free people – tide & bloom

the warmest winter

You’re probably well aware by now that this has been the warmest winter. I write this as the sun is beating down outside and the temp reads somewhere in the 60s. I will never complain about Spring weather coming early (except that I’m not into this whole climate change situation) but I’m just a little disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to wear these new boots for just a little while longer. I got them from Target for $20. How.

I typically have a tough time with shoes, but I mean.. don’t we all. I have even worse trouble with boots this high; I can never find ones that hit the right spot and also have the right heel and also don’t look like hooker boots. The color of the grey faux suede is probably what did it for me. And I also can never wear boots all the way to my knees because it’s just not flattering. Trust me.

coffee with chelsey dellinger

Hello friends and followers, welcome to that time of year. The days are getting shorter and time is precious; I work full-time as a retail manager in addition to doing this little thing people called being an “artist”. What’s most important to be at this point in the year is keeping myself rested, motivated, and moving forward… however slow that may be.

And one thing I do not sacrifice, rather I actually put more time into, is connecting IRL to the people in my life. I’ve spent lots of time talking over coffees and connecting with colleagues and new friends. One new friend I’m especially grateful for meeting is Chelsey Dellinger. She’s an up and coming ATL photographer who, like me, is just trying to figure out her place in this town. She and I chatted over coffee and I had the distinct pleasure of having my photo taken by her. What a treat!

For more photos, head on over to Chelsey’s website!

sweater / anthropologie
jeans / banana republic
handbag / neva opet
sunglasses / urban outfitters
lip color / “lost” by colorpop
shoes / free people

scarlett hill: wildfire

One of the many things that make my life worthwhile is the chance to connect with talented creative individuals who make the world look, sound, and feel more beautiful. Be it through canvas or song, creative expression is at the core of our humanity. So when I’m able to share my dedication and love for it with another person, there is an instant bond and understanding of spirit. This is what happened with me and Scarlett Hill.

They just get it. It’s not about a desire for fame or money (although some money would be nice). It’s about forging genuine connections and putting out more good into the world. Perhaps that sounds lofty for people like us – just starting out and trying to make a mark wherever we can – but it’s an aspiration I think we all could be more mindful of in the things we do. I’m honored that they gave me the opportunity to do this photo shoot for their album, Wildfire, coming out August 1st.

Check out their music video “Whiskey” and follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on their new releases!

sunset scout

Some days I try to dress cool. This was one of those days.

dress / free people
jacket / anthropologie
purse / neva opet
hat / anthropologie
sunglasses / urban outfitters
rings / free people and urban outfitters
necklace / anthropologie
boots / steve madden

sunsets in march

textured tank / anthropologie
high rise jeans / free people
necklace / anthropologie
heels / urban outfitters
clutch / armani exchange

all day every day plaid

So I literally wore this plaid button-down dress four times last week. I’m dead serious, just ask any of my co-workers! First day as a dress with a belt (as you saw), second day unbuttoned over jeans and a tee shirt, third day unbuttoned and tied up in a knot over a black pencil dress, and fourth day below. I think it’s safe to say this was a good buy…

shapeless coats

Call them boyfriend jackets, cocoon coats, car coats, or throw-ons… whatever the name may be, I’m having a serious crush on shapeless coats right now. I know, I know – it goes against some pretty major fashion rules. It is no doubt a tricky thing to pull off and not everyone’s cup of tea. But I think if done right, it looks effortlessly chic.

free people slouchy jacket / asos wool cocoon / vince camuto boucle / asos selected coat / tracy reese plaid coat / topshop faux shearling jacket / asos textured coat / eva franco cocoon

What do you think of this baggy look? Yay or nay?

be your own icon

Do you ever see or meet women who make you think to yourself “man, she is so cool; I want to be her when I grow up.” Well, today I aspire to be one of those women, to serve as my own inspiration.

Yesterday I added this jacket to my wardrobe and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I see women pull off these moto-slash-army (aka anorak) jackets all the time and I’ve never been able to envision myself being able to, until now. It’s fitted yet casual, classic yet edgy and it will be the perfect layering bridge moving into the fall.

Instead of living in comparison to others, I’ve decided that my future self is the person I’m trying to live up to.

the days are melting away

August is almost over and I can hardly believe it. We are well past half-done with 2014 and I feel like there’s still so much to do. And so much to sort out. Since I’ve embarked on this working full-time journey, it’s been difficult to get in all the local adventures I’ve become so accustomed to enjoying. When I’m not at work I’ve got just enough time to relax and recharge – and maybe paint and cook a bit – before I have to get right back into the thick of it. So I’m gonna go ahead and cheat by stealing pics from my instagram to share with you all the little things I’m loving lately. It’s these little things that keep me going. The little moments of everyday comfort, wonder, and beauty.

This has been by far my favorite outfit of the past two weeks. I don’t typically buy, let alone wear, so much Free People, but this over sized tee and this stretchy pair of pants fits me just so. I wore it to work on a Sunday and it couldn’t have been better; so casual yet confident, almost as if #iwokeuplikedis. I highly recommend you go into your nearest FP and try on both of these things. I’d be surprised if you didn’t want them in your closet immediately.

I gotta hand it to myself. Though I’m often dead tired on my off hours, I’m still managing to get some good pattern painting in there. The main driving force behind it is a surprise I will be revealing very very soon! I’m doing my best to get a variety of organic motifs for a cohesive colorful collection. Stay tuned to see why..

Yes, guilty, another picture with coffee in hand. Working a lot means consuming a lot more caffeine. It’s just too difficult not to have this everyday indulgence. I’m an addict. At least every now and then I can manage to get a really nice cup, like this one from Octane Grant Park.

Okay, I lied. I do still manage to have my fair share of fun and discovery. I can’t help it! It’s just part of who I am. It’s just more difficult to capture everything the way I used to, hence the insta-overshare. This awesome Danish wooden salad bowl set (you can’t tell by this picture, but it’s pretty big) was one of many things I loved on a recent browse through Highland Row Antiques. The shop is a secondhand staple in Atlanta and their booths are always being refreshed by the vendors so it’s the perfect place to wander and lust over random objects I don’t need in my life.

Welp, that’s all I got for ya now. Hope it’s enough to keep you entertained and maybe a little inspired? I promise, exciting updates are coming soon. Just hold onto the edge of your seat. I know I am!

kimono cover-ups

Look, I’m gonna be honest here. I don’t feel comfortable with a lot of the terms used in the fashion world to describe ethnic-inspired clothing – kimonos, aztec, tribal, et cetera. It’s typically not accurate and while imitation can be a form of flattery, it can also really minimize cultural and ceremonial significance. That being said, I also know it’s damn near impossible to avoid such vocabulary when it’s so pervasive in clothing descriptions, media, and the like. So unfortunately here I am, reduced to using “kimono cover-ups” for convenience instead of easy-breezy-lightweight-open-robes. Please forgive me the terminology and focus on how awesome it is that these are back in style!

shop these kimonos below!