

I still hope to make a pie... maybe tomorrow. And make some more puree for baby food. After that I want to can tomato sauce and spaghetti sauce and apple sauce. There will be a lot of saucing going on in my very ambitious mind. 

I'll keep you posted as any of my ambitions actually come true. My formerly great long list of "must do before the baby comes" used to include things like,

• Finish scrapbooking Mandy's baby book
• Organize craft cupboard
• Sort misc pictures in my Power Sort box
• Scrapbook through current year in family album
• Paint baby's room 2 different carefully selected colors
• Stencil a Baobab tree on the wall
• Hang chair rail
• Sew roman shades
• Sew super cute elephant baby bedding
• Can peaches, tomatoes, apples, and pears

And now my list of "must do's" looks something like this:

• do something with the rest of the peaches before they rot
• set up crib and find not-pink sheet to put on mattress

"Most people would succeed in small things if they were not troubled with great ambitions." 

H.W. Longfellow

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A Future So Bright

Light-lensed sunnies perfect for a bright, crisp Autumn day...




Rayban and Marc by Marc available at Nordstorm. Read More.. Read More..

Fall Roundup: Utility Jackets & Parkas

Fall Roundup = Rounding up some of my favorite products & trends for Fall... Won't you join us!

First up, my post on Laurie Bird's outfit has got me itching for an army-style jacket. Utility Jackets, Parkas, Field Coats, Cargo Jackets, Anoraks... whatever you fancy. These jackets are the perfect layering piece for Fall and they available in a large array of colors, shapes and prices.





JCrew Poplin Cargo Jacket ($78) Topshop Hooded Army Parka ($125), Uniqlo Parka ($39.50), Gap Tiered Anorak ($79.50), Need Supply Co Anorak ($72), Forever21 Drawstring Jacket ($32.90), BB Dakota Hooded Canvas Jacket - aka The Bella ($88), JCrew Boyfriend Military Jacket ($98). Read More.. Read More..

Inspirational Style Movie - Two Lane Blacktop

Over the weekend, Ryan and I watched the road movie masterpiece, Two Lane Blacktop (1971). Laurie Bird (aka The Girl) wears basically one outfit the entire movie, but it's a good one. She sports the perfect 70's-style long shagged hair with a blunt fringe, 3/4 sleeve tunic, flared jeans, an army jacket and moccasin booties. Pretty much the perfect "road" outfit...


I think this look will be one of my Fall staples!

And re-created for your viewing pleasure...


James Perse Tunic ($95), Joe's Jolie Muse Jean ($174), Minnetonka Tramper ($55), Forever21 Coat ($29.80). Read More.. Read More..

*Kisses*

Hello Campers!

Sorry for the erratic postings the past couple of weeks... Trying to get adjusted to life in Portland and dealing with shitty internet connections.... Bunches and Bunches of goodies coming your way this week!

xoxo,
Roberta Jane Read More.. Read More..

Hello, Dream Boots

Rachel Comey Archive Boots ($425) available at Totokaelo. Read More.. Read More..

Sunny sunflowers

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."  

~Russel Baker

We've had a few very hot days again; they were days that I could barely stand and my swollen feet throbbed to their own beat. I took pictures for a few customers, grinning and baring my weariness. You can look at the most recent Senior Portrait Sessions here. Hopefully my work doesn't show how exhausted I am. And now it is cooling off with a hurricane force wind that makes me shiver. This is summer in Oregon and I do love it.

This is the same field of sunflowers we take pictures at every year. Our neighbor plants his property with sunflowers for no known reason. I don't mind that they have no purpose because the view is beautiful.

My plan was to get a picture the girls together, but it didn't happen. My beauties wouldn't cooperate. Yes, even I have these problems with my children. I'm always happy if I can get at least one picture of each of them, looking summer lovely.

This is a fantastic time of year for children. Running, jumping, playing, splashing in any available water source, and eating right out of the garden. My girls are now devouring pears that fell from our tree -- the pears aren't ready yet, but that is okay. It is also a fantastic time for mommies because I can say, "Go outside and play!" when things get too hectic. I'll miss this very, very soon.

Emma was dancing in the evening sunshine. She is always dancing. And singing. And giggling. She's so preciously girly.

Mandy is such a sweety and a handful at the same time. Trying to explain to her that the patch of sunflowers was not for her to bulldoze was impossible. "Stand right here. Don't move. Look at me. Mandy! Mandy! Where is your smile?" From about walking age to 3 years old is a very challenging time to photograph a child. But I keep trying. Where is my assistant when I need one?

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