The Clothes Horse

A Cottagecore Guide To A Good Summer

2023-07-24T08:00:00.004-07:00

One of the enduring qualities of cottagecore is not the floral print dresses or picnics in the garden, but rather the emphasis on a quiet life well lived. The aspirations of a typical cottagecore aficionado is the opposite of what hustle culture encourages; instead of bigger houses and newer cars, most aspire to own little cottages in the countryside, instead of shopping hauls they dream of mended clothes and learning to sew, or perhaps shopping hauls of flower bulbs and herbs for the garden! So much emphasis is on slowing down, contentedness, appreciating nature and the seasons around you. So when I aspire to a Cottagecore Summer (or quite similarly a Hobbit Girl Summer) my bucket list is short and achievable. My goals are to slow down and savor the season and hopefully this list will help inspire your own Cottagecore Summer.Visit a local garden or park. I can not think of anything worse than wasting a good day indoors…although of course many of our schedules don’t allow outdoor adventures at the drop of the hat! However with the sun setting later many parks have extended their hours and getting a walk or visit into your local garden after work is more possible now than ever. I really enjoy visiting National Trust gardens as they’re so well looked after and always feature a wide variety of flowers.Re-read a cozy, nostalgic book. I am quite a fan of romances and fantasy books in the summer, but there’s something really relaxing about re-reading a book I enjoyed when I was younger. There’s no surprises in the text and sometimes the story will take you back to the moments when you first read it, when you were younger and life seemed to move a bit slower. I find it so nostalgic to go back and read books I loved as a child or teenager; it also helps me think of recommendations for my nieces and nephews and always cures me of reading slump.

Bake with fresh berries. I get fresh strawberries nearly every week of summer while they’re in season and when visiting my family I ate a peach a day! There’s something really perfect about eating the fruit in its proper season and savoring that fresh flavor of summer—learning a new recipe that also incorporates that fruit is even better! My mother makes a really delicious strawberry bread and that’s on my list to try this summer, but there’s so many recipes you could try: blueberry muffins, grilled peaches, strawberry pie, the list goes on! I don’t bake much but every time I do find a good recipe it becomes part of the routine, so adding even only one recipe every few months means that in a few years I’ll have a wide variety of different things I can comfortably bake and cook. Sometimes we get so intimidated by not knowing how to do much or not being an expert at something, but if we look at things from a longterm perspective we only need to learn a little bit by bit to know a lot one day.Make a flower crown. Flower crowns for me are one of my ultimate expressions of appreciation for nature. Whenever I make one I spend time outside slowly observing what is in bloom around me and trying to collect a variety of different wildflowers. I do my research on what I’m picking so I can know it’s safe, learn to identify more plants, and look into some of the lore surrounding it. The whole act is one of observation, studying, appreciation, and then while making it I get to bathe in the sounds of nature and work on a familiar task with my hands. Studies show as well that when we work on mundane or familiar tasks to us (like washing dishes) it actually opens up our minds to more creative thought, so by engaging my hands in a physical task that is familiar I can also let my thoughts wander more freely.Eat a meal outside. While this could look like a perfectly planned picnic in a field of wildflowers, sometimes it’s also as simple as a takeaway or bowl of cereal enjoyed on the front steps of my house. Mercurial Irish weather makes me appreciate the sunshine and warmth when we have it, so I don’t always need an elaborate set up—just the sun on my skin and the breeze in my air is enough. Sometimes I like to take Solomon’s bowl outside and let him dine “al fresco” as well! Seems like a treat for him as much as me.

Handwrite a letter or send a postcard. Another form of slowing down and practicing thoughtfulness comes in the from of handwriting letters; we so rarely take the time to write snail mail or even send physical postcards these days. Whether it’s a local postcard from a museum or one you picked up on travels, why not take a few minutes to think of something poignant to share with a friend and mail it off?

*this post was originally shared on my Patreon page; for more regular posts and exclusive content become a patron for as little as $3 a month with no long term commitment

Cottagecore Baking: Making Fairy Cakes

2023-05-29T08:00:00.026-07:00

Want to learn some fairy lore while I make little fairy cakes? A few years ago I made tiny cakes for a picnic in the orchard. I spent a lot of time making the cakes and decorating them with edible flowers from my garden, so naturally they featured quite a bit in the photographs and videos I took that day. For some reason I got several comments that my spread wasn't a picnic because "I only packed cakes"! Excuse me, I also packed up sandwiches, cheese, fruit, jam, apple cider, and a salad! They were in my photographs though not centered since I spent a lot less time prepping those elements. Still, I have to ask: can't a picnic just be cake? Do you need to have other elements to qualify as a picnic? I think not!

Those irksome comments however were inspiration to go back to re-make my tiny cakes and show the process in a bit more detail. I had enjoyed making them before and they reminded me of little fairy cakes, so I thought it would be fun to go back and bake them again. There's something very cottagecore and aesthetic about these cakes and I think the size makes them the perfect bite to eat. Using foraged plants is also a good excuse to spend more of the lovely springtime out in nature. Stinging nettle grows rampant around us and it's about time I put it to better use than stinging my ankles on my daily walks with Solomon! I honestly need to find more recipes that utilize that plant since it is so abundant in my area. In this recipe the stinging nettle helps color the batter of the cakes green, but the strongest flavor you'll get from the cakes is lemon. The combination makes for a very light cake perfect for spring and summer. The edible flowers mostly provide decoration and sometimes a bit of texture; I don't get much flavor from them in such small quantities but they do make the final cakes look very charming.

I hope you enjoy the video and you'll find more fairy lore about some of the flowers I used as well as one of my favorite types of fairies if you watch! You can also find my full recipe for these cakes and buttercream frosting on my Patreon page.

How To Start Identifying Plants & Flowers

2023-05-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

*this post was originally shared on my Patreon page, click here to become a patron I often get asked how I identify different plants and flowers so I thought I would put together a few tips to help you on your journey in nature and foraging. I haven’t written this type of post before because I still feel so far from an expert; I feel confident in the plants I know but I still go out and see so many different plants that I can’t even start to identify. But I hope that is an encouragement for you as well because you don’t need to know everything; every new bit of knowledge is interesting and worthwhile and I don’t think we’re ever done being students of the world.

Start by narrowing things down to a specific subject and region, at least focus on identifying one type of plant on a walk. Instead of walking out and trying to identify as much as I can, I focus on one or two flowers. I use a little book that helps me identify many wildflowers in my region, but it isn’t useful for non-native plants (at least recent non-native plants), trees, bushes, more cultivated flowers, etc. So unless I want to carry multiple books I usually focus on one type of plant at a time. I also find narrowing the focus helps me retain information better. In spring I’m pretty focused on flowers and don’t worry too much about other greeneries or things in nature. In autumn I spent a bit more time trying to learn more mushrooms—although mushrooms are so scary lol because they have too many lookalikes! But choosing an area to study, like flowers or wild fruits will help you find what further tools you’ll need. Books specific to a small subject tend to be more detailed and helpful than broader foraging or plant identification books. And you’ll probably be focused on learning plants where you are, so your region will be that.

Carry a book with you. I’ll share some book suggestions below, but I don’t think I can oversell how wonderful it is to have a book on hand with either photographs or detailed illustrations and descriptions to help you identify plants. If it’s small enough you can scroll through the book just looking at pictures until you see something similar; or if you have an idea of what you think it is you can search the name in the back and then compare the description to what you’re seeing. They should have details on color, size, where it’s growing, scent, roots, stem, etc that all help you accurately identify the plant.

Use an app. There’s numerous apps out now where you can take a picture of the plant you are seeing, upload it, and the app will compare that picture with other images on file and offer suggestions of what the plant might be. I find these a bit hit and miss, but they can be really useful tools and they’ll probably continue to get better. One I use fairly often is GardenAnswers; I find it good for identifying flowers and specifically flowers in gardens that I visit (ones that might not be native and are more cultivated, etc). There’s also apps for foragers and ones specifically for trees; the Woodland Trust has a British tree identification app that helps you identify trees through a series of prompts/questions about what you’re observing (like leaf shape, bark appearance, etc).

Google! Google image search is also a very valid option. We have to remember our searches are only as smart as we are, so the more detail you can give the search the more accurate results you will get. If you can describe parts of the plant (like sepals, or stamen, is the stem hairy or smooth, is it hollow, are there multiple flowers on a single stem or one flower per stem, etc) then you’re going to get more specific and accurate results. If you type in more generic descriptions you’ll get loads of results and have to scroll longer to try confirm. Instead of Google Image search, I look up websites that list regional plants. For example in the autumn when I was collecting mushrooms I looked at WildFoodUK’s list of mushrooms; they had multiple pictures of every variety, detailed descriptions, where you’ll likely find them, what season they grow in, and if they were edible or dangerous. Rather than typing a description of a mushroom into a search, it was easier to scroll through their mushroom list and find similar ones to what I was seeing.

Follow local foragers on social media. If you’d like to learn more about wild foods, then local foragers who regularly share their finds and how to prepare them are super handy. They help you find things you didn’t know to go looking for! They can remind you of what is in season and give you ideas on how to prepare what you find. I follow a few in the UK because I figure if they can find it, I probably can too, and some in the US which might not always have relevant finds for me but are very entertaining and knowledgable. AlexisNikole is a US based forager; she’s super informative and entertaining (I’ve linked her TikTok but I think she’s on other channels). ForagedbyFern and TheGardenCottage are two UK based foragers I enjoy following.

Here's some books you might find helpful as well, but also don't be afraid to look at secondhand shops or vintage books:

*for more regular posts, check out my Patreon page!

Flower Crown Tutorial & Finding Balance with a CottageCore Lifestyle

2023-04-25T14:34:00.010-07:00

If you've ever wondered what rural Ireland looks like in early spring, then this video provides a good peek into the Irish countryside. Loads of wildflowers in bloom and birdsong filling the air...but also the reality of our wet and cold springtime! In this video I share two techniques for making flower crowns using fresh or dried flowers and talk about finding balance in life. I hope you enjoy!

Romanticizing Early Spring

2023-04-10T12:04:00.001-07:00

Happy spring! I’m trying my hand at the old long form video stuff again and I hope you enjoyed this glimpse at what early spring looks like in my corner of the world. I find romanticizing my life such a key way to enjoy the less beautiful moments and also be more present in the now. I think romanticizing is one of those largely misunderstood terms; it’s not about a perfect life or everything always being great, but rather finding beauty in the life we do have. Taking time to appreciate the little things like birdsong or sunshine. I heard someone describe it as setting the playlist to your life or day—you don’t have to change the events to change your perspective and with the right playlist certain things can have a pink-hued romantic feel.

My Spring Capsule Collection with Nour & the Merchant

2023-03-27T08:00:00.002-07:00

My spring capsule collection with Nour & the Merchant is officially available for sale, so I thought I'd take a moment to talk about the collection and inspiration behind each piece. It's always exciting and daunting to put the work you've been laboring over for months in silence out there in the world, but I'm very proud of the clothes we've created together. Each piece is romantic and feminine with vintage inspiration but perhaps most importantly it's all made at Nour and the Merchant's atelier in Italy. Everyone in the atelier is paid a living wage and we tried to find deadstock or more sustainable materials where we could. We always aim to be as sustainable and ethical as possible, so another facet of that is clothes are made to order to reduce fabric waste--with the added benefit that customization is easy and affordable, whether it's shortening a skirt or getting something made in your measurements. I could talk more about her atelier because I think it’s really incredible what she and other small brands do, but let’s talk about the pieces a wee bit! Instead of creating a cohesive collection my goal was to create a few special pieces. And you might notice right away that the names are inspired by different figures in history and fiction.

P.S. We have an early bird sale, if you purchase within the next 30 days use code ONESS2023 for 15% off one piece, or code TWOSS2023 for 20% off two or more pieces! The Marie chemise dress: This is our take on the classic chemise a la reine dress that Marie Antoinette was famously painted in. I have a whole post coming later this month about that dress and its history, but my goal for this dress was to take that original inspiration and honor the silhouette and style but in a modern, easy-to-wear way. It has two layers of cotton to keep it from being too sheer and elasticized stitching at the bust and waist making it a very comfortable dress that adjusts to your figure. It looks lovely on its own but I also really love this dress as a base layer for a corset or statement belt. We made all the samples in white, but you can actually order this dress in a handful of different colors! I can’t wait to see it in some of the more off-beat colors. I think it’ll be a really fun twist on the classic to see it in a vivid yellow or blue! Shop the Marie dress here. Jane Regency dress: While I named this dress the Jane dress, it’s far more Bridgerton inspired than classic Austen because unlike a true to history Regency dress ours zips up the back! And doesn’t require stays and a shift. Still we looked at examples of real Regency dresses for our silhouette and the different details—like the ruched sleeves and open layers of skirt. I think this came out really lovely. I was honestly worried about it as I don’t usually look good in empire waist dresses; they can be very unflattering if you’re at all curvy or busty and some of our samples had me near giving up on the concept! I wish I could show you pictures of some of the samples, but I mostly tried them on and did Skype calls with Cristina and her team, so I didn't record much of the evidence. Cristina never lost faith in this dress though and was patient through all the tweaks. The band under the bust helps create differentiation between bust and skirt and the way the chiffon is cut to flow out as you walk makes it a very flattering dress. I styled it as simple as possible for our product shots but it will also look really pretty as you add more details like brooches. And you can style this in a very non-Regency way as well, which I hope to show in some future posts (think thick belt or corset and tucking the outer layers of the skirt up for a more pirate-y or Renn faire look). Shop the Jane dress here. Belle corset belt: I love corsets and belts and this is our marriage of the two with a healthy dose of inspiration from Swiss waist belts as well. (It reminds me so much of Disney princesses as well that I had to name this one after the bookish Belle.) It’s a diamond shape in the front and has lacing in the back so you can customize the fit and how tight you want it laced. There’s boning in the front on either side of the diamond and in the back as well to help it holds its shape so it shouldn’t fold or crease too much when wearing. I love pieces that have a bit of structure like this as they so often stay neater looking than ones without because even as you move around throughout the day it holds its shape. For fit you should choose a size at least an inch or two smaller than your natural waist so you can show that beautiful lacing in the back. It’s not designed like a corset to change your shape or hold you very tightly, but if it’s the exact size of your waist you won’t be able to see the criss-cross of the ribbons in the back. The smaller size you choose the bigger the "gap" for lacing to show. We chose black for the samples since it's so classic, but this is also available in different colors as well! Shop the Belle corset here! Anne lace apron: Aprons are something with humble origins that have been glammed up and used decoratively throughout history. Most recently I’m reminded of the hostess aprons of the 1950s; sheer chiffon aprons designed to be worn over formal dresses when hosting parties. I really like adding aprons into my personal style, usually when I am doing a more home-y task like foraging or baking. Still more of the aprons I opt to wear are brightly colored and do little to protect my clothes. For the Anne dress I took inspiration from that desire to nod to history and pastoral styles, but in a way that is fun and perhaps a little unexpected. Initially I liked the idea of a half apron, but we decided a pinafore style was more versatile. We chose our lace very carefully so every part of the dress is lovely with different details and patterns in a soft ivory shade. And as you might have guessed the name is inspired by the one and only Anne Shirley. Her character would have worn a pinafore over her dress to school and I think she would have found this style very romantic and inspiring! It seemed like a perfect piece to shoot amongst the wild garlic. Shop the Anne pinafore here. That’s the whole collection and you can shop it here! And use code ONESS2023 for 15% off one item or TWOSS2023 for 20% off two or more items if you purchase within the first 30 days.

**A longer version of this post (along with previews and bts sketches of this collection) was first shared on my Patreon.**

Imbolc: Legends & Traditions

2023-02-01T08:00:00.003-08:00

*This post was originally shared on my Patreon page. For more regular blog posts, exclusive content, downloads, and more become a patron!

I often hear people talk about winter solstice or spring equinox, but we aren’t always as aware of all the little traditions and legends that fall between some of these days. For example in Celtric traditions some mark February as the start of spring (a shocking discovery for me as February as always felt like the coldest month of winter to me). February 1st is Imbolc and/or Saint Brigid’s day and is the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is celebrated in the Christian calendar as Saint Brigid’s day and in non-Christian calendars as Imbolc. In the Celtic calendar this date marks the beginning of lambing season and stirrings of new life. The midpoint between the frozen ground of winter and the blossoms of spring. While it feels far from spring to many, you do start to see snowdrops emerging from the half frozen ground.February rarely feels like spring to me, but part of this could be because of Cailleach—or the divine hag of Gaelic tradition. Cailleach is considered the goddess of winter who will turn to stone once summer returns, but wanders the earth in a humanoid form from Samhain onwards. On Imbolc she heads out into the world to gather firewood for the rest of winter. If the weather is bright and sunny Cailleach is out gathering firewood and will be able to gather enough firewood to make winter last a good bit longer. However, if the weather is bad and cold this means Cailleach is still asleep and will soon run out of firewood and thus spring will come sooner--she won’t want another month of winter without a fire to keep herself warm. This old legend might be a precursor to America’s groundhog day and has a few different variations across the Celtic regions. I've got my fingers crossed for miserable weather on Imbolc!While Brigid’s Procession used to be a tradition on Imbolc, I don’t hear it being done that often today. One tradition that has carried on in more homes is the making of Brigid’s cross. This simple cross is made of straw or rushes and woven on January 31st and left outside overnight to receive Brigid’s blessing. Then on February 1st they were hung in the rafters of the home and believed to bring blessing and the protection of the saint for the remainder of the year. This tradition was quite popular in Ireland since Saint Brigid was an Irish saint, but while you will see crosses here and there the tradition isn’t as common as it used to be. This was my first time making one and I'm pretty pleased with how it came out!

wearing Cottoncandywear blouse, Aalaovest Costumery corset, Sondeflor skirt

*pictures edited with Blackthorn preset from my Dark Cottagecore Preset Pack

For more posts like this visit my Patreon page.

Late Autumn Walks in Vivaia Shoes

2022-11-29T08:13:00.016-08:00

When I saw these boots on Vivaia I thought “that’ll suit me down to the ground!” Most of my clothing and footwear leans more towards fashion than function and this is a sacrifice I am willing to make. My legs and toes will be cold through most of winter, I accept this. But when I saw the Camila boots I immediately fell in love because they looked so cozy—and with fully recycled faux fur lining they actually are really warm! The temperature has been dropping swiftly in my region and these boots kept my toes so much warmer than my usual shoes. The style was something a bit new for me, but I’ve been wearing a lot more brown this autumn and the shearling detailing gave me vague 70s vibes. I thought this style was perfect for 70s inspired minis or more casual outfits when I just want to be warm and snug! Plus you can get these boots on sale right now and take advantage of Vivaia’s Black Friday discounts before the end of the month! Use my code ACH20 to get 20% off one pair of shoes, or 25% off two pairs and 30% off when you purchase three pairs!

wearing: secondhand jacket & skirt, Voriagh blouse, Vivaia Camila boots

One of the things I love about Vivaia is their dedication to environmentally shoes. All of their shoes are made with recycled materials; these boots recycle faux fur and their ballet styles are made from plastic bottles! I’ve tried to dress and shop more sustainably in the last few years and finding Vivaia was a wonderful way to incorporate more environmentally footwear into my wardrobe. Shopping sustainably doesn’t have to break the bank too—several of the other pieces from this outfit are bought secondhand. My jacket I found on Depop last autumn and it’s become a favorite of mine to wear with more casual outfits. So often we get caught up in shopping sustainably we forget some of the simplest solutions are to shop less, wear pieces for multiple years, and look at secondhand shops.

wearing: secondhand jacket & skirt, Voriagh blouse, Vivaia Camila boots

I stuck with the brown theme for this outfit with my Camila boots. Sometimes if I’m stuck on styling something I just try to go with matching by color and I was surprised by how many brown pieces I found in my wardrobe that suited these boots perfectly! I wore this out while doing a bit of foraging for winter wreaths and crafts—it’s a great time to collect different dried textures and also twigs and branches to use as the base of your wreaths or crowns. I brought home a bundle of willow branches to use in wreaths and also stumble across a lovely bit of clematis. In the spring the apple blossom clematis is a lovely pink flower on a vine that climbs everywhere and in the winter those flowers turn into the fluffiest seedheads! They make for very ethereal wreaths and have a fun otherworldly look to them. I’m planning on making a mostly white wreath using the clematis seeds and maybe a bit of twinkle lights too.

I don’t often photograph my more casual outfits, but on a more relaxed day (or weather too miserable to photograph day) I often put on my reliable skinny jeans and one of Thomas’s sweaters. I love the oversized fit of these sweaters and I think my new boots really suited the vibe and upped the comfort level too! The Camila style is water resistant so they kept my toes dry on this autumn walk. We’ve been getting a lot of rain lately so the ground is very soggy and even flooded in regions, but there’s still a few corners were the autumn color is lingering on. I’m grateful for any color and leaves we still have as winter always feels dull and harsh in this region. Once the leaves are gone everything is so bare and since snow is rare it feels like the earth is truly hibernating until spring.

wearing: Aran Isles sweater borrowed from Thomas, old jeans, Vivaia Camila boots

I didn’t head out to forage anything specific on this walk, but lately I’ve been finding so many oak galls. I had never seen any before this autumn, but once I found one I got so much better at spotting them and now I’ve collected around a dozen. Oak galls form when gall wasp leaves its eggs on the developing buds of an oak tree. The way the larvae interacts with the tree forms these unique spherical galls. While that is somewhat interesting what is mostly fascinating is how these galls were used historically. Iron gall ink was the main medium in the Western world dating at least as far back as the Roman Empire and possibly earlier. These galls were a key component in creating that ink that has been used in manuscripts from the Middle Ages all the way up to the early twentieth century! I always feel like I stumbled across a piece of history when I find one.

Don't forget to use my code ACH20 to get 20-30% off your order at Vivaia Shoes!

wearing: Aran Isles sweater borrowed from Thomas, old jeans, Vivaia Camila boots

*pictures edited with Blackthorn Preset from my Dark Cottagecore Preset Pack*

Black Friday Preset Sale & Your FAQs About My Editing

2022-11-24T08:00:00.001-08:00

I don't usually put my whole shop on sale, but I had a lot of requests for a Black Friday Sale so right now you can get 15% off any and all preset packs in my shop! Use code FAREWELLAUTUMN at checkout. This code can also be combined with other sales in my shop--my Dark Cottagecore and Cozy Pack are reduced right now; all of my presets are compatible with Lightroom Desktop or Lightroom Mobile. If you're not sure what a preset is or want more information on my packs, read on below!

What do you use to edit? These presets are what I use to edit every day. I change what pack I use seasonally so right now I am using the Dark Cottagecore Pack and the Cozy Pack. The Dark Cottagecore Pack is my favorite for most of my photographs right now and I've been using it since September as it really suits autumnal scenes, but as we inch towards winter I'll probably start using the Cozy Pack more.

How do your presets work? All of my preset are compatible with Lightroom Desktop or Lightroom mobile. The mobile version will also work in the free version of Lightroom mobile so you don't need to buy additional editing software to use them. When you browse my shop you choose which version you will use and checkout. Every pack also comes with a readme file that includes step by step instructions to bring the presets into Lightroom desktop or mobile--so if it's your first time using presets don't worry! My instructions will walk you through how to bring them into your apps so you can start using them immediately.

What's the difference between a preset and a filter? Oooh, I love this question. So on the surface, not much but once you dig a bit deeper a preset is so much more valuable. When you apply a filter you can't adjust the settings later, but with a preset you can still adjust every individual level. This gives you so much more creative control when editing; a preset can be a starting point to a personal and unique edit. Additionally you can learn so much from presets; when you apply a preset you can see every level that was adjusted (temperature, darkness, contrast, clarity, colored shadows, etc) and make further adjustments or learn what your own voice is within editing. For example you might start to see a common thread in your favorite edits and start to realize what levels you like to focus on with your edits.

Why packs and not individual presets? I love creating packs rather than selling individual presets because packs work on a variety of different photographs. Rather than one preset that only works some of the time, when you have a pack you'll always be able to find an edit that works while maintaining a cohesive feel to your feed and editing style. All of my packs contain unique filters, but along a similar theme so they work together--this way you don't need to use the same edit every single time to get a cohesive feed. I can also price my presets cheaper overall when I bundle them together rather than individually.

The Tweedy Preset is from my Cozy Pack, which is an autumn and winter pack full of diverse filters perfect for editing winter scenery. This pack has a total of 12 unique presets making it the largest pack in my shop and it's on sale right now for £30 or less than £2.50 per preset and you can also use the discount code FAREWELLAUTUMN for an additional 15% off. The sale ends on Tuesday so get be sure to use the code FAREWELLAUTUMN in my shop while you can.

A Cozy, Fantasy Inspired Autumn Reading List

2022-11-18T08:00:00.003-08:00

Do certain books remind you of specific seasons? Or maybe they just feel appropriate that time of year. There's a lot of books that feel like summer to me--escapism, breaks between school, coming of age, etc. But autumn feeling books can be a bit more elusive, or at least hard to come to mind when you are look for a cozy autumn read. These four books however really evoke the season to me; they're cozy and all have a bit of magic to them as well in entirely different ways. Whether you prefer your fantasy with a bit of time travel or shape-shifting fae, there's a bit of something for every fantasy lover on this list.

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson: This book was recommended to me by a friend a few years ago when I asked for autumnal book suggestions and it does do a wonderful job of evoking this season. Isobel is an artist who paints portraits of the fae. In this version of the fair folk, the fae crave human Craft and are incapable of creating art on their own. In exchange for the work of human artists they trade spells and enchantments (often with a cruel twist) and it is rumored that some artists can be awarded the ultimate gift of becoming fae themselves. Isobel doesn’t aspire to an immortal life, but ends up on the wrong side of fae with one of her portraits. It’s not my favorite version of the fae as I find it a bit contrary to most folklore, but it is a delightful story and there’s a lot of beautiful world building. A

Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness: There’s something quite bewitching about this book. It has a sort of dark academia atmosphere mixed with more fantastical elements that makes me always want to reach for it again as the days grow shorter and darker. The author gives a lot of detail to the story that makes it very immersive as we follow Diana, a scholar of history who stumbles across a bewitched manuscript in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. She is aware of the world of magic, but would prefer to remain in the world of academia—fate has other plans. There’s a bit of romance and mystery (and vampires) all set in the chill of an English autumn. I found the writing very evocative and sweeps you along those canals and cobblestone streets.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater: The Scorpio Races opens with an ominous line about the first of November; with such a memorable opening it’s no wonder that this book always comes to mind for me when autumn rolls around. Set on a fictitious Celtic island this book follows Puck Connolly as she enters the island’s legendary race with deadly water horses in a mad effort to keep her family together. As someone who has spent a significant amount of time on Irish islands I feel like this book really accurately captured that feeling of being an islander; the unity of the community and otherness from mainlanders, as well as the quirks of life somewhere remote. It’s a lovely little book that I come back to again and again especially this time of year.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: I feel like so many books set in Scotland, England, or Ireland give autumnal vibes because of how often the British isles are blanketed with mist and fog—it’s always a bit gloomy with a chill in the air even in the height of spring or summer. Outlander is not only set in Scotland, but actually begins its story in October of 1945 as Claire Randall and her husband travel to Inverness for a second honeymoon. The book immediately sets the mood for something supernatural; locals smear blood on door frames in preparation for Samhain, Claire gets her tea leaves read, and her husband spots of the ghost of an old Celtic warrior. All of these little incidents seem innocuous until Claire touches a standing stone and travels 200 years back in time.

Autumn Cottagecore Finds From Small Businesses

2022-11-15T08:00:00.003-08:00

*This post was originally shared on my Patreon page. For more regular posts, exclusive content (preset downloads, monthly wallpapers, handwritten postcards, and more!) please check out my Patreon page and consider supporting me.

I often feel that as soon as Halloween is over people “quit” autumn and start focusing on winter and Christmas things…which I do not accept! While some trees are bare, others are only starting to change color—and since my region doesn’t get snow every year, autumn lingers. So one of my big style inspirations right now is the intersection of fairytales and autumn scenes. I mean: cozy capes, colorful knits, all paired with layers of skirts and petticoats is perfect fairytale fashion and cozy enough for the current temperatures too! Rather than switching out of cottagecore inspiration for autumn and winter, I think layers and accessories can add more cottagecore elements into seasonal outfits even when you are dressed more casually. Here’s four finds from small businesses I’d love to add to my autumn wardrobe this year. Wool caplet by Vetch & Clover: This maker also designs reversible stays and historically inspired clothes while trying to stay zero waste, but her limited edition wool capelet is what really caught my eye this autumn. I have a couple of bigger capes which can be warm and fun to wear, but they can also get really heavy and be a bit dramatic. This capelet has the whimsy of a cape, but slightly less theatrical. I can picture it with so many outfits! Click here for the shop. Oak Leaf Belt by Foxes & Rovens: This belt! It’s so adorable and I love that it could be worn with a more fairycore inspired look or something more casual. There’s also loads of customization options; you can choose the leaf color, belt color, metal tone, etc. So you don’t have to go with the autumn version of these oak leaves, you could get it in green! I think this one is going on my Christmas list, you can shop it here. Hand-embroidered Berets by Knock Thrice: One of my favorite cozy creators to follow has to be Knock Thrice; she’s always creating the most magical pieces. Most of her embroidery designs are released in limited drops with different themes from Greek goddesses to woodland creatures, but she also has pre-orders for crewnecks and a very unique knight themed cardigan. I personally have my eye on her beret designs. Click here for her shop, or follow her on Instagram for updates on when the next collection will be available. Leaf belt bags by Leafling: Leafling makes so many fun bags with nature inspired designs. They’re better known for their classic backpacks with leaf flaps, but recently they launched some adorable belt bags you can attach to any belt, or buy with a matching belt. They’re so fun and I really like the idea of a belt bag—I don’t always want to carry a purse with me but I’m almost always wearing a belt and it’s big enough for the essentials. Check out their shop here.

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Pink October with Vivaia Shoes

2022-10-10T10:00:00.002-07:00

When Vivaia asked me to wear pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October I was stumped at first. I love wearing pink in spring, but in autumn my color palette really shifts to darker and more earthy tones. I bid goodbye to pink and pastels and reach for everything mustard and rust colored! But as quick look around my wardrobe reassured me that I do have some autumn appropriate pinks perfect to wear into October and beyond—and it's for such a good cause. Wearing pink in October is a way to show your support for those affected by breast cancer and it helps raise awareness as well. Vivaia is going one step further and donating $10 from every pair of pink shows they sell this month to the United Breast Cancer Foundation. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, but it is also often treatable if caught early enough--so be sure to stay up to date on your health checks.

wearing old sweater & skirt, Michael Michaud necklace, Vivaia Madeline Round-Toe Over the Knee boots

I’ve liked the look of over-the-knee boots for ages, but surprisingly I’ve never gone for a pair before now. I think I was a bit worried they wouldn’t be comfortable or wouldn’t fit me right, but since I love the comfort of my Vivaia flats I thought I’d take a chance on their boots—and I’m so glad I did! These are the Vivaia Madeline Round-Toe Over the Knee boots and they made with a stretchy woven fabric. The knit uppers are made with recycled plastic bottles and ethical wool and are as cozy as thigh high socks! They kept my legs nice and warm despite the mini I was wearing and I loved that I can adjust the height a bit as well. Since I am petite it’s always hard to get things to hit at the right height but this fabric is foldable, so I could just fold the top over to customize this to the perfect height for me (I wanted a little bit of a gap between boot and skirt line) and they didn’t move at all once folded so unlike knee socks I didn’t have to worry about these falling down! Plus, I can wear them at their full height with different looks if I want to. And you can get 15% off your order at Vivaia when you use my code "ACH."

wearing old sweater & skirt, Michael Michaud necklace, Vivaia Madeline Over the Knee boots

This fuzzy sweater is actually one of my favorites to wear in cooler weather since it is ridiculously soft. I’ve had it since 2018 and usually pair it with jeans or corduroys, but this time I wanted to wear it with another old favorite—this leaf embroidered mini skirt I’ve had since 2014! I mostly wear longer skirts these days, but this mini is such a favorite I haven’t been able to let it go yet. Every time I do a closet clean out I come across this skirt and think “not yet.” I love how it is a simple black skater skirt but the embroidery detailing makes it special. I love clothes with special little details, which is why I guess my wardrobe will always have a touch of whimsy—and I am perfectly okay with that. I don’t spend a lot of time these days writing about choosing my style or bucking trends because as I get older I care less and less about what other people think. I don’t feel a great need to discuss my style choices or what they say about me or what age appropriate means. On the other hand I do want to still encourage others to find their style and be a resource for those interested in cottagecore or different aesthetic communities who also want to find more brands to shop. In many ways you can say I found my style “home” and now I just want to be encouraging to others who want to build a similar home.

wearing old blouse, Michael Michaud necklace, Proizvodstvo corset, Sondeflor skirt, Vivaia Audrey loafers

For my second outfit I went for a more classic ballet inspired look that I probably won’t be able to wear much longer this autumn as the days get more brisk. These are the Audrey loafers in limited edition black cat pattern. I thought the black cats were a nice nod to October and various superstitions that seem to come to fore this time of year. Folklore exists in every season, but come October and so many of us start to pay more attention and indulge in various traditions. These cats are far from bad luck though and I can see them worn more casually with black trousers and cozy knits as the temperatures continue to drop. And this is one of the styles that Vivaia will donate $10 from the sale of! They have other classic styles in their shop as well, from bow ballet flats to slip on sneakers in pastel pink.

P.S. Don't forget you can get 15% off on your order when you use my code "ACH."

wearing old blouse, Michael Michaud necklace, Proizvodstvo corset, Sondeflor skirt, Vivaia Audrey loafers

I love seeing all the old buildings in my region slowly turn shades of crimson with Virginia creeper. This is such a pretty vine this time of year and it seems to be on so many homes and corners in my area—I took some of these pictures beside an old stone wall on the main street of our town and the others with an old stone shed beside an apple orchard. They really turn even the most unassuming wall into a lovely display of autumnal color.

*pictures edited with my Blackberry Preset from my Dark Cottagecore Pack (on sale)

Everywhere I Shop for Corsets and Bodices

2022-09-30T08:00:00.007-07:00

I’ve been getting so many questions on my corsets lately that I thought the best way to answer this question is by writing a proper post on the topic—since I don’t exclusively shop from one store! Quick disclaimer: the “corsets” I tend to wear are fashion corsets. They aren’t meant to change your body shape or used as shape wear; they aren’t cut in a style to alter your figure (i.g. like an hourglass shape) and are intended to be seen (rather than styled underneath your clothes). These shouldn’t be tight-laced or uncomfortable to wear, but they do add a bit of structure to your looks and personally I find mine tend to improve my posture a wee bit! When getting fashion corsets you can look for more unstructured ones that don’t have boning but still can cinch in a look, or ones with modern (plastic typically) boning that are a bit stiffer but should still be purchased in your size (i.g. not a size smaller). They should all be comfortable and shouldn’t affect your breathing at all.

Costureroreal: Starting with some of the more comfortable and least structured styles, Costureroreal makes really cute unboned bodices. Their styles are so cute and come in really fun prints—I have a mushroom print one and I’m very tempted by their chestnut print style too. Most of their styles have lacing in the front and back which makes for very flexible fits. Lacing on both sides also means you can control the look a bit—you might want to intentionally leave a larger gap in the front so more of your clothes underneath peek through, or lace the front tighter and loosen the back.

Voriagh: Another brand that does cute and comfortable unstructured bodices is Voriagh. If you want more classic styles that really remind me of hobbit wear, these are the ones to go for. They come in a variety of solid colors in linen and velvet with pretty embroidery detailing. Again very comfortable with front lacing or buttons and some of the styles have side zippers too that make them easy to put on and take off.

French Meadows: I only have one French Meadow corset as they are a bit of an investment, but I went for a classic yellow corduroy style and I think it’s one of the nicest pieces I own. It’s so well made and beautifully structured, so it holds you so nicely. I would love more French Meadow corsets in the future but it’s definitely a brand I need to save up for and try to choose the style and print wisely so I can wear it often. For me the yellow cord was a perfect choice as it fits both spring and autumn with the fabric and color and goes with the majority of pieces in my wardrobe. It’s very well made and the heavier fabric is really nice for cozy outfits.

Ala Ovest Corsets: I only found this little shop recently, but their styles are beautiful and their prices are really good as well. The shop is only on Instagram so you have to look at their highlights for instructions on how to order and then DM or email them to make a purchase. They have some really lovely silhouettes and fabric options. I have one printed linen style by them and it’s very well made. I definitely think I’ll be getting another style from them in the future because the quality and fit is so nice and I love the styles available in your shop—like the plain linen styles look so perfect for everyday outfits. They also offer a lot of customization so you can choose how you want it to lace (front, back, or both) and other details as well when you order.

Proizvodstvo_Cool: This brand makes really lovely brocade/tapestry corsets and corset dresses too! Many of their corsets are also reversible so you can get two styles for the price of one; my tapestry corset for example has a Pre-Raphaelite painting on one side and is solid black on the reverse if I want to wear something simpler. In addition to their tapestry corsets they also create a one-off styles using recycled fabrics like tea towels, denim, etc. Those pieces are usually one of a kind and so unique. Again, they’re very comfortable and so well-made. I quite like how structured and thick these ones are, probably because they are reversible so they really look nice on both sides and have a real weight to them.

KGJach: This Etsy shop creates historical inspired garments, including some outfits that are straight off of the screens of Outlander. I have one corset from here that is an underbust style with a scalloped edge. It’s structured and I really love the shape of it. Since I have a few corsets now I try to look for styles I will wear often, but also for each corset to have some point of differentiation so none are too similar. The shape of this one is so unique and the color works with so many pieces in my wardrobe—they also offer this style in other fabrics and colors if you want to order it but the rust shade isn’t for you.

Of Witches and Bards: When I choose printed corsets I like to stick to neutral fabrics that can work in multiple seasons, which is why I fell in love with the soft toned floral print corset by Of Witches and Bards. The shop also has a very fun space print I'd get if I was more into modern styles. Again, this is very well made and structured with boning in the design. I love the scalloped edge here as well.

*this post was originally shared on my Patreon, for more regular posts and exclusive content, downloads, monthly wallpapers, presets, and more subscribe to my Patreon!*

Last Chance to Shop My Capsule with Nour & the Merchant

2022-09-27T08:00:00.039-07:00

All good things come to an end, and so it with heavy heart that I have to share that my collection with Nour & the Merchant is being retired. This means all of the pieces we designed together from my summer collection (like the chemise dress featured here) and the Harvest dress and Leannan Sidhe dress won't be available to purchase for much longer. The end of October is the cut off date for all sales and I don't believe we will be bringing back these pieces in the future, so this is your last chance to purchase anything I've designed with Nour & the Merchant. It's been a dream come true to design a wee clothing collection with Cristina and her atelier's help and I think we created some beautiful and hopefully timeless pieces together. The collection may be coming to an end but I know I will be wearing many pieces from this collaboration for many years to come!
One of my favorite pieces has to be the Mystical Beasts Chemise that I'm remixing in today's post. It's based on the classic chemise design that is simple and versatile; it's loose fitting with an elasticized neckline and sleeves. A deceptively simple piece meant to be styled by the individual wearer. Most chemises come in classic white or occasionally pastel shades, but I had the idea of a printed chemise. All the versatility you expect from a chemise, but made more unique by a custom print we designed inspired by heraldry and mythological animals. The print features dragons, gryphons, and kelpies interwoven with thorny roses and is digitally printed on organic cotton. If you prefer a more classic chemise this dress can also be purchased in plain white cotton. As with all of Nour and the Merchant's clothes, these dresses are made slow fashion in their atelier in Italy with sustainability in mind from start to finish. I really love how the chemise looks styled under the Apothecary Apron--another piece from my summer collection that is retiring in October. Whenever I think about sustainable fashion, I also think about versatility. How will this dress item fit into my wardrobe? How many ways can I wear it? My goal with pieces like the chemise and Apothecary apron is that they can be worn countless ways; the chemise can be styled as a blouse or a skirt, fitted or loose, on the shoulder or off, layered beneath things or styled simply with a belt--the options are endless. The Apothecary apron is slightly less versatile but still very remixable; unlike traditional aprons that inspired it, this apron can be worn with nothing underneath or layered endlessly with various blouses, knits, and more. Designing these pieces has been so much fun and I still love how these collections came out. It's sad to say goodbye to these dresses, but though they won't be for sale for much longer I'm sure you'll still be seeing them on my person and my blog! Shop my limited collection while you still can.

*pictures edited with my Dark Cottagecore Preset Pack (on sale)**

Four Lesser Known Sustainable Cottagecore Brands to Shop

2022-08-16T08:00:00.087-07:00

So often when I see people discussing cottagecore clothes I see the same brands being mentioned time and time again--and while those brands are classic for a reason, there's a lot of little labels that are so lovely that are worth talking about too! Today I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite brands that work perfectly for cottagecore inspired outfits that you might not have heard of. These brands also are focused on sustainable fashion practices; they all emphasize working with better materials in small ateliers and workshops that pay their workers a living wage. To me sustainable fashion and cottagecore go hand-in-hand because if you love nature you want to support brands that are making an effort to protect nature. And if you want a slow living life, likewise you want others to have those opportunities too so brands that value slow fashion and fair wages are a true reflection of cottagecore values. Which is not to say that I exclusively shop from small labels like this. Let's not be so focused on perfection that we end up paralyzed indecision and guilt; we can all make steps to be better. Sometimes if we try so hard to change all of our shopping habits or overhaul our lifestyle we end up getting burnt out and quitting. Instead I feel that small, steady, realistic changes for your lifestyle and budget over time is the best way to change your habits and set goals that you can maintain. Bedra Vintage: I almost never see this brand listed on cottagecore roundups which are usually dominated by romantic linen dresses and it’s such a shame! Bedra Vintage aims to design timeless, classic pieces that can be worn and enjoyed for a lifetime. Their clothes are romantic, well made and full of interesting little details that make them special—most also boast pockets! They are intentional with the fabrics they use focusing on more environmentally friendly fabrics with certification and they try to prevent overproduction by making pieces at the time of an order. Their clothes tend to have a slightly more modern feel than some cottagecore brands that focus only on linen, so I also think they're a very wearable brand. Many dresses go up to a size XXL and they also accept custom fit orders as well that can accommodate other sizes or just custom fittings if you want something made to your measurements. Click here to visit their web shop. Cottoncandywear: Another brand I don’t see spoken about enough is CottonCandyWear. This shop specializes in classic linen pieces; from everyday wearable shirt dresses and colorful aprons to timeless blouses. The dress and apron above are both by CottonCandyWear and I have a number of aprons in colorful shades all by them that are fun pops of color to add to basic cottagecore looks; a colorful apron can make a plain dress instantly look more cottagecore. Some of my favorite pieces by CottonCandyWear are their historical film inspired clothes—blouses that look ripped right off of Mr. Darcy’s back and dresses inspired by Pride & Prejudice. As a Ukrainian business their shop is sadly on hold right now, but definitely bookmark them on Instagram and Etsy to get updates when they start accepting orders again--and their prices are very competitive for the quality of the clothes they produce. Click here for Cottoncandywear's shop and here to follow them on Instagram. Voriagh: How do I describe Voriagh? I feel like Voriagh is a brand unlike any other; their clothes are also romantic and inspired by classic styles and folk details, but they weave everything together in such a unique way it’s hard to compare them to any other brand. They release small, thoughtful collections each season in unique silhouettes (secret pants!) and with folkloric embroidery. I’m also very partial to their bustiers which always give me instant hobbit vibes and can be styled so many ways. I'm wearing one of their bright linen bustiers above which is a perfect summer style, but they also have rich velvet styles reminiscent of dirndls that are perfect for the cooler months. Many of their pieces are made in a family workshop in Paris. Click here to visit Voriagh's web shop.Solai: This is a brand I just discovered this spring and they are really focused not only on sustainable practices, but regenerative ones as well. They create small collections of both up cycled and recycled clothes; repurposing materials and adding original embroidery to recycled clothes to breathe new life into them. There are classic pieces, but this is also a great brand for the more fashion-forward sustainable dresser who likes to experiment and dress in a cutting edge way. I can just imagine their puzzle trousers and handprinted berets on a budding fashion student. Click here to visit Solai's shop. As a bonus I have to mention Nour & the Merchant whom I have design collaborated a few times. Their clothes are made at their atelier in Italy with a focus on environmentally and deadstock fabrics. Nour & the Merchant specializes in whimsical, fantasy inspired designs that look like they leapt off the pages of my favorite books.

*pictures edited with the Dark Cottagecore Preset Pack from my preset shop

My Summer Capsule Collection With Nour & the Merchant

2022-07-01T08:00:00.005-07:00

Inspiration for my latest capsule collection with Nour & the Merchant began with the phrase “pretty but deadly.” I was reading a lot of folktales and stories about the fae which embody that dichotomy well; the fae are often described as beautiful and alluring, but also incredibly dangerous. Humans were always tempted into dire straits by magical beings—sirens luring men beneath the waves, fairy songs making mortals dance until death, etc. I wanted to design a collection of clothing that celebrated some of the beautiful elements in the natural and magical world that appeal to our eye but also pose a threat to our lives. Something beautiful with a nod to the deadly and dangerous, clothes for women who like feminine, “soft” silhouettes but hide daggers up their sleeves. We started with the “Poison Garden” dress featuring our custom print of deadly flowers. Foxgloves, lily of the valley, deadly nightshade, and oleander blossoms weave a pattern around a sly wolf, a spade, and scissors. The story of the print is those beautiful, poisonous flowers, but also the gardener how grows and harvests them. A clever, dangerous woman perhaps and who knows what purpose she finds for these poisons. The dress silhouette is romantic and breezy with elastic ruching in the front and back for a flexible fit for a variety of body sizes and silhouettes. I love how the overall design reads as something pretty and romantic, puff sleeves and a flowing skirt, but only those who look a bit closer will see the danger in the design—its beauty as deceptive as the delicate bells on lily of the valley. Thinking of the woman who grew her own poison garden helped inspire the next dress in the collection: the “Apothecary’s Apron.” This flattering dress in tan linen is reminiscent of a workman’s apron donned in a dusty apothecary where dried herbs hang overhead and a cluttered workbench is filled with mortar and pestle and dozens of tiny bottles with yellowed handwritten labels. We didn’t want to limit this dress to a more literal apron style that needed a dress or blouse underneath to be worn, so it’s cut so perfectly to be worn alone with no other clothes, but it can also be styled with a blouse or dress underneath. A really versatile little dress in a light brown shade perfect for summer, but also wearable into autumn and winter. I also love the contrast between the more durable linen and the satin-sheen of the ribbon detail too, another play in contrasts and dichotomy of elements. The last piece is a real dream design for me—a printed chemise. The “Mystical Beasts” chemise is cut in a classic billowy chemise silhouette, but in a custom print of magical animals. I love a classic loose blouse or chemise and feature them in so many of my outfits, but I always wanted a printed version to make outfits a wee bit more interesting. I’ve never been able to find any in stores, so being able to design this one with Nour & the Merchant was such a pleasure. It has all the wearability of a classic chemise dress that looks good alone, or belted, or with a corset, or layered under a skirt, or styled with a pinafore, but a bit more spice because of the unique print. The custom print goes back to the “pretty but deadly” inspiration while taking the more magical angle then the other pieces, with thorny roses weaving between a dragon, gryphon, and kelpie. All awe-inspiring magical creatures one would love to see, but incredibly dangerous creatures best avoided. The pattern also manages to weave together all four elements with the roses representing earth, the kelpie a creature of the sea (water), the gryphon symbolizing air, and the dragon, fire. Each figure also has a different heraldic meaning, but I also wanted the print to be fairly neutral in tone to work with a wide variety of garments and span the seasons. I think despite the print it’s such a versatile little dress that you can wear in so many ways. It’s been so wonderful designing pieces with Nour & the Merchant and I love what we’ve come up with this season. Hopefully it will do well as we always put our heart into these pieces—sometimes I think I’m going to drive Cristina mad with the nitpicking over the print designs and colors or the exact sleeve length! We’ve also created an exclusive discount for the first 50 customers to purchase something from this collection. Use code “poison” to save 10% and you’ll also get a free headscarf in one of our custom prints.

What to Pack for Ireland with Vivaia Shoes

2022-06-25T08:00:00.002-07:00

One question I get asked again and again is: what should I bring with me on my holiday to Ireland? I always hesitate to give advice on packing because try as I might, I am far from an efficient packer! I inevitably come home from a holiday with a bag full of clothes I didn’t wear and things I regret bringing! The same happened to me again recently when visiting some of our favorite parts of Ireland with friends from abroad, but one pair of shoes I was quite glad I brought on all my adventures was the Vivaia Aria 5° flats. They were so perfect for gentler walks and still felt chic when I wore them with a dress in the evening to go to dinner. This pair is also made from hemp, making it breathable and perfect for the warmer weather we’ve been experiencing lately. I’m definitely including a pair of Vivaia flats on future trips as well (they’re also handy with how light they are so they barely take up any space in my suitcase) and thought I should share some other tips on what to bring with you on your trip to Ireland.

wearing Emmy Design Sweden cardigan, AmyJoyLondon dress, Aria 5° Hemp Flat Shoes by Vivaia, old basket

Always bring a rain jacket! No matter the season you visit Ireland in or type of activities you prefer, waterproofs are a must. Winter can be mild, summer can be cold, but you will almost always get rain. Sometimes it’s only a gentle mizzling rain, sometimes it’s lashing at you sideways on the top of the Cliffs of Moher! A good rain jacket will help keep you dry no matter the conditions while also being lightweight compared to an umbrella. I don’t often feature my rain jackets since I don’t like taking pictures in the rain to avoid damaging my camera, but they’re probably some of the most worn pieces in my closet and I never go on a trip around Ireland without one.

Don’t forget to wear layers. I might dander about in a dress many days of spring and summer, but I always have a sweater or jacket within handy reach because when it cools off here it cools off quickly. Many people visiting from warmer climates will also find the Irish summer quite mild, so while the locals might bare their legs the moment the sun comes out, it’s really not that warm compared to many countries so don’t be deceived and pack clothes that will allow you to bundle up. Even when the morning is bright and clear, as an island the weather in Ireland is very changeable so layers and are absolute must!

Comfortable flat shoes. I pretty much abandoned my penchant for high heels when I moved to Ireland as cobblestones and gravel paths were killing my ankles! Even if you’re not hiking it still makes sense to pack sensible, flat shoes. The Aria 5° Hemp flat shoes by Vivaia have the look of an elegant flat but are lightweight and breathable because they’re made of natural fibers—and they have a decent amount of padding and support so they’re perfect for long days exploring. I have been wearing flats for years, but these are the most functional ones I own for extensive walking since hemp is naturally antimicrobial and moisture-wicking. One of the reasons I love Vivaia so much is their dedication to environmentally friendly shoes; many of their shoes are made with recycled materials and this limited collection in hemp is another step towards sustainable footwear. I can comfortably wear these all day walking down stone paths along the shore, or into town in the evenings to poke around the shops and enjoy a bite to eat. An absolute genius element of these shoes as well is that they are machine washable! So even if you get them muddy on your adventures through a grassy field, they’re super easy to clean. I also love the neutral color of these because they go with everything!

wearing Emmy Design Sweden cardigan, AmyJoyLondon dress, Aria 5° Hemp Flat Shoes, old basket

Carry cash. Most places in Ireland will accept card payments, but there are still some shops that are cash only as well as tolls on the roads if you’re driving, so it’s wise to have some Euros on hand if you’re traveling around Ireland and pounds if you head up to Northern Ireland. I wouldn’t carry much, but even when we were visiting Garnish, an Irish island off the coast of Cork, we were informed just before our ferry ride that the entrance into the gardens on the island was cash only. Definitely something you need to know before you get on a boat and head across the water! Again, it’s not very common these days, but it does happen and I never regret having a small wallet of Euros on hand when we travel around Ireland.

Bring binoculars. If you love nature there’s so many beautiful places to explore in Ireland and you might be surprised by the variety of wildlife as well. On recent ferry trips we saw dolphins and seals along the coast. Some Irish islands also host puffins in certain months of the year and basking sharks are often spotted off of Cape Clear Island. I usually forget my binoculars at home and inevitably regret it! Even when just spying on more common sea birds off the coast or Irish hares in the field, it’s fun to be able to get a closer look at the wildlife.

There’s probably loads more things that would be handy for you to bring on your trip to Ireland, but that’s the quick list that comes to my mind, especially based on my recent adventures. I got so much use out of my rain jacket this month and wore my Vivaia flats on many seaside trails like the ones in these pictures. I love how many paths along the shore are lined with stones and the way the wild canola seed flowers come all the way down to the water’s edge. It’s also one of Solomon’s favorite areas to explore as well, although he’s partial to a sandy beach with tall dunes he can run down! Vivaia is having an anniversary sale right now and you can use my code ACH15 to save up to 33%!

wearing LittleWomenAtelier dress, Voriagh bodice, Aria 5° Hemp Flat Shoes by Vivaia, old basket

Nine Edible Flowers & What They Taste Like

2022-06-20T08:00:00.006-07:00

When I shared my cakes last spring with the edible flowers on them I got so many comments about “was I really going to eat those cakes with the flowers on them?!” And the answer is, “yes, of course!” I did my research to make sure every flower I used was edible and I put a lot of work into picking, cleaning, and using them to decorate my cakes so I definitely wasn’t going to throw that hard work away! From personal experience I’d add that flowers used as decoration don’t affect the flavor of cakes very much; they’re more there for decoration and texture. When you really want to get the flavor of a flower you usually want to distill it down to a syrup and then use that syrup when mixing drinks, flavoring cakes, icings, etc. Still it can be quite intimidating to start foraging and I often find that guides to certain plants don’t really tell us what they taste like—for example what is good in a salad and what’s better with sweets? So here’s a very small guide to a few easily identifiable spring flowers and what they taste like raw. Some flowers like lilac as well is something you almost smell more than you taste. I found all of these flowers on one walk and they should be in season for most of May.

Violets: sweet, perfumed flavor, like a burst of floral on your tongue.

Wild garlic: tastes like garlic or onion; all parts of the plant are edible so you can use the leaf and flower in recipes.

Dandelions: sweetest when young they have a mild honey flavor, but the green parts are often bitter so try to harvest only the yellow petals.

Daisy: relatively tasteless, but still pretty on cakes or in salads.

Cuckoo flowers: similar flavor to watercress, peppery with a bit of a hot kick.

Lilac: floral and perfume-y with hints of citrus; very pretty smelling.

Forget-me-nots: very mild floral taste, some describe them as slightly nutty.

Primrose: mild and sweet flowers; the leaves are also edible and are a bit spicy and anise flavored.

Red clover: Sweet flavor with a hint of bean flavor when eaten raw.

*This post first appeared on my Patreon page! For more regular posts, exclusive content, foraging recipes, wallpapers, preset downloads and more sign up to become a patron today.

Wicklow Travel Tips (From A Local)

2022-06-08T08:00:00.086-07:00

I still hesitate to call myself a local in Ireland despite living here for seven years, however I do have the benefit of a true local (my husband) to offer travel advice. We’ve visited Wicklow a few times now and no matter the season it is one of my favorite counties in Ireland with truly breathtaking scenery and so much history. We visited recently in May which confirmed my personal theory that May is one of the best months to explore Ireland—in May every where is green again; the hedgerows are full of blooming hawthorn trees and cow parsley and the woods are dotted with bluebells. Wicklow is an especially lovely place to visit in this month because of all of the lovely gardens that populate this region. Here are some of my top tips for exploring this county with suggestions on what to see and where to eat.

The best time to visit Glendalough

Glendalough, an early medieval monastic settlement that dates back to the 6th century is well worth the visit, however if you go in the middle of the day brace yourself for some crowds. Thankfully from May through to September sunset is late in Ireland, so you don’t need to visit here in the prime hours to get a good view. Weave between the tumbling gravestones and scenic trails down to the water from 6PM onwards and you’ll barely see another soul. In the summer months sunset will be between 9-10PM so you’ll have several hours to explore by yourself.

Where to eat

Just down the road from Glendalough’s Monastic City you’ll find the charming, family-run Wicklow Heather restaurant. This spot is very popular and tables fill fast so try to book in advance. The restaurant is filled to the brim with antiques and charming decor—and one of the rooms is dedicated to Irish authors. The menu features a lot of local and fresh ingredients and the desserts are worth saving space for.

Best garden

Wicklow is known as the “Garden of Ireland” so visiting a garden on your visit to this county is a must and there are many to choose from. My top pick is Mount Usher; around 22 acres of a sprawling Robinsonian style garden designed along the banks of the River Varty. It has a beautiful, informal design that complements the natural landscape and boasts a wide variety of trees and flowering plants. You can also browse a small shopping center at the start of the garden with everything from plants to linen clothes and local produce.

Don’t miss Avoca

Avoca Handweavers is the oldest working woolen mills in Ireland and one of the world’s oldest manufacturing companies. While Avoca still makes woolen garments today, the shop has become so much more with a mix of retail and food and legendary cooking books. Avoca started in Wicklow and there are a few of their shops scattered around the county (including one in Mount Usher), but for the full experience head to their flagship store in Avoca Village. On the banks of Avoca river you’ll find their store, cafe, and mill. At this location you can see a demonstration of handwaving at the visitor centre and walk through some of the history of the region. One of the real draws of any Avoca store though is it’s cafe.

Find a folly

For a more formal garden with ornate fountains and Grecian sculptures stop by Powerscourt Estate and Gardens. One of my favorite features in this majestic garden was the Pepperpot—a miniature castle folly. Follies are buildings (and bridges and roads) built for decorative purposes and designed to look old; some resemble ruined walls and churches, while others like the Pepperpot take inspiration from fairytale castles. Around the corner you’ll also find the Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland’s highest waterfall cascading at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains.

For the art lover

Scene of one of the most infamous art heists in Irish history, Russborough House is stunning Georgian house in the heart of West Wicklow built in the mid-1700s. Today is holds one of the largest private collections of European fine and decorative arts in Ireland. The Beit family were among the most important collectors of the late 19th and 20th centuries and their collection can still be appreciated in the house and beyond today. Many works are on loan to various museums, but the house is still brimming with Dutch masters and even a Singer Sargent portrait.

A hidden gem

Just over the border in Carlow, the Altamont Gardens are well worth the scenic drive into the countryside. This Robinsonian style garden has no admission fee (you pay a small fee for parking) and features a unique Bog Garden and Ice Age Glen, sheltered by ancient oaks and flanked by huge stone outcrops leading to the banks of the River Slaney. If you’re visiting in May (or any other season) stop by the cafe afterwards for a tray bake and to walk under the majestic canopy of laburnum to the tables in the walled garden.

*this post was originally shared on my Patreon, for more regular blog posts, exclusive content, photography & travel advice become a Patron for as little as $3 and no long term commitment

Cottagecore Finds: Handpainted Candles

2022-05-17T09:18:00.006-07:00

File these under: utterly impractical but equally delightful. A handpainted candle that is so pretty you'd probably never want to burn it has to be one of the least necessary home goods, but at the same time I find myself contemplating whether I should get one or half a dozen. They're so pretty and give the best cottagecore vibes. They could be arranged in elegant candleholders alongside fresh and dried flowers on your mantleplace in a pretty spring display. I think my favorite might be these green candles with the daisy pattern, or these colorful bouquet candles. This shop has an excellent selection and a wide variety of candle colors. But perhaps most intriguing is this candle painting tutorial by Orna; she goes into detail on what tools she uses, as well as the specific paint, and methods! Perhaps instead of buying myself half a dozen painted candles I should take her wee class and learn to make my own...

*this post was originally shared on my Patreon page; for more exclusive posts and early access to shoots in addition to downloads, wallpapers, postcards and more check out my Patreon page.

Two Early Spring Looks with Vivaia

2022-03-01T08:00:00.001-08:00

According to Celtic calendars spring starts in February with Imbolc; the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It always still feels like winter to me until at least midway through April, but already signs of spring have begun to emerge in the countryside—graceful snowdrops daring to bloom even through frosty mornings and the first crocuses emerging from the soil in a burst of vivid purples. Slowly but steadily the landscape is transforming. Already I have seen the first buds of the blackthorn beginning to sprout on the spindly branches in the hedgerows and tiny lambs are beginning to appear in the fields as well. When Vivaia asked me if I wanted a new pair of flats to wear this spring I immediately honed in on this gorgeous green pair. This is the Aria 5° style flat, the first flat Vivaia made and their best seller, updated and in fresh new shades for spring. This perfect shade of mossy green is one of my favorite colors to wear in every season, but perhaps most especially in spring where it echoes the young wild garlic and thimbleweed leaves emerging in our woodlands. It is the green of spring; of growing things, of buds, and unfurling leaves and life slowly returning to the land. The fact that Vivaia shoes are machine washable as well means this is one green flat also made for those spring paths so often rife with muddy puddles!

wearing: MyRacle handmade mushroom cardigan, old blouse, Vivaia “Aria” flats, SimpleRetro jeans

While I’m usually more comfortable in dresses and skirts I have been drawn to the newer silhouettes of jeans lately—like this straight, wide cut pair. I’m not sure it’s the best shape for someone with my body type and height, but it does feel refreshing to wear something so loose after skinny jeans for so many years! The green Vivaia flats here are a nice pop of color against the dark blue of the jeans and the white of the blouse. The cardigan is also a bit looser and bigger than the usual spring layers I’d choose, but I couldn’t resist the exuberance of this oversized knit with its adorable mushroom pattern. It’s not only cute though, the size and thickness of this knit does make this a surprisingly warm layer perfect for these months when you’re tired of wearing a heavy winter coat but it’s still too cold to leave the house without some layers. wearing: MyRacle handmade mushroom cardigan, old blouse, Vivaia “Aria” flats, SimpleRetro jeans

My other spring look is much more of my typical “cottagecore” style and my comfort zone when it comes to getting dressed. It’s funny looking at these two very different outfits I feel like most people would find the jeans outfit more “normal” but for me that silhouette and style is my getting out of my comfort zone and trying something different. The outfit I would wear most days and not think much about is definitely this one with the full skirt and floral print corset. Everyone’s normal and area of comfort is so completely different! I love how the Aria 5° flats work so well with both looks—it’s a classic ballet flat style that can be styled into a more modern look, or something vintage-inspired like this outfit. And the new design of this popular style has a wider toe box with a 5° inward adjustment so its even more comfortable than the original. I think it would also look very cute styled with some ribbons laced around the ankles.

wearing: Voriagh blouse, Sondeflor skirt, Witches&Bards corset, Vivaia “Aria” flats

One of the things I’m most looking forward to this spring is getting back to foraging. I do some foraging in the winter, but mostly for making things like dried flower crowns and wreaths. I’m not a very experienced forager so I never find much in the woodlands to eat or cook with in winter. I have bought a few new foraging books from more experienced people based in the UK though and I’m excited to take them out and see what I can find. I already did my first forage of the new year by making a simple syrup with gorse blossoms (I shared this recipe on my Patreon page). I think next up I’d like to finally make something with stinging nettles; they grow in abundance in my area but I’ve always been too intimidated by the stings to try picking them and I’m not a huge fan of most greens so I wasn’t sure what to do with them. I found a recipe recently for stinging nettle cake though and I feel like that would be a good way to use nettles but actually enjoy eating them. Next I just need to get some proper gloves so I don’t horribly sting myself while collecting them! The wild garlic has also started to appear in our woods and that’s one plant I’m very confident foraging. I usually make wild garlic butter which is delicious with potatoes and one of Thomas’s favorite things to eat. We both find it very fun to be able to go out in nature, recognize a plant and then go home and make something we can eat from it. It makes me feel more connected to the land around me and self-sufficient.

wearing: Voriagh blouse, Sondeflor skirt, Witches&Bards corset, Vivaia “Aria” flats

Don’t forget Vivaia offers free worldwide shipping and you can get 18% off your order with my code ACH.

Dark Cottagecore Brand: CostureroReal

2022-01-31T08:00:00.042-08:00

While January turns most of the countryside to a bleak landscape of grey and browns, there is one magical wood near me that always stays green. The trees are towering evergreens only allowing the briefest glints of sunlight through, nearby there is a herd of fallow deer, and the woodland floor is carpeted in moss, ferns, and clovers. In winter I tend to stay very close to home; I can rarely be tempted further afield than what I can reach on foot when the weather is so cold and the days are so short, but this woodland is always worth the short drive. Wandering here is always like stepping into a fairyland, a little oasis where spring seems to always remain even in the bitterest months. I recently put on one of my folk inspired outfits and went looking for one of the few mushrooms I feel safe identifying--scarlet elf cups.

Voriagh blouse, Costureroreal Mushroom Corset, Sondeflor skirt, vintage boots

I'm so happy vintage-inspired bodices and corsets like this are becoming more popular because it's a style I love so much. They're really nice because they add so much personality to the simplest of outfits; I'm only wearing a white blouse and black skirt but with this bodice I feel like a someone in an old folktale (like the peasant that glimpses a passing fairy procession while out gathering herbs). This particular bodice is by CostureroReal. It's a lovely piece because of the unique print (and they carry other fun prints as well--tartans, vining leaves, stars, chestnuts, and florals), but also the fit--it has no boning so it's very comfortable, but it also laces in the back and front so the size is super customizable. CostureroReal also has very inclusive sizing with many of their pieces going up to a 2XL. They're also a a small women-owned company and I think their pricing is very affordable as well--definitely a brand to explore if you enjoy cottagecore fashions and fantasy inspired pieces. They have some more elaborate creations like mushroom bedecked hats, but also very wearable pieces like this bodice and gorgeous tartan skirts. I edited these pictures with the Elderberry Preset from my Dark Cottagecore Pack. It's my favorite pack of presets that I've ever designed and I have used it so often this winter! It was important to me to create presets that were kind to greens when editing because so often popular editing styles turn green to grey or brown and nature is so green so it always strikes me as a shame to destroy those lovely tones when editing--and my Dark Cottagecore Pack is on sale right now.

Voriagh blouse, Costureroreal Mushroom Corset, Sondeflor skirt, vintage boots

*pictures edited with Elderberry Preset from my Dark Cottagecore Preset Pack (on sale)*

A Cottagecore Christmas Gift Guide

2021-12-15T08:00:00.003-08:00

One of my favorite posts to write last year was my Cottagecore Christmas list because it was a lovely excuse to bookmark my favorite things to put on my own list! Whenever I think of the theme "cottagecore" my mind is drawn to more simple, home-y gifts; everything cozy, quite a bit of nature inspiration and perhaps a dash of fairytales as well. I tried to focus on small, independent shops and makers because I think Cottagecore should go hand-in-hand with shopping small. If we want to reject hustle culture for ourselves and live quiet lives then we should also seek to support artists and artisans--besides the quality of handmade things speak for themselves as well. A few well made pieces will last you for many years. Instead of a mass-produced synthetic hair bow, why not get a lovely linen bow with hand embroidered details?

Litha corset,mushroom basket purse,mini book necklace, mushroom candle, embroidered hair bow, Lore Pemberton prints, Thirty-Two Words for Field, book bag, mushroom mittens

teapot embroidery kit, poppy hair clip, enamel mug, forest tapestry print, embroidered purse, hobbit waistcoat, gingham apron, mushroom corset, badger embroidery kit

picture by the.vintage.library

While I've mostly shared some of my top choices from small businesses, buying new isn't the only option when looking for cottagecore themed gifts. Vintage books with pretty covers, secondhand sets of teacups and vases found at thrift/charity shops, antique candle holders, or even handmade gifts of wreaths and crowns made from foraged bits of nature are also sustainable and affordable options.

Things You're Missing If You're Not A Patron

2021-12-13T08:00:00.006-08:00

These days most of my focus has been on growing my Patreon page and creating exclusive content for patrons. It's a wonderful way to access unique posts you won't see anywhere else and a platform where I feel more comfortable being more open and sharing slightly more personal posts. I've covered why I moved and some of the struggles of living abroad, thoughts on setbacks at work, along with more practical posts like photography tutorials and guides. Every month I also share exclusive wallpaper downloads with different nature themes, cottagecore book and movie recommendations, and so much more! One of the most popular series I started up this year was highlighting affordable cottagecore homes; some months I focus on cute thatches that are on the market for less than £100,000 and other months I share quirky, affordable escapes you can rent on holiday in Ireland or the UK. These pictures are from an adorable cottage in Kerry; on Patreon I share the listing, insights into the cottage, things to do in the area, local wallpapers, as well as other cute places you can book for you own cottagecore escape. If you miss reading my posts please do consider coming over to Patreon where I post regularly and it's a great way to support my creative work as well. Patrons make it possible for me to tackle creative projects and deep-dive into research on historical and fashion topics. It costs as little as £2.50 a month to become a patron and there's no long-term commitment. It may seem like a small contribution, but honestly every single patron makes a difference for me and it means so much to have your support. Plus when you sign up you instantly access my backlog of posts and if you do commit to annual membership you can save 10% off the whole year. Click here to become a patron and support my art today!

Three Autumn Outfits with Vivaia Collection Boots

2021-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

In the last few years I’ve tried to switch to a more ethical wardrobe; cutting out as much fast fashion as I could and investing in more sustainable brands. When shopping more mindfully certain pieces have been easier to find—I easily discovered brands that specialized in dresses and skirts in linen (one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics). Accessories have been a bit harder, one sustainable solution is to shop more secondhand so I’ve made an effort to buy vintage boots for the winter months but spring and summer flats in my style and size were a bit trickier to place. Which is why I was so excited to find Vivaia Collection this year. Classic and colorful flats that can be thrown in the wash? Yes, please! And they’re made of recycled plastic bottles? I was sold. Vivaia Collection shoes work so well with my vintage inspired outfits and help me follow my goals of shopping more sustainably. When I saw they had some new boots for autumn and winter I knew I wanted to try a pair for myself.

wearing old blouse & pinafore dress, Vivaia Tammy boot, tights

I chose the classic Tammy boot in black (it also comes in brown). This lace-up style always gives me slightly Victorian vibes and I think makes it a good fit for vintage inspired outfits from a range of eras, as you can see from the three outfits I styled with these boots. The boots are made from a mix of ethically sourced wool and recycled plastic; which means they’re warm and with a soft slightly stretchy fit that molds to your feet and ankles. I found them very comfortable and the soles are anti-slip, so I had no problem wearing them out on walks through our piles of wet autumn leaves! I’ll probably wear them the most with layers of long petticoats and skirts for warmth this winter, but I think they suited this swinging sixties inspired mini dress as well. It’s been awhile since I wore one of my minis, but I still have several in my closet! This pinafore is one of my favorites that I never seem to be able to get rid of despite my preference for longer skirts these days. In fact, aside from the boots everything in this outfit is at least four or five years old.

wearing Nour & the Merchant Harvest dress, corset, Vivaia Collection Tammy boots

It always feels when November rolls around everyone is ready to focus on Christmas, but autumn is still lingering and golden in my region. There’s piles of leaves building up everywhere, jackdaws coming in to roost beside our lake and the smell of peat smoke lingers over the village in the evenings. So many days are still mild enough that you can get away with a few cozy layers rather than a full coat. As long as there’s still leaves around I’ll be embracing the autumn vibes. I always like to wear the colors of the season, so this deep orange linen is one of my favorite pieces for fall. I designed it with Nour and the Merchant and wanted to make it romantic and special, but still simple enough that you can style it a few ways, like with a corset as I’m wearing here. Corsets (or stays) have definitely become one of my favorite accessories to wear this year—they just make every outfit a little bit more special. This corset also features one of my favorite paintings from a second generation Pre-Raphaelite artist; it is the Accolade by Edmund Leighton. It’s hard to see in these pictures but the painting depicts a Queen knighting a young man. Perhaps one of these days I’ll have to try to recreate that painting in a photograph.

wearing Nour & the Merchant Mists chemise, Michael Michaud necklace, corset, LinenNaive skirt, Tammy boots

This last outfit is more of my everyday look; it might be a bit more whimsical than the 60s inspired outfit, but I love these romantic sleeves, corset, and the bold color of the skirt. It’s very peasant princess for the autumn months and that style to me always seems not too dressed up or fancy. I think some people would find this look a bit theatrical, but linen is such a practical fabric I always feel like I can wear these clothes anywhere. Linen is pretty easy to clean and layers warmly, even my Vivaia collection boots can be brushed clean if I end up wandering off the beaten path. I like the way the lace-up details on the Vivaia Tammy boots echo the lacing of the corset, it really ties the outfit together for me. We haven’t had a hard frost in our region yet so our nasturtium plant in front of the how is still quite green. It’s always such a contrast to the trees around us that are shedding their leaves right now, but soon this garden will reflect the season as well. P.S. If you like these boots and want to try Vivaia Collection for yourself be sure to use my code ACH for 20% off!