I'm a total typography nerd, and pretty much start drooling when I spot an awesome old poster from the 60's or 70's that is somehow simultaneously a psychedelic mess and a graphic design masterpiece. I love the chunky, fluid lettering characteristic of that time--a time where so much was new, and people were doing their best to make sense of it (or just goin' with the flow, man...). Suffice it to say, I LOVE it, I always have, and always will. Here are just a few examples of this 70's-inspired style of lettering. Sources here.
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
inspiration: bedroom mood board
Since we're moving soon, I'm already daydreaming about our next apartment's decor. It will probably be a tricky space to decorate exactly the way I want it since it will be more dorm-y than home-y, but I'm determined nevertheless.
I think bedrooms should be calming and comfy. I'm super into the all-white trend, but with a dog, it's a little less appealing. This grey and white pattern seems like a good compromise. Also, LOTS of candles are crucial, because they are a physical reminder for me to "chill out" once I light them. And yes, I've also been taken in by the fur trend, so a faux fur touch seems like a fun addition -- so soft!
I've wanted this butt pillow for ages. To be quite honest, this butt print was my color pallet inspiration! I also have a few weavings I've made that have inspired our current bedroom that I know will help bring together our next one. We'll see how the end-product is once we move! I'm hoping to aquire a few of these pieces (tax free! Go Oregon!) before we make the move, so we should have an easy time getting our place settled.
Pillows:
Butts
Faux Fur
Bedding:
Duvet
Sheets
Candles:
Ceramic
Glass
Gray
4 things that ban.do has taught me
Just a few things that Ban.do does well:
1. Consistent branding. I could look at any of their photos out of context and think, "BAN DO." That doesn't mean they aren't dynamic though. They manage to stay within a certain color pallet without it looking forced or redundant. They know their customer, and she's fun, not afraid of color, and has a unique sense of style. I look at their images and think to myself, "I want to be that" or "This inspires me." And you know what that means? I'm going to buy their products to feel closer to this brand I feel connected to visually. This all might seem sneaky, but as someone who wants to own a business down the line, I find it totally clever and inspiring. The most clever part? Read on...
2. Creating a brand that people want to belong to. Like I said, creating a brand that people want to be a part of is crucial to success. Ban.do's tagline is "We're serious about FUN." Who wouldn't want to be a part of a brand that encourages you to embrace the fun things in life, like pool parties, brunch, and sparkles? Sure, this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but there is a strong demographic that does identify with the bright-colored dreamland that Ban.do creates. The best part? The women behind Ban.do want you to join their #bandogirlgang.
3. Inclusive marketing. The amazing thing about clear branding of a business you love is that consumers who identify with it are going to want to share their love of it, whether that is through instagram or word of mouth. If they get it, they get it. Throw in a fun hashtag like #bandofuninthesun and consumers will not only want to photograph your product, but they will try to photograph it in a way that will encourage the brand to repost it. And you know what that means? Not only creating community, but also FREE marketing. Score.
4. Transparency. The business leaders that I admire most are the ones that are killin' it in their respective fields with grace, humility, and a whole lotta fun. The founder and artistic director of Ban.do embodies all of these things for me. Her candid take on leading a business is something that I've always looked up to as an aspiring small business owner and leader. She's never afraid to be vulnerable, to open up and literally say "Hey, my life looks awesome, but really I'm having a bad time lately." As someone who has always struggled with anxiety and depression, it's always a relief when a super successful woman shares not only her ups, but also her downs. Honestly, I think it's an incredible business move. Who doesn't want to feel like they not only can purchase items that will make them feel more like the cool chicks on instagram who are making them, but also that they can actually relate to these badass women? It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, included in their brand, and thus makes me want to buy their products even more. Now that's a successful business model!
obsessed: peggy guggenheim
Ever since Ted and I visited the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, I've had a little obsession with the eccentric and stylish Peggy Guggenheim. Can you blame me? Just look at her... and her dogs!
inspiration // baby blue
Hey, I'm back. To show ya some pretty pictures of baby blue things. Because why not? There's something so peaceful and calm about blue. Probably because the sky and the ocean and stuff, right? Makes sense. That's how I've been feeling lately: peaceful and calm. Happy, even. It's a wonderful thing! I'm looking forward to this new season in my life, where I feel so content. These pictures kind of sum it up for me, I guess.
make: yarn inspiration
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| pom pom wall hang // sugar & cloth |
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| handwoven wall hangings // earl grey creative |
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| flying geese knit blanket // purl bee |
get inspired: interview with Amy of Seafoam Eyes
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| graphic by Amy |
I'm starting a new series of posts about my two favorite things: creativity and inspiration. As a "creative" person, I am constantly searching for inspiration to fuel my creativity, and I thought it would be interesting to ask others about what they are passionate about. Here is the first of what I hope to be many interviews with some of my favorite bloggers about what inspires them.
Amy has a lovely blog at Seafoam Eyes. We have been blogfriends for a few years, and last summer we met for the first time at a Harry & the Potters concert.
Where do you find the most inspiration?
I find a lot of inspiration in books, and films. Most of my inspiration in life is gathered from the pictures of the lives of characters and settings painted by authors and filmmakers. For instance, right now I'm completely enamored with Louisiana, and have been reading books set in the deep south and watching movies set there. For me, inspiration comes from immersing myself in another land. I suppose it's sort of like traveling, except I get to stay home.
How do your surroundings affect your creativity?
Greatly. I find that if I'm not in a place where I'm comfortable, or can make myself at home, inspiration and creativity come to me more difficultly. I'm most creative when I am at ease, and in an environment that is tidy and aesthetically pleasing.
How does pop culture/the internet influence you?
I couldn't say that it doesn't influence me, because of course it does, it influences everyone, but I'm definitely very selective in my tastes and what I become interested in through the internet and pop-culture. I've built a comfortable bubble that includes certain aesthetics, and I tend to let in only what I am genuinely interested in. That being said I think pop culture and the internet as a whole are brilliant tools for educating ones self, and for the act of discovery. I've discovered so many amazing things through the internet, and they've all affected my life, outlook, and personality in one way or another.
What made you start blogging and what has kept you going since?
I began blogging at sixteen. I had just had a minor foot surgery that was keeping me out of ballet for a good six months, and my mom suggested blogging as a creative outlet. All-in-all I'm quite surprised I've kept blogging all these years, and that it's progressed into something so much larger than my sixteen-year-old self could ever have imagined. I kept blogging, definitely for the amazing creative outlet, but also for the fantastic community of amazing, creative, and uniquely talented people I've met through it. Blogging just wouldn't have its appeal if I didn't have the opportunity to connect with so many other like-minded bloggers in the process.
I've been reading your blog for years. Every time I read it, I get this urge to grab a cup of tea or write a letter to a friend. Is this what you're going for?
I don't know that I'm exactly "going for" anything. My blog is like an extension of my personality, and drinking tea and writing letters is most definitely a part of who I am. If reading my blog gives people the urge to make themselves a good cup of tea and write letters then I'm very glad! Because writing letters and drinking tea is AWESOME, but I wouldn't say I'm aiming to make anyone do anything other than possibly look at life with a lovelier outlook.
What creative outlets do you most utilize & why?
Well, most definitely blogging. As I mentioned, blogging is a way for me to better express my personality, and share the things I love in a creative manner. I also greatly enjoy ballet and piano as creative outlets.
How would you describe your personal stye or aesthetic?
My personal aesthetic is really just a conglomerate of all of the things I love, and personally find aesthetically pleasing. Like English gardens, contemporary architecture, Michelle Dockery, lemon meringue pie, and mens leather shoes. Maybe none of those seem like elements of style, but they are to me. They kind of paint a larger picture. I like my personal style to reflect the larger picture of my personality and interests, without giving away too much so as to leave some interest intact.
Check out Seafoam Eyes for more of Amy!
focus: moonrise kingdom
It doesn't take much for me to become instantly inspired and obsessed with a movie. After seeing Moonrise Kingdom for the second time, I decided I needed to blog about how much I am in love with it. Everyone keeps telling me, "It's such a Kaylie movie!" To this, I say, "Thank you!!!!!" because it is really just the greatest compliment ever when something like a Wes Anderson film or macarons remind someone of me.
The thing I most admire about Wes Anderson is his attention to detail and color. The props, costumes, landscape, music, and cinematography are all uniquely him. It's undeniable when you're watching one of his films.
Costume-wise, I find his characters presented almost cartoon-like, as if each of his films is a live-action replication of a cherished storybook tale. Most of the characters have one set "uniform" or color scheme that they stick to. For instance, Suzy wears basically the same outfit the entire film, even when the color changes a couple of times. My favorite detail about Suzy's wardrobe was that she always wore a piece of ribbon around her waist. In my mind, this means she wants to add a more grown-up shape to her "girl dress," much like she wears blue eyeshadow (which she totally rocked, by the way) and her mother's perfume.
The caricature-like aspect of the characters and their surroundings was even more evident in Moonrise since it was set in 1965. We look at everything from the past as "precious" and Wes doesn't shy away from this--he encourages it and uses it to create a adventure dreamland that reminded me of a little kid version of a French New Wave film. Also, I couldn't help but think of Anna Karina (in this scene in Pierrot le Fou) during the "fight" scene when Suzy uses her scissors to defend herself.
The plot itself is genius, in a simple, yet clever way. I love action-packed craziness as much as the next person, but even more I appreciate the simplicity of a well-made feel-good movie like The Artist, When Harry Met Sally (RIP Nora Ephron), or THE MUPPETS, GOSH DARNIT!
Moral of Story:
- Wes Anderson makes dreamy color-coordinated wonderlands.
- Well-told love stories are timeless.
- Go see Moonrise Kingdom ASAP.
bright idea
For a while now, this motto has been one of my favorites. Not only does it scream, WEAR BRIGHT COLORS AND PAINT THE WHOLE WORLD RAINBOW!!!!, it also speaks to me as a lifestyle that I want to embody. Smile, spread cheer, live your days with the purpose of making it as fun and happy as possible (and thus brightening everyone else's), and incorporate as many sprinkles and sparkles as possible.
I have many sources that have fueled my fascination with color over the years. Kate Spade, for one, has been quite influential (and in fact where I got the motto "Live Colorfully" from) since the ripe age of nine. I remember getting confused comments from my peers in second grade when they spotted my hand-me-down Kate Spade green pencil case. "Your name isn't Kate!"
Of course, there are bloggers that have inspired me as well. If I can ever get even close to these women's awesomeness, I would be the happiest girl on earth.
One of my oldest favorites, Color Me Katie, is the epitome of the colorful lifestyle. She brightens everything from her white apartment to random strangers on the streets of New York. (And she works for Improv Everywhere!)
However, my most favorite blogger is A Beautiful Mess. This girl is living the dream. End of story.
Then there's the fancy people making awesome/loonybins collections that they show at London Fashion Week.
Moschino Cheap & Chic Fall 2012 collection
Meadham Kirchhoff's Fall 2012 collection (!!!!!!!!!)
Before I get totally out of hand and start ranting about other things that make me happy and colorful, I am going to click PUBLISH POST. Now. (For more colorful things, check out my favorite Pinterest board of mine.
i want to do that...
So, I have been in a little creative slump lately, and so of course tonight I ended up looking at blogs, Pinterest, and eventually Lookbook (which I don't go on nearly enough...as in, about once a year). Anyway, I found this girl. And guys. THE OUTFITS AND THE ILLUSTRATIONS OH MY GRACIOUS. I am so happy. Also, I looked so far back in this girl's Lookbook (Creeper points?) that I noticed a photo that I blogged about YEARS ago!!! Yep, same girl. Guess my taste hasn't changed much.
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