Wednesday Inspiration

One of my new favorite websites I go to for inspiration is Pinterest. I heard about it a few days ago on the Nate Berkus show (the one with DVF), and went to check it out immediately. A couple hours later, I had a ton more photos in my 'inspiration' folder on my computer! These are some photos currently inspiring me right now. 

 ha!

word

via LaurenConrad.com

 via Cupcakes and Cashmere

 via LaurenConrad.com

 *All images via Pinterest unless otherwise stated. 
If any of these sources are incorrect, contact me and I will fix it! 

Tweet

Orange & Gray Shirtdress (DIY'd)

Homemade DIY dress, Maria Francesca Pepe spike bracelet, Francesca's 

Collections cuff, F21 ring, Marc Fisher bag, Miss Sixty heels

I have a big list of DIY items to try this spring, and the first one I chose to do was this bi-color shirtdress that I saw on Style Scrapbook a few weeks ago. You can see the full DIY instructions on Andy's site here. Originally shown in white and neon yellow, I decided to make mine in gray and orange inspired by of my favorite looks from the Jonathan Saunders spring line. (Looking forward to finding a cool teal statement necklace to go with the dress!)

StreetFSN / Style.com / Sprinkles in Springs

Thank you to Andy at Style Scrapbook for the dress idea!

Tweet

FBFF: Inspiration

This is my second week in participating in Katy's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions. This marks her one year anniversary of FBFF, so she's asking the same questions this week that she asked one year ago. A good idea, since you're constantly being inspired by different things throughout your life.


1. Which celebrities do you look to for fashion inspiration?
I like the young, laid back, yet presentable (and sometimes professional) looks from people like Nicole Richie, Lauren Conrad, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Ashley Tisdale. Each of these women have their own unique style that is totally inspiring to me. I highly recommend Lauren's book, Style, and MKA's book, Influence, for style tips and other inspiration.

2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you? 

After starting my blog, I'm very much inspired by other blogger's outfits (more than by celebrities). I do still find tons of inspiration from the runway, magazines ads and editorials, but I'm drawn to the 'real' aspect of blogging. We all are our own stylist, hair and makeup team, so you really get to see how real people pull it all together.

3. How do you hope to inspire your readers? 

I hope to inspire my readers to try things they normally wouldn't (tribal print pants, marble nails)- taking an idea or feeling I create and translating it to fit their style. Whether it's an outfit, DIY idea, nail art, food or a movie, I want to bring something exciting and creative for someone to be inspired by. It's good to break out of your comfort zone every now and then.

4. Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you? 

I'm very much inspired by people living life the way they want, even if that means forgoing convention. I'm inspired when I see people living their dream and being passionate about the life they lead. Movies greatly inspire me- my early life was very much inspired by Disney movies- because of them, I was inspired to try surfing, snowboarding, and other things; but now, I'm inspired when I see things like The September Issue, Mamma Mia and Into the Wild (that was a close one, let me tell you). Other things outside of fashion that inspire me: good graphic design, nature, learning about new philosophies, Martha Stewart and home making (even though I don't have one of my own yet), and Pottery Barn catalogs.

5. And since Idol is ending… Which songs inspire you?

I don't watch Idol, but sorry for those of you who do- (bittersweet?) you get to find out who wins, but then it ends. One song that inspires me is "Every LIttle Thing Counts" by Janus Stark. (It's from one of my favorite movies, Disturbing Behavior.) More than just the lyrics, it reminds me of a time in my life when I did my own thing and didn't care about what people thought. Other songs that inspire me (obviously) come from musicals, and others that are way too many to list!

Not Your Mother's Loafers

The Row / Lyn Devon / Jenni Kayne / The Row

I've always considered loafers to be reserved for preppy kids and the middle-aged and over sets. That was until I saw a wide array of them walking down the fall runways. From Jenni Kayne's sumptuous velvety flats to The Row's basic black and leopard print ones, loafers are starting to grow on me. Will you be rocking loafers any time soon?

Here are some of my favorites for every style:

1. [Elizabeth and James] Snake-Embossed Loafer $235

2. [Toms] Ivory Grosgrain Women's Classics $54

3. [FRYE] Alex Venetian Loafer $137

4. [ASOS] MARCH ON Canvas Mix Loafer $62.76

5. [Ted Baker] Suds Suede Loafer $96.82

6. [D.V. by Dolce Vita] Marcela Loafers $70

7. [Tods] Gommini Pebbled Moccasin $395

8. [Steven by Steve Madden] Madee Loafer $120

9. [Robert Zur] Anna Slip-On Loafer $210

10. [Circa Joan & David] Neema Driving Loafer $56

11. [Repetto] Denim Loafer $115

12. [Belle by Sigerson Morrison] 6475 Slip-On Loafer $250

13. [Rivieras] Classic 20 Degree Slip-On Shoes $80.69

14. [Candela] Sh611 Perfo Loafer $220

 

Jenni Kayne- Fall 2011 

[Pepe Jeans] Silk Pocket Dress $72 

[DV by Dolce Vita] Marcela Suede Oxfords $66

[MAKE UP FOR EVER] Rouge Artist Intense #36 (satin fuchsia) $19

Blogger of the Month (February): Carrie

This month's featured blogger is Carrie from This Free Bird. In true Californian fashion, she is every bit the "free bird" when it comes to her personal style, wearing mostly bohemian ensembles with the occasional New York 'Palermo' twist. Carrie's posts are super funny, excruciatingly stylish, and always sincere. She's the unofficial spokesperson of Free People, but my official February Blogger of the Month.

How did you first get into blogging and why?  I was bored.  I've been an Executive Recruiter for over 10 years and worked primarily in Retail/Wholesale/Consumer.  When the economy slowed down and I didn't have the search load I'd been accustomed to, I was feeling disconnected from the industry.  For years one of the Senior Partners I work closely with had been encouraging me to write a book, and several of my friends in retail had been on me to start blogging.  Since I'm not  sure how one even goes about beginning to write a book I went the route of the blog. 

What do you think is the best thing about blogging?  The sense of community with other bloggers has been an unexpected delight - and I love the sharing of ideas.  Who doesn't want to grow as a person?  That comes by learning!
How do you handle it when you just can’t think of anything to write about?  This really doesn't happen to me - usually I have the opposite - too many things I'd like to write about and not enough time.  Then again I find humor and inspiration in a spider hanging above a pile of clothing that hasn't made it out of the bathroom and into the laundry room...

Who do you look up to within the blogosphere & why?  Carey at Corks + Caftans.  I've been reading the blog she writes with her husband, Rob, for about 2 years - long before I even contemplated blogging, read any others, or was even aware of what blogs really were.  She is an excellent writer, her outfit posts are original and thoughtful, and the blog itself is very unique.  Carey is comfortable with herself and not trying to be anyone else.  And she totally cracks me up!! Did you ever see the post where Rob cut the fringe off her skirt and DIY'd a headband?  I about fell off my chair in hysterics!

What advice would you give to new bloggers?  Be yourself.  Don't worry/think about what everyone else is doing - do what you want to do and provide content that is meaningful to you.  If you do that, the rest will flow naturally.

What mistakes/ realizations have you come to throughout your journey as a blogger? Is it harder/easier/more fun than you expected?  I don't know that I've made any mistakes, but I have realized that blogging is a lot harder than I thought  it would be simply because it is time consuming...  A good post takes consideration and consideration takes time.  I also try to respond to as many comments as possible, but sometimes I just don't have enough time with work and I feel badly about that.  As the writer of a blog, I feel a certain level of commitment to the people who take the time to read it.  And that means responding as often as I'm able..  However I'm also trying not to let the blog run my life.  Everyone needs personal time, too.  So finding and maintaining that balance is something I'm currently working on.

How would you describe your personal style?  This is tough for me because the pendulum swings between Boho-chic and Classic/Basic Prep.  Is that close enough?  I'm a touch of Farrah Fawcett, a dash of Stevie Nicks, a pinch of Janet Wood and Mrs. Roper meets Olivia Palermo, Lauren Hutton and Jackie O.  I'm all kinds of in love with different styles which is why you see my outfits run the full gamut!  I also think that Keri Russell is flawless - whether she's in jeans and a T or dressed for awards.  There is a young woman who is comfortable in her own skin.

Where do you get your style inspirations?  Looking back.  I am always looking back through images of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, and Farrah Fawcett.  When I'm watching movies I will earmark certain ones to return to:  A Lot Like Love w/Amanda Peet and Ashton Kutcher:  Amanda Peet's style is me to a t in that movie.  But who can't find inspiration from Carrie Bradshaw?  I know it's cliche, but it's totally true.  

Who are your influences/ fashion favorites?  Isabel Marant and Gaby Basora.  My two faves hands down.  Sarah Jessica Parker a distant third as far as styling goes.

What role does your budget play in shaping your style?  I'm not independently wealthy (sad, but true), so it has to play a role.  I think long term, watch sales, and hold myself accountable.  I'm not a blogger that wears things once and you never see it again.  I buy things I love and will want to wear multiple times for more than one season.  Look for me in all my Tucker pieces again this spring and summer!  They were an investment that I'll have for years to come.  A lot of the things I wear now, I've had for years.

Whose closet would you most like to raid?  Olivia Palermo.  Or maybe the Olsen Twins!!  I'm close to the same size as all 3 of them so that would minimize the alterations....haha!!
What are some things on your bucket list?  Visit Israel, see the sun rise/set over the Black Sea, own a home on an island in the Pacific Northwest
What is(are) your personal motto(s)? I strive to live my life in such a way that I will never look back and say "Gee I wish I would have..."

 Thank you, Carrie!

...This Free Bird ...

7 Sprinkles

1. Jason Wu's Pre-Fall Collection

I love the androgynous look on the left— the shine on the pants and lady-like cut of the blouse give it just enough femininity. It also reminds me of Rocky Horror with those sunglasses :) The dress is gorgeous— the proportions are just right and the colors and fabric are extremely luxurious. The mermaid cut hooked me and the lace detailing reeled me in.

2. Romeo + Juliet

I just watched both versions of this Shakespeare classic and they will win me over time and time again. The more authentic Elizabethan 1968 film starring Olivia Hussey is a must see to get the true R&J experience. If you were an American tween girl growing up in the 90s, you no doubt had a huge crush on Leonardo DiCaprio and inevitably saw the 1996 modern retelling of Romeo + Juliet multiple times... I forgot how much I loved it.

3. My Dream Room

Along with a subscription solicitation, House Beautiful magazine sent me a brochure of some fabulous rooms, one of which happens to be the dream bedroom I never knew I wanted. I love the colors, chandelier, filigrees, and draping bed linens.

4. Mamma Mia

I watched this (my favorite movie) with my Grandma recently and love all the gorgeous scenery, great songs and actors.

5. Givenchy's Day-to-Night Backgrounds

Clothing aside, one major cool factor in Givenchy's pre-fall looks was the changing backdrop from day to night. Imagine minding your own business walking down the street and being captured in the Givenchy lookbook. (Ok now, how amazing are those sheer maxi skirts??)

6. Alexander Wang's Pre-Fall Collection

Alexander Wang still reigns as the fashion king with his painfully cool pieces— sheer blouses, oversized outerwear and killer accessories with the perfect amount of dishevelment.

7. ASOS Shoes

KG by Kurt Gieger / ASOS Alfie / ASOS Harley / Melissa

I rarely ever buy anything here, but always have fun surfing their website for unique finds.

 

Style Inspiration

Today as I was surfing through various blogs, I came across Late Afternoon and instantly fell in blog love. Liz's style is so inspiring to me right now with her slouchy shirts, flowy skirts, and excellent use of fur and metallics. (Seriously need to scour the web to find a metallic pleated skirt like hers!) Here's a few outfits that I wish I was wearing...

*All photos via Late Afternoon.

Blogger of the Month (January): Daniela

Happy 2011, everyone! With the new year, I'm starting a new feature showcasing my favorite bloggers, aptly named "Blogger of the Month." In BOTM, I will interview the featured blogger as well as do a few illustrations of them. 

January's BOTM is Daniela from D, etc. She was one of the first few who welcomed me into the blog world when I first started out and we have kept in touch ever since. It was she who gave me the idea to draw bloggers after my post on the Sea of Shoes contest, so it's fitting to give her the first spot.  

Daniela has incredible style, simple yet chic, and is always finding great deals; making F21 items look like designer pieces. D, etc has become a must read for me, so I encourage you to check it out. Without further ado, here is her interview... 

Blogging:

How did you first get into blogging and why?

I actually first got into blogging about 3 years ago, believe it or not! I had a fashion blog called "Subject: Fashion" (English translation)  and a celebrity gossip blog called "Rich Trash." I had a lot of fun doing the celebrity gossip one but my interest in celebrity life in general died down after a while and I gave up on the blog... I wish I hadn't deleted it, at least! I had a friend (the only one who knows I blog) who really loved it cause it really was hilarious. The fashion blog was also written all in Portuguese and had mostly visitors from Brazil, but it ended up not having the feel I wanted.  A year later I decided to try again, aiming towards readers and writers in the US - and I love it! I blog for fun and to share and receive inspiration from other bloggers.

What do you think is the best/favorite thing about blogging?

I think the best thing about blogging is all the people you "meet". My blog is still pretty new and I've yet to 'in real life' meet a fellow blogger, but contact with people from all over the US and sometimes the world is amazing.

How do you handle it when you just can’t think of anything to write about?

I look to magazines, other blogs, or maybe I just take a day, not worrying about having to come up with something but just appreciating what other people have done. Everything serves as inspiration and the ideas come eventually.

Who do you look up to within the blogosphere/fashion industry & why?

I think I most admire people who have made blogging a full time job and have had opportunities to be a part of the real life fashion world from doing something they love - like Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere and Chiara from The Blonde Salad.

Would you like blogging to become your full time job?

Yes, absolutely!!

Where do you see yourself blogging wise in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road?

In the next 6 months my blog will have completed a year, and I think my #1 goal is to just make it more reader friendly and more popular, with better pictures and material. I'd like to have time to focus more on outfit photos, because that's what I most like to read/see so I think that's what others want to see too. 5 years from now I'll be married and I might be on my way to starting a family, so the blog might take a whole other direction then!

What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog?

When I'm not working on my blog I'm usually really working (full time job), in school or enjoying time with my fiance and our dogs! 2011 will be a busy year because we're getting married so we've been busy planning our wedding and honeymoon!

CONTINUE...

Strike a Pose

I was browsing the book "In Vogue" that I got from the library and came across a vast amount of inspirational photos (as anticipated). It chronicles Vogue's history from it's inception in 1892 to the present date in 2006 (when it was published). These are some of my favorite shots:

[[The top right reminds me of the circus! ;0) ]]

*All photos are scans from the book, In Vogue.

A peek into my world...

This post started out with this photo— I just wanted a pic of the nail polish, so I picked up a book to give it more interest. And that sparked an idea to do a post of a glimpse into my room... I posted recently that I wanted this book (and the one in the background). I got it (obviously) and have only flipped through it, but it looks great and I can't wait to crack it open for real.

Some texture on my bed. I bring out the faux fur throw around this time of year, and the pillows I just swiped from my sister. (She's redecorating her room and didn't want them anymore. Score!)

I got this Voluspa candle from Anthropologie recently. The scent is Crisp Champagne and it smells just like walking into an Anthro store. A new favorite!

My friends got me this plaque a couple years ago, they know me so well. And it's a great saying to remember when shopping.

Some magazine clippings I keep as outfit inspiration on my wall.

 An antique floor lamp that I also swiped from my sister (do you see a pattern here?).

On the back of my door– more inspirational photos, some for outfits, but mostly photographs I find aesthetically pleasing.    :)

A french romantic style armoire that I absolutely love. It has weathered mirrors on the doors.

I don't have big bottles of perfume, only a bunch of small ones that I try out because I get sick of the same scent everyday. Classic books from high school that I'll probably never read again, I just like having them in the bookcase. And MKA Olsen's book, Influence, has premiere bookcase real estate. That book really changed my life.

An ancient bottle of Chanel N°5 from my grandma. And a camel-shaped perfume bottle that I got while in Egypt.

Some old magazines I want to keep. A small stuffed toy dog (I really wanted a tan male chihuahua for a while. And I wanted him to wear a pink collar. When I saw this stuffed animal I had to get it!) He's sitting on top of a pile of moss... because, I like moss.

A tangled mess of purses kept in the armoire.

Also in the armoire, my jewelry. I have two small picture frames with my parents' school pictures in them.  I think my mom was about 14, and my dad is around 12 in those two photos (??).

An old 70s doll (that reminds me of the Blythe dolls with those huge eyes) that I got at a garage sale in middle school.

 Some shoes...

and accessories...

and clothes!