This dress has been in my closet since I finished it but I've been waiting for some chilly weather to wear it. I made this dress from Simplicity 8253 in plaid flannel. I really liked the 3/4 length sleeves and boat neck top but I think this dress still needs a few tweaks to get it just right. 

I have some gray knit fabric in my stash so I might make up another one of these because they're very comfortable and it was a quick sew. In fact, its snowing today so that might be the perfect snow day project!






Anyway, one day Pj was off work so we headed out in the morning after the kids got on the bus for a walk along main street. I love main street in the early mornings or evenings, when the shops aren't open. 



Its so quiet and the sidewalks are completely empty so you can really stop and enjoy the beautiful buildings and peek in the shop windows. Behind me here in a sweet shop that we love to take the kids to on Saturdays and you can get a perfect view of the Missouri river and watch the occasional barge go by. 






This red coat was a lucky thrift store find at the end of the fall. I went to the thrifts that day hoping to find a good everyday coat. So many of my vintage coats have fur collars or shorter sleeves and I'm not always in the mood for that kind of thing. When I take the kids to the bus in the morning or go on wintery walks, I just want a good warm coat with a hood to block the biting wind and nice deep pockets. 



This had all of those things for less than $10! Its a little oversized too so I sometimes throw it in the back seat with the kids on long drives so they can cozy up under it. I also love bright colors in the fall. 

I don't know why so many winter coats are black. I have some black coats too but its so nice to wear bright bold colors when its gloomy and cold out. I've been searching for something pink but no luck so far so I might have to make one for next winter. 









Outfit
plaid dress- made by me with Simplicity 8253
red coat- thrifted
belt- Unique Vintage
shoes- Target