We’re back from Hawaii, and I loved using my new Caftan. (Though admittedly it was hot at times, and I could see how the shorter version might be more practical—if only my legs were my favorite feature!)
A few people mentioned that caftans are easy to make, with simple lines to cut and sew. It makes perfect sense—which really makes one wonder why they all have to be so darn expensive? Incidentally, both Emerson Fry lengths are on sale now.
Summer may be ending for many of us, but I know I’ll be seeking out a beach again come winter. I found two great tutorials for the more sewing-inclined of you…
Toronto-based Yvonne, of the blog Choo Cha, made herself this beautiful caftan and recommends looking at Indian fabric shops for a good source (bolts sold “for the purpose of making punjabi suits or sarees are usually about 6m of fabric”).
Read her instructions. I imagine you could make a short or long version for yourself depending on your preference.
Alternatively, Martha Stewart has a tutorial for a beach cover-up (shown at top) that takes a bit more of a poncho-shape but which could also be in keeping with the look. You’ll need two light scarves to sew together. Follow the link to read her simple instructions.
aka “The easiest (half) day trip to the city with a transportation-loving toddler.”
A few weekends back, we drove into the city—grabbing breakfast in the car—with pretty much the express purpose of giving Hudson his first ride on a cable car. We ended up spending just a half-day in San Francisco, but it was the perfect morning—with something for everyone.
We used an app called ParkNow to find inexpensive parking near Fisherman’s Wharf before walking a few blocks over to Ghiradelli square. I noted, for future reference, that we were also starting out by Buena Vista Cafe which—if you’re a fan—makes a deliciously strong Irish Coffee (it originated the recipe). But we were on a mission: On weekends, and in the busy summer tourist season, it’s best to be at the cable car turnarounds as early as possible.
I recall talking with girlfriends at a park one afternoon, shortly after Hudson was born, and their reassuring me: “everyone tells you ‘oh, you’ll never do this or that again… you won’t travel or eat in fancy restaurants or go to the movies…’ but none of it’s true. Well, except for seeing movies.” They all agreed that they basically never go to the movies.
In New York, the going rate for a babysitter seemed to be $15/hour. A movie ticket, on average, costs another $15. So before you’ve even had dinner or concessions, you’ve probably spent $60. Time to get a Netflix subscription instead.
So, the funny thing is, going to dinner and a movie—typically a sort of average date—has become pretty exciting to me. Sometimes nothing sounds better or more romantic than sitting in a dark theatre beside one another and sharing a box of popcorn.
It’s made all the better when we get to see a new release downtown at the Varsity. Oh, and by the fact that everything costs a little less in Davis! (Don’t you love all the bicycle parking, by the way?)
Last week, we rode our bikes downtown to the old theatre, a Streamline Moderne building: built in 1949/50, the Varsity was built in a style that, at the time both incorporated and reacted against elements of Art Deco (think Airstream trailers). It’s now a historical landmark that shows more art house cinema.
There’s a cafe to one side, and a gelato and candy shop to the other (both owned by the same man), and they’ve struck a deal with the theatre so that you can bring items from either inside. I couldn’t resist the spicy ginger gelato.
If the movie is good, we’ll often end up in the wine bar across the street to keep talking about it. This time we saw The Way Way Back. Have you seen it? It’s funny, sad, touching, and memorable: Totally put-on-a-cute-outfit (I’m obviously obsessed with chambray), hire-a-babysitter, and share-some-popcorn worthy!
What have you seen lately that’s date-night worthy? I practically peed my pants I laughed so much at the outrageousness of The End, and I really appreciated the thoughtful Mud, but it’s been a while since I truly loved a movie. I’m really looking forward to that new Julia Louise-Dreyfuss movie, Enough Said, and I always like to see Woody Allen’s films. What else looks good?
This post was sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.
