Hello friends, it’s Ashley here with our last Widdle Wednesday of the summer. Is it me or did the summer just fly by?? As we giddy up into fall, we’re feeling inspired by the wild wild west. Fringe, feathers and dusty brights…. yee haw!
SHOP IT OVER HERE:Â ONE + TWO + THREE + FOUR + FIVE + SIX + SEVEN + EIGHT + NINE + TEN + ELEVEN
Thanks everyone… see you next week!
For more of Ashley’s life with her sweet family, visit her over here!
The first day of elementary school is full of excitement, butterflies in the tummy and just a little bit of anxiety. This is why I find the German “Schultüte” custom so especially charming! Maybe you’ve seen these awesome cones in older photos? Here is the story behind them!
The Schultüte tradition dates back to the early 19th century in Germany. Parents give their little first grade students a colorful, oversized cone to celebrate starting school for the very first time. The cone is typically filled with little treats like chocolates, candy and small gifts. So fun! My mother has a terrific photo of her and her Schultüte as a little girl that I’ll have to track down and share.
The name Schultüte loosely translates  to “school cone” (technically, Schule= school and Tüte=bag….sometimes you’ll see it spelled Schultuete when an umlaut isn’t available!). I remember we talked about getting one for Wolfie when he started first grade, but alas we never did! It looks so fun! Check out the grins on these kiddos…
images:Â barb lawrence
images:Â janwillemsen
I love these stylish little girls from 1969! Although she wasn’t ready for school yet, mama made the younger sister her own mini Schultüte so she wouldn’t feel left out. Aw!
image:Â Boxwoodcottage
I don’t know about you but everything seems better served in a cone! German parents and grandparents know this too and since around 1810 they have been helping ease those first day of school jitters by giving them Schultüten. Today, this charming tradition lives on as a celebration for children all over the country. In addition to slightly more modern designs, the cones are now filled with cool school supplies (like colored pencils and crayons) and little toys, in addition to the classic sweets!
image:Â linda6769
image: meehara
I think this tradition is so wonderful….would you try something like this for your little one when they enter elementary school? I think I would bend the rules and actually make one for 2nd or 3rd grade too! We just started school this week. Has your school begun yet??
PS: Here is a cute tutorial to make one yourself, or you can order one from Kinder Cone!
Even though I’m in jolly ole England right now, I did find some darling items to share with you as your kiddos head back to school this week or next week. I remember as a child looking at every Seventeen Magazine doing a feature on plaid and who am I to go against the brilliant editors of Seventeen Magazine?
So, here you go–some amazing plaid to make you smile!
I’m crushing on this lovely little mod number from Fuzzymama! All she’ll need next is a little scooter…
It’s always cool to think pink even when it is plaid–like these sassy shorts from Toadstool Vintage.
OK–could we talk about this cuteness of a skirt from Potato Cake Vintage for a moment? I. DIE.
Umm… Sailor collar with plaid edging? A+ to you!!! From Etsy seller, Thrifty Vintage Kitten.
Yes. Yes. Yes. From Etsy seller, Normal Ave. Vintage.
These widdle shoes would be welcome in my classroom any day! From Etsy seller, Ripple and Plum.
Blackwatch plaid is one of my faves. And this little jacket is killing it! From Etsy seller, Millay Vintage.
Harriet the Spy would have this coat! From Etsy seller, Wee Love Vintage.
Peter Pan collar realness! From Etsy seller, Aiseirigh Vintage.
Pantsuits are so coming back! Amirite? From Etsy seller, Sweet Shop Vintage.
And what would Autumn be without a scarecrow on plaid? Thanks, Lishyloo!
Happy Monday, ya’ll!
Well, things have been very crazy in my life recently, so I thought I would add to it with a little off the cuff trip to London. Actually–not too off the cuff, as I was actually planning it for June, but then my Dad got sick and well, you know the rest.
I actually spent a year after college on BUNAC working in London and had the best time of my life. I was always such an anglophile when I was growing up that I was obsessed with Queen Elizabeth and anything British for ages, reading everything by the Bronte sisters and Jane Austin. And tons of other misc. books that I could find based in London–like Noel Streitfeld’s Shoe book series or the adventures of Paddington Bear.
So, between the nuttiness of TikiOasis and a fun little camping jaunt with Eric and the Peach, I packed to go to London and am hopping on a plane tonight. I’m going to stay with my darlingest friend, Jennifer Otter, who I’ve written about in the past here and we are going to have a blast doing some day trips and visiting.
But I will leave you with this dandy little video featuring Lucille Ball dancing with mods in London called, “Lucy in London”. The marvelous Karen Finlay hipped me to it and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.
Any ideas of where to go and what to do? Lemme know!
It’s my gorgeous gal, Alix’s birthday today! Right now, she’s on a much deserved vacation with her family to Michigan and is hopefully relaxing at the lake house after a fun filled day of thrifting. I’m sure she’s gotten tons of hugs and kisses from Wolfie and Greg and extra love for her parents who get to share her birthday with her this year–what a treat!
You gotta love Alix! She’s such a gorgeous gal with a great personality, fabulous style and so darn funny–oh lawdy! I’ve nearly shipped my pants laughing so hard at some of the things she’s say!
Three cheers for Alix on her special day! Stop by @galexina on Twitter or Instagram to wish her a happy birthday! Or leave her some love right her in a comment!
xo,