Brass Buttons

today i started blogging again

2010-12-05T17:59:00.011-06:00

Me & Grandad playing music at Christmas 2006

One of my fondest memories of Christmas past is playing music with my grandfather. He learned to play bass when he was 60 years old and played in a country/bluegrass jam every Thursday night. I was fortunate enough to play with him at his Thursday night sessions a few times; however, sitting in his living room on Christmas playing gospel and Christmas tunes was as good as it got. He passed away in 2007 and, for me, Christmas will never be the same.

Over the past few months, I've been invited to play at a place called the Tula Opry. The "pickin' shack", as they call it, was built entirely by my good friend and bandmate's dad, Rusty Pinion. Rusty and his wife, Jean, host a monthly bluegrass show and have been kind enough to include me in the line up. Last night was the gospel/Christmas show; I sat in with Rusty's house band and played a few Christmas tunes...it brought back memories of sitting around with my Grandad playing music.

Jesse & I playing at the Tula Opry

Jesse plays guitar in my band, Machine Gun Kelley & the G-men, and aside from being an amazing musician, he's an excellent artist and photographer. He recently started his own blog. He drew this picture of his dad's "pickin' shack", the home of the Tula Opry. Be sure to check out his blog.

little lou

2009-10-05T22:29:00.006-05:00

Tori Burch and my sweet friend Lindsey looking fabulous as always in Marimekko dress and Tori Burch flats.

rain drops keep fallin on my head

2009-09-19T08:38:00.007-05:00

It won't stop raining.

If only all rain were so romantic. If only we all looked as stylish as Audrey in the rain.

I can't find "Fred" so I'm settling for some practical hunter wellies to keep me warm and dry.

word eating

2009-08-16T12:01:00.011-05:00

Spencer in some of his favorite digs.

Oxford Eagle

31 July 2009

Clothes for kids: Pick your battles

The one thing harder than getting myself dressed: Getting my 7-year-old dressed.

When he was a baby, I envisioned dressing him in smocked, bibbed overalls until he was at least 10. I mean, my mom made me wear smocked dresses until I was at least 14; I thought 10 was a great compromise. But potty training brought an abrupt end to the overalls, and after age 3, he wanted nothing to do with smocking.

It’s funny, because I remember talking to a friend years ago about shopping for her first-grader and how he would not wear button-up shirts. Not having a child of my own at the time, I thought to myself and probably even said out loud, “Well, there’s an easy cure for that — make him wear them.”

I had always heard that, in parenting, you have to pick your battles. But it wasn’t until I became a parent (of a 7-year-old who doesn’t like to wear button-up shirts) that I fully understood that concept. Needless to say, I’ve been doing a lot of “word eating” lately!

For us, the simple act of getting dressed in the morning is hard enough without complicating it by trying to force my child to wear something he doesn’t want to wear.

There is a possibility we may never make it to school — at least, not without a fight — so right or wrong, I’m laying the guns down on this one.

Of course, I’m still the parent — the one who buys his clothes. I haven’t relinquished all control. But I’ve learned to let him chime in on the things I buy.

This still sometimes backfires, but at least I can say, “You, my son, have picked this out. Now you must wear it.” That always works better if I use my “Darth Vader” voice to say it.

When I have tried to go out on a limb and buy something without his input, it usually ends up hanging in his closet. For example, I bought a pair of simple khaki shorts with a elasticized, drawstring waist and pockets, all to his specifications, only to find when I brought them home that shorts had to come below your knees.

That rule came from out of the blue, and I’m still questioning if that is truly considered a short. But after consulting several of his friends’ mothers, it was confirmed that this in fact is the current “style.”

Whatever. I just know I now have several pair of brand-new shorts available if anyone is interested — but beware, they come above the knee!

I suppose it is because my fashion choices were inhibited by a strict dress code at the school I attended and by my mother that I appreciate the freedom of choice that our schools allow.

Not to say that there is no dress code, but it is within reason and age appropriate — and, for me, it’s nice not to have to contend with a child’s rules and the school’s rules on “what not to wear.”

I hear as the kids get older the dress codes stiffen, like requiring a collared, tucked-in shirt with a belt — all issues HE will have to face in choosing his clothes in time.

Certainly there are occasions that insist that my son step out of his comfort zone and spiff up a bit. More often than not, he easily obliges, even wearing the dreaded dress shoes. But day in and day out, I leave it up to him.

For me, I feel fashion is a form of creative expression, and when I like what I have on, I feel good about myself. Call me crazy. So, why wouldn’t that be the same for a child?

I give my friends with daughters much of the credit for my embrace of this attitude as I have watched their precious girl children express themselves by changing clothes as many as five times a day — happy kids, happy mom.

Inherently, this trait of fashion opinionatedness is stronger in girls, and although it seems commonplace for mothers of boys to complain that there are more clothing options out there for little girls, I can only imagine this thickens the pot. So to all the moms of female fashionistas, my hat is off.

And to all you parents, remember my friend whom I much too quickly admonished for not forcing her child to wear what she wanted? Her son is now grown, and I spotted him just the other day wearing what else but a button-up shirt — which simply goes to show that choosing not to fight every little battle doesn’t mean you won’t ultimately win the war!

all the pretty dresses

2009-07-14T09:14:00.012-05:00

So nice! What a refreshing and unassumingly sexy alternative to the bear-it-all notion we here in Oxford have become all too familiar with.

I'm thinking October wedding (for me...as a guest, of course)?

Dress by Heidi Merrick...AMAZING!

I came across sundaybrunchdress.com in the August issue of Lucky...a specialty on-line dress boutique. Perfect if you, like me, find some of the mega-sites a bit overwhelming.

Everything about it is lovely.

still feeling blue

2009-06-11T20:33:00.014-05:00

sara jessica parker in the

current/elliot boyfriend jean

A love story in denim

In search of the ‘boyfriend jean’

Oxford Eagle

12 June 2009

It’s summer and it’s hot, yet I just can’t seem to give up wearing my jeans.

I’ve made previous mention that denim is a staple in my closet or better yet part of my daily uniform. My history with jeans goes way back. The dress code at my high school only allowed us to wear jeans on “special occasions,” possibly adding fuel to my fire to wear them every other chance I was given.

As a child of the ‘80s, my jean selection at the time consisted of men’s Levi’s-bleached, holey and often tight-rolled. The styles have changed, but my dedication to denim has remained.

They’re comfortable. They go with almost anything and come in so many different styles that anyone who makes an effort can find a pair to suit them.

Imagine how excited I was when jeans made their formal debut — when some genius designer said I’m going to pair these jeans with that sequin top and now you can wear them to a cocktail party.

Nowadays there are very few occasions that I don’t at least pose the question “Can I wear jeans?” They are my “old faithful,” and if I can get away with it, I’m probably going to wear them even in the summer.

Not the best fashion rule to follow, but it’s mine.

Comfy style

It seems there’s a resurgence of women wearing men’s jeans, and this time around, they’ve even given them a name — “the boyfriend jean.”

Oversized, cuffed and most likely distressed, not completely flattering but super comfortable, these are the same jeans I had in high school just styled a bit differently.

Now they’re being paired with fitted tees to offset the bagginess, or feminine tops to offset the boyishness. But make no mistake: These jeans may look like your stole them from your significant other’s closet, yet they are selling for top dollar.

It is no secret that over the past 10 years, the trademark of the hard-working man has become a luxury item for us ladies, and I have been guilty of paying the price.

I have my ways of justifying the expense, such as the “price-per-wear” formula, but this time the equation doesn’t add up. Buying a pair of ripped-up men’s jeans for more than I spend on a couple of weeks worth of groceries is where I’m drawing the line. But still, I want the look.

So I checked my closet: I’ve got the distressed part covered. I have worn my favorite jeans until they are practically thread barren; they just don’t have that roomy menswear look I was trying to get.

Thrift-store finds

Being somewhat resourceful, I felt certain could find myself a pair of old jeans. I first went through my boxes in storage to see if by some miracle my Levi’s of days gone by had been spared. No such luck.

But as I continued to ponder my options, this image of neatly aligned blue jeans prominently displayed in the window of Carol’s Thrift Store kept popping into my head.

Carol’s, located at the four-way stop right across from the Three-Way Grocery, was the answer. So this morning I went in to see what I could find.

I literally looked through every pair — they were so organized. I pulled out the ones that looked promising and headed for the fitting room.

I ended up with two pairs of jeans that fit the bill quite nicely. The Levi’s were a little more pricey at a whopping $12, but worth it for the name — after all, Mr. Stauss did invent the blue jean.

The best part of it is, if I get them home and decide they look ridiculous (or the trend only lasts five minutes) I’m only out $22.98.

And if I just can’t stand the heat this summer, I can always turn them into the even hipper “boyfriend short” — better known to us down here in Mississippi as “cut-offs.”

jessie

2009-05-30T09:48:00.004-05:00

it started with her haircut when i saw her in Lucky...

now i'm a little obsessed with her music...

check her out...Jessie Baylin...good stuff!

POWER shortage

2009-05-10T22:47:00.009-05:00

the bermuda done right, j.crew

love this loose ensemble, shopbop

Baring Legs- the long and short of it

2009-05-10T22:46:00.005-05:00

Lauren Moffatt blouse and Anlo shorts available at Cicada.

Oxford Eagle

8 May 2009

So I left you with my thoughts for covering up, but as the good book says there is a time for everything under the sun...and believe me the sun is coming.

Face it, we live in the deep south and what we have to look forward to is 95 degree temperatures with heat indexes of 105 (which I never have completely understood) and humidity levels soaring higher than the clock tower on the courthouse. The time for uncovering is quickly approaching.

Favorite Season

Summer truly is my favorite season, but it’s also the time of year when I bring myself to do one of my least favorite things...show my legs in public.

Soon after college I resolved to the fact that shorts, for me, should be reserved for exercise and other similarly drastic activities. In a time when the style seemed to be the shorter the better, shorts were all but removed from my fashion repertoire.

After suffering through a few summer days in my trusty blue jeans, I gave in to long, flowy linen skirts and eventually, the tragically misinterpreted capri pant to combat the heat. Credit maturity or global warming, but more recently my intolerance of summer’s sultriness has forced me to reconsider my ban on shorts and fortunately the fashion world is cooperating.

Balancing Act

Shorts have come back on the scene from runway to retail. It seems the short game has become more about making an overall statement and less about showing leg. They’re being placed in more sophisticated situations paired with pretty blouses and blazers, tights and heels.

These looks may not be for you but definitely a move in the right direction for the short itself and a blessing for those of us who chose not to compete in the “how short can you wear your shorts” competition. It presents options for wearing shorts that don’t necessarily put all the focus directly on the leg.

Just the other day, I spotted a true Oxford style icon wearing a solid white short with a long-sleeved, floral peasant top and flat sandal. The result was a well put together outfit...and I thought to myself, I can do that. I was even inspired to buy a pair of “all-the-rage” gladiator sandals for the sole purpose of pairing with shorts.

Even Robert Randolph (the musical headliner of this year’s Double Decker Festival just in case you’ve been under a rock) was sporting his own short ensemble, a plaid short over some kind of athletic tights. Here’s to him for doing his own thing. The key is to decide what works for you by creating a careful balance that accentuates the positive.

Great Lengths

Another great thing about shorts these days is that almost any length goes from 3 inch inseams to the classic bermuda. So if you’ve got gorgeous gams by all means show them off. And even if you don’t have the legs of a gisele don’t altogether discount a shorter length...that may be just what you need to help create the illusion of longer legs. Go to the store; try them on! You might be surprised. Take a couple of pairs of shoes with you-a flat sandal, a wedge, a heel, if you dare. Different short lengths look good with different heel heights on different people.

And if you still can’t bring yourself to go with “real shorts”, go longer. These aren’t your grandma’s bermudas. Today’s bermudas are young and hip and definitely more sophisticated than yesterday’s daisy dukes. You have to experiment and trust your judgement...you know better what looks good on you than the shop girl trying to sell you something.

Exciting Challenge

This year, for the first time in years, I’m actually looking forward to donning a pair of shorts and creating some ensembles that I might not have considered in the past. I’m not nearly as concerned with showing my legs as I used to be. I suppose I could be walking the thin line of complacency, but I’d like to think that I’ve replaced self-consciousness with comfort in my own skin.

So join me in kicking the fear of showing your legs in the pants. Wear your shorts with confidence. Do a little “leg-work” and learn to recognize what looks best on you...which, in my opinion, is the long and short of effortless style

oui oui paris!

2009-04-16T17:30:00.013-05:00

So much talk about Paris...maybe it's time for a trip!

I loved this movie and tried to recommend it to friends but could never remember the title! Found it today on a cup of jo...who's been blogging about Paris! Two Days in Paris...rent it!

Then I caught the article in April's Vogue on effortlessly cool Parisians, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon, both daughters of Jane Birkin. They get it honestly!

Fabulous! Paris...ma nouvelle obsession!

suits me

2009-04-14T11:39:00.011-05:00

I've just returned from the beach...wish I could've stayed. It was fantastic...75 degrees, sunny with a cool breeze! My first day there I slathered myself in my new organic sunscreen and settled in for the day. Well, let's just say I'm glad I used the real stuff on the boy...my skin definitely took the heat for my honest attempt at green living. Don't get me wrong, I think a little sun does the body good, but I'm much too concerned with long-term effects to bronze myself. So lesson learned...it's the hard stuff from now on!

i also checked out the beach fashion while i was there. in my opinion, today's swimsuits have gone the way of yesterday's news...tommy pulitzer, lilly bahama...who? better yet who cares! but this i love! of course, it's from anthropologie by karla colletto...where all good things come from! i was also impressed with this vintage inspired suit posted earlier today one of my favorite blogs a cup of jo! my suit came from j.crew...i love to mix and match their basics and come up with some fresh color combo that even jenna lyons may not have thought of (of course she did come up with the colors) but it still indulges my creativity!

smokey and the band-it

2009-04-13T22:49:00.000-05:00

I really enjoy wearing a headband. It's a quick yet chic fix for my sometimes troublesome tresses. And I love that both Liz Taylor and Ava Gardner are sporting the headband in this 1963 photo. I'm personally a fan of Ava's. Fabulous!

Although most of the time my headbands are simply for function (normally just old bandanas that once belonged to my granddad), I am totally diggin' this little number by TAZA & THE PRINCE. Form definitely over function! I think I need it...who doesn't need a little form every once in a while!

And by the way you should check out "Taza's" blog rockstar diaries! She and her husband are way too cute and have an amazing sense of style!

right in time

2009-04-10T07:50:00.000-05:00

Third-year law student Laurel Blue tops a short denim sundress with an elbow-sleeve cardigan and fuschia scarf.

Living with Style:

Dressing for spring calls for common-sense approach

The Oxford EAGLE

Friday, April 10, 2009

Spring has sprung, and likewise has the urge to break out the sundresses and flip flops.

I’ll admit I’ve got the fever, too. Unfortunately, the fickle weather around here is enough to give anyone a literal fever. 75 today 45 tomorrow — how can anyone make a decision on what to leave the house in with that kind of inconsistency?

I hear it all the time — the mumblings and grumblings of wardrobing yourself during this time of seasonal transition. And who can blame us: We are bombarded with fashion magazines and retail establishments that hold the coming season in front of our face like the fake rabbit at the dog races.

When will we learn that just because they make it available to us does not mean it’s time to wear it?

And don’t think just because the college girls believe the solution is Nike gym shorts mixed with Ugg boots that you’ve found your answer.

It’s high time we make our “fashion sense” an extension of our “common sense.”

COVER UP

So we’ll call this section “Kelley’s Mother’s Guide to Common-Sense Dressing.” And here would be her first piece of advice: If it’s cold wear a coat.

I remember plenty an Easter morning as a little girl getting dressed in my exclusive, hand-tailored dress from the “House of Mamaw” coupled with my pristine white Mary Janes — only to be haulted before exiting the house by my mother with some form of cloak to cover my couture...arrgh!

But looking back, it was always a tasteful and complimentary cover, and so I’ll have to give my mom credit for a teaching me a valuable lesson in fashion appropriateness.

(And if you’re wondering when you can begin wearing your white shoes — unless you’re 5, the answer is never.)

So believe me, I understand that you don’t want to cover your precious outfits with your winter coat. Neither do I, nor do I believe you should.

And don’t get me wrong, I am personally guilty of rushing the season. At the first hint of spring, I trade my turtleneck for a tank top — but inevitably, by the end of the day, I’m not only freezing but look ridiculous.

Through much trial and error, I have come to the realization that layering is the key to transitional dressing.

It is for this reason, my friends, that God invented the cardigan. This simple little number — made famous by that great goddess of fashion, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and worn ever-so-effortlessly by our current first lady and rising fashion icon Michelle Obama — is a true match for that nip in the air of spring.

As a matter of fact, I opened my e-mail inbox this morning to find an ad for “Cute Cardigans Under $100” just waiting for me. The selections were adorable and some priced as low as $20.

A couple of my favorite pieces in my closet are cardigans found at vintage shops, truly of the Jackie O era — even one cashmere cutie I purchased for a mere 25 bucks.

WRAP AROUND

Let me introduce to you another great layering accessory of our day: The scarf, a genius little piece of material that has quickly become my new year-round staple.

Of course, I’m not referring to the wool scarf that you created with your new-found love for knitting (which I do applaud); it should be carefully packed away with your ski-jacket come March.

Pick a material and color that can take you year-round. You can find them in all ranges of shapes, sizes and price. Chances are, you already have one in your closet!

You can seriously even make a quick stop by the fabric store and with a yard or two of jersey create your own — it’s that easy.

I’ve found that the same scarf that juices up my daily jeans and T-shirt ensemble can be thrown over my shoulders to accompany Sunday’s best.

The gauzy versions are best for summer, and although the summer scarf is often misunderstood, it certainly has its place.

My need for it comes when the Arctic chill is replace by the chill of the A.C. I prefer to be comfortable and hate to be cold, so the scarf has become my savior — or as my friends joke, my “woobie.”

Compact enough to stick in your backpack or more fashionably worn looped around the strap of your bag, it has an ease of portability like no other.

TIME IT RIGHT

Of course, there is other outerwear out there, as cute and as appropriate — think blazer or trench. Just keep the fabrics and colors suitable; save the white or brightly colored linens for later in the season.

The crop that is grown right under our noses is made into one of the most versatile fabrics out there — and yes, I’m referring to cotton. It’s fabulous for anytime of year.

And for crying out loud, take a minute before you leave the house to check the weather. As a matter of fact, we should salute our weathermen — doing their darnedest to help us look our best!

So if there’s a chill in the air, cover up. Layer your pieces so you can shed throughout the day, and make sure your cover choices are appropriate to your outfit.

The bottom line: There is simply no excuse for covering your cocktail dress with a Northface jacket. Yes, I saw you — you know who you are!

Kelley Norris is a local mom, musician and writer who pens the blog Brass Buttons at kelleynorris.blogspot.com. E-mail her at kelley.brassbuttons@gmail.com.

the staple

2009-04-09T22:20:00.000-05:00

need some inspiration on how to handle these cool spring days? look no farther than these first ladies of fashion. and check out these fab cardigan deals at InStyle

light as a feather

2009-03-06T08:43:00.000-06:00

I have a new found love for Atlanta jewelry designer Mary Kelly Stribling. Her pieces are light and airy with a touch of edginess. I bought a pair of her earrings and never want to take them off. How about the feathers? They're so fun and fresh and make a statement without hurting your ears...check her out line at give a penny. designs or here in Oxford at Cicada Boutique!

2009-03-02T20:55:00.000-06:00

"saying nothing...sometimes says the most"

-emily dickinson

who knew?

2009-02-22T11:00:00.000-06:00

Not sure how I missed the news about this show, but I'm so glad my friend Ron Shapiro posted on his facebook page that Lucinda Williams will be playing Minglewood Hall in Memphis on Tuesday, February 24. Thanks, Ron!

As a songwriter, she is one of my most influential inspirations! Car Wheels On A Gravel Road easily tops my list of favorite records! I played it non-stop for at least two years and still haven't grown tired of it. Her latest album, Little Honey, is no disappointment! Simply stated for all the kids out there...it rocks! As a matter of fact, I think I'll take a Sunday drive with it today and enjoy the Mississippi sunshine!

peace & love

2009-02-07T22:07:00.000-06:00

This is a print by artist J. B. Louie. My friend, Betsy, gave me one of her prints as a birthday gift, and I adore it. You can check out her work at browningtonforest.etsy.com. I'll leave you with this beautiful Irish blessing that is on my print...

may you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night and a smooth road all way to your door

just a small frye

2009-02-04T22:16:00.000-06:00

I've just finished perusing the February '09 Anthropologie catalog. It's all lovely, but I have a soft spot for all things Frye...so turn quickly to page 33 (top left). There's just something about the rugged elegance of their shoes. Anthro shows it in navy which is my personal favorite, but I couldn't resist showing it in "grass". It comes in 5 other colors. Spring can't get here soon enough!

2009-01-14T19:21:00.000-06:00

Oxford Eagle

6 February 2009

January 13th would have been my grandfather’s 84th birthday. He passed away fairly suddenly in March of 2007.

He was a man’s man. A WWII veteran. He was certainly my hero. He could build, grow, or fix practically anything. He was just a “good” man in the purest sense of the word. I could go on but I’m sure the message is clear...I loved my granddad.

He started playing the upright bass at the age of 60. From picking with his friends around the campfire to his regular “Thursday night jam session”, he played every chance he got. He simply loved the music, and he was my encouragement when I started playing the guitar at the ripe ol’ age of 27. Frequently, I would find myself frustrated with my lack of progress, and he would always say, “You’ll learn a little, and you’ll hit a plateau. Then you’ll learn a little more and hit a plateau”. That phrase pops into my head and makes me giggle just about every day mostly because my grandfather mispronounced “plateau” every time he said it.

Well, I’ve hit many a plateau in music and otherwise...some good; some bad. My most recent realization is that I have been on the complacency plateau for quite some time now with my surroundings. As much as I would like to admit that I’m organized...I’m not! It just doesn’t come easy to me. I have accumulated so much stuff that I don’t even know what IT is or where to find IT. I could blame nostalgia. I’d like to blame nostalgia. But lately nostalgia has been showing a gleaming resemblance to pack-rat. And let’s face it, the sentimental value of something you just can’t quite remember your reason for saving is nil. I have spent so much energy trying to hide the STUFF that it has over-taken the space in my house and the space in my head!

So I’m purging...every nook and cranny of my house. It feels so good...like I’m shedding a skin. It’s just what I need for the new year - a source of renewal. I have made a decision to surround myself only with real objects of meaning. I’m letting go of the things that have been weighing me down...clearing the clutter in my home and my head so I can enjoy (and actually see) the things that I love most! (And since another goal would be to “live greener”, the remnants of my purging are all temporarily resting in my garage waiting to be repurposed, reused or recycled...if anyone is interested! It must go fast.)

As I was cleaning out I found a note my grandfather wrote to me just before he died. I had gone to his “Thursday night jam session” to play a couple of songs with he and his friends, and afterwards he wrote thanking me, “...not often for a granddad to get to play along side his granddaughter. You made me very proud.” I hadn’t remembered getting the note...my head was probably just too crowded, and I certainly hadn’t read it since he died. But you can bet from now on, I’ll know exactly where to find it and will read it often.

My sweet granddad was right, we learn as we go and eventually hit a piece of level ground...hopefully it’s higher ground. I’m getting there one step at a time...clearing the path to my own “easy plateau”. And this time when I get there, I’m actually going to kick back and enjoy the scenery.