Things I Love: Mint

Right now I've been obsessing over anything mint hued. Here are some pretty pictures of the pretty, feminine color.

Juxtaposing

What I wore: Dress - A boutique in Nîmes, France | Sweater - Forever21 | Shoes - TJ Maxx | Neckalces - Betsey Johnson & a local flea market | Ring - Etsy

Today I wondered around downtown Peoria, purchasing fresh fruits, veggies and breads from the downtown Farmer's Market. I even did a little reminiscing, venturing off to where my old ballet studio used to be. I used to perform in ballets for the Illinois Ballet Company--what a whirlwind that was! Sometimes I definitely miss it, other times I'm glad to be doing what I'm doing now. 

I love the old brick that can be found in city areas. It has such a rough and tough aesthetic and then when you pair it with my very light and feminine pastel get up, you have a very interesting contrast. 

Two Girls, a Ukulele and a Beautiful View

Yesterday I finished up my classes for the week and spent the whole afternoon and late evening with my best friend, Kelsey. We ate food (of course, that's what girls do with their best friends!), shopped, watched trashy TV, and finally wound up at the adorable pond by my house where we horsed around and took lovely pictures. It felt like a perfect start to the weekend!

What I Wore | Shirt - TJ Maxx | Skirt & Belt - Von Maur | Shoes - A boutique in Georgia | Bracelet - Forever 21 | Earrings - A local boutique | Glasses - Rayban

And now meet my best friend, Kelsey of Four String Melodies, a cute (and new) lil' blog where she will be playing little diddies on the ukulele! 

I've been asked to design her blog and I cannot wait--I have so much cuteness to work with!

Have a fantastic Friday, everyone! 

BranDay {Tuesday}

Hello all,

Here are some of my branding picks of the week!

by Josip Kelava
http://www.brandingserved.com/gallery/Melbourne-Dance-Company/2437569

by Beatrice Menis & Mara Rodirguez (both students)
http://www.packagingoftheworld.com/2012/05/mud-student-work.html

by Jay Ressler (student work)
http://www.packagingoftheworld.com/2012/05/lucky-layla-farms-student-work.html

Sorry for the lack of style posts! I'm hoping to get back at tonight during golden hour (5 pm). I've been

really busy doing, well, art for my studio art classes I'm taking this summer. Once I accomplish some things, I'll be sure to put in on the blog. I may even photograph some of my work from semesters' past.

So far, I'm loving my advanced drawing class. The professor is so passionate about art and about teaching--it's truly inspiring! I can also sense that he's going to push me...a lot. I already know my weaknesses and I know I'm afraid to push my drawings into abstract, so I have a feeling he's going to move me away from subject matter and more towards emotion and feeling. It's going to be tough, but I feel it could be really rewarding. But I'm also hoping for some creative freedom. I really want to diversify my portfolio and hope to work on some collages and mixed media drawings. But we'll see. I'm excited to see what I create. 

Je manque à Paris

I miss Paris.

This longing for the city of lights stems from my friend's return to the United States after a semester abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark as she discussed her time in the beautiful city.

A year ago, I was returning from my own adventure in France. I immersed myself in the country, speaking the language, marveling at all the art I studied in my art history classes--it was a dream! I was even mistaken to be French several times, which was quite flattering. In short, I felt like I belonged there and would do anything to live and work in Paris as a graphic designer.

Today my outfit is rather reminiscent of the quintessential striped shirt often associated with the French culture. Little did I know when I put on this shirt this morning that I would be missing the city it is often associated with.

When searching for videos on typography (yes, I'm THAT nerdy when it comes to type), I stumbled across this sweet little film about Paris and the French language. I was in love. The type is quite beautiful, as well as the French language.

Outfit Details

Shirt - TJ Maxx

Leggings - Target

Belt - Target

Necklace - Craft Fair in Des Moines, Iowa

Shoes - Sperry

Glasses - Rayban

Rainy Days Go Away

Hello all! Yesterday was so incredibly dreary, wet, windy and chilly. While Illinois definitely needed the rain, it made it hard to get out of bed and have a life. I did pull myself out of bed, made myself socially acceptable looking and actually had a great day despite the weather. By the time I took pictures that evening, the sun was starting to come out and my rain attire was no longer necessary. Regardless, I continued to wear my rainy day gear.

I absolutely love these rainboots, simply because they always cause quite the commotion anywhere I go. Some people will openly tell me they're ugly, while others fawn over them--this is what interests me so much about people's personal aesthetic choices and opinions. Everyone is so different and I think that's why I love people and looking at them just to get a glimpse at what they're personal aesthetic is. Personal style and fashion is just that--a personal aesthetic showcased daily! 

Outfit Details

Rain slicker - Target

Top - TJ Maxx

Skirt - Urban Outfitters

Tights - Target

Rainboots - TJ Maxx

Purse - Vintage Coach

Ring - A flea market in LA

Umbrella - Von Maur