My family has been a huge fan of the blog ever since its inception. In addition to generally being supportive of my latest endeavor (I swear I could say I wanted to start collecting lampshades and they would cheer and start sending me cool lampshades). But, I think it was also important because they got to see a glimpse into my daily life. Particularly when I was living abroad, we would keep up with the Big Stuff: promotions, milestones, heartbreak. But, it’s the little minutiae of our days that would get lost in the miles. The blog let them see my small moments; what I was wearing, the things at work I was tackling, and the random person I would run into in a coffee shop that would set me off on a stream of consciousness rambling about life.
Last weekend my mom came to NC to visit – and as a cheerleader of my blog (much like my sister), she loved the idea of joining me in a blog post (insert big time excitement here!). So, on Saturday morning, my mom woke up, did some hand washing, answered about 80 emails, and made an apple pie from scratch. Saturday morning, I woke up and blearily took the coffee Mr. Dressed handed me. But, you know. We were both really productive.
Then, we donned our finest and went out into the Wilmington sun…
My mom’s visit meant a lot of touring around and dinners out, which naturally translates to pulling out some of my favorite new frocks. I was definitely excited to get to debut two of my latest acquisitions: this plaid-print cutie from Vintage Calling, who met her match with this my-voice-goes-up-five-octaves-when-I-look-at-it handbag from Saturday Night Vintage.
As much fun as going out can be, I actually think my favorite parts of my mom’s visit were when we were just sort of…being. Not going anywhere fancy. Lounging around in pajamas swapping travel stories. Getting ready to go out, gabbing away with Phantom of the Opera playing in the background, with Mr. Dressed calling hopefully up the stairs, “Are we ready yet, ladies??”.
The little moments that get lost in Skype are always the best ones. Her eyes wide with shock as she took in how much makeup I had accrued over the years. Me showing her, however counterintuitive, just how easy it is to curl your hair with a straightening iron. Those little moments are the ones we build our lives around.
All in all, we had an amazing weekend getting to introduce her to our city – we dined at Pinpoint and Yosake (where she got to meet my new grad student!), strolled along the riverfront, chomped on ridiculously good apple pie, and took a tour of my new lab (including my impressive collection of shark brains. Yes, I am that nerdy.).
No matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something grounding about being reminded of where you came from. Of being around people who have known you for your entire life. Who knew the little girl you were. Who knew the path you took to get to the woman you are.
There’s no place like home after all…
xoxo
Kara Outfit Details:
Dress: Vintage Calling (similar modern or vintage here, here & here)
Necklace: Gift from my grad student (similar)
Belt: Anthropologie (similar)
Handbag: Saturday Night Vintage (similar here & here)
Shoes: Seychelles (similar here & here)
Lip Color: BITE Matte Creme Lip Crayon
Mom Outfit Details:
Dress: Calvin Klein (similar here & here)
Necklace: Charming Charlie’s (similar)
Handbag: Alannah Hill, borrowed (similar)
Shoes: Covington (similar here & here)
Lip Color: Besame
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