Etsy Shop Announcement!

Friends, this is a big moment for me! My Etsy shop is officially open!

I've been trying to make this happen for years, but the timing never seemed to be right. Maybe it's also due to the fact that I was a marketing major and it's hard to plunge head first into a business venture without weighing all the consequences and work involved. Well, I finally threw my responsibility aside and took the risk. Putting yourself out there creatively is scary, but this has been a passion of mine since since I was old enough to make my first craft project. In the past, my customers mostly consisted of friends and family and I never made them pay, so I'm proud to make this dream a reality. Push myself to grow and learn.

I hope you enjoy! Bows and old keys are two of my favorite things! :)

Thanks to all my friends and family for their support, encouragement, and technical expertise. I couldn't have opened my store without you!

<3 Taylor

Everything's Peachy

Over the past year and a half, my life has been filled with transitions. School to unemployment to full time work. Relationships forming and breaking down. Happy to dejected to hopeful to lonely to busy to fulfilled. There's no end to the changes and the ways we must adapt. Right now, I'm absorbing the art, music, and friendships. The sunny days, delicious food, and steady paychecks. So much to feel blessed by. It doesn't mean that everything is perfect, as easy as that is to say. It means I have more to share.

Do you ever look around and feel shocked by way we spend our time? On our computers or our phones and filling our minds and hands with luxuries. Let's be more than consumers. Sometimes I forget how privileged I am to be able to put on a bright pink dress and heels and play around in front of a camera. It's so silly, but it's a little joy. Yet, shouldn't we be investing our extra time in more changes, outside of just our selves? Helping others with their transitions? It's easy to forget about community when living in a city. Passing by an endless stream of faceless people. Lately, I've been struck by the beauty in every person. Competition is a common theme in this city, but I hope little by little we can redefine community. Even if everything is peachy for me or you, it's not for every person. As cheesy as it sounds, we all have the power to make a change, though it might start as a tiny ripple.

Dress: Free People

Shoes: Shoedazzle
Earrings: Christi Jay

<3 Taylor

*Photo credit to my beautiful friend, Brittan.

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.

Fashion With A Cause

Sometimes consumerism can be too much, especially after hearing stories of families in poverty stricken countries and experiencing the conditions under which they live. In America, we are beyond privileged to have the time and resources to experiment with fashion and art in this way. When I find businesses with a cause behind their name, my heart instantly attaches. Easiest way to gain my loyalty! This type of business is particularly special because it works with the people of underprivileged communities to not only provide them with money, but with a way to support themselves. Sustainable living. Skills are taught and a real job is provided to these people. As a business/marketing major, this is so important! People value the money they make with their own hard work the most, and the chance of falling back into poverty decreases greatly.

MADE creates designs and then sources the production of the accessories to East Africa where the principles of fair trade are implemented to provide people with jobs and empowerment. I poured over the website and picked my 10 favorites of the moment. If you know me at all, then you know I possess the curse of indecision, especially when I love everything! So yes, these are my favorites of the "moment". Also, it's all in euros, so I feel like it's much cheaper. I will never get a hang of that conversion rate!

Color DIY

Before we moved into our wonderful, little apartment, I picked up this book while visiting a friend in Portland. With the perfect name, "Decorating Your First Apartment" (by Paige Gilchrist), and all the lovely ideas, I could not pass it up! This is the first project I've completed out of the book and I'm in love with it. Everytime I walk by the window I find myself with a huge smile. There's such a happy glow about the room now. And no more ugly blinds!

Stained Glass Windows

Materials:

-spray adhesive

-tissue paper

-celophane

-ruler

-scissors

(that simple!)

First, find your window and decide which colors you want to use (Lighter colors work better to let more light through).

Measure your windows and cut out the pieces from the celophane and tissue paper. I used measuring and cutting tools I had from sewing, but a ruler and scissors/razor blade/exacto knife would work just as well.

Then spray the window pane with the adhesive and carefully stick it on. No worries if you mess up since the adhesive is repositioning!

And in 3 easy steps, you have a stained glass window, DIY style! You can also try layering the colors, or, if you're really ambitious, cutting different shapes. Have fun!

With all this color decorating our apartment, I'm inspired to wear brighter colors too!

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