Ode To The Look
Joy to the look! The Maine design has come
Let us receive beauty!
Let every heart prepare its comfort
And the stories they all share and tell
And the stories they all share and tell
And the stories, the stories they all share and tell
I don’t think many people are focusing on what they’re wearing for their holiday festivities this year as they’re staying home and maybe not visiting family at all, but when it comes to a celebration big or small I always like to play dress-up.
I decided to dress in a vintage yet modern style with herself clothing that is handcrafted in South Portland. Heather Stilin, the fashion designer behind herself, is a Midwestern native who has lived on both coasts and been influenced by the art and design of both. Her focus is on simple shapes and color. The top is a Lee Henley in Indigo Overdye Gingham ($150 ) and the pants are a Bridget in Dark Denim ($200) made with 100% cotton Japanese denim. To not get these beautiful pieces messy while cooking, I wore my Woodlore Designs Crossback Linen Apron with Adjustable Straps in Natural ($88). I also wore Maine & Ivy’s IVY Yacht Loafers in Navy ($128) to finish the look.
Placing the Maine made cracker on to the cheese board.
Items included in this photo: Woodlore Designs Crossback Linen Apron with Adjustable Straps in Natural ($88) and Lee Henley in Indigo Overdye Gingham ($150).
Photo Credit: Good to Go Studios
My husband also decided to join in on the Maine made fun but kept it very casual. He wore an Original Maine Flag Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt in Navy ($48). Original Maine is the same owner as Maine Flag Co. I snag the hoodie from him all the time as I highly enjoy wearing it as well. Super comfortable!
The nautical and elegant white sweater was from Maine & Ivy and called the Hampton’s “Cashmere” Sweater Oyster ($168) along with beautiful flowy pants. Maine and Ivy was created in 2018 by two women. One had been in the fashion industry for years, and the other was a stay-at-home mom of six years. In January of 2020, Medea Harris became the sole proprietor of Maine & Ivy. Influenced by the charm and history of New England, Maine & Ivy seeks to be a place for the “Modern Prep”: fun, cheeky, playful, inclusive, and socially conscious all the while wearing pearls and popping of the collar.
Maine made Salty Grain jewelry was paired with our outfits as well. Jessica Kennelly is the designer behind these lovely pieces as they are made out of scraps of wood from all the boats her husband has worked on as he is a boat builder. Each piece is one of a kind as the wood tells a different tale. My necklace is similar to the Sapelli Mast Necklace ($30) and my earrings are similar to the All At Sea Teak ($30). Amy’s earrings are similar to the All At Sea Oak ($30) but with Purple Heartwood.
Giddy feet ready to take on the dance floor.
Items included in this photo: Gray Fox Co. Spruce Loafers ($47).
Photo Credit: Good to Go Studios
Happy talks to Momma as she feeds him food.
Items included in this photo: Tachee Turtle Crewneck Sweater ($40).
Photo Credit: Good to Go Studios
Of course, I couldn’t forget about the kids so I decked them out in TACHEE sweaters and Gray Fox Co. soft sole shoes. Rachel Gloria Adams designs joyful, thoughtful patterns and has them screen printed on kids' apparel from t-shirts to sweaters. As a toddler, Rachel thought her name was pronounced TACHEE. When she decided to start developing patterns and kids’ clothes, she felt like it was the right time to bring TACHEE back. Fun Fact: Rachel’s dad still calls her TACHEE. Elayna, my daughter is wearing the Bunny Crewneck Sweater ($40) in Grey, and Krew, my son, is wearing the Turtle Crewneck Sweater ($40) in Navy.
Gray Fox Co. was started in 2017 by Gabby Doane, who lives in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Gray Fox Co. consists of a handmade collection of simple, gender neutral, soft soled shoes for babies and toddlers. All of their products are handmade in Maine using exceptionally soft, all natural vegetable tanned leather. Their goal from the beginning has been to be as sustainable as possible and they continue to evolve and learn as they grow to make as positive an impact as they can—environmentally, ethically, and in their local community. Elayna, my daughter, is wearing the Spruce Loafers ($47) and my son, Krew, is wearing Fuzzy Shearling Loafers ($50).
Each piece offers comfort, style and a Maine made tale.