This time last year I was in Michigan, for a family wedding. It was the perfect long weekend, made all the better thanks to a view of the Great Lakes every morning.
If you’ve never been to the Great Lakes, they are really special and bear a striking resemblance to California. The water is icy cold, which makes for a bracing wake-up call if you take a morning dip, but also clear and smooth — so unlike the dark and murky Atlantic Ocean I grew up with.
We landed in nearby Grand Rapids, which is home to wonderful architecture (like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meyer May House) and the absolutely astounding Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Whenever I feel stifled creatively, travel gets me out of my rut. Even looking back at photos of past trips helps! Travel is one of the best ways to reframe our minds and gain inspiration. We move physically outside the box we are most used to and get the chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes.
This week, I’m trying to lean into inspiration. I’ll be using the long weekend as an excuse to spend a day thrifting with my mom (and, if you’re my publisher and you’re reading this, finish edits on my manuscript!)
I hope you all find some inspiration this weekend, too.
xx,
VC
A New Rabbit Hole to Dive Down
I came upon the above vintage Carlisle belt at a local Goodwill (the buckle struck me and when I turned it over, I saw that the buckle itself was signed by an artist!) Apparently Karen Callan made, among other things, belt buckles for the brand and signed them all. I love that little detail and it has led me down a rabbit hole for Karen Callan designs, which are wonderful! Also: incredibly inexpensive; here are some faves:
blue toile jacket, $26 // black toile jacket, $55
Hunt For This: Coldwater Creek toile jackets.
These jackets feel very now. (Imagine them buttoned up, with a great pair of jeans and flats; maybe a denim button-up underneath?)
Sunday’s Deep Dive: This Sunday, I’m rounding up my under-$100 finds for the month of October. These are free to read but the items go so, so fast. I urge you to subscribe to get first dibs.
Also coming later this month: a huge guide to everything I know about buying and reselling vintage. More soon.
In My Cart/Recently Purchased:
I did not know Cynthia Rowley had a line for Pottery Barn! This vase is so cute (and on sale).
I just ordered these onyx donut hoops from my favorite jewelry line and cannot wait for them to arrive. VIRGINIA15 gets you 15% off anything on the site
I also ordered this rugby polo sweatshirt, which I’ve been wearing nonstop around the house. It is incredibly warm (would be great for a really cold climate) and cuddly. It is on sale for $35, which is a great deal.
I am late to the party on the Jones Road Miracle Balm but I am a convert. Love the consistency, the natural flush it gives your skin…and it goes on like a dream and is super buildable.
Reader Find of the Week
A reader shared this recent op-shop (Aussie speak for thrift shop) find in the subscriber chat: a Maitland-Smith armoire. WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT HARDWARE!!! If you have something you want to share (like an item you’re not sure you should buy), drop it into the chat! Everyone is kind, and I love seeing what you all find.
From the Archives:
How to Build a Designer Vintage Clothing Collection
I think one of the most challenging parts of collecting anything is knowing where to start. But once you pop, you really can’t stop — eventually, an obsessive knowledge for learning and cultivating u…
What a lovely belt, and isn’t that the most special thing, when you get a bit of history or learn something new? Such a rush. 💕
Michigan really is just full of incredible design finds! We moved to the SE/metro Detroit area last year, and I'm blown away about the impact that the state has had on modern design. There's a book called 'Mid-Michigan Modern, Expanded Edition: From Frank Lloyd Wright to Googie' that I'd recommend. It gives you the details on all of the incredible properties hidden in this area!