Suburban Sunlight

Sometimes it's nice to leave the city and relax a little in suburbia. That's not a thought I express too often, but there's definitely a sense of relief when I find myself in an area where the whole street is available for parking.

I'll admit, I'm a true city girl at heart. Through thick and thin. I'll defend LA, even when I could string off a list of complaints and criticisms at a moment's notice. But who can't find negatives about anything if they try hard enough? It's much easier to dwell in the positive. Thinking about the opportunities and culture a city offers gives me butterflies. But suburbia provides the perfect refuge to slow down. Rent a movie and stay inside. Or have a photoshoot in the street, because the cars are that scarce!

Amidst the city lights, my frenzied brain needs a reminder: It's ok to relax. It's ok if I don't do everything. It's ok if I stay in on a Friday night. The world is constantly speeding around us, through us, but let's not lose sight of the value in breathing and resting in the moment.

 Blouse: Native (local boutique)

Lace skirt: Forever 21

Shoes: Modcloth

<3 Taylor

*Special thanks to my photographer, Brittan.

Creative 365

Hello all!

Well, it's been a little quiet over here, but only because my mind has been going in a hundred different directions. I've been enjoying each and every second of this wonderful season and my birthday month! The heart garland in our dining nook came down and leaves and owls went up. Pumpkins are placed and apple cider is stocked in the fridge. I also indulged in pumpkin and salted carmel macarons (best I've tasted this side of the Atlantic) at Bottega Louie today. If you have yet to experience this place, don't waste another second. It is heaven on earth. Maybe I sound a little overdramatic, but I could have sworn I was transported back to a cafe in Italy for a moment. Just a moment. The English speaking gave it away. Sigh.

But my real purpose in this blog is to share my excitement over a book I received for my birthday, The Crafter's Devotional. It is bursting with so much potential inspiration that I can hardly wait to share! I've been looking for some sense of theme for my blog and I think I found it between the covers of this book. So I'm taking you with me for the journey. DIY's and creative insight coming soon!

Coat Envy

Just when I thought we were heading into Autumn, it turned right back into Summer. Hello 80 degrees. That's ok. I'll go right ahead with baking my pumpkin pies and listening to Christmas songs obscenely early. Think of it as my version of a rain dance. 

Some days I wish I lived in a climate that justifies a closet of cute coats. A trench would definitely be included, if only to wear an outfit as lovely as hers: 

and oh, to wear this cozy coat...

I'd like to think I won't be eating my words in a couple months, but a girl's allowed to be fickle, right? I'll enjoy what I've got now and rock the sandals and bare legs!

<3 Taylor

Little Obsessions #1

Although I like to think summer is my favorite season with all the sun and beach opportunities, Autumn is nearest to my heart. The beginning of the holidays, spices, hot drinks, deep, rich colors, snuggling in cozy blankets, and walks in the crisp air... the list could go on. Though I'll admit I'm spoiled in LA, where "crisp" is other places' warm and beach days are still on the schedule. But I'm always obsessing over one thing or another so here are my current obsessions, heavily Autumn inspired.

1. THIS VIDEO:


Red Velvet Lookbook / Fall 2011 from elsie larson on Vimeo.

If you want these looks in your closet as much as I do, go here.

2. VANILLA CHAI & MUSTARD SEED CAFE. I know this season is all about Pumpkin Spice Lattes. A vanilla chai can be enjoyed year round, but that's only because they are the most delicious drink found on this earth. Exaggeration much? Well I did say these were my obsessions. And Mustard Seed Cafe is my favorite local place to drink these delicious concoctions. If you're in the Los Feliz/LA area, don't miss this gem of a place.

This is my favorite kind to make at home. Elephant Vanilla Chai (buy it here). I'm thinking the 4lb bag. Don't judge.

3. SWEET POTATOES. This probably sounds silly, but I dare you to try baking one. It's good even without the loads of butter, sour cream and cheese. Can your run-of-the-mill, Russet potato say that? I'm not convinced.
Sweet potatoes are especially tasty with pecans, like this recipe.
Mmm.
Instant taste of Fall!
Let me go google some more recipes right now...

4. BB DAKOTA on Modcloth. Particularly this cardigan.

Look at those beautiful Fall leaf colors!  All I want is to snuggle up with the above mentioned vanilla chai and a good read (possibly the new design*sponge at home book.). Sigh.

5. LAURA MARLING. A Creature I Don't Know just released this week. You won't regret spending your money on this one. Her voice is flawless and perfectly haunting. Autumn as represented by music and moving pictures:

Sunday Thoughts

What I've been learning lately, besides my continued obsession with floral and my inability to resist sugar if my life depends on it, is the beautiful expression creativity lends to the human soul. Everyone releases their unique thoughts and ideas in different ways: music, art, film, writing, design, fashion. The list could go on for as long as our imaginations would let us devise new paths for creativity. Sometimes I love observing others' outlets so much I forget to create myself, so here's to drawing inspiration but never ceasing the "doing".

A few Sunday inspirations:

This DIY for Star Lanterns:

This band, Carrollhood:

Autumn forest fairies, hauntingly beautiful: