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weekend links and reads
Hello, everyone!
It's hard to believe it's been two months since we moved to Madrid, and this past Wednesday we finally got our resident cards for Spain! Todd worked tirelessly for over six months to make this happen, and we were lucky enough to expedite the process (which usually takes around six months) so that S could enroll in school. It’s such a relief to have this official status now, and looking back over the last couple of months, it’s fascinating to see how much we've learned and how things have evolved.
Time is flying by here! I'm starting to feel more comfortable conducting basic transactions in Spanish, although I still find myself struggling to fully grasp everything that’s being said. However, I can definitely sense improvement in my language skills. Currently, I’m focusing on verb tenses with my tutor, hoping to stop sounding like a toddler soon. Meanwhile, S is thriving at school, making new friends, and thoroughly enjoying her after-school activities—circus, cinema, and art. Her Spanish pronunciation is already impressive, so it won’t be long before she’s translating for me!
This week, we received our first care package from the U.S., complete with some Halloween treats from our good friend Whitney. It was such a sweet reminder of home.
We stay connected regularly with family and friends through FaceTime and Skype, and thanks to Kindle, we can still enjoy reading books in English. It's been relatively smooth for us to adapt to life overseas compared to my college roommate, who moved to the Netherlands after marrying a wonderful man and didn’t have the same resources we do to make things easier. The internet truly has transformed everything, hasn't it?
I’m becoming more familiar with navigating Madrid every day. For instance, I’ve learned the ropes at the fabric and trim stores. Recently, I managed to communicate in Spanglish to buy piping for my new Lisette women’s pajama pattern. (I'll introduce you to my two new Butterick patterns soon!) At the trim store, I now know which line to join if I need buttons versus elastic. Plus, I discovered a fantastic shoe repair shop, which is essential in a city like Madrid where cobblestone streets can take a toll on footwear.
We're slowly turning Madrid into our home. As the days grow shorter, we adjusted our clocks last weekend, and mornings now require jackets and scarves as temperatures drop. How about you? Are you feeling the change in seasons? I love watching the transition here in the Northern Hemisphere while people in Australia start pulling out their swimsuits.
Pinterest Picks:
There are so many creative Halloween costumes popping up in the Flickr group! I’m sure more photos will surface over the weekend—I’ll keep an eye out because I’m eager to see what everyone has been working on. One costume immediately caught my attention; I always wished to be Princess Leia when I was younger—even though I didn’t fully understand the movie at the time.
Sunday Brunch Jacket:
Isn’t this Sunday Brunch Jacket adorable? I adore the polka dots and buttons—it’s just so charming.
Elizabeth’s Lisette Moto Jacket:
Take a look at Elizabeth’s incredible Lisette moto jacket! The color-blocked sleeves give it a cool, sporty vibe, almost like a layered vest. Elizabeth’s outfit even won an award!
Halloween Costume Idea:
This one made me chuckle. I wonder if kids find it funny or if they’re utterly horrified. It’s just spooky enough for Halloween.
A Weekend Project:
Here’s a fun weekend project—you could even give it a Halloween twist: jack-o-lanterns, witches, haunted houses—so much fun!
A-Line Skirt:
Though I didn’t manage to shop for fabric in Italy as planned, I’m still thinking about making an A-line skirt for winter using the Lisette B6182 pattern. This outfit is simple, classic, and cute enough to wear all fall and winter. You could even add a hint of orange for a subtle Halloween vibe.
Weekend Reading (and Looking):
1. Even though I’m no longer in the fashion industry, I still follow it closely. The luxury fashion world is facing numerous challenges right now, especially designer burnout (think John Galliano, Alexander McQueen). Suzy Menkes sums it up well with Raf Simons’ departure from Dior. (And now Alber Elbaz leaving Lanvin—what’s happening in the luxury fashion world?)
2. Here’s an intriguing solution to the problem: what if designers worked in teams instead of as solo celebrities shouldering the burden alone? After all, this is how most non-luxury fashion operates. I loved collaborating with our team at Tommy Hilfiger—we shared ideas and brainstormed in ways that benefited everyone involved.
3. An interesting take on fashion and overconsumption as we wrap up Slow Fashion October.
4. I’m totally guilty of choosing salad and ice cream. Do you ever do that?
5. Stunning photos of churches from a unique perspective.
Wishing you all a fantastic weekend and a Happy Halloween!