inspired to inspire

I got inspired this week.

It happens when I least expect it. It sneaks up on me, and BAM! I’m ready to be creative.

I used to be a “BOOK IT!” reader in elementary school. I had a badge and everything. Every book meant one sticker star. And before long, you might just win yourself a free pizza from the good ole Pizza Hut. It was pretty awesome. I won a pizza or two in my time.

Sticker or no sticker, I loved to read. Growing up, I constantly moved from one book to the next. Maybe it was the fact my mother is an English teacher. Maybe it was my predetermined destiny to become a Journalism major. Maybe it was an early instilled love of the written word that has brought me to you beautiful readers.

Whatever it was, I got inspired by reading what others felt so passionately about to write. I would write poems, short stories, and plays galore.

Having gotten older, I’ve moved from words to paintings and pictures. Nowadays, I’ll get inspired by everything visual or design oriented. Give me a color combination and I’ll Martha Stewart it to death.

I mentioned this in my previous post, and I’ll say it again. I’m all about some diy. Give me some twine and a few clothespins, and I’ll make some magic happen. Wanna throw in that hot glue gun? Oh no, it’s on.

I recently designed a photo backdrop that was made up of tons of vintage books. My brother picked them up for me, and I almost cried when I saw them all. I blogged about my love for anything vintage in my very first post here, and I make no effort to conceal my obsession. It’s consuming my garage and I may be nearing some kind of hoarding dilemma. Nonetheless, if it’s falling apart please leave it on my doorstep.

So here I am, stacking these books and hanging them about on this twine when it hits me: L&E blog post idea! Right smack in the face, and I am so pumped!

I don’t know what it is about these books, the beautiful fading colors or the ragged fabric texture. Something about them just inspired me to take a few display photos.

So you know what I did? I busted my camera out and started styling some pieces. Color combination central..

Here’s where I started. What better way to kick off an inspirational blog post than to feature the small sentiment celebrating just that? Yup. Love it.

Small Antique Silver Sentiment: Inspire

Braided Wraps : Seafoam and Coffee Bean

For some reason, I have become a huge fan of blue, teal, and burnt orange combinations. It’s fresh and summery. Perfect for adding pizzazz to a light colored outfit..

Large Antique Brass Sentiment: ” To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived- that is to have succeeded” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wide Cuff: Ocean

Love these wraps. Layer em on! You know how I love wearing all sorts of stuff on my wrist. Mix and match..

Braided Wraps: Goldenrod, Nude, Pink Pearl

I love love LOVE red with black and silver. Throw in some antique brass sentiments, and it’s a party. One of my favorites..

Wide Cuff: Gunmetal

Thin Cuff: Gunmetal, Black

Btaided Wraps: Pewter, Black

Small Antique Brass Sentiments: Dream, Namaste

Small Antique Silver Sentiment: Imagine

Large Antique Silver Sentiment: ” Not all who wander are lost”

Not only are these complimentary color combinations, but they are also subtle and will match those bright colors you feel like throwing on for the day.

P.S. That’s a ship on the cover of that book. So, I styled pieces pertaining to just that..

Wide Cuff: Dark Chestnut

Large Antique Brass Sentiment: “I’m not afraid of storms, I’m just learning to sail my ship” Louisa May Alcott

Mojo Pendant: Road Tripper

Yes, please. I can can never get enough of my browns and creams. I need extra arms to be able to wear everything I want too. Accessory love overload!

Wide Cuff: Embossed Natural

Thin Cuff: Mango

Small Antique Brass Sentiment: “Grow Love”

Large Antique Sentiment: ” I figure if a girl wants to be legend, she should just go ahead and be one” Calamity Jane

Braided Wraps: Coffee Bean, Nude, Bronze

I loved shooting the photos for this post. Follow the yellow brick road on the corner of vintage and fashion straight into my heart.

Braided Wraps: Black. Crimson, Goldenrod, Frost, Lavender, Pink Pearl, Nude, Pewter, Coffee Bean, Salmon

And, I just think this last photo looks pretty. Just sharing the visual love <3

.paz.

jessie