Blues & Browns, Stripes & Splashes

As I explore my late twenties, I've enjoyed discovering my own style, the looks that speak to me the most, those that truly represents my own aesthetic. 

In this process, I've often struggled to find the right words to use to describe my personal style, and in these situations I'm finding it best to take a step back and take in a broader view. 

Someday, in my own fabulous little home office, I will have inspiration boards that I can use to surround myself with images and words that I adore, but until then, Pinterest will have to do. I gather images there, collecting and organizing in the hope of making sense out of the chaotic clutter that is everything around us.

Style is part of our overall evolution, as we figure out our relationships, our beliefs, what we truly want to do for work, figuring out your true style, is just another facet to discover.

In taking a step back, and looking at all the little pieces that make up the style that I keep pinning, the fashions, the designs that I truly love, I hope to be able to better describe my overall vibe. 

Why search for the right words, why is it needed? Because I like to package things nicely, to quantify them and understand myself. I like being able to stamp a label on it, for better or worse. I like the 30 second elevator pitch concept applied to anything.

And so, here are some looks that I am consistently drawn to, no matter what may currently be on trend, these types of outfits I will always choose. 

As I look at this collection, my own trends stand out, and I'm able to put together a language to describe it: I adore stripes, anything with them, but especially blue. I like classic, but not always conservative, looks, clean shapes, not overly girly or feminine but often with a touch of whimsy.  

  

  

What best describes your style and how have you discovered it over time? I'd love to hear :)

all photos from Pinterest

Pinterest Delivers Once Again

Last Friday arrived, with my alarm all set and ready to log on and purchase a ticket to Alt Summit NYC. I learned of Alt Summit awhile back, and eagerly follow their newsletters and site, full of blogging and design advice, class offerings and recaps from past Summits that they’ve hosted. With this upcoming event in NYC, at the Martha Stewart headquarters no less, I was excited to have the opportunity to actually attend myself, network, learn and get inspired. 

And then, due to the lovely nature that is technology, servers failed and tickets sold out, and I was left disappointed and frustrated.

Then...due to fantastic customer service and an email that absolutely made my day, I registered last night and will now be attending the Summit in NYC this June. 

But before I received this fabulous news, I spent a large part of Sunday evening hungry for design and style inspiration, feeling as dreary as this grey March weather. I scrolled through Pinterest, clicking one photo then another and anther, and started to reignite my creativity a little.

And so, in honor of Alt Summit NYC, here are some of the images that captured my attention this past weekend. I plan on doing this more often, spending more time exposing myself to everything that is available, pushing myself to push my own creativity on a daily basis. Whether it be food or fashion, home decor or stationery, flowers or art, there is so much around us waiting to be looked at, beautifully/oddly/in a new way.

A special shout out to the following stylish sources 

that I love exploring

 and can always rely on 

to give me a dose of design inspiration: 

Glitter Guide, Dallas Shaw, 

Joy the Baker, Camille Styles

all photos via Pinterest

And the winner is...

Like many other women, 

the most entertaining and anticipated part of award shows for me is the red carpet

 and the styles that the stars choose to wear. 

While I wish I was more blown away by both the looks and the Oscar show itself, 

there were definitely some fashion winners 

(and lackluster losers) 

from last night’s Academy Awards. 

Special shout outs to Charlize, Kerry and Naomi, 

three looks that I absoultely loved.

While everyone can’t be the absolute best dressed of the night, 

homage still needs to be paid to those who didn’t disappoint, 

those who strutted stylishly down the carpet

rocking new shapes, bright, fun colors

or the perfect amount of ruffle.

But Oscar wasn’t the only one sporting shining starlets; 

the after parties were where some really sparkled, 

where Jennifer and Amanda wore much better looks than earlier in the evening,

and ladies like Amy and Miranda absolutely shined.

I would have loved to see some more of this on the red carpet,

more risks, glamour, and subtle sexiness.

Who were your fashion favorites?

photos via People.com & E Online

Scandalously Fabulous

Tonight as I watch the SAG Awards, 

I’m immersed in the fashion on the red carpet. 

I am actually interested in who wins what award, 

but the real reason I watch is the pre-show, 

the celebs strutting down that famous carpet, 

wondering who will wear what, 

who will shine, 

who will disappoint.

And while I know in the next couple days, 

there will be many best looks, worst looks posts and coverage 

(I may even indulge), 

I’m aching to pay homage to a certain celeb 

that has been absolutely rocking it lately: 

Kerry Washington. 

Ok, so disclaimer: 

I am an avid 'Scandal' fan. 

But I really believe it’s hard to deny 

that her fashion choices, 

her taste, her look, is beyond ordinary. 

It’s been spot on, pretty darn close to perfection. 

I look forward to seeing what she wears, 

on and off the red carpet, 

in and out of character as Olivia Pope.

And tonight she didn’t disappoint either.

Her style is one I admire, one I aspire to emulate. 

She is classy, sexy, sparkly, chic 

and just so fabulous.

Here are some favorite looks of lately:

This evening at the SAG Awards: regal and classy.

The print on this dress is actually of a horse, which is a style I’m not usually drawn to,
but I LOVE this whole look: dress, hair, makeup. My favorite.

Sheer loveliness. 

Sparkle done absolutely perfectly.

A classic combo: black lace, subtly sexy.

all photos courtesy of Just Jared