In 1903, Mary Halliday’s autopsy revealed that two pieces of corset steel had wedged their way into the 42-year-old’s heart, contributing to her death. 

Unfortunately, corsets are only one item on a long list of lethal fashion garments that women have been subjected to throughout history, and Mary Halliday was only one of many victims.

 In 1858, the New York times shared that an average of three deaths were taking place per week from women catching fire in their highly flammable crinoline hoop skirts. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the mercury used in the hat-making process caused mental disorders and even death. And the “hobble skirts” of the early 1900s—skirts with narrow hems that impeded a woman’s stride—directly caused several deaths and many injuries.

Doesn’t exactly make for a joyous dinner conversation, does it? 

In 2022, we’re (hopefully) well beyond fatal fashion trends, but that doesn’t mean women’s fashion is always created equally to men’s.

One of the most obvious examples of this is women’s utility clothing. Having worked in various occupations that required sturdy work pants, I can personally attest to how challenging it is to find quality, rugged pants that are not only created to fit my body, but are also able to withstand outdoor labor like farming, trail work, or carpentry.

I can remember waddling around in giant Carhartts made for men while doing trail work in the White Mountains. The pants were baggy and way too long for my 5’4” frame. Not only did this pose a tripping hazard, but I also looked ridiculous.

And let’s face it: wanting to look good is about more than just vanity. In fact, dressing well and looking good creates a positive feedback loop that increases confidence—and when we’re more confident, we perform our jobs better. 

You know what they say: “clothes maketh the (wo)man.”

Women already face plenty of barriers in male-dominated work environments; we don’t need ill-fitting clothing to endanger us in the process!

Dovetail to the rescue

After years of difficulty finding quality workwear that *actually* fits AND holds up equally to its counterparts in the men’s sections, I’m hoping to look no further than Dovetail Workwear, a company that makes utility apparel “by women, for women, and with women” that is “all weather, all season, all reason.” 

Consider me intrigued.

With some big-name utility apparel brands, the women’s clothing feels a bit like an afterthought—especially when my women’s work pants fall apart within two years, but my husband's pants from the same brand lasts easily twice that (what gives?!)

But one can immediately get the sense that Dovetail Workwear means business. Their women’s workwear isn’t an afterthought—it’s the main affair.

Based in Portland, Oregon, Dovetail Workwear was founded when landscapers Kate and Kyle Marie teamed up with apparel industry expert, Sara, to create rugged utility clothing that actually fit. They wanted to design something that was tailored to women’s bodies and offered more beyond the stereotypical colors and patterns often marketed to women. 

The result was the Maven Slim Pant, the precursor to the highly reputable Maven X Pant that I’ve recently been drooling over.

My mourning period for my last work pants might finally be over.

Durable—with the data to prove it

When my big-brand work pants fell apart, I was bummed. It had taken a journey and then some to find a pair that actually fit, and when I did, their lifespan left something to be desired. 

The simple truth is that this particular big-name brand was making pants that fit women, but they weren’t making them with nearly the same level of care, integrity, or durability that they put into their menswear.

I was faced with a bit of a conundrum, just like many other women I’ve worked with who have been forced to choose between durability or fit. 

Which is why I love that Dovetail is transparent about the durability of their pants. The integrity of the fabric they use is field- and abrasive-tested. Consumers can even take a quick peek online at the results from two different abrasion tests, both which demonstrate formidable, above-industry standards.

But they don’t just rely on these textile tests. Their original pants were “extensively field tested on real women from bike mechanics and construction workers to artists and firefighters.” A quick perusal through their company’s “Sweaty, Greasy, Grimy Blog” showcases real women at work sporting Dovetail apparel, including ranchers, artists, ecologists, anthropologists, distillers, furniture makers, ceramic artists, fisher(wo)men, and more.

Beyond durability, Dovetail focuses on fit and function. Their products “work as hard as you do,” with gusseted crotch panels, deep and bountiful pockets, stretch fabric made for bending, a contoured waist tailored to the female body, a range of inseams, and a cut designed to fit women of all shapes and sizes. 

Even when I did have work pants that fit, they lacked utility features like hammer loops or hip slots. One summer, this meant awkwardly juggling my tools while re-shingling a roof (even my toolbelt was too big because it was made for men!) Meanwhile, my male colleagues moved easily and efficiently because their pants weren't just pants—they were important, functional tools made for working. 

My lack of access to adequate workwear put me at risk and interfered with my work environment.

As women, our clothing should empower us, not hinder us, which is precisely why a quick glance at all the features one has to look forward to with Dovetail pants gets me pretty excited:

No more scrambling dangerously around on rooftops trying to keep up with male co-workers who don’t even realize that their clothing gives them an advantage.

At least my giant hoop skirt isn’t catching on fire, right?

Utility fashion

“But Quinn,” you might be thinking, “I’m not a carpenter. I’m not a bike mechanic. I don’t even garden. What would I need ‘utility’ clothing for?” 

If you think workwear is just for, well, working—you can think again. According to The Citizen, workwear is the top fashion trend of 2022, and it’s not slowing down (last month, the hashtag #workwear had accumulated over 150 million views on TikTok.)

For what it’s worth, this trend isn’t even new. L’Officiel reminds us that the “ongoing love affair” with workwear started as soon as someone donned camo off the battlefield (and then was even more solidified when Rosie the Riveter put on her iconic work outfit.)

Workwear—including pants, overalls, and vests—proves to be an incredibly versatile type of clothing that can effortlessly glide into a number of different styles and aesthetics (just type in “overall outfits” on Pinterest to find inspiration ranging from casual chic to punk rock to sophisticated glam.)

Sustainability 

Durable.

Fashionable.

Functionable.

Dovetail workwear seems to have it all—and  socially conscious fashionistas and women at work will be pleased to know that Dovetail Workwear “works with suppliers and factories that adhere to the company’s values,” as they relate to:

• human rights
• labor standards, 
• the environment 
• anti-corruption

They require the factories that they work with to be in compliance with the UN Global Compact in order to address the multi-faceted impacts of the apparel manufacturing industry.

Okay…so what is the UN Global Compact?

The United Nations Global Compact is a pact to “encourage businesses and firms worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies.”

Some of the compact’s guiding principles address things like:

• No Poverty
• Zero Hunger
• Good Health and Wellbeing
• Quality Education
• Gender Equality
• Clean Water and Sanitation
• Affordable and Clean Energy
• And more.

Dovetail also works to reduce their carbon footprint and resource usage by taking actions such as using recycled or biodegradable materials, and doing low-water rinse finishes. They also have plans to reduce the use of plastic in their shipping processes as well as incorporate a garment reuse or repair program. 

The garment manufacturing industry can take a heavy toll on resources, so it’s refreshing to find women-owned companies willing to walk the talk.

Icing on the cake: Don’t forget the pockets

Let’s be real: how many times have you reached to casually put your hands in your pockets, only to find that they can barely fit a quarter, much less a hand (or worse, they’re entirely fake!)?

Pockets on women’s clothing have a long and winding history. In 1905, Charlotte P. Gilman wrote in the New York Times, “One supremacy there is in men’s clothing… its adaptation to pockets.”

Thanks to organizations like the Rational Dress Society, which was founded in the 1800s to advocate for more practical clothing, womenswear saw a revolution in the functionality of their garments. This has included things like phasing out corsets in favor of safer, more comfortable substitutes, and wearing loose trousers or other apparel that allowed for full movement and mobility. 

The journey of pockets onto women’s clothes has had its ups and downs, though, and the women’s  pocket evolution has been far from linear. 

But at least Dovetail Workwear can boast that they’ve put over 1 million real pockets on working women across North America—and they’re just getting started.

“Never put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket.”

Thanks to Dovetail, I can fit it in my own!

When you uncork that wine, you’re opening a concoction of landscape, history, and refinement, not just a bottle of fermented grape juice.

That’s how one might feel unzipping a handcrafted MZ bag for the first time; it’s not “just” a bag, but rather, an artisan masterpiece woven with the threads of fair trade, sustainable practices, traditional Zapotec culture, and craftsmanship passed down through generations. With designs that are both inspired from the landscape and literally from the landscape in the form of naturally made dyes, the bag truly carries its geographical and cultural origins straight into the hands of the consumer.

Fashion from afar reminds us that there’s a great big world out there that we get to be a part of. Fashion that prioritizes equitable practices and celebration of traditional culture reminds us that the world isn’t just big, but also good.

If that feels like a lot to carry, it is; but at least you can carry it in an incredibly stylish bag that elicits the home-grown, artisan vibes of Oaxaca, Mexico, “made with love.”

Handwoven “Red Arrow Purse” made by MZ artisans. 

MZ is a socially-conscious company that partners with Zapotec artisans for the creation of 100% handmade bags.

The Zapotec are a people indigenous to Mexico, and today, they primarily live in Oaxaca, which is where the bags are mostly made within family homes. Many of the artisans are husband-and-wife teams who perform each stage of dyeing, weaving, sewing, and leatherworking based on practices passed down by mothers, grandmothers, and other relatives. Some have higher education in things like industrial engineering and fashion design, contributing to a fascinating blend of traditional and contemporary design.

This woman-owned company strives to celebrate traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico by connecting with socially conscious consumers around the world like you and me—people who want to wear quality artwear that reflects our values and our discerning tastes while ensuring that our money isn’t inadvertently contributing to practices that might be harmful to people or the environment.

Things to love about MZ

• Certified Fair Trade
• Woman-owned
• 100% handmade products
• Accountability and transparency
• Equity and fair compensation for artisans and employees
• Prioritizes sustainable practices
• Meaningful, long-lasting relationships with artisans
• Celebrates traditional indigenous artwork and design
• Values slow fashion
• Ethical production process every step of the way
• Beautiful, stylish pieces that combine traditional design with contemporary sensibilities and needs.

You can pull out so many feel-good qualities from an MZ bag that you’ll feel like a bonafide Mary Poppins. Except in this case, our endless vessel is, I daresay, slightly more appealing to the eye than an old floral carpetbag. Sound cheesy? Yeah. You’re probably right. But sometimes, it’s worth all the cheese.

Handwoven “Sparrow’s Song Tote” made by MZ artisans.

Good Stuff. But what does it all mean, exactly?

I get it. It’s easy to throw together a bunch of important-sounding words to make something sound meaningful, even when it’s not—so let’s clarify why some of these things are actually important.

One of the best things about MZ is that it is fair trade. 

Wait—isn’t “fair trade” just a marketing buzzword for chocolate and coffee?

Nope. “Fair trade” is a legitimate, verifiable designation awarded by official entities such as the Fair Trade Federation, and can be used for all sorts of industries.

In order to be officially certified as fair trade, companies must go through a verification process to ensure that they abide by specific principles. This means that the company—and in this case, MZ—has proven that its business practices align with fair trade values, including:

• cultivating new market opportunities to help alleviate poverty
• fair and prompt payment
• creating safe and empowering work conditions
• respecting cultural, racial, and ethic identity.

This means that when you purchase a handcrafted bag from MZ or other certified fair trade companies, you can feel confident that:

• the artisans are being fairly compensated for their work
• you’re not inadvertently supporting unsafe working conditions or forced child labor
• Marginalized communities are not being exploited or disrespected

"It's a small miracle that we as consumers can participate in a process that is keeping skills and communities alive and helping them to prosper." 

-Emma Watson

Accountability and transparency

Accountability and transparency are two of the most important tenets of fair trade, and MZ takes this seriously. A quick trip to their website allows potential customers to explore every aspect of the production process, from meeting the artisans, to explaining the different stages, to clarifying financial aspects of the company.

What’s in the cost of an MZ bag?

 Image is from MZ’s official website

It’s not always possible to get this much detail about a product’s production process without tons of digging, but MZ tries to make this kind of information accessible in order to empower both the artisans and their customers. I like it when a company respects its customer enough to be open and honest about their business practices.

The Artists

One  of  the fascinating things about MZ is that customers have the opportunity to learn about the actual artisans. They’re not just faceless cogs in a machine. They’re living, breathing people with families, dreams, passions, and dedication to the craft—and it’s their hands that literally dye the wool, weave the yarn, and sew the leather. Some of them come from generations of weavers. Others found leatherworking through family businesses, and some are passionate about keeping alive traditional methods of natural dyeing (a process that alchemizes local ingredients from plant, animal, and mineral sources, including nuts, flowers, cochineal bugs, and indigo!)

Fun fact: cochineal insects are powdered and dried to make a bright crimson dye. Until the creation of synthetic dyes, this was popular for decorating the robes of Rome’s cardinals!

But even the bags that utilize vivid synthetic dyes come alive with the terroir of Oaxaca, depicting ancient designs like what you might find in the pre-Columbian city of Teotitlán del Valle, or in old ruins like Monte Albán or Mitla.

Monte Albán ruins. Photo by Gabriel Tovar on Unsplash

Every piece carries a little bit of the individual artisan’s life, culture, and uniqueness. What’s more, they never throw out extra pieces left over from the creative process. Excess yarn is re-dyed to assimilate into the next projects, and left-over leather pieces are used to make MZ tags, fringe, and more. 

A low-waste production process? That’s something I can get behind.

~~~

With the pandemic, it’s been challenging to travel and explore new places, and I think in some ways, it makes me even more excited about purchasing items that are infused with the local terroir where they were made. Wearing handcrafted, bespoke clothing and accessories that sing of other people and other cultures makes me feel like I’m a little piece of the bigger world out there, even if the pandemic has me more home-bound than I’d like to be.

Overall, we’re impressed with MZ’s commitment to fair trade, sustainability, equity, and women empowerment, and we love being able to see a glimpse into this beautiful tradition of weaving from Oaxaca, Mexico.

Sometimes, a bag really is just a bag—but sometimes, it’s so much more than that.

“Never judge things by their appearance...even carpetbags. I'm sure I never do.”

-Mary Poppins

More from mydvdphotomemories:

Read about the benefits of buying from women-owned businesses

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Shop MZ products in our store

We love the well knit sweaters and the 'farm to table' approach Product Think Tank uses to produce sweaters that you can hand down to the next generation.

Check out the Product Think Tank site and if you see something you'd like to try on let me ( [email protected] ) know.  I'll have Annemarie through it in the trunk!!

We learned to navigate Zoom (or at least, we tried.) We built toilet paper towers. We stopped wearing pants. Some of us gravely missed our social lives; some of us basked in the relief of solitude. 

Social distancing has been deemed the “Introvert’s Paradise” by many. There we sit, sipping on our quarantinis, smugly watching our extroverted acquaintances implode via social media, cackling with laughter as we consider our options for finally taking over the world, bragging that we knew how to bake bread this whole time and confessing that we stopped wearing pants a long time ago, waaaay before it was the cool, trendy thing to do. 

That poses the questions: has social distancing been a nightmare, or the ultimate dream?

It depends on who you ask.

Despite the fact that many aspects of our lives are opening back up after several months of quarantines and stay-at-home-orders, social distancing as a practice seems to mostly remain a fixture in many of our lives. Social distancing commandments such as “stay 6 feet apart” have become so ingrained, that even when watching Netlix, I find myself panicking and thinking, “Those people are way too close together! OMG coronavirus though!!” 

The overarching assumption is that social distancing has been the bane of the extrovert’s existence — and a boon to the introvert. While social butterflies might be celebrating the re-opening of the world by clinking glasses at outdoor-seating bars (some of which have been so crammed with starved-for-attention guests that some restaurants had to close again because they were unable to quell the extroverted uprising against social distance protocols), others may be lamenting the re-ignited social pressures that they were happy to go without these past few months.

For the introvert, quarantine eased the shame and guilt of always leaving the party early, of consistently turning down social plans in exchange for the company of a good book, or for opting for take-out and a Netflix binge with the cat on the lap over making small talk at yet another potluck.  

On the other hand, for extroverts — people who feel energized by being around others and who thrive in large social gatherings — quarantine might literally have been the stuff of nightmares.

 Though it’s easy to make light of the alleged downward spiral of the isolated extrovert, it’s important to keep in mind that many of our extroverted friends might actually NOT be okay during times like these. 

Memes urging everyone to “check on your extroverted friends!” sprung up in droves, in addition to an abundance of “how-to” guides, written by introverts in an effort to help their more outward acquaintances navigate staying at home in isolation.

Even for your standard recluse, isolation isn’t necessarily “business as usual.” And for some, being quarantined isn’t a refreshing dream staycation after all — many introverts must contend with having their peace and quiet stolen from them on account of being stuck at home with others 24/7. 

Turns out, isolation is kryptonite to people with all sorts of social temperaments. 

But for some, being free from social pressures was, and remains, the dream. 

I’m sitting here in a warm coffee shop clutching my hot chai. I’ve made the mistake of sitting near the door — wafts of cold air pour in as dozens of morning skiers stop in for their morning cuppas, bagels, and treats to save for later after a frigid day on the trails or the slopes.

Yeah. So, it doesn’t feel like Spring is here yet — but I’m sure one day soon I’ll look outside, see a speck of green, and know it’s time to think about trading in my winter garb for lighter ware.  

Let’s talk about what to wear once you take off that enormous wool sweater that you haven’t removed in almost five months. 

For many of us, New Years is a time to set resolutions to better ourselves and to recommit to blossoming into the beautiful, radiant souls we are meant to be — but I feel like Springtime is really when we truly start to act on them and begin to breathe life into the revisions for ourselves (oh, or is that just me, being late to game? Hello late 2020 resolutions! I’ve been neglecting you!) 

What’s in style this Spring? 

If you are, like me, frowning at your Spring wardrobe and realizing that many of the items crinkled up in those cardboard boxes no longer feel representative of who you are as a person (after a long, dark winter of hibernation and forced meditation on your life, of course) then it might be time to renew inside AND out, so that you can look on the outside how you feel on the inside. 

So what can we expect for the Spring 2020?

Animal print

For Christmas, I tore open my gifts to find...a pair of leopard print leggings. I tried my best to hide my grimace. I am *never* wearing these, I thought. 

But guess what? I have started wearing them. Not only are they exceptionally comfortable, but the compliments keep coming in. Now I feel pretty badass, rolling up in my denim jacket, my All Star Converse shoes, and my leopard print pants.

“You look so retro! I love it!” Someone told me the other day.

Yup. Animal print is in, folks. And it’s more fun than I ever thought it would be, and surprisingly versatile.

Camouflage

Riding the wave of Fall 2019 fashion, Camo print is growing in popularity (and I’m not talking about just amongst deer hunters, either.)  Spring is a good time to experiment — play with adding camo pieces to your Springtime wardrobe (if you haven’t already), and bust it out again in the Fall, which is when it’ll probably dominate. Camouflage print is great for boyish/boxy casual, but can also be indispensable for utilitarian chic looks, too — perfect for New England’s mud season and beyond.

White Sneakers

If you were wondering what the “It” thing is going to be this spring, it’s white sneakers. 

I’ll be totally honest — having been raised by parents from Michigan, I still have trouble calling these “sneakers” instead of “tennis shoes.” And no, I don’t even play tennis!

 But whatever you want to call them, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more trendy and versatile shoe this Spring. I love how footware can instantly transform an outfit. Wear them with anything and everything. I dare you. 

Wide-legged crop jeans

Jeans in general will never go out of style. That seems to just be a pure, hard fact. And while skinny jeans are persistently popular no matter what, this Spring will usher in a new craze: wide-legged crop jeans. 

It’s no surprise, really — 70’s fashion has been making a formidable and undeniable comeback, and though bell-bottoms might be a thing of the past, flared-ware is becoming a staple item once again.

Other things to watch out for this Spring

• Crochet-style tops and dresses
• Vests 
• Oversized Blazers
• Round Purses
• Culottes
• 70’s fashion & colors in general (think flares & disco collars!) 
• Colors: Ice cream (mint!), black and white, muted/natural (like olive, ginger, mustard or brick.) 

Happy Spring

Now I’m just waiting for those tulips to poke up their heads, heralding the beginnings of sunshine and warmth.

-Quinn 

Before St. Valentine even existed, the Romans celebrated a mid-february fertility festival that involved the sacrifice of a goat to encourage successful marriages and agriculture. Luckily, it’s 2020, and these days, cards, flowers, and chocolates are totally acceptable substitutes for animal sacrifice. But don’t rely solely on the standard Valentines go-tos; these are okay as supplementary gifts (and certainly encouraged), but thoughtful, meaningful presents shared on this day always take the cake over impersonal, last-minute items grabbed in the check-out aisle when you suddenly remember what day it is.  

Things to consider when picking out the perfect gift

The key to selecting the best present isn’t just about looking up unique ideas on Pinterest and picking out anything that strikes your fancy. You should expect to do at least a tiny bit of legwork in order to personalize your gift. I recommend asking yourself the following key questions:

• How can my gift contribute to having meaningful shared experiences as a couple?
• How can my gift inspire my partner to enhance current interests or activate new ones?
• How can my gift symbolize or create vulnerability, intimacy, and romance?
• Is my gift aligned with my partner’s values and ethics?

Experiences

Experiences — not items — are what people remember. How can your gift contribute to a meaningful experience for your partner? Is it something they can use? Does it inspire potential? This could mean many different things. For example, you might purchase a nice journal for a partner who loves to travel, and encourage them to write about their journeys. Alternately, you might buy tickets for a weekend away to a destination that they’ve always wanted to go. The journal evokes promise of the adventures you’ll on together, and the weekend away whets the travel appetite! Both lend to meaningful experiences, either directly (doing the thing) or indirectly (encouraging the thing.) 

Hobbies

What are your partner’s current hobbies? What are some things they’ve expressed interest in but haven’t actually gotten around to doing yet? If your girlfriend has mentioned on several occasions how fun it would be to learn how to paint, you might consider purchasing a small paint set or maybe go to an art lesson together. This might not seem all that romantic on the surface — but the very fact that you heard them, and remembered, is romantic in and of itself! 

Have an outdoorsy partner who loves adventure? Nothing wrong with buying outdoor garb you’d think they’d like and look good in, or other items that evoke feelings of adventure. Cute hiking socks, mountain bike gloves, hand warmers, stylish buffs, pocket knives, snowshoes or thermoses are all totally valid ideas in this scenario! Hobby-related gifts demonstrate thoughtful attentiveness to your partner’s passions, and can have the dual-purpose of being practical and stylish at the same time.

Symbolism 

Symbolism is perhaps one of the most powerful factors to take into consideration — so it’s no wonder that heart-shaped chocolates and red roses are so popular this time of year. But your present doesn’t have to be directly connoted with romance to evoke feelings of intimacy. It could boil down to gifting a favorite book that has great personal meaning to you; or it could be something to inspire nostalgia (either shared or individual to your partner.) Do they miss childhood vacations at the old family cabin up north? How about a pine-scented candle to bring back fond memories? Or maybe one day they were reminiscing about penny candy and bottled coke. The romance here comes in the consideration, rather than the item itself.

Ethics

If your boo has strong principles, it shows great compassion to pick out a gift that aligns with them. That might mean going out of your way to find organic, sustainable flowers (instead of imported roses from South America). It might also mean prioritizing eco-friendly clothing lines who pride themselves in sustainable practices, fair trade chocolate, or supporting your community by purchasing unique artisan jewelry made by local artists.

Some ideas to leave you with

• Sushi making kit
• Your favorite book
• A vintage/special edition/signed copy of his or her favorite book
• Snowshoes or microspikes
• Hiking poles
• Mountain bike gloves
• Cute hiking socks
• Personalized binoculars with birdwatching book
• Stylish outdoor garb with hiking guide 
• Stylish travel garb with travel guide
• Scented candle
• Funky flask and their favorite liquor
• Unique jewelry made by local artists
• DIY tea bags with personalized quotes, love notes, or inside jokes.
• Organic cut flowers from locally-owned florist
• Fair trade chocolate 
• Personalized woodcutting ax 
• Eco-friendly clothing 
• A cookbook that you can use together (make that part clear!)
• Cards made by local artists and/or on recycled paper
• DIY “gift cards” (there are lots of fun ideas for this online!)
• Thermos or travel mug & special tea
• Yoga mat/meditation cushion
• Super warm cozy sweater with special hot chocolate
• A houseplant that represents your relationship 
• Special incense or crystals 
• Bathtub caddy tray 
• Go to a Sip & Paint, a pottery studio, or other artsy class together!
• Tickets to the big game 
• Take salsa lessons 
• Picnic basket with pledge to go on more picnics together this year

Above all, have fun!!

Hopefully some of these ideas sparked your imagination! Remember, it doesn’t have to be shiny and expensive to be meaningful. 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Quinn 

If you’re familiar with my 8 simple ways to cope with shorter days, you’ll know that I strongly advise the act of getting outside as one of my favorite methods of making these colder months not just something to survive or endure, but a time to thrive. 

Part of this means dressing the part. And although most people in New England are no strangers to a harsh, varied wintery climate, I still find that it’s not always straightforward to people how to dress to best optimize any given activity in a way that is comfortable and safe. It’s not unusual, for example, to see someone totally decked out in downhill ski gear when they’re just trying to go cross country skiing (or vise versa). You wouldn’t, for example, wear the same outfit for a snowmobile ride (the one that makes you feel like a marshmallow) as you might to go snowshoeing or winter hiking.

Some Basic Tips

 Dressing for physical outdoor activities — like snowshoeing, hiking, or cross country skiing — can be somewhat of an art, and it’s important to get it right, because embarking on these sorts of hobbies can bring us out onto remote trails, away from immediate warmth, shelter, and emergency care (not that you should always expect the worst when you’re just going for a leisurely jaunt!) With some simple tips, you can pull on layers that will serve you well and keep you warm.

• Dress in layers. Activities that require physical activity are bound to warm you up pretty fast. Layers are ideal, because you can shed them as needed (be sure to leave room in your backpack for this very purpose when you head out.) 

Brief Overview of Hypothermia

In the winter, it is particularly important to pay attention to your body while you’re out on the trails. Hypothermia is when your body’s core temperature drops to a level that impairs normal cognitive and muscle function. Wet clothes, dropping temperatures, lack of fuel for the body or injuries acquired on the trail can contribute to hypothermia. This is why packing appropriate clothing and ample snacks is so crucial when embarking on your adventures, in addition to always telling someone back home when you expect to return, where you’re going, and what trailhead you’ll be parked at, so that if you don’t show up, someone can call for help immediately in the event that you might be injured out on the trail.

The Layers

Much of this is subjective, and, of course, it can greatly depend on varied temperatures in addition to what type of terrain you’ll be on. However, these are some of my general suggestions, assuming that you will be snowhoeing, cross country skiing, or hiking (in other words, exerting physical energy) on gradually hilly terrain! You’ll notice many similarities between these and dressing for hiking in the mountains in autumn, but with an increased emphasis on warmth.

Types of Materials to wear

Though this may seem overly foreboding, “Cotton kills” is a phrase sometimes heard in the outdoors community. Sweat, stream crossing mishaps or rain and mist will soak through cotton clothing, causing it to lose its insulation. Though this may feel good initially if you’re hot from all that physical exertion, it’ll eventually cause your body’s temperature to drop rapidly once you stop moving to take a break, or you hike into exposed areas above treeline where it may be cold and windy.

Synthetic quick-dry blends designed specifically for physical exertion and outdoor adventures won't lose insulating capacity the way cotton will, plus it (surprise!) dries more quickly. Wool garments are known for their superior ability to maintain our body’s thermoregulation, even when wet. Merino wool is an excellent choice

Base Layers

Base layers are the garments that are closest to our skin. In the winter, include:

• Wool socks. I prefer Darn Tough socks of medium thickness for physical winter activities.
• Synthetic/wool underwear & sports bra. Stay away from cotton; once these garments get damp, it can make it very difficult to stay warm, even if your other layers are dry! 
• Quick-dry/synthetic long underwear tops and bottoms. You can typically get matching tops and bottoms, either as light-weight, mid-weight, or heavy-weight. I personally prefer light-weight (especially if I’ll be going up hill a lot) but for colder days, mid-weight long underwear is great. Save the heavier ones for downhill skiing or snowmobiling.  

Mid-Layers

These layers go over the aforementioned based layers. For me, these typically include:

• Nordic ski pants. These are water resistant, insulated, and made for physical activity (they are not snow pants; snow pants would be too heavy). If you don’t have something like this, you might also consider wearing hiking or some other kind of athletic pants over your long underwear.
• Another light, long-sleeved layer. I prefer one that can easily zip or button off as needed. This might come in the form of a micro-fleece, a synthetic athletic top of some sort, or a thin wool sweater.
• Lightweight insulated vest. Vests can do wonders! They are easy to take on and off, and can bundle up nice and small if you need to stash it in your bag. I rely heavily on mine for thermoregulation. Opt for micro-fleece or polyester/nylon blends.

Outer Layers

• A winter shell. These are designed to be waterproof and windproof. I don’t recommend a heavy winter coat, though. You’ll get too hot!
• A shell lining. Some people choose a thin down “puffy” jacket for this purpose. Mine’s polyester. It’s one of those layers that I usually don’t wear while I’m actually moving, but I always keep it with me for additional warmth during water or snack breaks. I also put it on if I’m about to start skiing downhill for a while after a long climb!
• Hats, gloves, mittens, and a buff or neckwarmer. Like I said earlier, it is sometimes worth bringing a “light” set of hats/gloves along with a heavier set of a warmer hat/pair of mittens if it’s actively precipitating, if you plan on going downhill for a long time after a climb, or if you plan on spending any extended time in an open windy area such as a field or an alpine zone on a mountain.

Have fun.

All it takes is some basic preparation in order to have a wonderful time out in the snow. If you tend to run cold, you may find that you need additional layers not listed here. If you tend to run hot, you may balk at my list of suggestions, thinking you’d be sure to overheat in that! Do some experimenting, and remember to leave a little space in your backpack so that you can experiment as needed with de-layering! Don’t forget to bring some water and a granola bar.

Happy New year!

-Quinn 

With cheap prices waving at us temptingly from megaliths like Amazon, it can be difficult to feel inclined to shop locally during the holidays — I get that. The desire to save money is pretty much universal, so it’s understandable that holiday shoppers would seek out the lowest prices possible in order to get their loved ones satisfying gifts. But for many people, price isn’t the only factor; superb quality, socially-conscious ethics, environmental friendly practices, and locality all play a role in sculpting meaningful, enduring products that make memorable presents. 

Why support women-owned small businesses?

Help combat revenue disparities: Despite the fact that the number of female-owned enterprises have been dramatically increasing over the past few years, the revenue disparity between businesses owned by women versus businesses owned by men continues to grow, with women earning only $.037 to the dollar in revenue generated by private companies. 

Support sustainable economic growth: It’s no secret that shopping locally helps your local economy — but on top of that, supporting and patronizing local, female-owned businesses has the potential to impact our economy in a really positive way. According to Dima Elissa, CEO of VISMED-3D, “Women, predominantly, are the most creative, profitable, and efficient business owners, creators, and designers. If we don’t support the core of our economy represented by women, we are mitigating against job creation and continued scaling and opportunities to build our country’s strength at its core, which is largely driven by women.”

Female entrepreneurs receive less funding than their male counterparts. Statistically, fewer women seek funding for their businesses — but the ones that do receive smaller loans than men. Starting with less capital means slower business growth, and less revenue, contributing to the imbalance between men and women in business, which makes it all that more meaningful to support our badass boss ladies who are making things happen in their communities. 

Raise each other up. 40% of American businesses are owned by women. The number is pretty good, but it could be higher — so it’s especially important for women to support other women, because wide-spread success is good for everyone!

How to support women-owned small businesses

Purchase their products! Small business owners invest time and energy into painstakingly curating high-quality products that are often durable, aesthetically-pleasing, unique, ethical or special in some other way — the types of items that you won’t find on Amazon. Consider asking a local shop owner if they are willing to put together a wishlist for you (and then share it with loved ones or ask for a gift card for Christmas!) 

Spread the word. Don’t currently need something but love a local shop? Recommend it to friends & family who might be interested in exactly what the store has to offer — not only is this supportive of your local businesses, but your friends will thank you when they find their next perfect indulgence or gift. 

Engage on social media. Social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram are instrumental for small businesses in gaining wider audiences — but they also have pesky algorithms that can make getting seen trickier than it should be. Following, liking and sharing small business pages or posts on these platforms can go a long way. Plus it feels good to illuminate women who are living their dreams, and it inspires others to do the same.

Express your appreciation. Encouragement and positive feedback can make someone’s day! Small business doesn’t mean small amounts of work; let the boss ladies in town know that you admire their passion & dedication! 

#BuyWomenOwned this holiday season!

Wishing you and yours a warm, safe & happy holiday. 

-Quinn 

But I’d argue that us New Englanders deal with our long winters not simply due to acclimatization, but because of the simple little things we’ve learned to integrate into our routines or wardrobes that help improve our experiences, so that we don’t just feel like every day is a matter of simply trying to survive.

Some of the items on this list may seem obvious, but it’s always nice to have a refresher as we get reacquainted with the cold. So, here we go:

1. Warm Sweaters

Well-made, cozy warm sweaters are an absolutely crucial tool in the New England winter survival kit. Not only are they trendy, cute, and comfortable, they provide vital warmth and help keep us insulated during cold days and dark nights. There’s something a bit magical about pulling on a favorite sweater that is difficult to pin down, but I can tell you this: sweaters are more than just an item of clothing. They’re like old friends, and it’s nice to see them again!  

2. Cozy Candles

I love candles and the unbeatable, unique ambiance that they create. Somehow, they feel even more magical in the winter, their dancing flames serving as tiny little beacons of light in the darkness of impending winter. Homey, warming scents that include things like cinnamon, vanilla, pumpkin spice and cedar are good bets for these late Fall evenings when the soul needs a soothing pick-me up. If you’re more of a jump-right-into-the-holidays kind of person, then you might find solace or cheer in notes of chestnut, almond, balsam fir or peppermint. 

3. Good Socks

I can’t stress enough the importance of adding good, sturdy socks to the cold weather wardrobe. Thin cotton socks might cut it for summer months, but your entire body — not just your feet — will benefit immensely from wrapping your toes in thick wool socks designed specifically for life and adventure in a challenging New England climate. One of my most effective coping methods for dealing with cold or wet weather is ensuring that I always have dry, warm socks that I can slide my feet into.  

4. Hot Chocolate 

Hot chocolate is of course the iconic beverage for these colder, darker days, and for good reason: plenty of research shows that chocolate has notable benefits when it comes to boosting serotonin levels (which is especially important during these dark times when the lack of daylight has us low on this particular neurotransmitter, which plays an important role in regulating mood.) In fact, the ancient Mayans revered chocolate and considered it to be magical and divine. I personally recommend upping your cocoa game and trying this spicy “Aztec” hot chocolate recipe. If you don’t have time to get too creative, a personal simpler favorite of mine is to simply add a splash of orange juice and a *very* small pinch of cayenne pepper to your regular hot chocolate. That’ll warm you up! Of course, spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg are always safe bets too (peppermint Schnapps, anyone?) 

5. Long Underwear and Leggings 

I don’t know about you, but I positively LIVE in long underwear all winter long. I find that without the extra insulation, I just get too cold (sometimes even at home I can’t seem to fight that chilled-to-the-bone feeling that can sometimes take us into its grips.) So although long underwear may not seem super glamorous, a good pair will enjoy a long career of keeping you warm over the course of many New England winters, especially if you’re apt to spend a lot of time outside or if your body just tends to run cold in general (those of you with persistently cold hands and feet know what I’m talking about!)

6. Walks Outside 

I often find that the people who hate winter the most are the ones that haven’t found an enjoyable outdoor activity that they can do in the cold or the snow. If skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating don’t seem accessible or appealing to you for whatever reason (i.,e you don’t have time, you don’t really enjoy them or you don’t have the gear for it), a simple walk outside can easily suffice. Fresh air and getting out into nature in the scarce daylight (as cliche as it may sound) are so beneficial when it comes to coping with winter. If you tend to opt out of walking during the snowy months because you’re worried about ice (which is completely understandable) you might consider looking into winter traction that you can attach to your boots, such as Yaktrax or other type of microspike. That way, you can attend to your physical and emotional health without worrying about walking on potentially slippery or dangerous surfaces. 

7. Neck gaiters

What is a neck gaiter, exactly? You may have heard them referred to as “buffs,” (Buff is a brand) “neckies” or neckwarmers — possibly, you already own a fleece neck warmer that you use for downhill skiing. But these days, there are so many different styles, materials, and thicknesses that neck gaiters (or buffs) can serve useful for a variety of climates and for many different activities far beyond skiing. I wear my buff around my neck almost every day of the winter, inside and outdoors — it sort of makes me feel the comfort of a nice warm turtle neck but has immense versatility at the same time. And although I may still choose an infinity scarf (or regular scarf) if I’m going out on the town, buffs really help keep stray draughts of wind from nipping at any exposed skin at my neck, even if I’m just walking to the car. What’s more, they come in many different colors and designs, and I can honestly say that neck gaiters have greatly improved my winter experience!  

8. Soup, crockpots and chili 

There is nothing quite like getting home from a long cold day and being greeted with the warm, wholesome scents of chili emanating from the crockpot, seemingly invigorating the entire house with its spicy, bone-warming aura. In the winter, crockpots are a wonderful tool to have. Soups, stews and chili in general are vital components of my winter diet, not only for the dense nutrients that they can provide during these cold times when we need extra nourishing meals, but also for the very simple fact that hot soup is just that: hot. I’ll leave you with one delightful recipe recommendation that I adore: Soul-soothing African peanut stew. This recipe has become somewhat of a staple for us during the winter months. Enjoy!

This too, shall pass 

Not everyone loves winter, and that’s totally okay. Just remember not to underestimate the simple things that can help bolster your health, mood and thermoregulation over the next few months. Taking care of ourselves right now is extra important, and it may mean shifting around our typical routines in order to accommodate new needs such as increased sleep, denser meals, more hot drinks, more chocolate (yay!) and intentional exercise outside to maintain one’s sanity (even if at first glance, going out there might seem insane!) 

So, get out your favorite chili recipes, pull on your sweaters, and light some candles! It’s going to be a long but beautiful ride.  

Why do witches wear pointy black hats?

A number of theories outline the origin of the black pointy hat that we so closely associate with the witch.

One such theory asserts that the black pointy hat stems from the typical headgear worn by female ale brewers. Before alebrewing became “professionalized” and thus entered the male-dominated sphere of an urban economy, it was a typical domestic chore for women living in rural areas and a way to bring in some income to the household. While vendoring home-brewed ale at local markets, alewives used to wear tall pointy hats in order to draw the attention of potential customers more easily — so basically, the black hat that we know and love today might have started out as a marketing tool for beer! Who would have guessed?

There are other connections between witches and alewives as well; brewers of ale would have had to acquire a fairly extensive understanding of herbs, and most likely brewed ale in large black cauldrons. Furthermore, they kept cats around to keep rodents from spoiling the grains (are you seeing a theme here?) To top off the already very witchy-image of the alewife, it turns out that locations with alcoholic beverages for sale were required to post an “ale stake” outside their front doors, which looked remarkably like a broomstick (and often functioned as one, too!)

Female brewers began to be perceived in a negative light when male-dominated trade guilds realized that there was profit to be made from brewing beer, and made a move to push women out of the trade in order to establish beer brewing as an officially regulated vocation, hence the alewife developing similar connotations to witches.  

An alternative theory suggests that pointy hats, long a symbol of male wizards, were associated with the points of the devil’s horns, thus solidifying the perceived connection between witches and satan, further exemplified by historical artwork of witches.

A simpler explanation is that this fashion of headwear was merely the style of the times, and that many people of all sorts wore tall, conical hats because it was vogue, not because the garments had devilish ties! 

Why do witches have green skin?

Luckily, this question isn’t nearly as difficult to answer as to the origins of the witch’s pointy hat! Although there are numerous theories, it really all boils down to one film that most of us are probably familiar with.

Yup, I’m talking about the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. Virtually no portrayal of witches up until this movie came out involved green skin. In fact, the decision to portray the Wicked Witch of the West as a green-skinned crone was for purely aesthetic reasons; the movie was filmed during a time when Technicolor was still coming to life, and tinting the witch’s skin green was one sure way to make her color pop while taking advantage of new technology! (By the way, the emerald face paint that actress Margaret Hamiliton wore for the filming of the movie was reportedly flammable as well as potentially toxic; at one point, her costume caught fire and she had to spend six weeks in the hospital recovering from first- and second-degree burns!) 

Why are witches portrayed as old hags with warts?

A number of academics have explored the links between witchcraft accusations and land grabs — that is, women were often accused of witchcraft, and thus stripped of their rights to their properties. In turn, their land was distributed amongst high-ranking officials (often men directly involved with the trial). Pretty shady stuff — ultimately, older women (especially widows or women without sons to inherit their land) were the most vulnerable, and suffered the greatest losses, most likely lending to the modern image of the witch as an angry old hag (if my village schemed to get me kicked off my land via unfounded accusations, I’d be angry too!) 

Most people know that Halloween has ancient pagan roots. The vision of the old crone is closely associated to pagan mythology, which celebrated a tri-fold goddess that encompassed the maiden, mother, and crone. It just so happens that, per pagan mythology, the time around Halloween was when the goddess had entered her “crone” phase, representing the waning of the seasons, which at least partially explains the continued symbol of the old witch as a motif of Halloween! As to the witch having warts — well, that goes back to the “witch’s mark,” which was, during the time of the witch trials, an indication that a woman might be a witch (if you have a birth make, be careful — back in the day, it would have been sufficient evidence in court to suggest some devilish tendencies on your part!) 

Conclusion 

There’s a whole lot more to the history of witches, but at least you can be assured that if you decide to dress like a witch this halloween, you’re not obligated to paint your face green because that’s a relatively new depiction (but if you decide to proceed, don’t use flammable makeup, please!) Also, it sounds like having a beer in hand could actually make your costume that much more authentic. Food for thought...

Happy Halloween!

~Quinn

Autumn is a fantastic time to be in the mountains. The early season mosquitos, ticks and black flies have simmered down (though still best to always be prepared just in case!), the beauty of the mountain summer vegetation is still vibrant and lively, and the crowds begin to slowly start thinning out, allowing for some respite on the trails.

But the glorious Fall weather can be somewhat deceiving; often well-intentioned hikers don’t realize the weather extremes of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It is easy to assume that if it’s hot down below, it’ll be the same up above. My boyfriend, who works for the Forest Service, was just up in alpine areas this past week and said that the temperature was in the 40’s up there, even though here in town we had beautiful summer weather. As an experienced outdoorsman, he was prepared for the drastic change in temperature as he climbed. But sometimes, even the most experienced hikers can find themselves unprepared. Hypothermia is a serious danger up there, and should never be taken lightly.

A brief overview of hypothermia

Hypothermia is when your body’s core temperature drops to a level that impairs normal cognitive and muscle function. Wet clothes, dropping temperatures, lack of fuel for the body or injuries acquired on the trail can contribute to hypothermia, even in the summer. This is why packing appropriate clothing and ample snacks is so crucial when embarking on your adventures, in addition to always telling someone back home when you expect to return, where you’re hiking, and what trailhead you’ll be parked at, so that if you don’t show up, someone can call for help immediately in the event that you might be injured out on the trail. 

What type of clothing to wear

DO NOT wear cotton 

Though this may seem overly foreboding, “Cotton kills” is a phrase sometimes heard in the outdoors community. Sweat, stream crossing mishaps or rain and mist will soak through cotton clothing, causing it to lose its insulation. Though this may feel good initially if you’re hot from all that physical exertion, it’ll eventually cause your body’s temperature to drop rapidly once you stop moving to take a break, or you hike into exposed areas above treeline where it may be cold and windy.

DO wear quick-dry synthetic materials and wool.

Synthetic quick-dry blends designed specifically for physical exertion and outdoor adventures won't lose insulating capacity the way cotton will, plus it (surprise!) dries more quickly. Wool garments are known for their superior ability to maintain our body’s thermoregulation, even when wet. Merino wool is an excellent choice. 

Proper layering. 

Layering up is absolutely the key to safety (and style!) while out  on the trails, regardless of the season. As they say, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. I’ll outline some basics about how to strategically dress and prepare for a safe, fun day out on the mountains this month. Keep in mind that winter months will require an alternate packing list!

Base layers

Base layers are the garments that are closest to our skin.

• Wool athletic socks.
• Synthetic/wool underwear & sports bra (confession: I totally wear lace underwear when I hike sometimes because it a) is sometimes more economical to buy, b) can dry surprisingly fast depending on the material (but be sure to check tags!)  and c) who doesn’t want to feel sexy?
• Quick-dry/synthetic/athletic leggings, shorts or hiking pants (don’t worry, zip-offs are not required if that’s not your thing!) Personally, I like athletic shorts so that I don’t overheat (and then I can cover up with additional layers later).
• Quick-dry/synthetic/wool shirt or tank top designed for athletic use.

Mid Layers

Mid layers are the clothing items worn over the base layers. Good for when you’re just getting started on a cool morning, for throwing on when taking a break so that you don’t get cold, or adding on as you climb in elevation and the temperature begins to drop.

• Quick-dry/synthetic/wool pants to cover bare legs if you plan on spending extended time above tree line. For this, some people just use the zip-offs; others skip this step and just throw on rain pants for when they get into the alpine zone (see below in the “Outer Layer” section.)
• Long-sleeved wool or micro-fleece top.

Outer Layers

These layers are crucial — I’ll bring most of these regardless of whether the forecast calls for rain or not. Weather patterns in the mountains change rapidly, and plus, rain gear is good for thermoregulation even if it’s dry out.

• Rain pants 
• Raincoat
• Sun hat (the sun burns in the alpine zones!)
• Wool or fleece top/jacket (heavier than your “mid” long sleeved shirt, especially important for additional insulation on the higher peaks). You can wear your raincoat over this for additional warmth as needed.
• Warm hat

A few additional tips:

• I *always* bring a headlamp with extra batteries, even I am expecting to return well before dark.
• Bandannas often come in handy!
• Extra socks/clothes are useful if you *know* you’re going to be hiking in the rain and are anticipating a need to change into dry clothes.
• Bring plenty of water and healthy energizing snacks (I usually bring a little more than I think I’ll need)

Have fun.

Don’t let any of this scare you from adventuring out into nature this summer! Instead, merely use it as a general guideline for safety when preparing for your journey, which can be tweaked to your own personal needs and style. If you feel uncertain about what the weather might be like, I recommend checking out the higher summits forecast put out by the Mount Washington Observatory. This will give you a better idea of what to expect, depending on what elevations you plan on hiking to. 

Happy trails!

Quinn

There’s nothing quite like picking your first sugar snap peas of the season right off the vine and biting into that crunchy, flavorful goodness that defies even the brightest looking peas at the supermarket. And there’s just something intangibly empowering about walking out into the backyard and plucking up your very own greens to concoct a colorful salad that is both healthy and mouthwatering (since when are those words used in the same sentence?!) Seriously: garden fresh arugula, with its perfect balance of spicy and sweet, is drool-worthy.

But you don’t have to be a gardener to take advantage of the perfect storm of freshness, flavor, and nourishment that characterizes fresh veggies. 

That’s where farmers markets come in.

I love farmers markets because it’s looking your farmer in the eye as you purchase glorious zucchini and bursting berries that were grown without pesticides; It’s bobbing your head to the sound of talented local musicians, and watching kids run across the grass while you swap seasonal recipes with other members of your community. It gives you an opportunity to soak up an incredible community vibe — a feeling that is sometimes elusive in this modern world of disconnect. 

Eating fresh seasonal food inherently tunes us in to the changing seasons and connects us to the land that we live on and share with each other. In the process of purchasing local food, we get to support our hardworking community members that toil in the dirt, in the barn, or in the studio to provide us with stellar quality produce, meat, dairy, and artwork. 

Finding your local farmers market

If you live in Merrimack County, you’re in luck: the region is teeming with vibrant markets from which to fill your baskets, nourish your body and ease any yearnings you might have for that deeper sense of community. 

The Contoocook Farmers Market takes place every Saturday this summer in the village center from 9am-Noon. Here you can enjoy excellent live musicians while enjoying fresh baked goods, garden fresh veggies, herbal bodycare products and more. They operate a “You snap = we match” program, which means they accept SNAP/EBT benefits in exchange for tokens at double the value. 

Plus, if you forget your cash, you can use your credit or debit card to purchase spending tokens. 

The Live Music line-up for the Contoocook Farmers Market, courtesy of the Contoocook Farmers Market Facebook page.

At 8:30-Noon every Saturday from May til October, the Concord Farmers Market enlivens Capitol Street with organic fruits and veggies, fresh herbs and honey, maple products and more. Enjoy a European-street-market vibe while filling your totes with microgreens, jellies and premium seafoods in the shadow of Concord’s gold-domed Capitol building. Like Contoocook, the Concord Farmers Market partakes in the Merrimack County Conservation District’s SNAP/EBT benefit program. 

Check out this list to find other farmers markets that do the Granite State Market Match program, located throughout the county in Canterbury, Penacook, Salisbury, Warner and other locations. 

Local Harvest has a nifty search engine for finding markets near you.

How to eat seasonally

For some people, getting creative and learning new dishes is part of the fun when it comes to eating seasonally. 

For others, it can feel downright overwhelming.  

You have a couple of options here:

1. Wing it. Go to the farmers market and pick out foods that look interesting to you. Try combining some familiar veggies with some oddball ones you might not be super familiar with. 

Buy now, look up recipes online later! 

Also, consider asking the vendors or your fellow market-goes for ideas if you feel lost. You’re all eating seasonally, so you’re all in the same boat! 

2. Go prepared. You can come up with some ideas before you go to the market. Find out what’s in season in your region. I really like this handy interactive map that helps display what types of produce you can expect to find in a given season. This way, you don’t have to go in blind! If you want to find out when a particular veggie that you love might be available, The Spruce Eats has a helpful article on that.

PS. You belong.

When I first started attending farmers markets, I felt like an imposter, as if I didn’t belong there — like I might do it “wrong” somehow, without the systematic preciseness of the cash register line to march to. It can feel strange to go from cold grocery store aisles to the vibrant, communal experience of a farmers market, but have no fear: you and your community are in this together. So grab your basket and support your local growers!

-Quinn

Day 1 ushered us leisurely through Carrigan Notch, our path paralleling the looming cliffs of Mt. Lowell to our East, the Carrigain Brook weaving in and out of our path.

On Day 2, we tested our calf muscles as we clamored up the steep ascent toward the peak of Mt. Carrigain. Day hikers sped by us with their tiny backpacks as we maintained a slow-and-steady pace up the mountainside, lugging tent supplies, sleeping bags, cookware and other overnight gear on our backs.

Carrigain, which happens to be one of NH's forty-eight 4,000-footers, boasts an incredible 360-degree view of the region, and on a blue-bird-sky day, the only less than optimal component of our hike was the onslaught of the mosquitoes that swarmed us when we broke for lunch in the sun – and, perhaps, the mountaintop attitude of the other hikers with whom we shared the peak that day.

Every year, hundreds of hikers embark on a quest to complete “The 48.” New Hampshire is home to 48 peaks that reach above 4,000 feet in elevation, and it has become a full-blown sport for hikers to “conquer” these peaks in order to tick them off their checklist.

While admittedly this challenge provides a wonderful incentive to get city-dwellers into the great outdoors, the associated attitude can feel troubling to people who are out there to enjoy our time in nature, not to conquer it for bragging rights. And on that perfect day upon the summit of Carrigan, mountaintop conversation quickly became a battle of egos between the other hikers regarding their conquests.

We ate our lunch in silence as the others engaged in a sort of peacocking ritual of one-upmanship. For one couple, this was their final peak of the challenge. For another, it was number 46. Any mountain unlucky enough to be lower than 4,000 feet wasn't worthy of their attention. They'd already begun to speak of lists of peaks to complete in other states, barely bothering to take in the absolutely stunning views that Carrigain was affording them in the here and now!

We call these hikers “peak baggers” – those who are primarily out there to check off mountain peaks from their list, and for whom quality time in the great outdoors is sometimes beside the point.

When it comes to peak bagging, hikers fly up the mountain, often ill-prepared with tiny bags, only to snap a quick photo so that Instagram followers can validate their achievement, before promptly returning home, having completed the in-and-out mission of crossing off another mountain from the checklist.

Not only does this inhibit some of the deep, emotional and physical benefits of spending appreciative time in the mountains, but it can also be dangerous to venture out into the White Mountains without the proper gear and clothing (wearing the right clothing made of appropriate material, such as merino wool, greatly enhances your physical safety in terms of thermoregulation). New Hampshire's higher peaks are notorious for quickly-changing weather patterns, and hypothermia can pose a risk no matter what time of year it is.

To be sure, there’s nothing at all wrong with endeavoring to complete the 48 peak challenge! It can be a fun way to explore the Whites while connecting with other like-minded folks interested in nature, fitness and health. 

But while you’re doing that this summer — or opting to check out other gorgeous peaks not on the list — consider slowing things down. Opt to trade quantity for quality; think about replacing the conquer-and-win attitude with a mindset of relishing, gratitude, and pause. It doesn't have to be about the race to the top, and it doesn't have to be a competition against other hikers (besides, there are many wonderfully-underrated mountains in NH, totally ignored by peak baggers simply because they're not one of the 48).

You don't even have to reach the top of a mountain to benefit; simply spending time in the woods has notable physical and emotional benefits that are backed by scientific research. In Japan, Shinrin-yoku – the practice of “forest bathing” – is more and more frequently prescribed by doctors because it seems to have promising effects on blood pressure, cortisol levels, concentration and memory (not to mention mental health in general). 

Shinrin-yoku guides are adamant that the positive wellness effects of spending time outdoors are dependent upon intentional sensory observation and experience – in other words, throwing on your headphones, racing to the top of the mountain and glancing up from your phone just long enough to notice your surroundings before snapping that selfie probably doesn't qualify. Mindfulness and presence are key.

Proponents of forest bathing encourage taking steps such as leaving behind your phone, your goals, and your expectations. Even 15 minutes can contribute to mental clarity and physical health.

They also recommend hiking slowly and even aimlessly. In the Whites, the aimless part might be challenging because going off trail can damage fragile alpine flora, not to mention get you lost. But you can still meander up the trail (and don’t forget to bring a map along with enough water and appropriate layers to protect you from the elements!) Engage all five senses to take in your surroundings and practice being present. 

So next time you go for a hike, even if (or especially if) it's to bag one of the 4,000-footers, be sure to allot some time to take pause, put the phone away, and soak up the world you're in. It'll be worth more than any amount of Likes on social media, and your soul will thank you.

Happy Wandering!

Quinn

Cotton. Raw. Stretch. Selvedge.

These are just a few of the terms you’re likely to run into when shopping for your next pair of premium jeans, and it can probably feel a little overwhelming — especially if you’re making an investment in your soulmate dungarees and you want to be totally confident in their compatibility with your unique and myriad needs. Your lifestyle could dictate what type of fabric blend might work best for you — plus, knowing what you’re buying can help you extend the lifetime of your jeans in terms of care and maintenance, since different materials might have varying levels of tolerance for ironing, washing, machine drying, etc.

Fun fact:

The word “denim” comes from the french term “serge de Nîmes,” which translates to “serge from Nîmes”, a city in southern France (with serge referring to a type of twill fabric, presumably a predecessor to our modern denim.) Now we call them jeans, based upon the French pronunciation of the Italian city Genoa (“Gênes”).

The Materials.

Once upon a time I thought jeans were all blue, and that they were simply made out of denim (whatever that is!) Nothing more to it, right?

Silly me.

Now I come to find that I had strongly underestimated the intentional craftsmanship and specially-curated fabric blends woven and reinforced in order to cumulate with the stylish, durable pants that we all know and love today (and they’re not all blue!) 

Cotton.

Traditional denim is made up of 100% cotton (that’s a plant, mind you — you might be surprised by how many people don’t know that). Many pairs of jeans that you find on the shelf today are still categorized as such, though industry standards have changed drastically over the years and many brands utilize synthetic blends due to industrial advancements in clothing manufacturing. 100% cotton denim jeans are known to be thick, hardy and durable with long lifespans, though they could stretch a bit over time.

Raw Denim.

Many manufacturers send their garments through a pre-wash processing cycle in order to reduce shrinkage, fortify the dye and soften up the material. Raw denim jeans have not gone through this process. You’ve probably heard all manners of odd rituals related to the glory that is raw denim, from freezing it to bathing in it to never, ever washing it (find this gross? You may want to start with some Denim Care 101!)

So, why on earth should you buy raw denim? In the words of Zan Romanoff, “These are jeans that wear in, not out.” Though it might feel like a commitment to break these babies in and surpass their stiff-legged stage, the result is a pair of totally unique-to-you pantalones that are perfectly creased to hug the contours of your body with au naturale fades (as opposed to the faux fades on many mass-produced pairs of pants which ultimately decrease the lifespan of your indigo blues.) You can also expect superior durability when you invest in raw denim.

Selvedge Denim

Selvedge denim refers to denim processed on shuttle looms, in which the edges of the fabric come “finished” and tightly woven to prevent fraying. Most jeans these days are created using denim processed on projectile looms — these can produce much larger swathes of denim (and faster) but the edges come “unfinished,” meaning they’re more prone to unraveling over time.

On one hand, projectile looms have helped make jeans more affordable and accessible to all. On the other hand, selvedge (“self-edge”) denim produced on shuttle looms rings with the nostalgia of the classic blue jeans sporting these small but sturdier details. That’s not to say that you can’t find high-quality non-selvedge jeans, but some denim traditionalists are going back to their fashion roots and seeking out the products of shuttle looms (today, Japan is actually the biggest producer of selvedge denim using shuttle looms.)

Stretch Denim

Technological advancements in the clothing industry have not only brought about faster and more efficient manufacturing techniques, but also new materials. These days, it’s common practice to include synthetic fibers in cotton blends, and denim is no exception to this. Generally, “stretch jeans” blend a small percentage of elastic synthetic fiber such as Lycra or Spandex with cotton. Dungarees with this added elasticity tend to retain shape more effectively as opposed to stretching out (despite their title!).

Though jeans made with cotton/elastane blends may not last quite as long as 100% cotton pairs, they make up for it with stretchy comfort and versatility in terms of everyday activities.

Now you can buy denim like a pro.

It’s sort of like reading the nutrition labels at the grocery store; to the untrained eye, it looks like a whole lot of hogwash and you know something on there is probably useful and relevant but who really knows? But once you know what you’re looking at, the world starts to slide into place, one piece at a time. Hopefully when you go to check the tags of your next potential blue jeans to-be, you’ll feel empowered to bring home the indigos of your dreams.

Now, go forth and conquer!

Ah yes, the sweater: that cozy staple garment hanging in almost everyone’s closet. It evokes feelings of warmth, and home, and comfort, all of which contribute to a general sense of physical and emotional security. So it’s not that surprising that If you see yourself wearing a sweater in your dreams, it symbolizes self-protection, self-care, and survival — for it certainly does all of these things, and more.  

Although we may be well beyond the season of ugly sweater parties and eggnog, winter is still in full-swing and Spring is still only a figment of the imagination, at least where I live. And if you thought sweaters belonged strictly to the realm of the ugly and the itchy, well, think again! Who ever said sweaters couldn’t be attractive, anyways?

It turns out that the first sweaters — hand-knit or crocheted pull-overs made from wool — were made by the wives of sailors and fisherman, for protection against the cold dampness of sea life.

On that logic, it seems like we should see more images of pirates of old, sporting cozy cardigans at the helm (or is that just me?!)

Cardigan-wearing swashbucklers aside, it’s clear that sweaters have proven their worth time and time again when it comes to protecting ourselves from the elements — and other things —  throughout history (in 1978, an assassination attempt on a Bulgarian defector failed because his wool sweater was too thick for the poison dart!)

If you’re not a sweater convert yourself, perhaps you’re still thinking of that itchy old thing your grandma made for you? You know, the one that you accidentally shrunk in the dryer and now it’s only fit for a garden gnome? Be assured that you don’t have to live like that!

What’s so great about wool, anyways?

With all the materials available to the clothing industry in modern times, why is wool so special? Some of the general benefits of wool include:

• Durability
• Flame retardant
• Water-wicking
• Renewable resource
• Excellent insulation
• Depending on the source, can be more sustainable than using plant materials such as cotton.

Some types of wool commonly used

You probably will have guessed that most “traditional” sweaters are made from sheep’s wool, though cotton and cashmere are popular choices as well. Three common types of sheep wool utilized are Merino, Shetland, and Lambswool. Mohair, Cashmere and Alpaca are also types that you’ll run into when picking out your knit wonders.

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep. This type of wool is finer than other kinds and is prized for its breathable durability (learn more about Merino wool from one of my previous blog posts.) Due to its effective thermoregulation properties, this type of wool is used for all sorts of performance outdoor wear, not just sweaters!

Shetland wool comes from sheep which were originally bred on Scotland’s Shetland Islands. True to that northern climate, sweaters made from Shetland wool are warm and hardy. These are also the sweaters that have been known to be itchy if in direct contact with your skin —  but that just means they’re great for layering over other garments (and modern techniques have mostly eliminated the issue anyways).

Lambswool comes from a lamb’s first sheering. It is known to be smooth, flexible and breathable. Because it is a lamb’s first coat, it is silky soft and also happens to be hypoallergenic. Lambswool is often used for making fine, fleece blankets and other similar products.

Cashmere actually isn’t wool at all, because it comes from a goat — and technically, our little square-eyed friends have hair, not wool (have you seen the eyes of a goat? They’re a bit eerie!) A soft, luxurious fiber, Cashmere is used to make more elegant, draping sweaters that are generally considered higher-end. Sweaters made from the hair of Cashmere goats are often more delicate than those made from sheep’s wool.

Mohair comes from Angora goats (not to be confused with Angora rabbits which produce the light fluffy Angora fiber as most likely seen at your county fair). These guys actually look remarkably similar to sheep to the untrained eye (and a quick image search for baby Angora goats will not leave you disappointed, I assure you!) Mohair is known for its resilience.

Sweaters aren’t just a garment, they’re an identity.

Other than the obvious comfort of enveloping yourself in the cozy glory of a well-made sweater, sweaters can serve other purposes as well. In fact, many people wear sweaters to signify their nuanced “membership” to a certain group (artists, teachers, or hipsters) or to present themselves as classy but totally relaxed, or to indulge a passion for the vintage and the nostalgic (on sunny winter days, cross country skiing in a thick wool sweater can make you feel like you’ve traveled to simpler times! Be sure to follow with hot cocoa and marshmallows. A bit of mint schnapps doesn’t hurt, either.)

Luckily, there are styles to suit every occasion which is partly why sweaters are so wonderfully versatile (not to mention the magical effect of pulling one over your head in the morning and feeling a sensation of home wash over you, no matter where you are.)

You can choose from timeless, neutral colors like blacks, greys, browns and creams for flexibility with layering, bold patterns to express your personal style, turtlenecks for sophistication, belted knit cardigans for class, or a whole host of varying necklines that suit your needs and contribute to the comfort you feel both in your own skin and in your wool!

If you’re concerned with purchasing ethically-sourced clothing, you can get started with some basic information in my previous post, Making Your Wardrobe Healthy.

Bottom line: Everyone deserves a sweater…

...Because it it’s like a heart-warming hug from a loved one. And because they just look good.

Go ahead — your soul sweater is waiting!

Seasonal changes herald different weather, of course, requiring us to dispatch our clothing into hibernation until the appropriate season for them returns and beckons them out of the closet once more. But these transitions are also natural catalysts for inner change, not just material. We always speak of spring cleaning, but in many ways, the New Year presents that same sensation of needing to cleanse, purge, and start afresh.

So, we all know that it’s what is on the inside that counts, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, etc etc. And yet, as I look upon my wardrobe and consider the life I’ve lived in those clothes, I can’t help but wonder: aren’t my stories infused in the very stitching of my garments, my hardships and triumphs evident in the frays, the worn out colors, the lost buttons who stole away with my secrets, never to be seen again?

My clothing, of course, can only represent me so much if we’re going with the whole inner-substance theory — but they still DO represent me. Or a part of me.

As the New Year came upon us, I stashed away old clothes that no longer seemed to suit my personal style into a cardboard box. After a couple days of uncertain hesitation, I finally delivered that box to the free store at my local transfer station. I’d never wear those clothes again — there was no looking back.

It felt so very good.

Though our appearances don’t necessary relay our true selves, our styles most certainly reflect who we are, even if inadvertently. So when it comes time to start fresh in our lives, it only seems natural that we start with our clothing, or our style, or our hair — the things that people see in us first, the outward things that resonate our quirks and uniqueness.

We go through many personal transformations in our lives, and our styles depict that (wow, I really don’t want to revisit the Hot Topic days of plaid pants with chains and dark poetry about unrequited teen love!)

If you’re wondering if it’s such a good idea to switch things up and enhance your personal style in light of the new year, I’m gonna go ahead and give you permission right here and now. Remember: as you relieve your old clothes of their duty to adorn you, you’re shedding your old skin and making room for the new, the adventurous, the improved.

Maybe you’re ready for a different look; maybe you’re transitioning your wardrobe into a 100% organic or Fair Trade affair to appease your conscience. Maybe you’ve given into wanderlust and you need to swathe yourself in durable and attractive wear that will last but also radiate who you want to be and who you are. Maybe you’re ready to shine your own individuality and sport unique jewelry handmade by passionate artists. Whatever you choose, you’ll be paving a new way for yourself.

If you’re looking to get rid of clothes that no longer resonate with you, consider donating them to your local Goodwill, dropping them off at a free store (as I did) or consigning them at a nearby boutique. This way, others can still continue to enjoy them and you can cut back on waste!

You may even consider signing up with thredUP, the largest online consignment & thrift store. They’ll send you a bag that you can fill up with your lighty-used brand-name garments. When you send it back, they post your items for sale and you can earn a bit of money in the process.

Here’s to a sauvely stylish  2019. Happy New Year!

-Quinn

Hint: It’s actually not your liver (or your lungs) — it’s your skin.

Chances are, you go to great lengths to care for your skin; refreshing ointments, herbal lotions, eco-friendly soaps, organic makeup, hydrating face washes.

Unless you’re a nudist (and props to ya!), there’s one thing almost in constant contact with your skin that’s easy to overlook:

Your clothes.

Most of us, by now, are familiar with the benefits of purchasing organic food — or we at least know that there are  benefits, even if we don’t know what those benefits actually are. A lot of us choose to eat organically for various reasons, including our compassion for the farm workers, our concern about the environment, or because we’re conscious of what we’re putting into our bodies.

But don’t be mistaken: organic isn’t just for your veggies, and though “organic” is often shrugged off as just another buzzword, there are real pros to consuming organic goods — and what you put into your closet is no exception.

25% of the world’s pesticides goes toward growing conventional cotton for the sake of clothes manufacturing. That means that if your blouses are made with conventional cotton, you’re wardrobe could theoretically be toxic to you in a low-grade, subtle sort of way that accumulates over time. In fact, most cotton is sprayed with Roundup, a harmful chemical linked to cancer. Other pesticides include chemicals linked to respiratory problems, endocrine disorders, kidney/liver issues, and more. Last year, American Airline employees claimed that their new uniforms were causing them rashes, hives and breathing problems, and they protested against this, demanding healthier garments.

I’m not saying these things to scare you, but merely to bring your attention to *potential* issues surrounding the clothing industry and the benefits of going organic both at the grocery store and in your wardrobe.

The benefits of going organic

1. Protect your health. The chemicals in your clothes persist over time. Even if you wash it dozens of time, certain chemicals remain embedded in the fibers. You don’t have to worry about this if you purchase clothing made from organically grown materials.

What are my options?

More and more companies are striving toward ethical practices when it comes to creating styles that are comfortable, attractive and healthy, including labels such as United by Blue, Prana, TenTree, and Toad & Co.

TenTree, which plants 10 trees for every item purchased, strives to use 100% organic cotton in their products, such as the Ivy Cardigan.

Toad&Co, touting sustainable, organic and eco-friendly practices, uses vegan materials for garments like the Allie Fleece Vest, which is 70% Tencel, a sustainable fabric made from natural wood pulp cellulose (and all organic.)

United by Blue (Responsible Durable Goods) removes 1 pound of trash from the world’s oceans for every product sold. They utilize 100% organic cotton in clothing such as the adorable Bike Trail Tee, on top of creating other non-wearable sustainable (and chemical free) items like hand-poured gmo-free soy candles.

Prana focuses on creating certified Fair Trade items which means prioritizing fair wages and high working standards for workers, on top aiming for sustainability and health. They often use organic cotton/recycled poly blends, as with the Francie Top.

What to look for

If you’re seeking to “healthify” or clean up your wardrobe in an eco-friendly manner, seek out garments with labels related to the following:

Certified Organic

Certified Fair Trade

Tencel fabric

100% Organic Cotton and/or recycled blends

100% Merino wool

Unfortunately, most of us can’t be naked all the time (it’s too cold up here in the North East!) which means we probably have to wear something the majority of the time.

We can ultimately make that something count by choosing clothing labels that share our values, but that also value us — because we shouldn’t have to compromise personal health over style, ever.

I have a confession to make about a particular personal fashion faux pas: should you open my closet, you would not find an LBD anywhere to be seen -- an essential for many women everywhere due to its elegant versatility. I vaguely recall within the depths of my memory a time where I indeed owned that crucial Little Black Dress (keyword being vaguely) but those times are long gone.

Tis the season for holiday parties: the time of year where I actually, for once, notice this certain absence in my closet when I am suddenly without a go-to fashion essential to supply the base for my outfits, a sort of all-purpose, multi-functional blank slate from which to dress up or dress down according to the caliber of the social function.

The fashion deities up above have bestowed upon me a potential solution to this annual predicament, however. Enter Little Black Jeans, possibly here to save you from yourself (and that ever familiar crisis 2 minutes before it’s time to leave and you’re still  re-assessing and adjusting your outfit because suddenly everything you own feels like a clothier’s disaster.) Ahh, gotta love that holiday spirit.

Your initial reaction toward Little Black Jeans might be hesitation: after all, the LBD has been a rule of fashion for a long time (more officially since the 1920’s, but less officially much earlier than that when the 19th-century version of our hipsters normalized the color black as fashionable instead of dreary and mournful.)

But that’s just it: the color hasn’t changed -- just the manner through which we wear it upon our bodies. LBJs, it turns out, can easily fulfill the role of the LBD, possibly with even more versatility (Looking to keep it caj? Check. Minimal-classic look? Check. Professional/interview attire? Check. Edgy street-style? Check. Elegant holiday party outfit? Yup, absolutely!)

Just as with the dress, Little Black Jeans can similarly be a fashionable blank canvas from which your next outfit can fruitfully blossom. If you’re still unsure, check out this article about what to wear with black jeans. And I can guarantee that if necessary, you can effortlessly complement your black pantalones with a perfectly ugly holiday sweater (can your LBD do that?!)

In these times were we often favor being casually elegant (or elegantly casual), Little Black Jeans are totally appropriate -- and possibly the new and impending “classic”  because many of the benefits of the LBD also fluidly intersect with LBJs (versatility, accessorizable, spill-friendly, simplicity and elegance, to name a few, with the capacity to operate along a wide spectrum of casual to more formal.)

Ultimately if you’re like me and you’re feeling a sort of deep dark void within yourself because you just know something crucial is missing from your life (and your wardrobe), Little Black Jeans might just be it. So this Thursday, be sure to thank those fashionistas up above.

Happy Thanksgiving!

https://mydvdphotomemories.com/collections/lbj-little-black-jean

However, two different All-American cities vie for this most prestigious title. Some die-hards will attempt to persuade you that Fort Payne, Alabama takes the cake. Other sock aficionados will tut-tut and shake their heads. No silly. It’s Northfield, Vermont!

As a New Hampshirite, I’m almost always going to side with Vermont. It also just so happens that Northfield is the home of Darn Tough, maker of those Premium All-Weather Performance Socks that so many people are sporting these days.  As a hiker, skier and mountain biker, I can attest to the fact these are indeed the toughest darndest bits of wool ever to encapsulate my busy feet.

It may seem strange to rave about a pair of socks -- I mean, they’re socks  for goodness sake! -- but this isn’t just your run-of-the-mill hosiery that we’re talking about here. With versatility, durability and ethical sourcing, these American-made garments are sort of an unconquerable staple garment for messy sock drawers everywhere.

What makes them so great?

My Favorite Darn Tough Sock Specs:

Merino Wool: 47% Nylon: 46% Lycra Spandex: 7%

Merino Wool is known for a number of benefits, including its antimicrobial properties, breathability, comfort, and moisture wicking. The nylon helps increase the durability and thus the life-span of your socks, and Lycra provides some elasticity.

What is Merino wool?

Merino wool comes from -- surprise! -- Merino sheep. This breed’s lineage can be traced back thousands of years and the general consensus is that they produce the finest wool in the world. Darn Tough assures us that they only partner with humane producers who never engage in “mulesing,” a harmful shearing method practiced by some. From sheep-to-feet, Darn Tough is committed to an ethical process all around, and that’s something that I can get on board with.

Also, Merino sheep are super adorbs. (see photo above)

The benefits of Merino Wool

Fine fibers. Merino wool fibers are very fine, which is why this material is so soft and cozy. Picture that scratchy annoying sensation of Grandma’s wool sweaters, and then picture the exact opposite of that.

Durable. Merino sheep have evolved to withstand all kinds of weather and climates, so it’s no surprise that the wool they produce retains these same qualities. Imagine putting that on your feet!

Moisture-wicking. My feet get cold super easily, especially if they get the slightest bit wet (I know, I’m a big baby.) This is why I’m sort of a die-hard Darn Tough kinda person. Merino wool is superior when it comes to thermoregulation.

Sustainable and humane. The process of acquiring this type of wool is deemed one of the most eco-friendly options. Generally, producers manually shear their sheep only once or twice a year using humane methods that leave those fluffy cuties happy and healthy.

Breathability. If you’re like me and you hate doing laundry (but really, who actually likes it?) then you’ll be pleased that the breathable, antimicrobial properties of Darn Tough socks will combat that delicious gym-bag smell that so often plagues other socks after use. Mmmm.

Darn Tough’s Lifetime Warranty

Lifetime warranty? Yeah right!

Turns out, though, that the mythical lifetime warranty of Darn Tough is not a myth at all. I haven’t had to exchange any of mine yet -- because they’re sooo durable -- but when I do, you bet your behind that I will definitely be taking them up on that. “FOR LIFE,” their website reads, “Unconditionally Guaranteed.” Internet anecdotes galore confirm that the legend is true. Once you wear out your precious garments, they’ll replace them with a new pair of socks that is raring to go. Your feet will then be ready to conquer mountains, shred the gnar or tear up the dance floor. Take your pick.

Just remember that you have to send back both of your socks when you want your replacement. If you lose one, that’s on you, buddy. (What a bummer for those of us who are notorious for walking around wearing unmatching socks on our feet…)

Vermont Made, Family-Owned.

I would wear them in a boat, and with a goat, and in the rain, and on a train (Thanks, Dr. Seuss.)   With New England’s infamously oscillating weather patterns, varied terrain and drastic seasonal temperature changes, it’s no wonder why Northfield, Vermont is competing to become the revered Sock Capital of the World. Whether you’re in a car or in a tree or in a house or with a mouse, these socks have been tried-and-tested in all sorts of harrowing conditions for performance and flexibility, because that’s where they’re made and what they’re made for.

Sorry, Alabama.

In case you couldn’t tell, I’m a pretty big fan of Darn Tough’s small-needle-knit approach to wonder-sock creation. And don’t be mistaken: you don’t have to be an outdoor enthusiast to benefit from these. Couch potatoes, weekend warriors and flatlanders alike can enjoy these lovely stockings without guilt or shame. Hiking boots not required.

In fact, one of my favorite lighter-weight pairs has been stuffed many a-time into town shoes and city boots. They even have yetis on them. I’m always down to rep the abominable snowman on my feet.

-Quinn

So you’ve left your jeans half-inside-out all crumpled on the floor. Then you dumped the rest of your laundry on top of them, and then you spent weeks wondering where on earth your fav dungarees got off to, because obviously you don’t put your laundry away (drawers? Who needs drawers?)

By the time you finally discover your long-lost denim, they’ve sort of taken on the look of one of those Chinese Shar-Pei puppies (you know the one: slack-skinned wrinkles, creased face.)

Now you’re wondering: should you iron those bad-boys or what?  I mean, if Prince Charles has his shoelaces ironed, you should probably at least iron your pants, right? Let’s take a look at why (or why not) you might want to whip out the ol’ ironing board.

Why Iron, honestly?

1) Get rid of those wrinkles.

With the possible exception of Generation Z kiddos (and some Millennials!)  everyone knows that ironing is the go-to for de-wrinkling your clothes. The heat of the iron loosens up the bonds of the fibers within your garments and the weight of the iron helps straighten them into that crisp, wrinkle-free shape.

2) Look smart & savvy

Convention dictates that you have to iron to look smart, and that you’re practically guaranteed to get thrown out on your face if you deign to show up to a job interview with a visible crease in your outfit.

Some people think that wearing creased clothing makes you look lazy. Evidently, ironing is key to banishing these assumptions of irresponsibility!

But Is Ironing a Dying Art?

It’s 2018. Conventions change, and so do industry norms -- some of the modern fabric blends used nowadays may not even really require ironing (which is good, because I can assure you that I haven’t laid eyes upon an iron in over a decade. I am a Millennial though, sorry.)

Fabric blends have changed, and so has fashion: the consciously-casual feel of imperfection is increasingly popular across age-groups. Of course, that depends on who you talk to you -- and besides, your fashion preferences are totally personal and even variable; maybe sometimes you want to appear fashionally bedraggled one day, then kill it with sharp sophistication the next.

Denim & the Iron

If you’re up to speed on Denim Care 101, you’re familiar with the heat-and-denim debate, and maybe this has scared you away from the possibility of ironing your jeans. That’s totally understandable, because by now you know that exposing your denim to too much heat can weaken the fabrics and decrease the lifespan of your garments. The goal, of course, is to hang onto your indigo blues for dear life (because doesn’t everyone invest a ton of time agonizing in the dressing room looking for the one? Or is that just me?)

If you must iron, do so carefully!

There are ways to iron your jeans if you’re determined to get that particularly crisp look (although if you purchased raw denim, I recommend holding out for a while and breaking them in for few months before exposing them to heat!) Generally, jeans don’t *need* to be ironed because they are sort of “street style” attire. If you do choose to grab the iron, though, make sure you use plenty of steam and you operate on low-heat! There are several other steps you can take if you want to go this route.

Ironing Alternatives

There are all sorts of crazy de-wrinkling tactics on the interwebz when it comes to showing your pants some TLC, from taking romantic baths with your pants to using your own perspiration to do the de-creasing for you.

Below are some alternative options that don’t involve candle light or other questionable aromatics:

• Tumble your jeans in the dryer on the lowest-heat setting with a wet towel
• Hang your denim in the bathroom while you’re taking a hot shower for nice little steam bath.
• Mix fabric softener with water and lightly spray your denim, using your hands to manually smooth out the wrinkles.

No matter what you decide, you may want to skip the dry cleaner, as some places use potentially harmful chemicals that your jeans might not like.

What’s the verdict?

If you’ve splurged on some premium dungarees, you may want to try some of the alternatives to ironing. That, combined with following standard denim care protocol, will keep your jeans looking better, longer.

As long as it's not 'raw' denim however, don’t be afraid to carefully iron your jeans on occasion ......but please, no need to iron your shoelaces!

So you’ve splurged on some premium denim that perfectly accentuates that booty (that’s the whole point of jeans, right?) and now you’re wondering how to maintain that beautiful indigo sheen of your spanking dungarees without compromising a fit that feels like a cozy bear hug around your legs.

You have heard all the crazy things: put your jeans in the freezer, they say! Never wash your clothes, they exclaim! If you’re skeptical about shoving those pantalones in with your ice cream or you’re squeamish about smelling faintly of unwashed hippie, all is not lost. If you’re careful, you can most diligently guard the shape and feel of your jeans, extend their life, and preserve the color without losing your mind or sacrificing your hygiene.

The people telling you not to wash your jeans aren’t wrong.

Okay -- maybe a tiny hygienic sacrifice, but bear with me. This doesn’t mean that you have to walk around smelling like shoe insoles. Think of it more as a getting-out-of-doing-laundry card.

Washing your jeans too often will cause the color to fade more quickly and you’ll lose that blue-bird allure. While there’s no magic number for how frequently you should cleanse your baby blues, washing after every use is too much. In fact, Levi Strauss CEO Chip Bergh urges denim lovers never to wash their jeans. Personally, I’m not a fan of that idea, but some denim aficionados swear by it!

A good rule of thumb is to throw them in the wash after every 5 wears or so. If your jeans are on the more rigid side (100% cotton with no Lycra), try every 10 wears.

Care in between wash cycles

You can -- and should-- gives your jeans some TLC in between washing them, especially if you’re one of those people that will go for 6 months without giving them a good washdown. If you’re serious about preserving the color of your jeans, you can try a few of the following nifty tricks:

Okay, so how should I wash my jeans?

When it IS time to give your blues a nice bath, here are some things to keep in mind:

These are just a few nifty hacks for extending the life of your fav pants. Experiment and see what works best for you. If all else fails, you can follow my mom’s sage advice: Keep ‘em in a heap on the floor, wear ‘em too many days in a row, wash ‘em willy nilly and then repeat.

Oh, and you can put your jeans in the freezer if you really want to, but according to Smithsonian, that myth is busted.

-Quinn

T. Jazelle was created upon the vision of a young entreprenuer that had a love for fashion and a passion for creating. Tiffany, the Founder and Creative Designer behind T. Jazelle has always had a strong love for creating jewelry for others, with each piece always having its own unique meaning for the wearer.

The core idea of TJ began when Tiffany was making gemstone bracelets for friends and family, pairing a concept of meaningful semi-precious stones with inspirational charms. After graduating college, Tiffany took on what she thought would be her dream job in the Corporate World. Shortly after she realized “her passion for creating inspirational gifts” was what truly made her happy day to day. With the strong belief, love and support from her family and friends, this free spirited & driven girl took a leap of faith putting the Corporate world behind her and making this TJ dream a reality!

T. Jazelle would soon become a nationally carried lifestyle brand. Tiffany takes pride in each piece that she creates, along with the connection it brings to those who wear them. Tiffany has an artistic eye for the balance of unique colors with styles and fashion and she believes that most women better define themselves of who they are and how they feel by the way certain styles and accessories appeal to them.

T. Jazelle is handcrafted on Cape Cod, Ma in an original barn from the 1800’s with a rustic feel and bohemian vibe. Each piece of her work is designed by Tiffany beginning with the selection of precious stones then matching them with an array of charms to create a beautiful and stylish design that has a special and precious meaning to those that wear it.

Julia Roberts graced the cover of InStyle this month. The article (an excerpt of which can be read here), was accompanied by several photographs which provided some serious fashion inspiration. We at mydvdphotomemories. took it upon ourselves to re-create one of our favorite looks from the shoot. And the best part is that this look-alike shirt and jacket and awesome white jeans can all be found at mydvdphotomemories! To shop our online store, click the photos below or in the sidebar!

Though Julia Roberts looks like she is wearing a sweater in the photograph, we toned it down for the summertime. Instead, we chose a lightweight tank top from Toad & Co. that is perfect for hot weather. And when it cools down a little bit, the shirt is great for layering!Click on the Photos for More!!

It's officially white pants season again, and this is how we're celebrating! The Diana Skinny Leg jeans from Kut are durable yet soft and breathable for the summertime.

 We are seriously excited about this new trench coat by Charlie Paige, which we just got in! The coat is lightweight and provides structure to summertime outfits. It is great for breezy days and totally pulls together this look.

Finding our inner-selves at Weesley's Joke Shop in Diagon Alley.  (Asian-Sailor & Rainbow Octopus-head)

If you thought LeeAnne's only area of expertise was in fitting your behind into a cool pair of jeans, stop into the shop and ask her any question you have about any minute detail of the Harry Potter Books or movies. Prepare to be impressed and amazed.

After our fill of magic and movies, hot pretzels and caramel apples, we moved on down the street to the Orlando Convention Center which held acres and acres of surf boards and SUP boards and campers, oh my! But we were there in search of the perfect bathing suits to bring back to the 603. Easy peasy.

Parking lot so HUGE you have to take a bike taxi to the front door.

How about the bikinis being worn by the tiny little models tetttering around in their high heels with their butt cheeks on full display? No. Just? No.
And how about the bikinis on the teeny girls in bare feet standing on the tables in the booth just across the way? ah...no.
And how about the teeny bikinis on the teensy weensy girls........well, you get where I am going with this.

Our friend Garrett, who used to sell SUP boards in Contoocook and is now based out of Wolfboro, was in attendance and he introduced us to a sales rep from Local Honey, a swim suit company out of California. She was showing us bikinis, but she was serving MARGARITAS while she was showing us bikinis, so these bikinis were quite interesting. Plus, they were really cute, were reversible and apparently don't ride up while you are doing active sports in and around the water, so yes, they had potential.

We also found a company called HelenJon who had one piece suits with matching cover ups that looked great. Plus, they gave us FREE STUFF, too. Now we're cooking!

We had so much fun talking to the very hip, bearded guys from the Duck Company who specialize in raunchy t-shirts. Well, the T-shirts might not ALL have been raunchy.....just our favorites!
And we found some dresses from Nuu Muu that seemed a good match for the shop AND they gave us each a free dress after we promised to put the dress on and wear it around the convention center giving out their cards if anyone asked us where we got the dress. We put them on over our clothes, and persevered through the rest of the convention in our strange outfits, having hot flashes, and handing out Nuu Muu cards to very hip, bearded guys from the Duck Company.

Sucking in our stomachs and wondering if they make Spanks for our arms!!

I promised LeeAnne that I would stop her from ordering anything on the spot at the convention just in case we were unduly influenced by free stuff, margaritas or beards, so we did not actually order anything for Indigo Blues and Co. but have come home to let all the information sink in and to let cooler heads, sans hot flashes, prevail. The search continues for the perfect bathing suit.......

We will let you all know when the decisions have been made on what, sassy, super summer items will make it into Indigo Blues and Co and we will definitely let you all know when LeeAnne dreams up the next eyerolling/awesome adventure, whether it is another Bourbon and Bacon night or another trip to some far flung place. My vote is for both.

~Julie