Love.

Dreaming of foggy mornings...

Growing up in Northern California, fog was something we experienced quite often.  I remember when I was little and we would make the 4hr drive down to my Grandma's and there would be times when we couldn't even see the hood of the car, the fog was so thick.  It was scary & exciting all at the same time.  There is something about fog that is so mysterious and romantic.  Fog can make you feel like you stepped into a 1930's mystery set in London on a raining night.  In my opinion, foggy nights are what dreams are made of & foggy mornings are the icing on the cake. 

Truly Inspiring! " A digital park bench"...

After watching this 10min mini documentary on"A Visual Life" on The Sartorialist, I was in complete aww! This is the most inspiring video I have watched in a long time! I assume you are all familiar with The Sartorialist, but if not, even more the reason to watch this mini film as you will soon never forget. Scott Schuman is a true visionary and we as in the blog world and fashion world alike are lucky to have him.  He compares his blog to "a digital park bench" from which you can visit daily and people watch, no matter where you are in the world.  For anyone who is creative and especially for anyone who is trying to create their own "digital park bench", "A Visual Life" is a must see.  Do yourself a favor and take 10mins out of your day and get inspired! I promise, its worth it! 


Now I just need to figure out how I can get on The Sartorialist?  A girl can dream, right?!... If like me you dream of being approached by Scott one day and not because he needs you to move out of his shot, then read below.  It just might land you a spot on The Sartorialist one day, you never know. ;) 

image via refinery29

Yarn & Needles.... Christmas Holiday Hobby

Knitting, crocheting, which ever you fancy... playing with yarn has become some what of a Christmas holiday hobby for me.  For the past few years, when I go home for Christmas, my first stop always seems to be to pick up some new yarn at the local craft store.  This holiday was no different, except for the fact that I started a little before the holiday this year.  

I am totally in love with this knitting editorial for Vogue Girl Korea, October 2010 via dustjacket attic , which served a my inspiration.  But lately I have to admit I have been way more in to crochet.  It sounds a little more old lady I know, but  it just seems to work better for me and if it works for you then that's all that matters.  

Check out my "Yarn & Needles" pin board over on pinterest for more knitting inspiration! 

Here is a pic of my latest creation, which I am super proud of!  I crocheted this lovely beauty using three different yarns, crocheted as one.  In then made it long enough to wrap around twice and secured it with four real wood buttons to create a cowl effect.  I also secured the inside with clear buttons to keep it all in tack.  I think it turned out rather lovely, for an amateur!   What do you think?  

Picture taken via Mac Photo Booth; 12/28, 12:00am PST; Just me sans makeup with my signature big smile. lol

Now for the New Year  my goal is to learn how to follow a pattern and create something a little more advanced... a hat perhaps or maybe some really cute socks? The possibilities are endless!

Live your life...

one perfect day after the next! 

Happy Monday!

image/quote via here 

Choose Happiness!

{photo via here}

I thought this would be a great mantra for the week ahead! It really is that easy, I swear, try it! All you have to do its wake up each morning and choose to be happy.  That's it, its that simple.  Sometimes I think we just need a little reminder of how good we really have it, myself included. So this week let's do it.  Let's stop the complaining, the negative thoughts and the "why me's?" and just choose happiness. 

Happy Monday Everyone!!!

20's, 30's & 40's... Louis Vuitton Has You Covered!

Pictured above from left to right... Natalie Vodianova, 28; Karen Elson, 31; Christy Turlington, 41; Three equally gorgeous woman all at different stages in their life, yet Louis Vuitton appeals to them all. Ever since I first came across this ad a few months ago, I was intrigued.  But it wasn't until now that I really though about what there Fall Camping really represented.  Typically Louis Vuitton is not a brand that appeals to me.  I HATE logos! Which is a huge part of what LV represents (although I would love the Damier print), but then this ad came along and I all of a sudden was coveting LV?  For one the classic silhouettes and timeless colors appealed to me not only in the design of the handbags but in the overall feeling the models in the ad's presented.  I think I was more drawn to the bags because of the girls wearing it.  These ad's make you want to be that sophisticated, well dressed "Mad Men" type, well at least thats what they did for me.  I also was very impressed with how they chose to target such a wide range of consumers by featuring three beautiful models covering the 20's, 30's and 40's age groups.  What a perfect representation of their brand!  A+ in my opinion!  I will be saving this in my Fall 2010 inspiration files for future projects to come. 

{pictures via: nitrolicious.com}

Pre Fall Fashion Inspiration

Fall is my favorite time of the year!  The crisp cool air, the colorful leaves, the pumpkin spice lattes, boots, these are all a few of my favorite things, above all though "Fall Fashion" is really what makes it all worth it.  I came across this picture of Carrie from Sex & The City (forgive me but I can't remember where I saw it)  but none the less this photo inspired me!  I love everything about Carrie's outfit and was instantly inspired and ready for the Fall season to begin.  The light weight long cardigan, above the knee socks, short motorcycle gloves, patent lace up oxfords and silk print dress make the perfect combination for the transition period from late summer to early fall.

Im already wearing, in my opinion, the perfect pre-fall nail color, ChinChilly by essie, now I just need to go out and (re)create the perfect pre fall outfit!  I think I could pull something together once I switch out my closets.  I feel a weekend project coming on!

What are you wearing right now? Whats currently inspiring you?  I want to know, please share below!

Gisele Bundchen -MUSE 22

I have never been a big Gisele Bundchen fan, but this video is absolutely stunning.  Its only a little over a minute long, so go ahead, click above and be prepared to be inspired!

Fairytale Wishes I Dream Of...

"Life is just not worth living, without wishes & dreams..." -Fallon

About four weeks ago I stated this fabulous e-course, Blogging Your Way, taught by Holly Becker of decor8 & Leslie Shewring of A Creative Mint. So far the class has been absolutely fabulous as both Holly & Leslie have proved to be a tremendous wealth of knowledge and inspiration. I only wish that I could dedicate more time to soaking it all in, but with a high demanding job in fashion I have to fit it in where its able to fit.

Along with the class each week Holly gives us a homework assignment and I think most in the class would agree that Week 3 was the best one yet. This past week, we were instructed to create a inspiration board that best defined our style and that which we wanted to cover on our blog. Above is my creation... which I have to say I was very, VERY pleased with.

I want my blog to be fashion focused but from a whimsical, fantastical point of view. I want to share with the world the way I see it, the things I love and my personal style. I hope to inspire others with my creativity and the things that I choose to share. I would like to start incorporating more of my own designs... ie. sketching, projects, DIY etc. I would love to start exploring photography and sharing that with my readers as well as highlighting other artist/creative types that inspire me. I would also like to eventually open a Etsy shop of my own selling vintage finds and or my own designs and I would like to use this blog as a transition into that and a way of organizing my ideas and inspiration.

I actually found it kind of ironic that this assignment had us focus of what we what to accomplish with out blog. Just this week I received an email from a 9 yr old girl who just wanted to tell me how much she loved my blog. She had many questions about my job in fashion and NYC, some of which included: "do I sketch my designs?" "when did I know I wanted to work in fashion" and "can you send me pics of the fashion district". My heart literally melted reading this little girls email and at that moment I knew why I started this blog. To inspire others and in the process inspire myself. There are many fairytale wishes that I dream of that I would like to share, hopefully in the process I will inspire many along the way.

Below are a few detailed shots. I hope you enjoy!

*jump below for a behind the scenes explanation of my inspiration board**

"a great believer in fairy tales"

"It's just a piece of cloth,
but you have to bring some dream to it"

"Ever wondered what a million good ideas
welded together looks like?"

"Once upon a time"
... "name your own destiny, follow your own dreams"

"If you love to look pretty"

"Let you heart guide you"

Behind the scenes:

• In the top left corner the black & white image is a postcard my dear friend Yaz sent me from Paris circa Nov. 2008 She was there to marry the love of her life at The Palace of Versailles
  
• Next to that... the pretty young lady is my mother's high school senior pic... circa 1977
• Two Broadway tickets to Mary Poppins *childhood favorite* (as I would like to share my everyday fun experiences)
• A pic of my great grandma circa 1936-39ish... Love her style, even own many of her dresses.
  
• A modern take on a fairytale image (Dorthy & toto... *another fav*)
  
• Bella Pillar sketch (top right corner)
  
• Purple's my favorite color, in case you didn't notice
• Breakfast at Tiffany's <--- consent source of inspiration!


• The perfect yellow diamond ring!


• My experience in fashion... bottom right corner includes an invite to (formal employer) Cynthia Rowley's Spring show circa Sept. 2006 and the image of the model in the floral print dress is Michael Kors (current employer).


• The middle sketch (purple ruffles) is Alice Temperley Fall 2008 the other sketches are my own.
  


• FLOWERS! I love them and believe that fresh flowers on Sunday can brighten your whole week. I would like to start photographing my own each week hopefully soon!


• Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Lorean <--- "My daily muse..."


• I (heart) Paris!
  


• "Your hidden creative talents will soon be revealed" <--- received via a fortune cookie (bottom right corner)
  

*all of the above help to not only define my style but define what it is that I want to share/create with my blog.

Mona Lisa Smile...

Have you seen the new Mid Century, 50's proper collection for Anthropologie. As you know I absolutely love anything and everything Anthro does (for the most part) but I especially love their visual displays and editorial photo shoots. I love how they create a story (which you can read about here) and then tell that story in order to show out a new assortment of clothes or a new collection of Home Decor. To me it gives new store bought items a nice vintage twist by giving them a story or background if you will. When you put on this skirt above or the beret below you feel as if you become a character in a long lost book or as Anthro likes to put an actress in Mona Lisa Smiles... And did you see those platforms above... swoon!!!

(perfect for spring... the Painters Work Skirt)

(showcase effortless style in this Reed Shirtdress)

(click here to see the fabulous bracelet the model is wearing..
baubles, pearls and faucet oh, my!)

(finish your outfit off with the buckled cummerbund)

(love that clutch)

Now I just have to decide which pieces would fit into the novel of my life (ie. my closet)... Hum, I think I might go watch Mona Lisa Smile for a little inspiration myself. I've never seen the movie, but if inspired this spread, its sure to inspire me.

Ciao my lovelies!

xoxo,
Fallon

Click here to read Anthropologie's lovely inspiration behind their 50's Proper Collection

A Cup of Tea...

I have been on the hunt lately for vintage teacups to hang under my kitchen cabinets, which got me thinking about other creative uses for both teacups and teapots. Aren't this images just lovely?! Of course, flowers in a tea cup isn't exactly the most creative idea, but I still love the concept. My favorite of the bunch is the first one of the teacup light fixture, how unexpected. All of these ideas would look great in my apartment. Now I just have to find the perfect teacups for each project. The joy of the hunt continues...


{photo credit via: 1: vi.sualize.us 2: Gordon Gossip 3: unknown 4: Duet-Weddings; 5: Code For Something}

Inspiration: J Crew Fashion Video's

While doing a little searching on youtube I came across a few video's that instantly inspired me. Each video is a short film/commercial shot for J. Crew. I especially love the first one, shot in Paris. Personally I love J. Crew. For a company that at its core is so basic and simple (so not me), they really are very creative in their approach as well as with their use of color and print (so me). I wonder how often they make these video's? Does anyone know or any more recent ones? If you find out, let me know.

Please check out the video's below... I'm sure they will inspire you as well =)

xoxo,
Fallon

Featured Illustrator: Kate Doodle's

While browsing flickr I came across this lovely artist based out of London Kate Doodles and fell in love right away. My favorite collection of her's is the little birds mixed with high fashion shoes. The end result creates such a whimsical "happy" image that instantly brings a smile to my face. After a little searching I found out that not only is Kate an amazing artist but she also has a very cute blog, Little Doodles as well as a shop on etsy.com where you can purchase her delightful prints.

Below are a few of my favorite...






Click HERE for her blog HERE for her Etsy Shop and HERE to view her flickr account.

xoxo,
Fallon

Inspiration For Years to Come

Be it fashion, art, design or music everything these days seems to be inspired from something in the past. I am sure you are all familiar with YSL's famous 1960's Mondrian inspired dress. Well now in 2009 Caitlin Williams Freeman, a pastry chef for the Blue Bottle Coffee Bar located on the roof top of SF MOMA, has created an amazing cake also inspired by Piet Mondrian's 1930's painting "Composition with red, yellow + blue". Her job is to create deserts inspired by artist currently featured in the museum, which as you can see below, shes pretty good at it. IN my opinion the best part of her job is the that she gets to slips away into the museum with just a sketchbook in order to gather inspiration. Check out her sketch's below as well as the lovely outcome. What a perfect and Im sure tasty homage to Piet Mondrian.

The next time I'm in San Francisco I will have to stop by and see what lovely creations Freeman is currently offering at the Blue Bottle Coffee Bar.

YSL "Mondrian" Dress 1965

Caitlen Freeman, Inspiration
I so wish my sketchbook looked like this... note to self: sketch more often!


Mondrian Inspired Cake by: Caltin Freeman
For Blue Bottle Coffee Bar

photo credit: Met Museum & SFGate

Inspiration: Umbrella Photography

"When all the world is a hopeless jumble and the rain drops tumble all around. Heaven opens a magic place. When all the clouds darken up the sky way, there's a rainbow highway to be found." -Somewhere, Ella Fitzgerald

via Life Goes On, Tumblr


.lady o & her love shadow.
via .serena. flickr member

via photoholic, tumblr


via deviantART

Brooklyn Bound
by Ramperto via flickr


Dancing in the Rain
via black and white tumblr

In case you were wondering where my BK Flea Top 5 Picks disappeared to, fear not, the weekly feature has just been on a hiatus for the last few weeks due to the rain. As much as the weather here in New York has really been getting me down, I must admit there really is something so romantic about a cloudy, dark and stormy day. The one thing I love about the rain is umbrellas. I find them so enchanting and whimsical. In my opinion, umbrella's as well as rain boots are always the high points of any rainy day. As long as you have nowhere to go, the rain can be quite relaxing, the perfect backdrop to a never ending adventure through your neighborhood. (I had one myself this past Sunday and it was quite lovely). And don't forget, you can't experience a rainbow without a storm.

Now all rainy day adventures aside... seriously, if anyone sees "summer" let her know that all of us her in NYC miss her dearly and are restlessly awaiting her arrival.

Sincerely,
Fallon

Inspiration: Daily Fashion Illustration

I came across a very lovely illustration as a part of Rachel's Weeks Best feature over at Design Lovely (who she found via. Where the Lovely Things Are) and was completely smitten. The artist, Nancy Zhang is a wonderful illustrator who shares her daily wardrobe over on lookbook.nu via charming photos and illustrations. Be sure to also check out her blog for more inspiring illustrations. I am now a huge fan!!!

Below are a few of my favorites:



Photo's/Illustration credit: Nancy Zhang