Watercolor

Since I discovered Inslee I have been in love with watercolor. Trying to teach myself how to perfect my 5th grade/junior year in college watercoloring experience she is my go-to for inspiration. Her blog is simply stunning. She studied studio arts/ art history at the Art Institute in Chicago and her love for illustration has turned into a lucrative note card/yearly calender business.

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Im baaaaack!

I moved 3 weeks ago, landed a new job 4 weeks ago, and haven't even had time to transfer my internet service, mail, or finished unpacking! So, needless to say I haven't even had time (nor means) to update my poor blog I have neglected so much this month. It is so much fun to catch up on all my favorite blogs (listed on the right margin) and get re-inspired.

Check this out:

American artist/sculptor, Herb Williams from Nashville TN, has a sweet outdoor installation on display in Lubbock Texas. Internationally known, he focuses his art on identifying objects that society perceives to associate with one role, and reintroduces them into different subtexts.  Ranging in height from 3 to 5 feet, Unwanted visitor: Portrait of wildfire is being shown at the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock. The five free standing, three-dimensional sculptures-which are meant to emulate fires and flames-reminiscent of a wildfire, are created to raise awareness of fires in an area that has been severely affected by drought. Each of the pieces are created from Crayola crayons. Melting and changing shape in the unpredictable outdoor conditions, each piece will continue to be altered by blowing wind and dry conditions such as those that affect the intensity and duration of a real wildfire. 

The colorful crayons provide a striking contrast to the dry, blown landscape and are reminiscent of an actual wildfire and its destructive aftermath *via

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String Art

 

Characterized by an arrangement of colored thread strung between points to form abstract geometric patterns or representational designs, string art plastered wallpapered walls in the 60's and 70's. I need to learn how to do this! 


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Hank

*my friend Kate's pup.

BMA plugs

I never really wore earrings before, but for some reason I decided to gauge my ears a couple years ago. Since then I've been on the hunt for unique plugs that you cant get everywhere, designs you don't usually see, something weird. Based out of Los Angeles the group of  bma designers tailor their line to be particularly affordable without sacrificing quality and aesthetics. The online shop carries all sizes with varieties of organic stone material, glass, and crimson. My latest purchase are these 24k gold plated earlets. A must have in your collection and a perfect break from your silver jewelry, these are double flared so they stay in good and are super light weight.

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reminder

nails nails nails

Lately I've been obsessed about my nails being painted. If they chip? Forget it, the next 20 minutes I have to spare you will find me repainting. So when I finally decided to drop the 8 bucks and give Sally Hansen's Salon Effects a whirl I was totally surprised at how easy they are to apply. The kit comes with everything you need: mini file & buffer, cuticle stick, and 16 nail polish strips. Complete with NO dry time (!!!!!!!!!!) you literally peel & apply. I however, recommend using a clear top coat to make them last a little longer. The box says they last up to 10 days. I made it to 8 before I took the polish off myself with a couple cracks at the tip of a few nails, nothing major that anyone would notice though, pretty impressive, Sally!

Sally's style options
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Glitz Blitz. p.s this pic doesn't do these justice!

Fall

i want one of these jackets.

 

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Tour de Fatty

The Tour de Fat rolled through Tempe yesterday and it was a blast. Only, we forgot our costumes and it was nearly 110 degrees outside! After a HUGE crowd of bicycles finished parading through the streets of Tempe, home of the Sun Devils, the New Belgium brewing company put on a fantastic day packed full of events at Tempe beach park.

My ride, Ray

Thrifting in Phoenix

I admit, I am a shopaholic. But in my own defense I am somewhat wise about it; I buy second hand clothing.  I get the occasional "shut the hell up-you bought that at Goodwill?!"when in reality thats where all the best finds are. Lucky for me this year I have been fortunate enough to travel around different cities and rummage through their thrift stores having found some of the most amazing things. I stumbled across this article written by blogger Elissa from Dallas. She couldn't have said it better with thrifting tips for the clothing snob like myself. The internet has made it extremely easy to search out the spots if you aren't familiar with an area and one of the first things I start with is figuring out the neighborhoods that are in a higher tax bracket. Goodwill stores are located almost everywhere and on their site is a handy store locater link. The employees are constantly putting new items out and most of the stores are well maintained with clothing organized by size and sometimes even color. Like Goodwill St. Vincent de Paul stores are located in most areas too, often carrying really nice second hand furniture or even floor models from local retail stores. Their clothing sometimes seems out dated though, but I have gotten really nice handbags and shoes moderately priced. Plato's Closet is a super trendy consignment store for the person who is a little shy or uncomfortable about thrift stores for whatever reason. You can even bring your own clothes there and they buy them for store credit or cash right there on the spot. They are super picky, however and only take things that are in season and in stores right now. Prices are fairly decent depending on where you are (Des Moines prices are awesome, Knoxville prices were a little steep for what they had). Their target market are teens and 20 somethings, both men and women clothing, shoes and accessories.

Click the link below to see what I've found this week.