Sports Scarf - Part 1

I'm so excited to finally be sharing this project. Marshfield Clinic, where I work, is the presenting sponsor for the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure® event and I was asked to design a multi-use sports scarf to be given away at the event. 

(The scarves are also known as 'buffs' or 'rally-wear'. Click HERE for the quick visual if you're not familiar).  

How perfect that I get to try out textile design for the very first time and all for a great cause! I loved diving into the pattern design world and I wanted to share some of the process. These are only small portions of what went down - I went through a lot of color palettes and a lot of sketches and things got revamped even more when it all hit the computer screen. Even though there were some difficult moments trying to get my sketches to translate on screen the way I wanted them to, it was still an incredible project to be a part of. And big thanks to all the people I work with for amazing feedback as well. 

I will wait til Part 2 (after the race on August 11th) to show you the finished designs and scarves themselves. But for now - here's a small peek how things developed.

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I won't deny shopping a large range of stores and prices for hidden little fashion gems. I will dig through Goodwill for something I can tailor/cut up/alter and I will also save up for the perfect item that may be a bit pricier. I honestly think you can find interesting items in almost any store.

 

Case in point: This (below) is one of my favorite floral blouses. It's sheer, flowy, has amazing little details and even washes up well.. and it's from Abercrombie & Fitch. A store that *wince* I'm probably not so much in the age range to shop in anymore (if I can even get through it without passing out from the perfumes and crazy loud music)... but every once in awhile, a store can surprise you and you can find something completely perfect. SO, point is, don't judge. Be open. You never know what you'll find. :)

high heel mini DIY

Last summer I bought these nude strappy heels from Steve Madden for a wedding we had and I swear my legs grew to supermodel length in seconds – ok, maybe not – but they're still pretty spectacular. I immediately wanted a black pair but didn't feel like spending the cash again. This summer, I missed the window because every pair I found was either sold out, not in my size or still pretty pricey. thumbs down. :(

After lots of searches (and maybe slightly out of impatience) I just ordered this pair from Target and took matters into my own hands. It was so easy! Newspaper + duct tape + spray paint (all things I already had) = BOOM = Black strappy high-heeled sandals for $30. Check out my inspirations and my super-easy DIY project. :)

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Having a painfully long winter and rainy spring has made the recent warm weather all the more sweet. We've been taking full advantage by grilling out, going for bike rides with the boys and hangin' out on the deck. 

On the fashion side of it, I have a couple pair of jeans that are pretty much, solely summer jeans.. they're insanely soft, worn-in just right, and have a decent flare that really only looks right with flip flops or barefoot. Sometimes it doesn't get much better than comfy jeans, sunshine and hanging out on the grass with friends and family. :) 

travel color palettes

Creating color palettes and mood boards isn’t exactly rocket science but I can’t help be in awe of how gorgeous some can be. They open your eyes to colors you may not have seen and it’s so interesting to see how the colors play off of each other. It makes me think of one of my favorite abstract painters, Mark Rothko and his color theories – so simple, yet fascinating at the same time.

Today I pulled my inspiration from one of my favorite blogs, Creature Comforts and her daily color inspirations. Also check out DesignSeeds for more beautiful palettes. I used photos from one of my favorite trips to Positano and Rome, Italy. 

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I got these beautiful gold cherryblossom earrings for Christmas this last year and I love them so much that I'm wondering why I haven't bought them in silver as well. :) They add such a delicate pretty touch without going overboard. To me, they're a perfect combination of organic and elegant.