Trade: Fashion
J.Crew: simple, classic and becoming better every year since Jenna Lyons took over as creative director. (did you see the spread about her NYC pad in Domino mag? a must see.)
And speaking of classic eye candy, have you seen the Spring Look Book? The J.Crew basics are paired with fresh jewelry pieces that come in amazing colors and the most incredible selection of shoes. The latest collection of silk shirts are frilly perfection. I want one of every style and in every color! A girl can dream.
As I've grown into a full fledged adult, I realize that having a signature style and those classics in my closet makes it easier to get dressed in the morning. I appreciate the J.Crew style more and more. I can throw on a white T and jeans, add my fancy necklace and run out to take kids to school. And if I keep up with the exercise program and lay off the carbs, come Spring this working mother of 2 could look like the chick in the photo, except for the inevitable peanut butter and jelly fingerprints on my shirt.
Trade: Event Industry
Blogger Abby Jean has an incredible eye for class and style. Her Ultimate Wedding Blog site looks like a million bucks, and more so, her advice and insight into the world of weddings is priceless.
Any bride on a mission can find tips on subjects ranging from decor and details, favors and flowers and the all important first impression to guests, stationary (which happens to be one of her previous entrepreneurial ventures).
My favorite part of the blog is her "Little Black Book," which includes a list of The Best Wedding Vendors. It's easy, enter your category and location and BAM! Abby Jean suggests some of the best in your area. I hope to be on the list one day with my floral design company, BranchingOut.
The "Little Black Book Blog" reports on real weddings and provides more photos for the voyeur in all of us. The section on "Themed Engagement Photos" is full of innovative shots (by obviously talented photographers), the photos I wish my hubby and I had taken 10 years ago!
Style Me Pretty: What a great source of inspiration for your own wedding or event. I think Abby Jean has the best job ever: a blogging wedding crasher!
Trade: Home Decor
So, I'm back after a year of transition. Last June, we moved into a new house, and I am addicted to House Beautiful magazine. In the February issue, you'll find these incredible candle sleeves by KaarsKoker . They come in a variety of colors and patterns, and for between $12-$23 per pair, you can completely change your chandelier or wall sconces. They even have styles to match each holiday! By far one of the more original ideas I've seen in a long time.
Trade: Fashion
I love to goosh over unique, beautifully made handbags. And whenever I need some good inspiration or I just want to escape into a beautiful setting, I head straight to Anthropolgie. It's a full of eye candy and the actual stores always smell amazing.
If I had to pick a favorite, I'd say...
I'm in love with the Arboretum Walk Bag . Grommets and swivel clasps are hot right now and you can't go wrong with chocolate brown and pink. I even adore the description:
" Kissed with embroidery and shining beads, a botanical garden's worth of fresh-cut flora grows on this rich suede bag."
I mean, who is the lucky one who gets hired to write this stuff? I'm available for hire if it involves a discount!
Trade: Floral Design
Yes, I miss my days as a floral designer. Every once in a while, I freelance for Big companies producing Big Dallas events. It's amazing to see the pieces come together.
After working so many years in the industry, I know exquisite work when I see it: Merveille Flowers and Events. Amy Kopycinski (LOVE her title: Principal) has an eye for combining beautiful color and texture AND She makes it all look natural and effortless! She is making a Big impression on the Austin scene after living and training in NYC. There she worked for some of the nation's top design firms (you should see her resume!) and quickly moved up the ranks. And her work proves why she is the newest rage in the Texas Capital!
It hit me this morning... the focus of my blog: Jane of All Trades!
I grew up in a household where Dad came and went at the same time every day. The responsible breadwinner. Mom stayed home to raise the kids. In her spare time, she explored her many talents: floral design, teaching, quilting, sewing, gardening, decorating, cookie baking. A few of these talents turned into careers. Most turned into crowd pleasing, head turning "how did you do that" hobbies.
Since I graduated from UT Austin, I've jumped from one career to another: PE teacher, volleyball coach, camp counselor, floral designer, event planner, landscape designer, seasmtress, product designer (and in my next life, a fashion stylist for girls on a budget). For a while, I felt flakey, indecisive, non-comittal. But recently, I decided to embrace my many passions! I've tried to spend a little time with all of them. And this morning, I decided, why not BLOG about them!
Here's how it happened: While sipping my morning coffee, I was reading the March "Real Simple" magazine and there's an article on most popular blogs. It hit me, if I can't change careers every week, why not post about my eclectic passions in my blog! Whew, now I'm focused...and I'm well aware that I'm turning into my mother!
Inspired by Anne Marie, www.thesucculentwife.com,
I am initiating my blog!
I was driving around town today wondering...
what would I write about if I had a blog?
weather, shoes, new designs, other products, my children?
In this web-friendly, computer driven world, i feel like everyone (including me) is so voyeuristic, wanting to know more and more and more about other people. As a blogging entrepreneur, could allowing others to relate to the person behind the designs boost my sales or maybe some find it interesting to have insight into the mind behind the design?
I am a bit shy to let everyone in the world know about me and my thoughts, but I guess it's about time I played along and opened up about my work, my designs and my life.
Is this the spot where I say something eloquent?
As the Genie said in Aladdin, "Watch out world, I'm free!"
