lexiebarnes.com blog

We went to Rhode Island for our most recent photo shoot and it was a blast.  We chose RI for a few reasons.

1. One of our models lives there and we thought it would be fun to shoot there.
2. It’s not too far from home in Western Mass, so we figured we could bring the kids and enjoy a little “workation.”
3. We have some friends there who were kind enough to let our kids hang out for part of the shoot, so they weren’t totally bored with us.
4. Tiny little Rhode Island offers so many locations from which to choose!

We shot everything in a day (for both lexiebarnes.com and spireusa.com), hit the beach, the golf course, three city spots, an amazing park, and still had time for the best Caffe Mocha I’ve ever had.  We also had brunch Julian’s, where you can watch Sgt. Peppers on a loop in the loo and order an omelette called The Sith Lord. (You just can’t top that, really.)

We had so much fun and got so much work done, that we surprised the kids with an extra night of bouncing on the bed and swimming at the hotel pool!  We spent our bonus day in Newport and enjoyed some R & R, Barnes Family style.

That meant stopping for the most delicious donuts I’ve ever tasted.  The sprinkle suckers tasted like cupcakes and practically melt in your mouth. Outstanding.

Allie’s Donuts in North Kingstown, RI

What I loved so much about this shoot was seeing all of these “locations” in one state.  Rhode Island is a super example of how great this country is and can be. It’s nice to know you have a choice. You can drive along the bland roads streaked with boxy sameness… or you can stick to the small towns and cool cities that still have a flavor of their own.  Providence is gritty and sexy. East Greenwich is sweet and unpretentious. Newport is breathtaking and full of lively, jolly tourists.  In fact, not once on our workation did we experience a single snarl, growl, or ignoramous at a checkout.  Everyone we encountered – I mean everyone – was courteous, kind, and when applicable, totally professional.  And unbeatably friendly (bear in mind, too, that we were, at times, a crew of seven – plus four kids and a boston terrier!)

It was glorious.  So go visit Rhode Island this summer!  Go to play or go to work.  Take your kids along like we did, or ditch ‘em if you’d like. But go.  Don’t worry about being as friendly as they are — it’s contagious and you’ll feel great. And I hope you’ll take it with you as you go about your business.  Life’s too short for everyone to run around grouching each other all the time. So be nice, work hard, and enjoy it while you can.

photo by Sebastian Barnes, age seven

ciao,

LB

One day, many moons ago, I was walking down the street in Chicago with my then-beau, Cory. We passed a boutique that was going out of business.  This was in my younger and more, um, obnoxious days, and I’m ashamed to confess I made a snotty comment about how much the shop sucked and no wonder it was going out of business (or something like that).

But Cory said something that stopped me in my tracks.  “Oh, don’t say that,” he said. “That was somebody’s dream.” My heart sank. I had never thought of it that way before. I had just summed up the owner and her business in about 10 seconds by merely peering into the dark,  half-empty store through the glass of locked doors and windows bearing signs and posters announcing the tragic news of the closing.  I hadn’t recognized her vision, dedication or passion. I hadn’t given her any credit for her hard work or planning.  I hadn’t considered her commitment. Or her future.

From that moment on, I became a huge supporter of independent businesses. Any small business or freelancer became a champion to me. I learned to talk to shopkeepers, restaurateurs, painters, landscapers – anyone who ventured out on their own.  I loved hearing their stories — how they came up with their ideas, how they got started, how they coped with challenges, and how they measured their success.

A few weeks ago, I heard that a local shop, Valley Fabrics, will soon be closing its doors for good. I’ve been following this particular small business pretty closely since it opened. This one was kind of special to me.  Not only for the obvious reasons, like because it was a lovely shop with a wide selection of fabrics and an excellent offering of classes or even because I used to live around the corner and watched the shop and its neighbors bring a dingy street to life.  But also for some personal reasons…

First, before I launched my own handbag line in 2005, I had actually sent a business proposal to the building owners for the same storefront, but Valley Fabrics beat me out for the space.  Lexie Barnes, the brand was Plan B.

And second, the shop’s owner, Francesca DenHartog, wrote Sew What! Skirts, which I purchased with the intention of sewing up some really cute a-line skirts, inspired by her adorable projects.

When I bought her book,  I never imagined that a few years later I would write my own book, let alone that it would be in the same series as Francesca’s.  But that’s exactly what happened.

So here I sit, sadly bidding farewell to Valley Fabrics.  I’ll miss the store for sure.  But I also have to stop and wonder where we would be now if my idea had won that storefront lease. Would Francesca have opened up shop somewhere else? Would she still have written her book?  Would I have launched my handbag label at all? Would I have had the chance to write a book, too?

I don’t know.

What I do know is that anyone who takes the plunge to start a business of their own is brave, strong, and creative. It takes an enormous amount of energy, time, money, and heart. To Francesca — and to all of the small business owners who will have to close their doors due to hard times — I say congratulations for all that you have achieved. And thank you for sharing your dream with all of us.  I can’t wait to see what you do next.

ciao,

LB

Today is my 10th wedding anniversary.We’ve come a long way since we met in Chicago at Jane’s restaurant in Bucktown. I was waiting tables there and he was one of the regulars. He came in every Sunday for brunch, only  missing it once  (it was Mother’s Day). Jane’s was — and still is – a popular spot for brunch, so Cory and his cronies would show up early to avoid a wait. Because they arrived early, they would invariably be seated in my friend Julie’s section, not mine.   Sweet Julie took pity on us and would trade a table with me so I could flirt and pour his coffee. I guess it worked, because two years later, Cory proposed to me (at Jane’s!).  And Julie is now the owner!

cory proposed to me in the right window seat!

Our years together have gone quickly. We’ve traveled a little, laughed a lot, and have spent nearly every day together 24/7 since we were married. We’ve lived in four states, 2 apartments, and three houses. He’s lived through countless hair colors and a decade of my moods. Together, we’ve launched three businesses. And created four people.

Some folks like to go goofy with trips, gifts, or renewing of vows to celebrate this milestone.  But I don’t think we’ll be doing any of that today. Every day with my husband is a trip. Every day together is a gift. And every day we renew our vows with small reminders, big smiles, and a few stolen kisses. So really, today is no different from any other day.

And after all this time, he’s still my favorite person.

Why, you’ve caught my naked blog!  Check back later after I’ve had a chance to get gussied up. For now, go on back to the site and check out the Classic Lexie collection…

ciao,

LB