Inspiration: Irises, a Ferry & Fields of Life

It’s true. I no longer walk by or through Bergdorf’s, Bendel, or Barney’s on a daily basis. After all of these years of not living in New York City, while I do cherish the joy and inspiration  those activities lent me; it seems so far in my past, it is almost as if I dreamed it and didn’t really live it. This morning as I went about my Friday list of errands I was once again reminded of how different my life is here in the Willamette Valley and, surprisingly, how much it feels like home these days. If you asked me ten years ago if I thought this would ever feel like home I would have had a good chuckle, looked at you like you were nuts and “never” would have most likely been my speedy reply.

Pantone Fall 2014: Aurora Red

Don’t you just love the word “verve?” Something about it makes me smile. While reviewing the Pantone Fall 2014: Fashion Report, I came across a line that describes Aurora Red – “a more sophisticated red that adds verve and spark” in comparison to the Pantone color Sangria which is described as “an exotic red that evokes a sense of glamorous adventure and faraway destinations.” I swear, when I read these color descriptions I always feel like I should be in the caverns of a winery doing a bit of wine tasting.

Inspiration: Snow & Pearls

When it comes to jewelry, pearls have always been a long-standing classic, sometimes even accompanied by a bit of mystique. Walk through any legendary art museum and you’ll find portrait after portrait of intriguing women wearing pearls – necklaces, bracelets and earrings – sometimes just one pearl earring (talk about your mystique!) I have had a long time infatuation with all things pearl.

Inspiration: Freezing Fog

A few weeks back, my birthday week to be exact, I received the best gift ever. Mother Nature gave me her finest. Taking my regular route mid-morning, I headed out to Dundee to meet with my hairstylist for a cut and color and some fun girl chat. A few blocks from home everything seemed to look quite different than is usual for this time of year. I pulled my Jeep off road to get a closer look of the white bark birch trees that line the property where I had stopped. The bare branches and trunks were covered in frost; not glistening ice, but soft shimmery frost. The sky was white and soft. It was magical – I felt as if I was standing in the middle of the best snow globe ever.

Thoughts From Unexpected Places

I came across a quote from Steve Jobs today. Steve Jobs, I would have never guessed. Don't know why...guess I just never looked in that direction. I do believe that we "find" things when the time is right. Without getting too deep -- like most people in the universe, I have been trying to figure out some things of late. So, that being said, I just wanted to share the quote with all of you.

Unexpected Gifts

I'm sitting here in the studio mesmerized by the snowflakes swirling just outside the window. Seems to be some kind of wind tunnel thing out there -- there are actually little tornadoes of the tiniest snowflakes dancing around. I was working on some new pink designs to add to the site; but for some reason I keep catching myself staring into the abyss of the snow.

A Rose by Any Other Name

When my creative energy is blocked, it doesn't take much to get it flowing again. No matter where I am, all I have to do is just stop and look around -- it seems there is always something to really "see" that gives me inspiration.