Last week I was lucky enough to go on a phenomenal field trip with other Free People and Urban Inc. interns. We were invited to visit the 400 acre Doe Run Farm in Chester County, PA. It’s almost unfair to even call the place a farm; it was more like a country oasis for animals and humans alike. We visited the cows, goats, and sheep which they house and milk for cheese. All of the cheese is made on premise. We got to see where it is made, and then for lunch we were able to try a bit for ourselves (it was amazing, of course). They also sell the cheese around local Philadelphia farmer’s markets – our farmer’s market here at the home offices sells it every other Wednesday. The farm had a beautiful pond, lots of gardens, and we got to see a bit of the luxuriously rustic house itself.
I already posted some style photos from the trip here, but checkout the rest of my photo diary from the trip. =P
another guest post from one of our austin friends, tolly of the blog austin eavesdropper! tolly is awesome and i wish we had more time to hang out with her in austin, she’s so much fun :)
The 5 Things I Love About Austin, Texas
By Tolly Moseley
Free spirits. Hippie maidens. Band groupies and mustache-wearing gents. These are our kin here in Austin, Texas, where Free People came to play recently.
When I found out that Austin band The Happen-Ins would be the stars of Free People’s July 2011 catalogue, and that they’d be shooting at some of our favorite clubs in town, I squealed in delight. Where better to celebrate the delicious lazy days of summer than in Austin, a city where even the suited CEO’s loosen their ties for a rock concert? Where you can take your lunch break at a swimming hole, or bust out vintage cowboy boots regardless of seasonality or dress code?
I had an awesome time meeting the Free People girls when they came to town for The Happen-Ins show, and wanted to show them everything there was to see here in Austin. I also want to show you. Here are my 5 favorite things about my beloved city, a place I hope you get to visit sometime:
1. Even when we’re fancy, we’re a little hippie.
It’s true. We can’t resist vintage. The entire zip code of 78704 in South Austin has been officially zoned for the selling of hip, recycled clothing. I’m kidding. But the great thing about Austin is that we never see an occasion NOT to rock a gently used frock, be it SXSW or a gala. So if you’re ever here and have a hankering for vintage, check out some of my faves: Feathers Boutique (for boots), Laced with Romance (for dresses), or tweet my girls Homebody Vintage for accessories/home stuff.
2. We like to play dress up.
Austinites love a good dress-up party. That’s me above, dressed as David Bowie. Isn’t the resemblance striking?
3. We make things.
DIY is huge here. That applies to crafts, food, and even businesses. I wish I could tell you I knit-tagged that whole car above … but I didn’t, it’s the handiwork of Knitta Please, one of our local craft artists. You’ll find her knit-tagged objects scattered about all over Austin, from parking meters to statues, and they reflect how much we adore handmade – not to mention the creative spirits behind it.
4. We can’t get enough live music – ever.
In terms of survival, music is second only to air. For Austinites, I mean. We’re the city who invented Austin City Limits (the show and the music festival), Spoon, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and of course The Happen-Ins! Stroll down Red River at night, by The Mohawk, Club DeVille, Stubb’s, Emo’s … and your ears will fill with honest-to-goodness rock n’ roll, screaming guitars and pounding drums. This city is a music-lover’s dream, and if you’re ever here, chances are a friend of a friend of a friend is playing the same nights you’re in town. If we’re not a musician ourselves, we’re probably dating one.
5. We welcome visitors and vagabonds with open arms.
I have a personal belief that Austin chooses people, and if you’re reading this post, chances are she’s chosen you, too. You can find me here, and if you ever venture down to Texas for a visit, I’d love to show you around. We’ll bask at Barton Springs Pool, eat tofu and/or bacon (we are equally enthusiastic about both), and find multiple excuses to play dress up.
All photos by Tolly except for last one (Austin Motel sign) which is courtesy of Ellen Jo Roberts.
Our July Lookbook, “FALLing for Bambi,” is definitely one of my favorites yet – maybe because I think Bambi Northwood-Blyth is insanely adorable, but also because I love these pre-fall, layered looks. This lookbook actually has 15 total outfits but I pulled out some of my favorites – which one do you like best?
“I have had this flag pinned up and ready to sew for months now but it never got sewn. But recently my dear, sweet mother came to visit and she took this flag home with her and she sewed for me so I would have it for the 4th of July!! Moms rule!!!”
we had a little fourth of july celebration at the office and everyone brought such amazing stuff! if you’re having, or going to, a party this weekend – here’s some tasty inspiration for things to serve or bring :)
and this last one, we didn’t have at our party, but i had to include it:
remember our rainbow tie-dyed cupcakes? follow the same instructions using just red and blue dye, and then add some sprinkles on top!
Brooklyn is such a perfect little hub of culture and beauty. Most people come to New York to see Manhattan, but we think that Brooklyn is where NY’s true beauty is. All of the Free People Brooklyn girls live and work in Brooklyn! We want to take you on a little tour of one of our neighborhood’s prized possessions, Prospect Park!
Prospect Park is 585 acres of gorgeous grass, pond, trees, and sights that touches a handful of neighborhoods that surround it. Summer is when Prospect Park shines; Brooklynites all around the borough come to relax and plant their toes in the grass and enjoy all the events the park hosts.
The Green Market is one of my favorite parts of spring/summer in Prospect Park. It’s a beautiful farmers market that brings produce, dairy, meats and treats from upstate to Grand Army Plaza…
The Green market offers vast varieties of vendors! Anything you can imagine you’ll find at the Green Market; fruits, fish, product, meats, herbs, plants, and delicious treats!
If you are in New York and are looking for a way to treat yourself to amazing foods, stop by the Green Market!
And, I took a different path on my way to the Brooklyn Free People after leaving the Green Market and I came across the most beautiful mosaic house around the corner from our store. It pays off taking a different route every once and awhile :)
i have another gorgeous piece from our summer store displays to give away! this amazing rope swirl tapestry was hand-made by our talented display team using rope, various brightly colored strings and pom poms and tassels inspired by india. hang it on your wall, use it as a carpet in a hallway, a table runner – whatever your heart desires! one thing’s for sure- no one else will have anything like it :)
this tapestry is actually two pieces – so you can take it apart and hang them separately or keep it as one long piece!
lots of you are asking for a diy – you’re in luck, we did one :) find it here.
i have some great ‘exile in austin’ photos to share with you today, from alexandra valenti – who shot our july catalog! i love her style of photography, i can’t wait to show you some of the shots from the book! but for now, enjoy these fun photos from our event :)
free people suburban square (located outside philly) is hosting a weekend long summer kick-off party june 24th, 25th & 26th! with every $100 purchase you’ll receive a one-of-a-kind tie-dyed FP beach bag! come shop all the new summer arrivals with refreshments, raffles, other giveaways and some tricks we’ve got up our sleeves. it’s sure to be the best summer party and we want you there! visit our facebook page to find out more, and keep in touch!
here are some great pictures from lana at fp suburban square – she had a tie dye party last weekend where they dyed a bunch of our large fabric bags to give away at the party!
and here’s a little sneak peek at the fun stuff they have planned for this weekend!
good morning! so, i know its summer and it seems a little odd to talk about thermals, BUT we have some amazing new thermal styles and i think they’re perfect for those cool summer nights at the beach :) which one is your favorite?
