Free Spirited Flowers

As we head into the last month of Spring I am  seeing blooms e v e r y w h e r e.  Growing through cracks, pouring over fences, dotting the cityscape with color, it's a great time of year.  I love walking outside and smelling night blooming jasmine - it  means summer is quickly approaching

Some people will say Los Angeles has no seasons, but it does.  The lightness of the air, the color of the sunsets, the subtle shifting scent of the trees and flowers have a  rhythm all their own. It's easy to love Spring because she reminds me through her bounty to celebrate all the different shapes, colors and textures of my life.  

I'm doing my best to take it all in, mostly with iPhone pics and quick notes in my journal while I'm working on my flower series for the year, which is so fun.  The hardest part was choosing which flower would represent Spring 2013  .....  Above is a photo of a beautiful design by Moon Canyon Design Co  that I saw while at the EPCF.  I'm such a fan of the spirit behind their creations - whenever I see one I get the sense of a heart full of love, life and freedom (interpretation totally my own)   ♡

 
 
 
 
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Echo Park Artisans

 

I wanted to share a few of the fun things I discovered at the Echo Park Craft Fair last weekend.  It was inspiring roaming through and seeing sooooo many beautiful creations by many talented artisans.  I picked up some really gorgeous fun goodies (& some gifts that I gave away before photographing), but there were still many many more things I saw that I have added to my wish list.  I left with some cool loot and with a fun idea, I'll share with you once I can articulate it to myself.  You know how that goes?

It was a celebration of the artisanal.  Which reminded me of how much more fun it is to surround myself with objects made locally (or that have a history,ie: vintage) and with heart than with the mass produced stuff that seems to be engulfing us.  Plus, In my opinion there is nothing like artists supporting artists and the overall good energy of a creative community.  I love that! ♡

If you in LA for their next one, it is a great way to spend your day. Co-organizers Beatrice Valenzuela and Rachel Craven put on quite a lovely event.

My photos of:  Moon Canyon Design sage/lavender/rose smudge stick, Rachel Craven linens, vintage skirt detail from Tavin Boutique, mix of bangles by Gabriela Artigas and Kathleen Whitaker bar earrings, Me & Arrow keyring

My illustration of some rogue sage leaves


Feathers!

Sharing a little something I starting to love. ... FEATHERS.  Do you ever notice when you start to groove on something, you begin to notice it everywhere?  Now I see bird tidbits (feathers, wings, tails, claws) on jewelry, clothing, fabric, you name it.  I found these feathery friends on a pair of beautiful pumps by Roger Viver and I thought that was such a whimsical and brilliant idea.

My friend Brooke (you will meet her soon here on the blog)  loves birds and it got me thinking about how these beautiful creatures have a rich symbolic cultural tradition as well.  For now, I am fascinated with them as being a visual wealth of inspiration.   

Let's do something fun this weekend that makes our spirits SOAR!  

.... and of course celebrate our amazing mothers ♡ HMD

My shoe illustration based on Roger Vivier pumps

 
 
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The Parker Palm Springs - Design Study I

This is my  "design study part I" of the Parker Palm Springs.  I am the kind of design fan that can spend HOURS quietly exploring an environment that has moved me and study it in as much detail as I can. I will photograph things, sketch others and of course ask staff for little 'momentos'.  They make fun souvieniers. 

I will observe and observe:  color and texture selection, furnishings, light placement, graphic design elements, space organization, etc.... They did a great job with all that at this hotel and you sense that the minute you arrive on the property (which used to be Gene Autry's ranch).  I believe Jonathan Adler is responsible for most of everything I was ooooing and ahhhhing at, he really rocked it.

I'm highlighting the graphics element in this post because I often struggle to explain to clients the importance of 'consistency of a visual story' whether in a photo series or brand collateral or anything else really.  So, I started documenting visual stories done well to assist in illustrating my point and collecting inspiration.  The subconscious impact of thoughtful design always leaves a lingering impression, I love that ♡ Enjoy!

p/s... I am revising my 'about' page for this blog.  People who know me have said what I have is kind of limited.  I think that is because i tend to be shy, but I am trying to move beyond that.  If you have ideas/suggestions about what I should include on that page, please send them my way.  Merci!

smile heart love profile : Amy

 

Amy is a gardener, artist, fantastic cook among other things.... She's also the Creative Director at Shabby Chic brands where she designs beautiful things all the time.  

 

Things that make me smile, touch my heart or I just love, by Amy . .. ......   .

BEAUTIFUL TEXTILES: My love of color and pattern draws me to the fabrics I see on my travels.  I always leave a bit of room in my bag to carry some home with me.

GARDENING:  The simple act of putting a seed or plant into the earth, tending to it and watching it grow makes me smile.

MOOD BOARDS:  I love creating a story by piecing together photos, objects, fabrics and colors.  Even opposites can intertwine to tell a new tale or take you to a different place.

COOKING:  My heart feels the fullest and closest to my Dad when I am cooking in the kitchen.  He was an amazing cook and taught me everything I know.

xx/Amy

 

here are a few more images /details, click on small arrow to navigate

 
 
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A little treat ... colorful feet

 

These cute little socks make me smile.  I am almost always wearing some type of ankle boot, which sometimes can make a hosiery choice tricky - so tricky that sometimes you might skip it (eeks!).  These little guys solve that problem.  They are the cutest ankle socks and I love them.  They also happen to add a little pop of color and pattern to my neutral outfits.  Who knew Club Monaco had these?  Every since they did the collaboration with Jane Mayle, I have rediscovered them ♥

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Insta Snaps

A few random instagram posts.. as a quick little post while I prepare a a blog redesign, debuting next week. Yay! It's Spring, it's time for a little re-fresh....Plus, a NEW exciting blog feature. An exciting week ahead ♥

The Parker Hotel Palm Springs Polaroids

Shot a bit of a video while in the desert and then enjoyed a yoga retreat... will share video soon.  Here are some of the things that made me smile at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs.  Every time I visit, I am convinced there is nowhere better to stay in the desert. They have given every little detail thoughtful design attention.  In fact, I did a little design study research while there... I will share that soon too. Desert time is always blissful, somehow the heat and dryness burn off any woes/worries/concerns and I reconnect fully with my dreams ♥

TOMS & Shabby Chic Floral Footwear

It was so much fun creating a video awhile back to pitch in with the Shabby Chic and TOMS shoe collaboration.  You can see the full video at my site, click here .  It was quite thrilling to watch the whole process unfold, from idea over dinner to finished product-ready for sale-launch party.  My amazingly talented friend Amy (you'll learn more about her here soon) came up with the idea as Creataive Director of Shabby Chic Brands and it both a joy & an inspiration to watch the journey of her idea blossom into fruition-  and with so much success...they sold out in days!   I was so happy shopping for flowers this week wearing my Shabby Chic TOMS florals.  Super comfy and oh so pretty that I had to do the 'I'm taking a photo of my shoes' shot.... I love ideas that beautifully unfold ♡

 

 

Insta Snap- Vermeer at the Getty, go!

The other night I went to the Getty Museum for the opening reception of the Vermeer show ( Johannes Vermeer Woman in Blue Reading a Letter).  A little bit of a boring title for a painting that is really stunning.  It is only there for 6 weeks so schedule it in.  It is really worth it.  The light, color, composition, surface treatment and overall mood all make for a quite contemplative experience.  I mostly was in awe of the color palette - simply pared down to sophisticated choices.  Quite brilliant.  I came home and noted the colors in my journal before they faded in my mind.  

There is nothing like seeing the real thing in person.  I  ♥ art 

San Francisco > Weekend Smile Ideas

Every time I visit San Francisco I soak up as much of its' distinctness as possible.  It is a puzzle trying to fit in all I would like to do in a few days while also just being open to soaking up the culture in a spontaneous way.  As in any great city there are a myriad of cool stuff to do, here are a few things in San Francisco that just make me smile 

*To enjoy the full flavor of the Mission District you must stroll it by foot. Perhaps pick up some yummies at Bi-Rite market or an ice cream at their creamery (be prepared to wait in line), walk to Dolores Park to enjoy some great people watching, music and a stunning view.  (Of course you could also opt for a trip to the iconic-almost always has a line Tartine Bakery or a lunch/dinner at Foreign Cinema)  Maybe extended your time in the Mission to include the deliciousness of Delphina. Wow!! In my opinion, much more tastier and fun than Zuni Cafe.

*Explore a bit of Golden Gate Park (it's massive!) and end up at the De Young Museum, where you can sketch a few of your inspirations after having a glass of wine with lunch in their indoor/outdoor cafe.  My favorite is Andy Goldsworthy's sculpture near the entrance that people just completely ignore because it looks like rock benches. Genius!

Be sure to make your way up to their Observation Deck, it offers incredible views of the city and the bay plus it's a great spot to map out where you want to head off to next.

*Squeeze in a breakfast or brunch at Sweet Woodruff & look for culinary tips and tricks as they create their original menu items in their huge open kitchen. Then, head to Hayes Valley for a snack at Arlequin Cafe and stroll Hayes Street for some fun♥ special take aways .... and Voila the weekend is over but your head home with new food/fashion/art/style ideas galore♡

Lean and Light

I have always been a light packer.  I find it very freeing being on the move with as little as possible, in fact I sort of look at it as a game, how little can I possible bring but yet have all that I need? It's fun.

Heading to San Francisco for a long weekend I approached my packing by focusing on two staples which would go nicely with alternate pieces.  My staples were a great pair of studded ankle boots and an ivory silk blouse. On the periphery I brought high waisted skinny jeans, a sweater for layering, a black skirt, a dress & heels, a hat  ..oh and of course a slim wool coat coat.  I had everything I needed and could have even gone another couple of days with mixing and matching what I had.  I returned inspired to edit down my closet with my capsule traveling wadrobe approach.  I am going to love bringing it into a more beautifully relavent lean state ♡

 

 

 

 

Iris Palette

 

This year I decided I wanted to make 'quicker' posts, snippits of things I love around me.  Up until now I usuallly wait to do my posts once I have fully finished an idea I had in mind - which is great, it just can take me awhile to get around to finishing my 'idea'.  

I re-thought this and I remember when I initially began blogging it was intended to be a 'sketchbook' for me.  I am going back to that mindset and things will now be looking less finished (not that anything I do here looks finished) and more bits and pieces of ideas/snippits/even instagramed pics.... and of course the more polished idea tossed in too!  

Here's the first of the 'snippits'.  I love this color palette:  celadon, lavender and amythyst - My bedroom is a dusty lavender and I am now inspired to add some celedon and either a bit of silver or touch of coppery bronze  ♡

Welcome 2013 >>> start creating

Happy 2013!!  I'm a little belated on that sentiment (got buried in a crazy project), but I do wish everyone a great happy prosperous joyful year.  

I love the HOLSTEE MANIFESTO.  This new year it went up on my wall.  It expresses thoughts we all know deep down inside but sometimes need to hear again from time to time.  I also love how its' message has become so popular - people have shared it around the world.  What started as a quasi mission statment for their studio became words to live by for many.  It shows how when you share your inspiring ideas you really never know what they will look like manifested and who else they might potentially positively impact.

Every line resonates with me, but I am especially drawn to the 'start creating' and 'share your inspiring dream' thoughts.  Reading this poster always gives me a lift and sometimes a push - and I love when things push me in the right direction ♡  Thank you Holstee!

 

Photo credit:  HOLSTEE