Thursday, January 31, 2013

hello february


January was a whirlwind. Between getting engaged, buying this new pink hat, and beginning my obsession with Downton Abbey - the month flew right by. So now it's February, and I'm putting my foot down when it comes to making each day count.

Whether it be taking pictures, sketching, painting, watching foreign flicks - this month, I'm determined to find a new outlook and a new direction. I'm ready for an ACTUAL website (even though I love this blog with all my heart). I'm ready to make my art more readily available. I'm ready to hone my craft. And also finally take up Pilates. Which has been on the back burner for the last 5 to 6 years of my life.

Here we go...

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

pattern | THREE


Valentine's Day is the one day of the year that {my favorite color combination} is perfectly acceptable.

This pattern was created to celebrate that fact. And according to my high-school notebooks (that I finally cleaned out of my closet), I've always been pretty partial to hearts as well.

{Image credit: 1, 2, 3, 4)

Monday, January 28, 2013

art | Kike Besada

I like the kind of art that makes you think. It has to challenge me, and has to make me ask myself - "Is this art?".

This kind of art is the type that makes you take a second glance at everything around you. If a pile of torn envelopes (seen below) is considered art, then why couldn't a trash bag full of tissues be art?


Above is the work by {Kike Besada}. His work seems to bring these monotonous elements that we come across everyday, and put them in a context that is totally beautiful.

Kike's collages have a color scheme that tug at my heart strings (natural hues with pops of color), but also a texture, direction and narrative that makes me fall in love. What do you think? Does this do anything for ya?

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

shadow play


I snapped these pictures while at the Museum of Modern Art in New York over the holiday season. I was really inspired by the giant wall in the lobby filled with the simple art of shadows. Lights were set up and people were casting their own shadows on the walls. It's simple, but the color story has depth and the images produce interest.

I think these would look great framed for a children's bedroom.

Monday, January 21, 2013

date night


I hate the phrase "Date Night". It's just one of those things that makes my skin crawl.

First, because it puts this unnecessary pressure on a night out (or a night in).  Secondly, because it implys that it doesn't happen very often. And lastly, it's kind of bragging - "I have a date tonight, and you don't."

It's like, we get it. You and your significant other are going to Applebees or the movies, or whatever.

The only thing I like about the idea of "date night" is dressing for it. But you can do this whether or not you have a date, or if you and your date are just sitting on the couch watching Jeopardy.


{A pastel colored sweater} makes you feel a little better than a hoodie, and is almost just as comfortable. A bright colored nailpolish just puts everyone in a good mood. Apparently it's important to be in a good mood in order to be a happy human being. {Sparkly barrettes} are cute in moderation, or hidden amidst an head of unruly hair (mine).

So, in conclusion - It's not that I have anything against spending time with the one (or ones) you love, one-on-one. (I do it all the time!) I'm just saying, don't wait around to put pressure on one night to look great, and have fun - Live every night, like it's "date night".

Friday, January 18, 2013

pattern | TWO


I think the best patterns end when you're not quite sure how you began them. Twisting, turning, filling in shapes that appear, duplicating and deleting - all part of this very intricate process that leaves you with virtually no memory of the original design.

This particular design was inspired by my {second-favorite} non-alpha, non-numerical symbol - The quotation mark! What do you think?

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Interior Inspiration

For as much as I love {Pinterest} and constantly look to it as a source of inspiration for fashion and art, I feel like it's kind of lacking in the interiors department. The interiors that appear on my daily feed are either too "Homes & Garden", lacking originality or too over-the-top (seen here).

 As I begin searching for inspiration for my own apartment (or home), I rely solely on {The Selby}. These are REAL places designed by creative people. Their interiors usually result in a perfect mix of crazy and comfortable, livable and inspired.

Taking notes on what I love about each space has become a daily pastime:


{Image Credit: The Selby}

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Pattern | ONE


Have you ever tried to make a pattern? It looks so easy, so fun and the results are always eye-catching and cool.

Well, it's definitely not easy. You would be amazed at how many crappy ideas live in your minds, and decide to rear their ugly heads when you sit down and try to make a pattern.

Well, this is my first attempt for a digital version. It started off SUPER ugly and slowly got simpler and better. I ended up really liking this challenge, so I think it's going to become a weekly series for the next few months.

I also created a {Pin Board} dedicated to these experiments, if you want to follow along that way :).

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

things I love | Pom Hats


Is that even what they're called? Pom Hats? Oh well. You get the idea. And I want to make you understand how much I used to hate them and now, how much I love them. I was the kid that used to cut the pom-pom off my hat, or just refuse to wear it. Now I find myself looking at my old beanies, wondering if I could somehow ADD a pom-pom to them!

Negative. Well, I mean I'm sure you could, but I'm not crafty so I dare not try. Instead, I splurged and bought {this guy} today. What are your thoughts? Yay or nay?

Thursday, January 3, 2013

cozy bookstore


I spent this weekend a portion of this weekend in New York City with my boyfriend (now fiance!!) and his sister. The trip was thrown together over the last month, so the time for planning was minimal.

I've been lucky enough to visit New York a number of times. So instead of hitting touristy spots, I love to just wander around and happen upon places like this bookstore.

It was charming, cozy, quiet, authentic, gritty, and old. The random postcards, album covers, and stickers on the wall gave the place a "teenage bedroom" feel mixed with a certain intelligence and wit. I loved every square inch of it.