Wind Blown

( Photos by Shawn Kruse )

( Bar III dress, BCBG cuff and ring, Vintage hat, and Jessica Simpson shoes )

I have found that sometimes in life, you just need to be brave and step out of your comfort zone.  Even if that means that you will be uncomfortable and potentially miserable, it is necessary to grow.  For me personally I am completely opposed to mother natures negative side effects.  I truly do love enjoying the different seasons.  I just tend to enjoy some of them from the comfort of inside my home.  So as to be brave and face my fears, I decided that I should be strong and as they say at Nike, "Just Do It".  I was not fond of the cold wind that blew that day; however, I will say that I am not as opposed anymore.  And find myself actually enjoying mother natures beautiful aspects.  I have come to truly appreciate my surroundings, no matter what they may be.  And on the positive side of things the pictures turned out great from that day!

Neon Carnival

( Photos by Shawn Kruse )

( BCBG blouse and trousers, Style & Co. necklace, and Jessica Simpson heels )

A few times every year the carnival comes into the city, and every time it does I reminisce of my youth.  When I was younger I used to look forward to the neon lights, carnival rides, and the ever so alluding games.  All these years later I still look forward to the bright lights, the fun games, but tend to skip the rides due to my carnival attire.  Back in the day my attire used to consist of shorts, sneakers, and a hoodie.  Now it consists of something fashion worthy and full of colors. I have come to realize as I get older that there is absolutely NO reason one cannot dress up for every occasion.

Floral Tart

Photos by Shawn Kruse

( Bar III dress, Vita bracelet, Chanel clutch, BCBG heels )

Every now and then I am completely inspired by something I see as I am driving through town.  I love finding the beauty in things that seem to be taken for granted every day.  Taking this inspiration and pairing it with something delicate, bold, and beautiful is one of my favorite things to do.  This ensemble was no exception to that love of creativity.  The idea was to pair something soft (the floral dress) with something hard (the elastic banded heels) and let the contrast be just as inspiring as the background itself.  

walk in the park

Photos by Shawn Kruse

( Bar III top, BCBG skirt, MIA boots, BCBG rings, vintage necklaces and purse)

Due to my geographical location I just happen to live a block away from a beautiful and very large park.  It is the perfect place to take a walk and relax while enjoying mother nature.  I love the feeling of being outdoors in the fresh air and the sense of calmness it brings. I love people watching and always find it so intriguing to see the different types of people that make their way to the park during the day. One thing is for sure, I will be taking advantage of this all summer long.  

seattle photo diary

Sometimes you just need to get away.  Its a fact that every now and then you just need a break from the everyday chaos of life.  For me when that happens I head to the fashion capitol in the Northwest, Seattle.  It is a place that combines not only the city but urban atmosphere.  I know I can always escape there and get some good shopping in as well as some good down to earth girl time with some of my mates from college.  Not only is Seattle close to home for me, it is a place that I know like the back of my hand.  It is a place I go to escape my everyday routine and create a fun, anything goes, no agenda necessary plan of attack.  These are just a few pictures I have taken from the last few times I was there.  It ranges from my trip to the infamous Pikes Place Market, attending the Mariners game, and going to the Woodland Park Zoo.  If anyone ever gets the chance to escape this would definitely be one of my top pics!

PechaKucha

    

 
 
Photos taken by Shawn Kruse

( XOXO blouse, Paige skinny jeans, Jessica Simpson messenger bag, all BCBG jewelry, and Seychelles booties)

PechaKucha is a new style of community presentations that have started popping up all over the United States.  Luckily my home town is in the loop and decided to participate in this amazing movement.  While I was home this week I attended my first PechaKucha event.  These events are really casual and laid back so I thought what better way to reflect this than through my chic but casual image.

I decided to start off with my basic and ever so reliable Paige denim skinnies, from there my outfit kind of took a life of its own.  Kind of like the PechaKucha presentations.  It consists of a slide show with 20 pictures that pop-up for 20 seconds each while you talk about your company or foundation.  Much like my getting dressed process, it usually takes me about 20 seconds to decided if an item will work with the look I am trying to create or not.  From there I then move on to the next item and keep building until my outfit is complete.  In which case then I deem it a successful at home presentation.