Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Monday, January 30, 2012

early riser


I don't really enjoy moving fast in the mornings. 

My alarm goes off and I hit the snooze button just like everyone else. Except I don't go back to sleep. Instead, I flip through twitter on my cellphone, turn on my bedside lamp, and open the book that has fallen off my bed from the night before. I pet my dog, think about what I want to wear that day, and then slowly but surely begin a lengthy, yet relaxing morning routine.

Even on weekends, it's no different. I naturally wake up early and do basically the same thing that I do during the week. However, on Saturday and Sunday mornings I do more reading, a little more cleaning, and I always try to make time to go out for breakfast. I'm not a big breakfast food lover, but I love the leisurely pace of that weekend meal.

So this week, I've been inspired by mornings. The colors, the routines, and the things you can do to start your day off right before heading into the feverish pace of the rat race,


P.S. - Above is a picture of one of my favorite breakfasts. A plain bagel, scooped out, toasted (the crunchier, the better) with cream cheese, tomato, and cucumber. I highly recommend it! 

Friday, January 27, 2012

friday favorite | Essie Nailpolish


Picking a favorite nailpolish is like picking a favorite ice cream, even if you pick "the wrong one", it's still going to be pretty good.

Essie is, by far, my favorite nailpolish. And I'll be honest, it's because of the packaging. The label and the white tops makes the colors look more vibrant, and the bottles look so clean and neat lined up in a cabinet or on shelf.

Above are the colors I keep going back to time-and-time again. "Going Incognito" green was a purchase I made to match a dress I was wearing to a wedding. I loved how the green color was edgy yet I didn't get tired of it. It's a "Starbucks" green color that I keep going back to.

"Ballet Slippers" pink is my favorite everyday color. A lot of us wore it for my sister's wedding because it's a very pristine, natural color. I love how it isn't a true pink but it isn't too light either.

I never got so many compliments on my nail color than when I wore "Geranium" red. It is the perfect blend of red and orange that is perfect for spring and summer. It's very retro and very fun.

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

blog of the week | For Me, For You


Kate Miss, the author of {For Me, For You} has a lot of good stuff to share each and everyday. Being a talented graphic design (just take a look at her portfolio) , the "bits of her weekend" and other interesting finds that she captures within her world are my favorite part about this blog. Her photography is so beautiful that sometimes I want to print it up and hang it on my wall.

Kate captures the essence of a creative Los Angeles girl that has had a taste of the world. It is obvious she is a person that recognizes the beauty in the objects around her. She digests architecture, fashion, art and life whole-heartedly and communicates that passion to her readers.

The thing I love about Kate is that she still seems like a nice girl. The kind of girl you would want to be friends with. I think in the blog world, a lot of people come off full of themselves but Kate just seems like she wants to share the things that make her happy with the rest of the world. And I'm thankful for that!

image credit: {For Me, For You}

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

art | French Macarons


Here is the piece I'm working on inspired by the "fun girl".

Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a bit of an obsession with macarons. They are just so colorful, their flavor can be so interesting (violet creme? rose? apple & blackberry?), and they are such a rare find in my hometown that they have become a delicacy to me.

On a recent trip to New York City, I stopped by a shop and bought a package of 12, brought them home on my carry-on and ate them one-by-one over the next week. I am going to attempt to try to make some of my own, but I think painting them will be a lot easier.

I used the colors from yesterday's inspiration and hope to have a little more fun with it when I begin painting.

As always, I appreciate feedback and your thoughts!

Monday, January 23, 2012

have a little fun


So in keeping with the theme of "what kind of girl are you? (or am I?)", this week is dedicated to the girl who doesn't take life too seriously. It finally snowed this week, so my sister and I decided to take my dog sledding. Did I knock over the little children on the hill? No... but I did pretend to be one of them.

It's important to add color, fun, and playfulness into every mundane work day or sleepy weekend. So this week is dedicated to the girl who likes to make that happen. What kind of art would she hang on her walls? What would she do for fun? What kind of things are in her closet? I'm asking myself these questions and hopefully coming up with something bright to offset the grey, snowy days ahead.

Friday, January 20, 2012

friday favorite | Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray


As I'm sure you might have noticed, I don't really like the whole "perfect hair" look. (With me, it just gets messed up anyway so why bother?) Whether it's a bun, a ponytail or my hair down, I always make sure its slightly disheveled - but in a good way!

Enter {Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray}. Since my hair is going to be messy, I don't like to spend a lot of time on it. So basically when my hair is damp after washing, I give about 6 to 7 sprays (more towards the ends of my hair) and then let it air dry. It leaves your hair looking very "beachy" and very natural which I love.

Happy Friday, people!

Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister {Meg} and my dad!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

blog of the week | Atlantis Home


{Atlantis Home} is my "blog of the week" this week because exquisite taste level and artistic quality in the fashion and photography. Judy Aldridge (mother of Jane Aldridge from "Sea of Shoes" seen {here}) clearly passed down her creative spirit and interest in craftsmanship to her daughter.

What I love about her (and Jane) is their sincere interest in the absurd, original, and "un-ordinary". Trips around the world often include extensive shopping trips to toy stores (She even has another blog called "Plastic Animal a Day"). They are photographed on the streets wearing ensembles that look like they just stepped off the runway. And each piece of clothing, jewelry or shoes seems to be one-of-a-kind, obscure finds. Each piece retains a life of it's own - thanks to impeccable styling.

I enjoy scrolling back to Judy's earliest posts to find inspiration and new discoveries that I've forgotten about. I'm sure you will too!

Image credit: {Atlantis Home}

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

art | Flapper Girl


This is a sneak peak of a painting I'm creating for the "Classic" series. I know I want to mix a vintage 1920's comic feel with a fun pattern to make things current and interesting.

Black and white is a color combination I try to stay away from. But when I do limit myself, the end result of such a simple palette is extremely striking.

I can't wait to see how this translates to a painting. Please let me know your thoughts! It would be greatly appreciated!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Monday, January 16, 2012

what kind of girl?


When fashion designers begin a collection for a new season, many ask themselves, "What kind of girl am I designing for?". Recently, I have been thinking about the same thing. As I prepare to submit pieces for review for art fairs and shows coming up later this year, I have been searching for a direction in which to take my work. Inspiration hit when I was reading an article about Anna Sui and her upcoming collection. She always has a very distinct girl in mind.


I've begun asking myself these same type of questions (such as What does she look like? What are her hobbies? Where does she live? What's her career? etc.) and I am going to try answering them through the different paintings.

Obviously, the goal is always to remain true to oneself and create art that is a reflection of the artist's perspective. However, I also like the idea of challenging myself to think of the different type of people (this time around - girls), personalities and interests and have that influence the work that I do.


So this week, I'm channeling the "classic and put together" type girl. The kind of girl who is smart and polished and always looks freshly showered. Her interests range wide, but always lean towards the conservative side (a lot of black-and-white photography, pearls, pencil skirts, and demure, ladylike hobbies). For me, that is a BIG stretch but I'll give it a try!

Friday, January 13, 2012

friday favorite | Kate Spade Taxi Mittens


By now I'm sure you've guessed, I'm a HUGE fan of Kate Spade {prime example seen here}. I think it's because I see so many of their pieces that look like they are one-of-a-kind. These mittens are no different.

I have the "Hi 5" mittens as well and I couldn't be more happy with them. They're quirky and fun but still very fashionable. And as the days quickly turn snowy here in Michigan, these mittens will be a perfect P.O.C. (Pop Of Color - thank you, Brad Brad World) with a boring black puffy coat.*

Happy Friday everyone!

*(P.S. They're on sale! {Click Here} to purchase a pair of your own before they're sold out! )

Thursday, January 12, 2012

blog of the week | Design Crush

{Design Crush} is this week's "blog of the week" and I can't believe I've waited to so long to share it with you!

Kelly Beall of {Design Crush} gives her readers a feast for the eyes with every original post. Everything goes back to the author's desire to find inspiration, clean design, and skillful artwork in all shapes and forms. Whether it be in cookies (pictured above) or jewelry or home decor, Beall can pinpoint what she likes and why she likes it in her short-and-sweet blogging style.

If you just have 30 seconds of break time, I suggest checking out "Design Crush" to get the creative juices going again!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

art | A Big Change

"A Big Change" is not for sale currently but will be soon! Click on the "art for sale" tab for updates or email me (mollydaudlin@gmail.com) if you are interested.

This painting is only about halfway done but I thought I would share it's progress anyways. It's inspired by one my favorite pictures (seen in yesterday's post) and to me, it's a perfect painting to start off the new year. At the risk of me sounding like a total girl, haircuts can be traumatic at times! They are drastic change to one's appearance and can be quite a commitment (especially when you're cutting it all off!). But the big change can also be kind of exciting. It's the beginning of "a new you".

I will post the painting up again once it's finished, so check back! But in the mean time, let me know what you think!

(Sorry if it looks scary. Painting in the eyes is always the very last thing I do!)

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

inspiration | 17

My favorite show to watch on cold afternoons is "Felicity". I got the show on DVD my freshman year of college, and since then I watch all four seasons about once a year (usually in the wintertime). The lessons learned, quotes spoken and fashion worn by each of the characters inspire me every time I watch the show. Keri Russell was a great actress and a style icon in the late nineties, and she is still one of my favorites to this day. I am always drawn to super chunky knit sweaters and things like menswear inspired oxfords, and I'd like to thank my favorite show for that.





Monday, January 9, 2012

midwinter night's dream


There is a reason why bears hibernate in the winter. The endless dark hours are ideal for long, long winter naps. For me, I think the unfavorable weather is a perfect excuse to stay on the couch. And the warm light from a fire place is always nicer (and more flattering) than harsh sunlight.

But since I'm not a bear and I'm pretty sure my job frowns hibernation as a means of vacation, I think taking time to enjoy the comforts of winter is a good alternative. The endless amount of food left over from the holidays and comfort of pajamas are two reasons why January is one of my favorite months.



Throw some Bailey's in a coffee, take a lounging position in the most comfortable chair, and plant your laptop on your knees, while watching your favorite guilty pleasures on TV. You have every excuse to be lazy!

Friday, January 6, 2012

friday favorite | PB&S Sandwich


A peanut butter & strawberry sandwich is a great alternative instead of a PB&J. You get the protein from the peanut butter but not the unnecessary sugar from the jelly.

This is my favorite "breakfast-on-the-go". I put the peanut butter on a warm whole wheat english muffin and throw a few strawberries on top. It's satisfying and delicious... and nutritious!

Have a great weekend, you guys!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

blog of the week | Because I'm Addicted


Check out Geri Hirsch's {about me} page and you will begin to understand why she is my pick for the "blog of the week".

{Because I'm Addicted} is a well-maintained blog about everything this girl is into. The reason that I love her is because it's exciting to find someone out there with the same tastes as yourself. This is what I found with {Because I'm Addicted}. She's a girl I could be friends with and we would have a lot to talk about.

Her interests, style and aesthetic range from earthy hippie to fashion-conscious "it girl". One minute, she's putting up posts about recent J.Crew lookbooks and the next is about some new and different art discovery or cool recipe.

In a world of many blogs, it's rare to come across one that really makes you say, "I love that!" or "I've never seen that before!" to every post.

Image source {here}

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

art | A Collage of Many Things

"All Collage of Many Things" is not for sale at this time.

I often create collages to illustrate a mood or try to connect a collection of ideas. Whenever I'm stumped with creativity, one of my favorite things to do is find a bunch of things I like and try to cut, color and paste them in Photoshop. I am DEFINITELY know Photoshop wizard, but is a great way to visually brainstorm.

All of the images I used for this project came from {my tumblr} account. Tumblr is a great way to catalog and come across new and interesting images, quotes, and photography. It's a perfect place to start if you're feeling a creativity block or if you just wanna look at pretty things for a while.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Monday, January 2, 2012

its already january?


Maybe it's just because we've been experiencing an unseasonably warm winter here in Michigan, but I can't believe that January (and 2012) is already upon us. I've been busy with last minute trips out of town, getting Christmas gifts in order and New Years Eve plans settled, that I didn't seem to notice the weeks fly by.


But now that things have settled down, I beginning to look around for new inspirations. This week, it seems that contemporary art is holding my interest.


For my two year anniversary with my boyfriend coming up at the end of this week, I'm looking forward to heading downtown for dinner and hopefully a stop at MOCAD (Museum of Contemporary Art and Design). However, you don't have to visit a museum to see great works of art. Inspiration in this genre can be found scouring the internet, old books, or fashion magazines. Hopefully you'll see what I'm talking about this week.