Embracing the Carefree Spirit of Summer
In the city, Summer loses herself amidst the relentless rhythm of life. Recognizing her need to recharge, she retreats to a countryside cottage, finding solace in nature’s embrace. Mornings bring serenity, with doves cooing, golden sun rays, and a gentle breeze. In this serene sanctuary, Summer transforms, rediscovering her essence and embracing stillness. With newfound clarity, she returns to the city, grateful for the respite that reignites her passion for life and self-care.
Now, she cherishes life’s joys while pursuing her dreams. Join us as Summer embarks on her journey of self-discovery, inspired by countryside tranquility. Embracing simplicity and cherishing the present moment, it invites others to pause and focus on well-being amidst life’s hustle. It imparts the wisdom of balancing ambition while celebrating the beauty of life with pieces that are crafted from light cotton and breathable linen, offering comfort and versatility for everyday wear.
The Billowy Allure of Broderie Anglaise
The floral patterns of the broderie anglaise represent the wildflowers and vines of the countryside. With flowy and relaxed silhouettes, our pieces embrace simplicity and appreciating the present moment, just as Summer did during her respite. Feeling the summer breeze on your legs? Oh, yes, you will. The Juneau Broderie Anglaise Culottes are designed to keep you feeling fresh and carefree all day long.
The billowy silhouette will make you feel like you’re walking on air, no matter where your adventures take you. But don’t be fooled by the first sight, looking like a midi skirt – these are actually culottes that are super versatile. The voluminous shape pairs perfectly with tight-fitted tops, creating a stunning balance of style and ease.
Whether you’re strolling through a summer market or dancing the night away, the Juneau Broderie Anglaise Culottes will be your go-to piece for fun and flirty style. Available in a range of classic colors, you can mix and match them with any top in your closet. So, go ahead and embrace the carefree spirit of summer with the Juneau Culottes. With these culottes, the world is your runway, and your style will be soaring to new heights.
Discovering the Amish Connection
As I continue my journey home, a strong whiff of diesel from a passing truck disrupts my memory for a brief second. It’s curious how a smell can take one back in time. Diesel reminds me of the Philadelphia commuter train I’d take back and forth to school when I lived with Aunt Rose and Uncle Jack.
One year after the infamous incident with Warren, I started art school in Philadelphia. To save money and because my parents required me to be eighteen before I moved into the dorm, I lived with my elderly aunt and uncle in their small one-bedroom apartment outside the city limits, near Holmesburg prison. Cramped quarters, but we all made the best of it.
As I walked the five miles home, I couldn’t help but reflect on the rumor of my supposed Amish life. It all started when my art history professor, Ms. Stewart, boldly asked me if I would stay behind after class to discuss my life in the Amish community. Even though I was stunned by her questions, I found the suggestion both charming and mysterious. I decided to own it, intrigued by the idea of being perceived as an Amish outcast.
Researching the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, I soon learned that the rumor made sense, as my style of long skirts, shirts with lace collars, ankle boots, and long hair tied up resembled what Amish women wear. I became fascinated by their disciplined focus and drive to keep their community separate amidst the busy encroachment of development.
Finding Inspiration in the Amish Lifestyle
Years after finishing art school, I became involved in the Philly punk scene, cutting my hair, dyeing it magenta pink, and spiking it high. The first person I met was a guy named Lafayette, who turned out to be Amish, close to finishing his year of Rumspringa, a time when Amish youth can experience the outside world before deciding whether to be baptized and commit to the Amish faith. Meeting Lafayette sustained my belief in destiny.
After twenty years of living in Philadelphia, I was desperate to find a lifestyle that matched my desire for autonomy, clean air, fresh water, and nature. I left the city and became what I refer to as an “ex-city dweller gone feral” after moving back to upstate New York, where I grew up. Many Amish also moved from Pennsylvania to these idyllic rural lands, and I’m continually fascinated by their historic minimalist lifestyle.
Whenever I observe the Amish community near my home, I’m inspired by their unpretentious, genuine farm-to-table pioneer lifestyle, separated from the outside world. They are indeed the true archetypes of organic living, and that’s an appealing prospect to me too. Their close-knit community endures through hard work and religious discipline, as they nurture life’s most precious entity: family.
Embracing the Beauty of the Countryside
As I stand in front of my farmhouse, I look up at the velvety black sky, its endless twinkling stars three-dimensional and hypnotic. I conclude that there are certain truths in life that you can’t change – they are absolute. Once Amish, always Amish, real or not.
I think of myself as an “ex-city dweller gone feral” as I spend a great deal of time trekking the woods in and around my home in rural upstate New York. The extreme variations in weather in this part of the state are an added plus for a photographer like me. The billowy, abstract clouds, the shimmering droplets on my arms, and the magnificent sunsets inspire me to capture the beauty of the countryside.
Whether it’s the Amish horse and buggy passing by or the fragrant scent of freshly cut hay, the tranquility of this rural landscape nourishes my soul. As I stare up at the starry sky, I feel a sense of connection to the land and a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. It’s a journey of self-discovery, just like Summer’s, and the billowy silhouettes of the Juneau Broderie Anglaise Culottes are the perfect companion for this carefree, countryside-inspired adventure.
