Monday, October 31, 2011

autumn leaves

My family at the pumpkin patch in 1991. I'm the one who looks like she's upset about something, sitting the front next to my sister.

I've been completely absorbed in the season of fall for the last few weeks. Although I haven't had time to carve pumpkins or pick apples, I have been enjoying the frost on the grass in the morning, the changing leaves, and unpacking my sweatshirts, sweaters and boots.

Autumn is a season that feels like if you blink, you will miss it. In the month of November, I'm going to set aside the time to take my dog for walks outside, eat my mom's apple crisp, drink pumpkin spice lattes, and be inspired by the colors, smells, and light that this gorgeous time of year brings.


P.S. Happy Halloween!

Friday, October 28, 2011

friday favorite | Detroit Athletic Club


I just recently went to an event with my family that was held at the Detroit Athletic Club. I was completely amazed at the beautiful architecture, delicious food, and gorgeous artwork that adorned the halls and historic rooms.

While waiting for my sister and brother-in-law, the rest of my family wandered around the lobby and main floor and imagined how beautiful it must be at Christmas time or during the summer while you are within earshot of Comerica Park.

Detroit gets a bad rap for being a pretty worn down city, but when you discover beautiful places like this, it inspires you to discover other hidden (or not so hidden) gems.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

blog of the week | Igor and Andre


There are not many male bloggers out there. However, for this week's "Blog of the Week", I am featuring {Igor and Andre}, managed by Danny Roberts. Roberts' work is always a huge source of inspiration. I think his color effects, his subject matter, and the dreamlike quality is something that I long to emulate in my own work.


"Igor and Andre" and Danny Roberts are well-respected in the fashion community. He is invited to cover and create pieces during major fashion weeks, for major designers. When Alexander McQueen passed away last year, it was his depiction of McQueen that was used for his tribute.


Please enjoy the following pieces by Danny Roberts of "Igor and Andre", and spend the afternoon or evening devouring his {blog}







Wednesday, October 26, 2011

art | It's A Bugs Life

("It's A Bugs Life" is for sale! Please click {this} link if you want to see detailed information about this painting. Please leave a comment or email me at mollydaudlin@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing this piece.)

This piece is inspired by the two twin boys I babysat for from the time they were 2 years old until they were in second grade. I spent most of the time chasing them around the park or their backyard, and it felt like the spent the time chasing me around with anything they found that was squishy and slimy.

The bright colors, modern layout, and abstract touches seem to make the subject of "bugs" more appealing!

Monday, October 24, 2011

boys boys boys


Despite the fact I've been only showing pictures of me wearing colorful high heels, and tons of jewelry - my friends and family will tell you that I appreciate a good "jeans & t-shirts day" any day of the week. I used to go out for the night in high school wearing sweatpants and a hoodie. I always felt comfortable and confident when I was wearing what felt good. Maybe that's why guys always seem to pull off even the simplest looks - white t-shirt, jeans, baseball cap.


We could learn a lot from the guys. Collared shirts, no-fuss hair, and minimal makeup can make you feel just as confident as a little black dress sometimes. I admire guy's fashion, macho taste, and even find inspiration in what they seem to gravitate to as little boys.


So this week is all about the guys. Whether at the moment, you are liking them or hating them - we share the world with them. I've learned to love them.

(my outfit totally looks like I work at a movie theatre.. ohhhh well! hah!)

Friday, October 21, 2011

friday favorite | Tory Burch Reva Flats


Tory Burch Reva Flats are worth the money. Here's why:

{1} They feel like you're walking on a cloud
{2) They look better worn than they do brand new
{3} They go with anything and everything.
{4) You will have them for YEARS (not weeks like my Gap City Flats, or even months like my Target flats)

The first pair I got were the black leather with the gold medallion. I wore those through many snowy days and humid summer nights this past year, and they still are in such great shape. The tan pair has proven to be just as good of an investment, because even though I've noticed the leather start to soften and scratch, they still look so polished and put together. The navy blue patent are my new pair and I'm still breaking them in, but already they go with almost everything in my closet.

I know they're a lot of money, but I promise you won't regret the purchase!

Have the best weekend ever, you guys :)

Thursday, October 20, 2011

blog of the week | Fox on the Run


This week's blog comes to you from a very close friend of mine, Alicia. She created {Fox on the Run} about a year ago and the time, energy, spirit and love she puts into every image she finds is very apparent.


We used to sit across from each other at work and we immediately bonded over our love of all things Olsen, fashion, and art. We encouraged each other to create a place where we can store our creative energy.


Alicia has not only created a place, she has created a woman. Through her imagery, she has manifested the personality of a woman who is earthy, romantic, honest, playful, and confident.


Please visit her {blog} when you need a breath of fresh air, a vacation or a boost of self-confidence to be your natural and wonderful self.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

art | Breakfast at Tiffany's

("Breakfast at Tiffany's" is for sale! Please click {this} link if you want to see detailed information about this painting. Please leave a comment or email me at mollydaudlin@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing this piece.)

This is a scene from one of my favorite old movies, "Breakfast at Tiffany's". It is one of those movies I put off seeing for so long and I'm not really sure why. I finally saw it in high school and was immediately captured by Holly Golightly's style and free spirit (and the way she could pull off pigtails!).

This is from a classic scene where her and "Fred" steal masks from a 5-and-Dime store in New York City because they were spending the whole day doing things that they have never done before.

The mix of "classic-meets-graphic" in this scene is something that immediately caught my eye. This is the first piece directly inspired by a movie from this era, but certainly not the last.

(I had to add the dash of color for my own aesthetic, but please know it can be left out).

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

inspiration | 06



This bracelet that is pictured below is from the 1980's and it's considered vintage! After I got over the panic attack that ensued after I found out that the decade I was born in is now considered vintage, I feel in love. I found it on Etsy. It was a great day.


Roy Lichenstein is on my top 10 favorite artists list. His primary color palette, simple but emotional ideas, and patterns that he uses in every one of his pieces just seems to capture an era. The women that he chooses to focus on seems to be a satire on the damsel-in-distress, yet somehow (pathetically?) I can still relate!


Mary-Kate Olsen can pull off anything in my opinion. Most of the time, I look to her to see what trends are around the corner. It's nice to see her in this Bianca-Jagger'fied look, paying homage to those that have come before her.



Sara Bernhardt by Andy Warhol, par of “10 Portraits of Jews of the 20th Century” (1980)

High-waisted bathing suits were all the rage this year. Although they don't flatter every figure, the revival of the one-piece was met with a nice golf-clap for all those who enjoy bread-and-butter before their fettuccine alfredo.



Photo credit: All images can be found on my pinterest account.

Monday, October 17, 2011

looking to the past


Books have always provided me with a ton of inspiration. Whether it be all the classic novels I had to read as an English major, or the coffee table books that I have turned into nightstand books - flipping through them when I'm laying in my bed is both relaxing and rejuventating.


One book in particular that I'm reading right now is "High Society: The Life of Grace Kelly" by Donald Spoto and it immediately got me thinking about the timeless and classic beauty of someone like Grace. The red lips, the high waisted capri pants, and the lace trends that are so in style right now are all thanks to those that have come before us.

The top that I am wearing is a perfect example of this. {Whitney Eve} by Whitney Port created a beautiful lace top in her Spring 2011 collection that has a vintage touch that makes it feel so rare and special.

So this week - I'm digging up old broaches my nana left me when she passed away, looking at old photo albums and scavenging around to find vintage illustrations that could influence a painting or two. I hope you do the same :)

Friday, October 14, 2011

friday favorite | Regina Spektor


I've told several people that if I could sing, and completely copy someone's persona - I would choose Regina Spektor. Her lyrics are sometimes ridiculous yet always artistic and emotionally poignant. Whatever mood I'm in, I can always find a Regina Spektor song that exudes that same feeling.

Here are some of my favorites:
Getting ready to go out: {"The Calculation"}
Driving to work: {"Eet"}
Driving home from work: {"On the Radio"}
Feeling ho-hum: {"Better"}
When I'm slap happy: {"That Time"} (this song is really nuts. Like CRAZY nuts. But I like it!)
Love Love Love mood: {"Fidelity"}

Thursday, October 13, 2011

blog of the week | The Lil Bee


{The Lil Bee} is an honest-to-God, daily read of mine. Just one click, and I know you feel the same way! Melisa writes personal and heart-warming posts along with beautiful and nostalgic pictures of her life and her family.


I started following this blog when Melisa was a mother of just one "Lil Bee", Devon, who is pictured above. Since then, she has expanded her family to add new Baby Blake. Both of her girls, the images she captures and the stories about them, makes me excited to have kids of my own one day (no matter how far away that day may be!).

She has also not let her love of art, fashion, books, and leading a fulfilled and interesting life fall by the waist-side as she raises her family. Please enjoy the following images I've gathered from her blog, and be sure to check out her frequent posts for yourself!







All images are credited to {The Lil Bee}

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

art | Queen Bee

("Queen Bee" is for sale! Please click {this} link if you want to see detailed information about this painting. Please leave a comment or email me at mollydaudlin@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing this piece.)

This painting has been in my head for a while and I was so happy that it came out exactly how I had pictured it. The rich colors and the quirky message translates into a piece that could be hung just about anywhere.  The mustard tones are so warm and inviting.  

I have this piece temporarily hanging in my room and I am thinking about creating a duplicate for myself :)

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

inspiration | 05




This cover art by the band She & Him paints a beautiful picture of their vintage and happy sound. They are one of my favorite bands and if the color yellow had a sound - this band would be it.



I've always heard the advice that yellow does not compliment my pale, freckly Irish skin. However, I think there is a right shade for everyone! For me - its a warm yellow that leans toward the mustard hues. Anthropologie does it right with the jacket on the right and the pretty begonia wallpaper. And Lauren Conrad off-sets the bright yellow coat with vintage sunglasses and black platform heals to add a little sass. LOVE!



J.Crew creates this yellow-on-yellow ensemble but keeps it rich by mixing fabrications. It's obviously intentionally matchy-matchy which is what makes it so unexpected. When I saw this - I instantly thought of doing the same thing with the color blue! (But OOPS! We're on yellow this week!)



My dad's favorite movie is "The Kings Speech", so this is for him. Well, it's for me too because I have an obsession with vintage movie posters. If you search for vintage movie posters, you'll most likely come across a whole slew of current movie posters that (very talented) graphic designers have re-done. They turn a motion pictures into a literal work of art.

Photo credit: All images can be found on my pinterest account.

Monday, October 10, 2011

hello yellow


My sister says that my aura is bright yellow. On days that I have "the mean reds" or I'm feeling blue, I tend to not agree with her. However, I always have been drawn to this color when others seem to shy away from it. In art, patterns, food, and life - yellow seems to add a warmth, brightness and cheerfulness that other colors just can't seem to live up to.