The Wild West, Mountain Men, and Fashion Inspiration Part 1

My two daughters have both studied Utah history this year in school which means that I have also studied it by default (why do my children's homework projects always end up being a 95/5% split among me/them? I'm trying to do better at relinquishing control!). Additionally, I've been obsessed with the AMC TV series "Hell On Wheels" which captures the building of the Transcontinental Railroad in gripping historical fiction. As you likely know, the Transcontinental Railroad was completed high in the Wasatch Mountains at Promontory Point, Utah in 1869 and I really love living in the shadows of those beautiful mountains. The mining, trapping, railroading, and homesteading history of Utah is fascinating and I'm glad to be learning more about my home state since I'm originally a transplant.

While frantically trying to design and create a few looks for a big project I'm working on, I decided I may as well run with the thoughts I already had in my brain and use Utah's interesting history as my inspiration. I couldn't stop thinking about the amazing natural resources that the Beehive State has to offer, so I got to sketching with silver, ore, coal, fur, ice, snow, water, and aspen trees on my mind. I'm thrilled by the results and feel an unusually emotional connection to some of these pieces because they represent everything I love about Utah.

This evening look was inspired by Provo Canyon where the pristine Provo River meanders between jagged granite deposits and the dichotomy between hot and cold (a constant struggle here in the high desert!).

  I added a large, antique brass clasp to the back of the shrug to add some contrast between the heavy, structured shrug and the slinky slip dress. 

 I love the way this photo captures the essence of Utah's mountain terrain and climate; cold and mud require boots!

I'm excited to share with you the other looks in my historical Utah mini-collection! I hope they inspire you to find and celebrate the beauty in your surroundings.  Have a wonderful day!

Everything Is Turning Up Green

Spring is in full force here in Utah and it makes me happy! My trees and flower beds are blooming, birds are chirping, and I love feeling the sunshine on my face. From as young as I can remember, spring has also brought with it a tradition of new Easter dresses for my mom, myself, and my sisters and I've tried to carry on the same tradition with my daughters. Some years we buy the dresses but most years I let them choose the color and fabric, and we always have a fun time coming up with a great design. My daughters share my love of watching seemingly mundane materials become something fantastic.

I found a bit of green rib knit on clearance at Joann Fabric a few springs ago and I could not resist the beautiful, verdant hue.  I knew it'd make a comfy top of some sort so I used a coupon to buy matching satin and came up with these gorgeous gowns.  I love the lines of the deep V and sash in the back and my daughters love the stretchy knit top and swishy, twirly skirt. The best part of these dresses is that each one cost only $7 in materials!

 These gorgeous and comfortable gowns turned out to be some of my daughters' favorite Easter dresses.

 They are playtime friendly and machine washable, which gives them top marks in my book!

 One daughter prefers sleeves and the other doesn't, so I added a small pleat on each side of the shoulder to add a touch of interest to the otherwise simple sleeves. 

I really adore the long, breezy silhouette of these gowns. 

May your world bloom quickly and beautifully this spring and bring with it an exhilarating sense of hope, new life, and possibility.  Happy Springtime!

Please check out Rachael Nelson Photography for more beautiful images or to book an appointment.