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

Mid-Week Motivation

Because at the end of a rainy, cold, just plain yucky Tuesday, 

I need to get out of this quickly approaching rut I sense 

and so I call on Pinterest...

and because we all could use a little inspiration 

to tackle the rest of the week, 

whether it be with sundaes and streamers 

or sugar cookies and organized shelves.

all photos via Pinterest

Dreaming of Summer

While spring is poking its head around the corner ever so slightly, 

winter is still standing firm 

for at least a few more weeks here in the Northeast.

And so I've found my mind drifting off with thoughts of summer, 

of packing up boots and hats and gloves, 

and basking in the sun, 

of beach trips and picnics, 

of seashells and s'mores. 

I'm hungry for a holiday of sorts, 

a change of seasons, 

a celebration of warmth, 

and already looking forward

to embracing the upcoming months 

as much as possible 

and all the little joys that come along.

 

all photos via Tumblr & 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

Favorite Finds: Productivity, Paper & Pinot

A lot of various articles and websites grab my attention as I spend so much time online all day, for work and play. I often save these to read later at night when I have some free time or end up emailing myself links to read eventually, as I sometimes can’t find time to read longer length articles in the middle of my busy work weeks. 

While some articles are simply read, acknowledged and I move on, there are others that I thoroughly enjoy, that I’m eager to discuss, that I'd love to share with others.

And since I also love classic lists, here is a collection of some of my recent favorite finds that I’ve discovered and read lately:

1. Continuing with my belief in being more efficient with your time instead of just putting in the hours for hours sake: New York Times article “Relax! You’ll Be More Productive"

2. Motivation to not give up: The Power of Persistence from The Now Stylebook

3. After reading this piece on Jennifer Lawrence, I was even more excited for her Oscar win last night: Vanity Fair’s February 2013 cover story

4. Because anytime we take the characters out of Downton and into modern age, I’m amused: Downton Abbey Alive on Facebook 

5. One of my favorite weddings sites branching out into home style and including my favorite stationer:  Style Me Pretty at Home with Stationery from Cheree Berry Paper

6. Stumbled upon a gem of a site, immediately adding it to my Daily Reads: Note to Self

7. I heart cupcakes, I heart wine, and I heart Cupcake Vineyards, mostly due to their cute label designs. Doesn’t hurt to brush up on some vino basics either: Wine Education & Tasting 101 on The Everygirl

Pastel Polishes & Springtime Sprinkles

I’m ready for spring. 

I’m over the cold and 

craving ballet flats instead of boots. 

And so, as I shiver in my sweaters, 

I’ve found myself drawn to bright, refreshing photos 

as I browse my favorite magazines and blogs lately, 

and as I caught up on a couple of weeks of 

Cupcakes and Cashmere posts, 

I was captured and transported to springtime 

and fresh produce, blue skies, 

pretty treats and pastel fingertips that come along with it. 

What are you most looking forward to for spring?

all photos courtesy of Cupcakes and Cashmere