This weekend’s adventure at Portobello Market in London turned out to be more than just a typical shopping spree – it was a delightful journey back to my roots. There’s a saying, “you can take the girl from the farm but you can’t take the farm out of the girl,” and this couldn’t be truer for me, especially when I stumbled upon a fantastic pair of vintage “Big Smith” overalls.
For someone who considers overalls the epitome of #farmfashion, this find was like striking gold. But here’s the twist – these overalls once belonged to a man named Fred Ess. How do I know? His name was written inside them, a little secret tucked away in the fabric. This discovery sparked our imagination, leading us to weave tales and scenarios about the life and times of Fred Ess. It’s been a source of endless amusement and a fantastic creative exercise for our students, who have been equally intrigued by the mystery.
So here I am, in the heart of London, donning Fred Ess’s overalls, feeling a connection to a stranger’s past and my own rural heritage. It’s a gentle reminder of how pieces of clothing can carry stories and histories, linking people and places in the most unexpected ways.
Good early morning from London, friends! Today, I wear these overalls not just as a fashion statement, but as a symbol of a shared past, an ode to the timeless allure of farm fashion, and a nod to the mysterious Fred Ess, whose pants have found a new home and story. 🌾👖✨
If you enjoyed this one, you might also like An Ode to My Dad: Fun Finds and Sweet BombDiggity Farms: Farm & Garden Holiday Gift Guide.
#FarmFashion #FarmLife #FredsPants #TennesseetoLondon #Farmstead #FarmingAfter50 #portobellomarket #vintagefashion #bigsmithoveralls
His name on the waistband, the Big Smith label, and the market where I found them.
Written by
Lane and Jules Morris
Authors and University of Tennessee faculty writing from our farm in East Tennessee about gardening, the farm kitchen, faith and designing a flourishing life at any age. More about us
