Is it really Christmas time already? Boy that came around fast! I don’t know how my family got to the end of the year in one piece but we did and here we are. Moving to America has been nothing if not a learning curve. So many, oh soooo many situation adjustments and issues to deal with. Let’s not forget the endless bureaucracy OY VEY!
How can two modern, first world, English speaking countries be so different? I suppose it has a lot to do with their respective histories, specifically the colonial age of each. I have a theory that America is the sassy teen to Britain’s wise old woman. As with all generational gaps there’s no right or wrong way it’s just different. Although I do believe Missy America has let herself go. The kid could use a good old spruce up if you know what I mean?
LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM
Whilst the school system in New Jersey is a revelation, the infrastructure here is like an old banger chugging smoke out a rusty exhaust pipe. Coughing and spluttering along causing unnecessary pollution, dated and falling apart. Furthermore the incumbent government itself infested with rats and mold. Thankfully it looks like the latter will be gone soon however the former needs a great deal of money spent to catch up with the 21st century.
The richest democracy on the planet still delivers electricity to homes via overhead cables? For goodness sake what is this lunacy? How can such a high maintenance yet unreliable service be better value than simply going underground? Get it done, invest in your future! God knows we all pay enough tax! Where is that money going? Does anyone know? I have an inkling much is lost on the triple effect. By that I mean this obsessive need to triplicate absolutely bloody every form for every thing! WAHHHH!
And don’t get me started on the postal service!
In any case there’s no doubt America has her issues but despite all of them, yes even the $70 inhaler for asthma, we absolutely love living here! Indeed every country has its problems, Britain has the Tory’s for starters. It’s true, no country is perfect. The trick is accepting the bad with the good, as my Husband rightly said to me yesterday. In his words “Why do you fight the system? It’s easier to accept it”
That’s me in a nutshell though, I’m a fighter.
Over the years I’ve learned to calm down about certain things, pick my battles as the saying goes. However this year has been so filled with one battle after another that I lost sight of what ones were worth fighting about. It’s time I took a step back. The time has come for us to simply be an ordinary family. A family creating our own space and not just trying to fit in. There’s plenty of room in America for diversity and individualism, after all that’s why we moved here. I’m certain my kooky crew will find their niche without compromising who they are.
Also during lunch yesterday Mark and I discussed potential holidays. FYI – Moving abroad should NOT be considered a holiday, despite what some may think. More like we need a holiday to recover from the move! In any case it’s well over a year since we had a family holiday and boy do we need some R&R STAT!
Even merely talking about places we want to visit is enough to give us a buzz right now. It’s fun to plan a holiday don’t you think? I think we all need holidays to look forward to as much as the actual holiday itself. Speaking of holidays, I keep forgetting that American’s refer to Christmas as THE HOLIDAYS which totally confuses me in conversations. Equally, my version of the English language often leaves my American friends clueless of what I’m on about! Here’s a perfect example from a recent day working in the hospital.
Lady “Can you tell me how to get to the gift shop?”
Me “Yes, you take the lift”
Lady stares at me blankly for several minutes…”Huh?”
Me “Sorry?”
Lady “What? How?”
Me “The lift”
Lady “lift?” she literally scratches her head before saying loudly as if I’m deaf “Ohhhh EL-E-VA-TOR”
We both simultaneously burst into hysterics. I mean come on what a couple of dingbats! This kind of exchange is a regular occurrence and usually pretty funny. Then sometimes not funny at all especially when it involves a government department or school. Let me tell you, I could fill a book with the crap that’s gone down due to misunderstanding words.
MAKING SPACE FOR US
As you all know I champion sustainable and ethical fashion here on the blog. Therefore it’ll come as no surprise for you to read that I’m a huge fan of EILEEN FISHER. There’s no doubt this remarkable label is the epitome of class, not only for its style but also its integrity. EILEEN FISHER has taken a stand on both the human rights of its workers and the impact of its garment production on the planet.
“Our vision is for an industry where human rights and sustainability are not the effects of a particular initiative but the cause of a business well run. Where social and environmental injustices are not unfortunate outcomes but reasons to do things differently”
EILEEN FISHER is a true trailblazer of ethical fashion. Leading the way in mapping their supply chain. They’re working proof it is possible to prevent human rights abuses despite what we hear from other well-known brands. To say I’m delighted to collaborate with them is the understatement of the year. I’m thrilled to bits and couldn’t be more proud, this is my dream come true!
MY FAVOURITE PIECES FROM EILEEN FISHER
Recently I met the supremely talented jewellery designer Tarra Rosenbaum while she was in Manhattan on business. After our lovely lunch date lamenting the scourge of fast fashion Tarra accompanied me on my reccy to the EILEEN FISHER store. I wanted to see the latest range in person and not merely on the website. I was on a mission to compare each colourway, feel the materials and examine the finishes of various garments. Instantly uplifted by the many swoonworthy pieces I decided to share all my favourites with you today.
It goes without saying my love for knitwear knows no bounds so you can trust me when I tell you the quality here is divine. Hence why I’ve chosen so many knits to showcase. There are two other outstanding pieces that both Tarra and I were immediately drawn to. This surprisingly stunning button down shirt in baby blue velvet and the cropped teddy bear jacket made from Suri alpaca. Yum yum yummy…
The Acorn opens to carry a love note
SENDING VIRTUAL HUGS AND GENUINE LOVE
As the year draws to a close, I want to give you all a ginormous huggle for your unwavering support. It’s been a tough year and I’ve moaned a lot….but you girls have never stopped supporting me and that means the world. THANK YOU so very much! If it wasn’t for you I probably would’ve shut down the blog by now. Though instead of calling time on this chapter of my life, It’s literally getting a second lease and I couldn’t be happier. That’s entirely down to YOU.
Lots of love, Mx
*DISCLOSURE – This is a paid partnership with EILEEN FISHER. However everything in this post is my honest opinion and as you know, I only work with brands I believe in.
Comments ( 15 )
Annette
Michelle, this look is beautiful and it suits you so well! Love the colour and I am definitly going to check out Eileen Fisher. I feel it is a fabulous brand for me as well!
As you know, Germany is investing a lot of money into environment protection, sustainability and modern technology and it must be frustrating to see the old standards in such a huge country…
xx Annette
MT
Oh yes this is such a perfect brand for you Annette, I know you’ll love it all!
You’re so right about my frustration. It is killing me to see this when I know so many countries are spending big on sustainability. It makes me question why bother? If the U.S doesn’t join the rest of the world it really hurts our cause. I cried when they left the Paris climate deal.
Lisa Lennkh
Oh Michelle. I love every detail of this post. The soft seafoamy dark green clothes with the layers and layers of bright shiny gold is absolutely stunning. The golden acorn is a dream, and who knew I needed a velvet shirt like the one Eileen Fisher makes?! What gorgeous pieces. It is refreshing that a few brands CARE about their impact on the earth, and don’t view sustainability as an afterthought. It must be a breath of fresh air in the States where profit margins and shareholders are the main drivers of decisions.
Anyway, beautifully styled, beautifully shot in gorgeous winter light, and beautiful message as well. I’m going to make a point to go to the Eileen Fisher store on Marylebone High Street to see if they have that V neck jumper and the velvet shirt! xxx
MT
Thank you so much dear heart xxx
notdressedaslamb
As you know we would NEVER have let you stop blogging, MT… you’re too good as this post proves!! Thank you so much for highlighting this fabulous brand, the green is absolutely delicious – so beautiful with the gold bling and pink. One of my favourite outfits of yours 🙂
Catherine x
P.S. Kudos for the phrase “America is the sassy teen to Britain’s wise old woman” 😉 lol
MT
Fanks mate 😉 Glad to hear you like that phrase, it’s a favourite of mine too and THANK YOU for always lifting me up xxx
Abby
You look absolutely amazing Michelle! So classy and sexy at the same time! And that stuff you say in the beginning of the post, it takes some guts! Congratulations on the collaboration, I see an American dream unfolding right there. Also, Happy Holidays to you and your lovely family. And since I’m like you- not a quitter either- you should see more of me in the near future. Sending you lots of love! xx Abby
MT
Oh Abby this makes me so happy to read you’re return to blogging! Will I automatically receive your post as usual or is it a new blog? Tell me more! xx
No Fear of Fashion
I learned about Eileen Fisher from Susan (Une Femme d’un certain âge) and went to their store in Vancouver. Bought lovely pieces that keep so good and wear so well. I was less lucky in finding anything in London, but perhaps that was because I was looking for striking pieces.
The jewellery you are showing is stunning, especially in this abundance.
Greetje
MT
Haha that’s a coincidence because I first tried Eileen Fisher from a blog post of Susans! She knows her stuff that one 😉 I bet you two had a fabulous time in Paris recently. Come to NYC next won’t you?
No Fear of Fashion
I couldn’t make it to Paris this December because of Knee. Next year perhaps but that will be London…. sorry.
Rozanne
Michelle you look simply beautiful draped in pine green and gold, what a perfect seasonal look. Thank heavens you haven’t stopped blogging, you would be sorely missed by many. I love Eileen Fisher clothing but didn’t know it has such impressive ethics. Definitely one to add to my wardrobe one day. I wish you a peaceful and content Christmas and a grounded and inspiring 2019 xx
MT
Thank you so much dear Rozanne. I wish you a wonderful 2019 too and let’s hope there is some peace in the world soon xxx
Samantha
Going for a little green and gold there? You can take the girl out of Australia….