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Fox Valley Traders
Hung by the door

Things to wear around the house and out

Some things belong on the shelf by the entryway, ready for a trip down the driveway or an afternoon in town. We keep soft layers for around the house, sturdy clogs for the garden path, reading glasses for the side table, and bags that hold what you need.

92 pieces on this page, from $6.50.

Soles meant for rooms or walkways

A chenille ballet slipper has a soft bottom meant for bedroom rugs and warm floors. It will soak through on damp gravel. If you need to step out to the porch or walk to the mailbox, pick a clog with a molded sole that keeps its grip on wet concrete. Wearing an indoor shoe out onto a damp path ruins the fabric quickly, so choose by the floor it will meet most often.

Weather layers that fold down small

A clear rain hat or rain bonnet folds down flat enough to tuck into a coin purse until the sky turns gray. These hoods keep a hair set dry during a sudden shower on the sidewalk, but they are not heavy winter coats. Pair them with a fleece ear warmer headband or a light wind scarf on breezy mornings when you only need a quick layer over your ears before stepping outside.

Bags that wash or wipe clean

A machine washable shoulder handbag goes into the laundry cycle when spilled coffee or road dust gets on the fabric. Leather and lambskin crossbody bags need care with a damp cloth instead, but they hold their shape through years of daily use. Check whether you want card sleeves built into the lining or a simple open pocket before you decide on a shape to carry every day.

Small adjustments and everyday wear

A lot of these pieces solve small inconveniences without making a fuss. A bra extender adds room across the back band when a favorite undergarment feels too tight across the ribs. Clear ring adjusters keep a loose band from spinning around a knuckle without needing to resize the metal. A wooden shoe stretcher widens the toe box of stiff leather shoes before you wear them on a long walk. They do simple work, and they save you from replacing things that still have plenty of wear left in them.

Eyeglass cases and coin purses end up in pockets, side tables, and glove compartments. A double eyeglass pouch holds regular readers alongside tinted wrap sunglasses so both stay together in your handbag without scratching against each other. Some items here make sensible gifts for someone who already has everything they need, like an extra pair of reading glasses for the kitchen counter or an aluminum card case that keeps cards organized in a pocket.

What belongs on the shelf by the door

Other pages in the catalog

Gaggleville porch geesePersonalized keepsakesKitchen and tableAround the houseYard, porch and gardenEveryday easeClosets, laundry and tidyingPaper, planners and pensThe car and the roadMrs. Kimball's candy counter