Busy here! Along with more house renovations, there have been online projects. In late January, I was a guest writer, with On the Restless Taniwha, for the Public Streets series at Public Books, “created by and for a transnational community of writers, artists, and activists.”

In February, I helped Wellington favorite Made on Marion Craft update their web site with a new, responsive look and feel. They are growing to provide New Zealand with hard-to-find craft and sewing supplies – if you want to sew historic or vintage garments, or to a couture level, they have the supplies you need.

The custom dress maker eShakti is expanding their less-retro clothing range into custom trousers, bohemian looks, and contemporary styles. I like the woven eShakti dresses I own, but I LOVE the cotton knit ones.

My autumn/winter wardrobe is close to complete, I just need the dull bits (socks! microcamis! a fresh rain/winter coat!) and a pair of tan or brown ankle boots. Why tan/brown boots? To go with my auburn hair – here is a great piece on “bookending” hair and shoes in style.

And, finally, a great piece on the queer Femme Renaissance and what it means to be a queer femme today.

Proud femme Madeline of the band Unstraight. Photo by Eric Hutchison, courtesy of Madeline Blum and Slate.