An Autumn Frock

This week I wandered across the wooded areas of our property with my cutting basket and shears gathering some of the fall colors that have finally painted the Deep South. My basket was filled with brilliant red, gold, and orange leaves, bright purple berries, and glowing ginger colored persimmons ... and.... I felt.... very Jane Austen-ish.

I believe I will make myself a long empire waist dress for walking, instead of my yoga pants, with a lovely ribbon to tie around the waist in the very best Elizabeth Bennett fashion. And perhaps ( since I have finally learned how) I'll embroidery a nice A on the front.... No! No! Wait!...... That's an entirely different sort of story...... No embroidery or appliques on this dress!... I'll add a sweet little bonnet with ribbons that I will change every season to refresh my wardrobe and to satisfy my desire for something new. I'll wear my dress with black lace up boots instead of my Crocs and My Dear Mr. Darcy, I mean Allen, will not even mind if the hem of my dress is soiled after my morning stroll. I may even buy a book of sonnets to keep in my pocket to read as I walk along the lane. Then, at last, I will surely live the genteel life for which I long... Sigh....

BUT, in order not to disturb the lines of my empire dress, I think perhaps instead of a pocket in the dress, a little draw string bag to wear on my wrist. I'll make it using a dusting powder box as the base as my Grandmother did so it will always give a faint scent of fresh powder. Do they still sell dusting powders? If so, does it still come in the cardboard cylindrical box or will I have to use a plastic oyster container? Thoroughly rinsed, of course!

What is your favorite Jane Austen quote? You know what mine is? "What are you speaking of over there? I simply must have my part of this conversation!" Or something like that. I need to read the book again..... Is anyone out there?

Breaking News in Fashion !

FALL IS HERE! Don't you love it! We have had some of THE MOST BEAUTIFUL days ever here at Still Waters this last week. This morning was really cool. So, I need to pass on some tips to all of you working girls as you transition to fall dressing.
On The Today Show this morning they had a segment on transition dressing. You know, how to wear some of your summer clothes on into early fall. The first woman had on a brown tank top and a brown and red skirt. The second woman had on a light colored tank top with medium gray slacks. The third woman had on a blue and turquoise sun dress with a little black tank underneath. Ready? You may want to take notes......I really wish I had pictures so you could get a better understanding of this concept. The first big "make over" was to add a belted brown sweater. The belt just gave it that "new" look. They also changed her footwear from sandals to pumps. For the second "make over" they added a jacket AND a little scarf AND boots. To the third outfit they added a black jacket and tights! Do you have this? Maybe I should recap. One should add a sweater or light jacket and shoes in the fall.
I think I may be able to get a part time job as a segment producer for The Today Show. I already have some thoughts about winter dressing........coats, boots, scarfs.tights..... And for spring.... And yes, girls, I mean to use these quotation marks.