The Green Door & The Purple Dress

Dress: c/o Tobi; Booties: Luichiny; Purse: Thrifted; Earrings: Claire's

'Outdoorsy' is not typically a word people use to describe me. Sure, I love being outside when the weather is nice (read: at least 70 degrees). Chilling on a sandy beach somewhere is my idea of heaven. But the ‘let’s-go-on-a-5-mile-hike’ type of outdoorsy? Not so much. I haven’t been camping since 6^th grade. The tent Brian got a “great deal” on 2 years ago remains in its original packaging. But, I’ve spent more time outdoors since having kids than I probably have in my whole life, except perhaps when I was a kid. And you know what? I love it.

Recently, I’ve been going on “nature walks” with Ruby and Flora. This entails taking a leisurely walk around our neighborhood, counting the pumpkins on porches, and stopping every few minutes for Ruby to try to climb on something. One of her favorite pastimes is to walk on anything resembling a balance beam and request that I “talk.” I give a second-by-second commentary on her actions (“now she’s got her arms out and she’s keeping it steady – not an easy feat, folks”) as she makes poses. Yes, it is as adorable as it sounds. Flora gazes at us with interest, smiling to let us know she’s having a blast, too.

It was during one of those walks that I found it: the green door. How I missed it before is beyond me; I’ve lived across the street from it for almost 7 years. But there it was, in all its rustic glory. I became very excited because I knew I’d found a new location for outfit photos. The creative wheels started turning as we wrapped up our outdoor adventures.

For its inaugural photo shoot, I chose my new Tobi shift dress and floral Luichiny boots. I love the tie-front part of the dress, since it gives enough coverage for me to feel comfortable but still shows off a little skin. The floral boots – well, there’s not much to say except that they are me, in shoe form. Flora waited patiently as I took my photos. I think we’ll take a new route on our next nature walk. Who knows what other hidden gems we’ll discover?