When I started looking for a name, I needed versatility. I was looking for a name that would lend itself to baby clothing as well as aprons, pillows as well as note cards. I also wanted a name that had meaning to me, something that made me remember where I came from, my family and roots.
Paisleys are versatile design elements. They are equally at home on a silk pashima scarf or a cotton bandana. They can be found on a formal beaded gown or a quilted handbag. It all depends on the ‘tude. Somedays I am smart and sophisticated, somedays I am comfortable and calm. No matter how I feel, I always love paisleys.
But, that’s not what the word Paisley makes me think of. Paisley is the name of a very small town in Florida, when I was a child it was even smaller. My grandmother had a piece of property on a lake there when I was young. It was our little hide a way from the world.
When we started going there we didn’t have electricity, it never did have a phone. We went there to connect with family and to relax. Since I was a kid, I never even had to do the work the grown ups had to do which included unpacking the car and building a campfire. My sister and I along with whatever cousins showed up just swam and played games. Life was good, simple and good.
So, my Paisleytude is a return to basics, a longing for a more simple time. And yet, I love color and style, so I update the simple things from back then. Who says that an apron can’t be stylish and functional? Who says that kids are the only ones that get to have teddy bears?
Yes, Paisleytude is my attitude: simple and fun, yet stylish and fresh. I hope you find it as comforting as I do.
